Not much excites us more than traveling. But, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you need to know some things. Ahead is a great list of ideas and tips to help you travel smarter and smoother.

When traveling abroad, keep a note of all important information. Include the name and contact information of where you will be staying as well as that of your embassy or consulate in the country you are traveling to. You will need their assistance should you encounter legal troubles. Your embassy can assist you with any issues you may encounter.

Making travel arrangements well ahead of time will help you save money. All of the things that can be purchased on a trip share one thing in common, and that is that they cost less when purchased in advance. By reducing the number of last-minute purchases, your travel budget will go further.

Some travel destinations require specific vaccinations before you can travel there. Make sure you’ve researched the destination thoroughly and have updated your needed vaccinations. You will need proof if so. Otherwise, you just have your word that you completed the requirements, and that just isn’t good enough.

If you are traveling through a small airport, find out from the airport’s website which airlines serve that airport. Lots of small airports have charter airlines that don’t show up when you are seeking rates. They may have better deals than those offered by the larger companies.

If you are traveling to a specific attraction, such as an amusement park, see if you can purchase tickets online, and print them in advance. The often nominal purchase fee is usually well worth the time saved, when you are able to skip the long lines at the ticket office. Some places have time blocks that you can enter. This is another good way to avoid lines.

Before booking any hotel, do your research. Hunt down websites that feature user reviews of anything you might be personally interested in. Ask other people that have traveled there. This will help you to anticipate everything that you will encounter.

Take clothespins when you travel. They are often forgotten, but they actually can prove to be very useful.

Try to work in some physical activity before your flight. A long flight can be extremely boring. In addition, having to sit in one spot for hours can cause your back and legs to severely cramp up. This is why hitting the gym or at least stretching before boarding a flight can lessen or completely eliminate any cramps.

When packing light for longer trips, try bringing a softly-lined raincoat. It is impossible to predict the weather perfectly. You may not realize it, but the additional lightweight coat you bring to protect yourself against the rain can also keep you warm in colder weather.

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. The savings you get from these newsletters make the extra email worth it.

If you’re going on a road trip with your small child, make sure you take a break every couple hours or so. Breaks will let you stretch and use the restroom. Motion sickness in a young child can often be prevented by allowing him to get out of the car once in awhile. Your trip may take a bit longer, but the reduction in stress is worth the small delay.

Auto Insurance

Go over your auto insurance policy prior to leaving home if you plan to rent a car during your trip. Your policy may already provide you with some of the coverage you will need to drive a rental car. Your car insurance could protect you while in the rental. So it is important to check with your auto insurance company before beginning purchasing an additional policy.

Tip generously to those who deserve it. When you are boarding a cruise, be sure to tip your steward about twenty dollars. These crew members will most likely be helping you for your entire cruise. Treating them well may ensure that you receive quality service.

Don’t put your little one by the aisle on a plane. Try putting yourself and a fellow responsible adult between the aisle and the kid. Children are naturally curious and could harm themselves if they reach out while a cart is coming through. They can’t run off as easily if you are blocking the aisle.

For foreign travel, avoid exchanging your money at the airport. However, they are usually higher exchange rates due to the convenience they present to the traveler. Before traveling, find banks that offer currency exchanges and you may get better rates.

When traveling, be sure your luggage can be picked out from others. Decorate it colorfully. Try using paint and markers for drawing on it, or you can use stickers. You don’t want someone to take your luggage because it looks identical to theirs.

You might be able to save money if you book a flight that has multiple stopovers. But check the layover times to make sure that it is feasible. If there is not enough time between flights, it will make it impossible to make your subsequent flight. You may be at the terminal for a while for a long layover.

Now you should have tips that will make traveling easier. Be sure you bring a camera!