Visiting a new place is an exciting experience but can be quite nerve-wracking, even for seasoned travelers. Plan ahead, using these travel tips, and get the most out of your next trip!

Don’t bring extra valuables that you don’t need. With a lot of different activities in unfamiliar surroundings, losing things is very common on vacation. Even worse, you could be the victim of a theft.

Have pertinent information on your person at all times. This should include the address, phone number and website of your consulate or embassy in the country in which you are traveling. If you find yourself in trouble as you travel, this should be the first place to contact. They can assist you with any issues.

Create a packing list for your trip! Some time before your trip, write down everything you need to bring with you. Having a list will keep you organized and clutter-free, even if you don’t actually pack until the last minute.

If you have a child, keep a color photo of him or her in your wallet in case they get lost. Losing your child is a scary situation. Even so, it does sometimes happen. If you have a picture of your child on hand, it can really help to locate him or her in a crowd more quickly.

When being serviced by a smaller airport, look into all the different airlines that have flights. One of the main reasons for this is charter flights, which often service flights through smaller airports but aren’t listed. You can find some sweet deals this way.

If it’s too hard to leave your furry friend at home, bring her along. It is becoming more common to come across vacations that are pet-friendly. In fact, many places have amenities in place for pet “parents.” These include cat spas, dog daycare centers and pet-friendly cruises. Ask about your pets first before you make the booking.

Before boarding your flight, get a quick workout in. This will help you avoid the tediousness of long flights. Sitting in one position for a long period of time can cramp up your legs and back. By having a speedy workout, or even stretching before your flight, you are reducing your chances of getting these cramps.

These save very little space to begin with, and most nice hotels provide their guests with basic toiletries like shampoo and soap. Look for innovative ways to fold your clothing in a manner that saves space. These tips and tricks can help you to create more space in your bag as you pack.

Rush Hour

Make sure that you do not travel during rush hour. If you must travel during rush hour, plan for delays. This is a good time to eat or relax.

If you’re about to embark on a long road trip with your children, pack one or two cookie sheets. Cookie sheets can provide flat surfaces on which kids can use coloring books or even to play card games. For young kids, magnetic numbers and letters can be fun and educational to bring with.

With these tips in mind, your next trip could be the journey of a lifetime. If this trip is your first vacation or the even the hundredth, you’ll see more things and make your trip more memorable than you probably imagined possible.