| Since there is a huge difference between domestic | | | | Foreign travel: Make sure you have your needed |
| travel and out of country travel, these pieces of | | | | documents and passports. Some countries require |
| advice should be applied to whichever location fits | | | | special Visas, some immunization records, some |
| your situation. Some fit into both categories. At some | | | | special stamps or documents so ask your airline what |
| point, you will probably use ALL the tips, as I have | | | | is needed when you reserve your ticket. If done |
| found even veteran travelers tend to not have | | | | online, research online before you leave. If you didn't |
| thought of many of them. | | | | think of it ahead of time, have the hotel make |
| Domestic travel: Print out all your documents and | | | | COPIES of your passports. If you lose a passport, |
| have them handy when you arrive at an airport/hotel | | | | you will help yourself tremendously by having a copy |
| etc. There is (now) almost always more than one | | | | for the authorities. Carry the copy(s) separate from |
| hotel of the same franchise at every airport and | | | | your other documents in case you are robbed. For |
| jumping into a cab or on a shuttle to take you to the | | | | the same reason, have at least two credit or debit |
| hotel by the same brand name may not necessarily | | | | type cards in case one is lost or rejected in a foreign |
| be for YOUR specific hotel. So make sure you know | | | | location. Not all ATM's will accept debit cards and |
| where you are going and which is the right shuttle | | | | neither may your hotel. Keep a list of handy numbers |
| for that location. Always ask, ask, ask. Ask the | | | | to call in case of trouble. Like bank phone numbers in |
| drivers, fellow passengers, desk clerks, maids - | | | | case you lose your wallet or purse, the local |
| anyone who is local to the area that can help you | | | | Embassy, the airlines AND your destination hotels in |
| navigate your way through choices of restaurants or | | | | case you get lost. Ask locals for tips on what to see |
| malls, safe or unsafe areas and what to see or | | | | or how best to see it but don't trust strangers to |
| where to go. Save luggage fees for a second bag by | | | | direct you to their 'cousin' who has a jitney or car |
| packing lighter and taking a carry-on plus your | | | | and "will take you anywhere you want to go cheap". |
| suitcase instead of two suitcases. May save you $25 | | | | These simple, common sense tips are often |
| right there ($50 for round trip). If you have an | | | | overlooked in the hurry to pack and leave but if you |
| e-ticket, use curbside baggage check in to avoid | | | | ever had need for any of the tips, you will know |
| standing in lines to check your one bag. Will cost you | | | | why it pays to stop, think and plan ahead - "just in |
| a tip and maybe a bag fee but if you are late for a | | | | casing". |
| flight, this may save you from missing the flight. | | | | |