Whether you want to go see distant relatives, or want to take a cruise to get away from it all, this article gives you good ideas on having a pleasant journey. No matter what method you use to travel, these tips will make your trip run more smoothly.

List what you intend to take with you on a trip. Between one week and three months before you leave for a trip, sit down and write down every item you are going to take with you. That way, even if you wait to pack until you’re in a time crunch, the list can help you avoid clutter and to stay organized.

If you have known food allergies, be very careful about food when traveling in foreign countries. Especially if your allergies are severe, you should learn the names of the foods in whatever language is necessary. This way you can be sure to alert wait staff of your allergies to specific foods and, in the worst case scenario, be able to inform medical professionals of your condition.

If you’re staying in a hotel, especially in a less developed country, and you’re worried about someone possibly coming into your room in the night, bring a doorstop with you. They are small and easy to pack. They also do a great job keeping a door closed.

Take some clothespins along with you on your trips. They can be very useful.

Workout at the gym prior to your flight. Being on a flight for a long period of time can be tiresome. Sitting the same way for a long time can cause your legs or back to cramp. Stretching or doing a quick workout prior to flying can eliminate or lower your risk of getting soreness or leg cramps.

When you try to find the best prices on your flights, be sure to check individual airline websites. Travelocity and similar websites aren’t the only place to find deals on airfares.

Let a family member know your itinerary. Then, people at home will always know where you are during your travels. Stay in touch with that contact to maximize your own safety. Hearing from you occasionally and knowing your whereabouts eases their minds.

If you have a motorcycle license, this vehicle can be great for taking day trips or road trips. They are fuel efficient, fast and fun! Motorcycle traveling can be lots of fun.

Use melted ice for your morning coffee. Instead of using the tap water, which may not be the best tasting, fill your ice bucket and allow it to melt overnight. You can use it to make coffee.

When traveling abroad, prepare for emergencies ahead of time, such as losing your U.S. passport. You can get steps on contacting the embassy in the country in which you are traveling by visiting usembassy.state.gov. Department of State has a site that provides information on what you need to do in a different country. Know about these helpful resources ahead of time. Most of the time, your passport replacement will be available within a couple of days.

Make sure you have a space reserved to park at the airport if you’re going to leave your car while you travel. If you wait to book a parking spot on the day you need it, it will generally be way more expensive. If you live near the airport, you are probably better off calling a cab than putting your car in airport storage.

Make sure that you are the legal age to rent a car. You might even pay more if you are not a certain age. In addition, there are some places where seniors can’t have access to a rental. Find out about age issues before you arrive.

Vehicle Insurance

Check out the vehicle insurance policy that is offered to you. Your policy may already provide you with some of the coverage you will need to drive a rental car. In most cases, vehicle insurance policies will include some basic coverage for third party liability. Read your policy prior to leaving home; it might save you money overall.

These are just some of the many things that you can do to make your next trip worry free and relaxing. Get out your pen and paper to start prepping for your next adventure now.