With lots of travel information available, finding solid information through brochures and online advice can be tricky. Luckily, this article has been put together with expert advice to offer tips and advice to make your travel time more exciting.

When you travel, keep your bag light and only pack it full of essentials. The less you carry with you, the less chance you have of losing something. Limit the number of shoes you bring along since they are usually the biggest and heaviest items people carry with them.

When traveling abroad, rather than doing local currency exchanges, use ATMs to make withdrawals. Banks get better exchange rates that you may get. This will save you some money.

Anytime you are going to be driving to a different city before going on a cruise, check to see if there is a hotel that has fee parking, and get there the night before. Always ask about parking deals and discounts, even if you don’t find any advertised.

Looking for tickets online when you plan on traveling to a particular location or attraction is an easy way to prepare in advance. In addition, you can print the tickets ahead of time. 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. If it is somewhere like a park with lengthy lines for admittance, you can generally bypass these, too.

If you want to get the best prices available for a flight you’re taking, go to the official web page for each individual airline that flies to the place where you’re going. You could find a very good deal this way, and it may even beat that of sites like Travelocity.

Be vigilant when dealing with local police or other officials, in case they’re not who they claim to be, but instead are imposters. Show officials your passport, but do not give it to them. If someone demands that you go to an office, walk. Never get into a car with a strange local.

You need to wear comfortable shoes when you take an airplane; it’s preferable if you are able to slip your feet out of them easily. You are required to take them off when going through security checks. Comfort over style is paramount when traveling. Most of the time during air travel is spent sitting, not walking, so you don’t need a lot of foot support. Your favorite pair of sandals are probably your best bet in footwear when traveling by air.

A motorcycle is a good mode of transportation for day trips. Motorcycles are gas efficient, and enjoying the ride can put you on the right track. You can have a real adventure when you travel by motorcycle.

If you drink coffee, sit out some hotel ice so it melts. Rather than using tap water, which can taste bad, fill up the ice bucket and let it melt overnight. You can brew your coffee in the morning with fresh filtered water.

If you have a pet, bring him or her with you if it is allowed. Pet-friendly vacation spots are growing in number. These may include care for your pets. Ask about your pets first before you make the booking.

Rental Car

If you’re taking a trip that requires a rental car, try reviewing the insurance policy of the car before you leave your home. The rental car company may try and sell you insurance that you don’t need. Auto insurance policies usually include at least some third party liability coverage. Look into your own policy before leaving, as it can be very important later.

When staying at a hotel, be sure you have travel candles. These can improve the smell of an impersonal hotel room. They are soothing and give the room a romantic feel, making it easy to relax. A lot of retailers carry these candles, which sell in sizes convenient for travel and devoid of wax drips.

When driving or taking a plane with a toddler, it is important to have enough interesting things with you to occupy your toddler during the long trip. Try to bring some of your child’s favorite toys. You may even want to buy a new toy specifically for your travels, as they will be fascinated with it and will keep busy.

When you are on a cruise, you should interact with others while you are at dinner. You will probably be sitting at a large table with other couples and families. Have fun and make new friends while traveling. Since you will see them regularly, you might learn something new about ship you hadn’t known before.

Wear earplugs if you are easily wakened. Hotels can be noisy. Good earplugs can help block any excess noise.

For a fun day trip or a last-minute weekend getaway, don’t assume you need to hop on a plane. You can have a really good time going on a day trip within the state you reside in or a neighboring state. This will help your local economy and save you money at the same time. You may be surprised to find a real gem, hiding in your own “backyard”.

Be sure a loved one has access to the itinerary of your trip. This person should always know your location. For the sake of your safety, always keep in touch with this person too. If for some reason your messages stop, they will be able to alert the proper authorities.

When you are going to another country, take bottled water with you. The water of foreign countries is often not purified and could cause your to get sick. You even need to use bottled water when you brush your teeth. You may get ill from using the tap water.

When traveling to new countries, keep a card handy with a few important words in the local language, such as any foods you might be allergic to. Use this to let servers know your specific dietary needs. You don’t have to worry about the language barrier if you have them with you.

Once you’re finished with the planning, you’re going to be able to relax, knowing you have everything handled. Page your luggage, grab your passport and prepare to have a grand adventure!

When out and about on vacation, bring the hotel’s business card (or something with their name on it) with you. If you are in a foreign country or city and you get lost, you will have something to show to others to help find your way back to the hotel. It’s quite helpful for those who are not familiar with the local language.