Along with the excitement of visiting a place you’ve never seen before comes the stress of not knowing what to expect. Luckily, there are a number of ways to prepare. Read on for tips to make sure you get the most out of your travel experiences.

If you are planning a trip abroad, make sure you get your passport well in advance. Many people underestimate how long it takes to get a passport for the first time and are left scrambling and paying extra fees to get it expedited. Plan for your passport to take six to eight weeks to arrive, especially in peak travel season.

Before booking a hotel for your trip, check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with them first, can save you a lot of time and money. It will ensure that you do not waste your time checking into a poor hotel. A poor hotel …