Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. Travel can be very exciting! There are numerous places you could visit, but planning a trip requires a lot of work. Will there be a once in a lifetime trip waiting for you? Whether your answer is yes or no, the following tips can help you.

Make a list of things you need to pack. Anywhere from a week to a few months before you go on your trip, make a list of the things you absolutely need to pack. Creating a list is a great way to stay organized, and even if you procrastinate, it will be useful to get packing done quickly.

When deciding on a camera to take on your trip, consider your needs. For instance, rechargeable batteries are not great for backpacking in the woods for a week. You’ll want a model that you can turn on and focus quickly to allow you to catch every shot.

If you are driving to a port city before leaving on a cruise, always find a hotel that offers free parking and arrive the night before. Ask hotel staff about any parking deals if there aren’t any published.

Purchasing tickets online and printing them at home can be a real time saver, so look into this option if you are planning on seeing a specific attraction or amusement park. The small fee per ticket for this service is well worth it when you consider the lines that you can avoid. Some parks now have tickets that contain a specific time in order to avoid lines.

Bring along a door stopper to the hotel. Greater security can help you sleep better. If your door lacks a deadbolt or chain beyond the main door lock, place one of these small, wedge-shaped doorstops under the door before bed.

Hit the gym before you board your flight. Being on a flight for a long period of time can be tiresome. Sitting without being able to move can make both your back and your legs cramp up. Stretching beforehand, or doing some quick warm-up routines can help keep aches and leg cramps at bay.

Make sure there is someone close to who you can get hold of your itinerary. Someone is sure to know your whereabouts at all times. Ensure your safety by regularly contacting someone back at home. They won’t be concerned if they hear from you.

Check to see if your credit issuer provides any type of insurance when traveling abroad. You may get money for your flight if it is cancelled. It’s worth doing a little research before you depart.

A motorcycle is a good mode of transportation for day trips. Motorcycles offer fuel efficiency and a fun way to travel. It’s a great experience.

Use melted hotel ice to get filtered water for your morning coffee. Instead of tap water, put ice in your bucket the night before so it has time to melt. You can use it to make coffee.

If you plan to travel abroad with kids, try packing a couple cookies sheets. Use these to level coloring books or playing cards for the children. You can also bring along magnetic numbers and letters if you want to have a bit of educational fun.

When traveling abroad, it is smart to think about possible emergencies like losing your passport. The US Dept. of State has a website at usembassy.state.gov that has contact information fro the US Embassy our consulate in foreign country of your destination. Carry this information when you go on the trip. You can have a replacement passport ready within a couple of days.

If you are forgetful, write down reminders on your bathroom mirror using a dry-erase marker. A paper note can easily get lost, but a note written on a mirror is hard to ignore. A dry erase marker will erase easily with a little tissue or toilet paper, making it a convenient choice.

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. It helps you save money by not having to buy pricey food at the airport, and it could serve as an ice breaker to start a conversation with people sitting nearby.

Pack extra passport photos when traveling. It can take quite awhile to replace a passport if it is lost. If you keep an extra photo in your wallet, then you have a headstart on the replacement process. Also, bring any documentation that will be needed to obtain a new passport.

Try going luggage-free when traveling by air. This will save travel time. Instead, send your belongings, via FedEx or UPS, to your travel destination. It may be slightly more expensive, but is worth the additional investment.

Enjoy your road trip by bringing along a killer iPod playlist, your favorite CDs, or if your car is old-school, bring along those old cassette tapes. That way you don’t have to hunt for a good radio station.

If your road trip involves children, pack lots of snacks. You should consider packing twice as much as you are expecting to need. These will also help keep them busy while you are driving. This prevents them from causing mayhem on the road. Even some junk food wouldn’t hurt this time.

Be sure to take everything with you when a bus stops for maintenance or for a layover. Passengers are able to get on and off of the bus at many of these stops and this gives the the opportunity to steal things.

Label all cords when you travel. It can be frustrating to have several different cords you need to keep handy. Be sure to label your cords so that you can match them up properly. You may even want to write down a list.

As you can tell, there is much more to traveling than taking a plane ride. Enjoy the entire experience from planning to coming home and looking at your photos. With the help of these tips, planning will be a breeze!