With so much information available, it’s no wonder it’s so hard to choose the right piece of advice to following when you are planning a travel adventure. Fortunately, the information found in this handpicked and carefully selected batch of travel tips and tricks, is sure to help you make the absolute most of your time abroad.

As you plan your trip, pick a digital camera that really suits your needs. For example, if you will be camping you may want to pack additional batteries. In any event, you want a camera that turns on and focuses quickly so you can capture shots as they happen.

If you are planning a hotel stay, especially in an area that is less safe, pack a doorstop in with your belongings. Use them to keep the door shut for your own safety.

Before getting off the cruise in a port city find yourself a hotel with free parking. Ask the staff at the hotel if they offer any parking discounts even if they don’t have any published.

Be sure to pack a rubber door stopper in your bag to add a measure of safety to your room security. Some areas just aren’t that safe. If you do not have a door that is equipped with a chain or deadbolt, use a wedge doorstop before retiring at night.

While you should use a traditional luggage tag, you should also put your info somewhere inside the luggage. A tag hanging from your luggage may easily fall off during transit. In case something happens to your suitcase (and the tag), put some information inside it so that you can easily identify the bag, or that a baggage handler can find if for you promptly.

A desert typically contains beautiful vegetation and animals that often are not seen anywhere else. There is something beautiful about seeing a desert for the first time, and it is something that should be experienced by everyone.

If traveling with children, bring a cookie sheet. These cookie sheets can be a flat surface to put cards or coloring books on. You can also bring magnets to play with on them.

Research currency rates prior to your departure since this will make it easier to budget. Knowing how much your dollar is worth when traveling can help you see what to spend and make an itinerary that can help you save, too. Doing this will ensure you properly plan your trip for the most amount of fun.

Try opting in to e-newsletters of major airlines. These types of e-newsletters give you vital information regarding special discounts and last-minute offers that is only available to subscribers. The savings you will enjoy will more than make up for having to deal with a few more items in your inbox.

Most car rental outfits do not rent to those under the age of 18, and some do not rent to those under 25. A higher rate may be offered to you if you are not yet 25, and you may need to provide a credit card. Senior citizens aren’t allowed to rent cars in some cities. Ask the company’s age restrictions when making reservations.

Another important suggestion is to ensure that you are getting the rates they offer to residents of the location you are visiting. In many cases, rates are jacked up when they know you are a traveler and the increase can be substantial. There are often deals available for individuals living in the general vicinity of the hotel. If there is someone you know in the city you will be visiting, see if they can ask about discounts. It doesn’t hurt to ask and it can save you a bit.

Plane Ride

Whenever you have to take along plane ride, bring along some snacks. Fresh snacks will be better on your plane ride than the food they offer. You’ll save a lot by staying away from the pricey airport food, and you’ll have something to talk about with your seatmates when you pull out your awesome snacks.

Attach a label with your name and contact information to your luggage and place another one on the inside. If your luggage should get lost and the exterior tags are gone, your information will still be available. Attaching a label takes only a few seconds and could potentially save your vacation.

When you are traveling with others, you should be smart and divide valuables amongst all of the luggage. This will help ensure you don’t lose anything. Then, at least, you will have some of the essentials. Another way to guard against disaster is to have everyone bring one change of clothing in their carry-on.

To avoid these high fee and to save money, consider the bus. They usually have better luggage allowances. Buses are particularly useful for shipping large packages.

Don’t let your cruise be the first place you realize that you get seasick. This would completely ruin your trip. If you are in fact seasick, you will be in bed, sick for days, without enjoying the trip. To avoid even the chance of getting ill, purchase motion sickness medicine prior to your trip and pack it in your bags.

Pay attention to the check-in time for your flight. Check in as early as you can. When checking in, make sure you record all of your flight information, then on the day of your flight check the status to confirm that the plane is leaving on time.

Lost Luggage

Avoid panicking if you’ve gotten off a flight but your bags have not arrived at your destination. Locate and approach the lost luggage desk and obtain the proper paperwork to file a lost luggage claim. Usually they will find your luggage and forward it to you as soon as a driver is available.

With a little preparation, any trip can be enjoyable, no matter how far from home you may be heading. So pack the essential, get rested up and have the right attitude.