A vacation is always exciting whether it’s on the other side of the planet or in your own backyard. The information from this article will help you plan your trip to keep it enjoyable.

When away from home, don’t use a public computer to access sensitive information. There may be malware that takes your information

Always keep important information on hand when you travel abroad. Keep copies of your travel documents with you, and make sure that you always have all the contact info for the US embassy that is located in the areas you will be traveling. This way, you will have an emergency backup plan if you encounter serious problems. Your embassy can assist you with any issues you may encounter.

It is important to keep a photograph of your child on you, in case they wander away. The idea of losing your child likely scares you, but not being prepared is worse. With that said, it is best to be prepared for worst case scenarios. Having a photo ready to show people in the event that they get lost, can really make the difference in finding your child quickly.

When you travel, pack lightly and just bring the essentials. Try not to bring bulky items that take up a lot of space. Do not take too many shoes, because they are bulky and unwieldy.

When venturing abroad, be cautious about getting into taxis. Make sure the taxi actually is legitimate before getting in. Anyone can just put a taxi label on his car, and you would not know where this person would take you.

Even when on long flights, never assume the airline will provide everything you need. Make sure you bring along a blanket, pillow and if you will use them, headphones. You should also plan to bring a few airline approved snacks along in case the airline meals are a flop.

When traveling, be vigilant about protecting your possessions. Tourists are easy marks for criminals. If you are carrying a purse, be sure to have it tucked neatly under your arm. Avoid bags with easy-access zippers that can be easily accessed by someone other than yourself. When you are buying a bag keep these things in mind.

You can find great vistas and unique vegetation in the desert. Visiting the desert for the first time can be an especially exciting adventure; it’s something you should do at least once during your lifetime, just to experience the awe and wonder of the desert.

Rush Hour

If you are traveling by vehicle, plan your road travel to miss rush hour in any city you will be in. If you can’t avoid being in a busy area during rush hour, plan a stop and take a break for a while there. It is often a great opportunity to grab some food or allow your kids to escape the car and run around a bit.

Make sure your passport isn’t expired. Most countries have passport regulations with which you must comply. Depending on the expiration date of your passport, a country may not let you visit. Typically this date is around 6 months, but some countries demand up to a year.

Book airport parking far in advance if you know that you must leave your care at the airport while you travel. Parking reservations made the day you plan to leave will be costly. If you live close to the airport you may want to take a taxi instead of paying for parking.

Try using eco-friendly services for a “greener” trip. You can find many hotels that use the go green philosophy, there you will find lighting that is energy efficient, recycling bins, reusable linens and other additional healthy environmental items. Many tour companies and visitor-friendly restaurants are sporting eco-conscious options if you want to travel with the Earth’s health in mind.

Most automobile rental companies require the minimum age to be at least 18 years old, and in some cases it might be 25. Chances are a rental agency will charge an under 25 driver a higher rate, and also a credit is needed. There are some cities that do not allow seniors to rent cars. You need to ask about restrictions on age before making a reservation.

Auto Insurance

If you are renting a car, review your auto insurance policy prior to leaving on vacation. Rental car agents are well versed on how to best sell you extra insurance; the problem is you may not need what they are selling. Most auto insurance includes coverage for a third party vehicle. Review your own policy before departure, as it can be quite relevant.

Try thinking about different transportation methods. Buses are not what you may think. Buses often are less expensive, clean and offer travel perks such as electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. There are some packaging deals that can make traveling easier.

If you’re going to another country, make up some cards that state any food allergies that you have in the language of the country you are visiting. Use this to let servers know your specific dietary needs. You can truly enjoy dining in your destination by using these cards.

If available, try requesting a room on an upper floor. Rooms on lower floors, particularly the ground floor, are at greater risk of theft due to easier access. If you can, request a hotel room that has only windows and no sliding glass doors. These rooms are easier to break into.

Be candid when buying travel insurance. If you are sick, tell the provider about it. If the insurance company is able to show you’re sick when you bought the insurance, the claim can be denied due to it being a preexisting condition. That could be a very expensive mistake.

It doesn’t matter where you are going, planning is an important part of travel. The above tips will help make your trip one that you will always remember.