Because of the poor economy, you may want to reduce your expenses and skip vacations. This article is full of great ideas for traveling on a budget.

Be cautious when traveling to foreign destinations. Criminals may pose as government or police officials. Do not ever give someone your passport; they may steal it. If someone demands that you go to an office, walk. In order to stay safe, never ride in a car with someone you don’t know.

Make sure that someone you trust back home knows your travel itinerary. This allows a relative at home to know where you are at any point in time. Maintain contact via the Internet to ensure someone is always aware of your plans. They won’t worry if you stay in touch with them.

Make sure to tip the bell station and the housekeeper appropriately. You should give about a dollar per bag and 2 to 5 dollars per day of housekeeping. Doing so will ensure that you have a nice relationship with both during your hotel stay.

A desert contains lots of interesting places to look at as well as animals most people never get to see in their lives. Deserts are a wonder of nature that should be experienced by anyone who wants to feel the vastness and variety of our world.

Sleeping pills or tranquilizers can help you through those long red-eye flights. This can help you to sleep in a situation that many are uncomfortable in, on board an airplane. You may want to take a sleeping medicine if you will be on an extended flight, so that you may rest comfortable while flying. Don’t have the pill before the plane takes off, as a delay or problem may require that the plane returns.

Although you should try and avoid it, you could possible wind up in an inferior hotel. Bring a rubber doorstop to stay safe. You can use this under your room door overnight in conjunction with the chain and lock. This will help you and your family to stay safe.

If you plan to travel abroad with kids, try packing a couple cookies sheets. Utilize the cookie sheets as a surface on which your kids can play cards or rest their coloring books. Bring numbers and letters if you have small children.

Take the time to subscribe to e-newsletters of major airlines. These newsletters are great if you want to take advantage of special offers, discounts and other exclusive perks. It’s true, this means one more email to fill your inbox, but the amount of money you can save could by well worth it.

Car rental agencies require renters to be 18 years old. Now there are some companies where the age requirement to rent is 25 or older. If you happen to be younger than 25, you may have to pay more money. In addition, there are some places where seniors can’t have access to a rental. When you make your reservations, make sure you ask if they have any age restrictions.

If you are forgetful, write down reminders on your bathroom mirror using a dry-erase marker. Paper notes are easily lost, but it’s hard to overlook a message on a mirror. You can use toilet paper to remove your note from the mirror. How easy is that?

You don’t have to wander far from home to enjoy a fun weekend get-away. There are many fun experiences to be had in your home state, or even in your home town. Remaining in a local area will support the community and allow you to save your money. There can be some really amazing trips just a quick drive away.

Sign up for the email alerts that some travel sites offer. It will keep you up to date with the cheapest way to travel. It also emails you when the flights you like have dropped in price.

You can often go without luggage when traveling by air. This saves you so much time and stress during your travels. Instead, send your belongings, via FedEx or UPS, to your travel destination. While this is more expensive, it is worth the investment.

Avoid exchanging currency while at an airport. Given the convenience such exchanges offer, they tend to come at a high price. Before you fly in, research nearby banks for currency exchanges, and you will receive better rates.

It can be strenuous to take a long international flight, particularly when it comes to jet lag. To prevent this, choose an early morning flight which arrives at your destination around your regular wake-up time. Once inside the plane, take some Tylenol PM so you can sleep (specifically after eating! ) and then rest easy and peacefully. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to greet the day!

Consult with your chosen airline in regards to their carry-on policies and size requirements. Most airlines allow you to bring a small carry-on suitcase as well as a personal bag such as a purse or laptop bag. This way you can have your important items close to you while travelling.

When you’re stopped for layovers or maintenance or when traveling by bus, e sure you get all your valuables when you leave. Your things could get stolen since people are in and out.

When going on a trip with your pet, look for pet friendly accommodations. There are many hotels that allow pets, but see what the requirements are and if there are any added fees to let your pet tag along. Look in various places before choosing one that fits you and your pet’s needs.

No matter the state of your finances or the economy, you don’t need to stay at home this year. If you use the advice that was provided to you in this article, you are taking the first steps of planning an affordable vacation.