With so many travel guides available, it can be hard to sift through thousands and thousands of brochures, guidebooks, and well-meaning advice. The information you’re about to read, however, is selected to pinpoint many aspects of travel planning that are essential to you having an enjoyable experience.

When in another country, use the ATM for pocket money rather than exchanging your cash at the local bank. In most cases, banks and other financial institutions are able to get far better rates of exchange that you ever personally could alone. You can save a lot of money later by doing this.

Don’t use the public computers in your hotel or anywhere else they offer free internet while you are on vacation. There could easily be a keylogger installed that is capturing information about your life, then being used for someone else’s gain.

When planning a vacation, be open to new destinations. Even though it might be more fun to visit a certain vacation area you love, different travel experiences will create new memories and might even be more relaxing. In addition, choosing another destination can save you money if you are on a tight budget.

Make sure you inquire about possible renovation dates when reserving a room at a hotel. You don’t want to be woke up while on vacation. Try to avoid any renovation dates.

When going on a long trip, pack a raincoat with a lining. It is impossible to predict the weather perfectly. You can also use it as a robe or windbreaker.

If you want coffee in the morning, you can have filtered water if you melt hotel ice. Rather than using plain tap water for your coffee, fill an ice bucket to melt overnight. When you wake up in the morning you will be able to brew fresh coffee with decent tasting filtered water.

If you are leaving your car at the airport during your trip, then make sure you pre-book a parking spot at the airport in advance. If you book parking on the day of your flight it will usually be much more expensive. It might save even more if you just take a taxi to the airport.

Check out the vehicle insurance policy that is offered to you. You probably don’t need the extra insurance the salesman wants to push on you. Car insurance policies typically incorporate some coverage in terms of third-party liability. Know how your policy works before you leave.

Plan service stops ahead of time when traveling by car. It’s not uncommon to drive down long strips of road without any visible service for miles and miles. This can be a problem if something should happen to your vehicle along the way. If this is how you decide you wish to travel, ensure that your directions are planned early, you flag locations where repairs can be made and you give a copy to someone not going on the trip. Keep their phone numbers close at hand as you travel.

Bring an extra passport picture with you. It is not a quick time frame for replacing a stolen or lost passport. Carrying an extra photo is one way to speed it up. You should also carry copies of documentation.

Remember to bring along your medications. It can be easy to forget important things, and your medication can be one of the most important. You won’t be able to get the medication you may need.

Make sure to tip generously. Tip your steward $20. These crew members will most likely be helping you for your entire cruise. Treating them well may ensure that you receive quality service.

Get out of your seat once every hour or so to move around and stretch if you have to travel for a while. Sitting for too long is not only bad for your muscles, but it can cause blood clots.

Before you go on a trip, ensure that you have copies of your important papers. Keep these copies of passports, insurance information, and any other pertinent documents in a safe place as backups for the originals. Keep the backups with friends or relatives to make sure you have a backup if yours go missing.

When you are traveling abroad, it is often best not to use the airport currency exchange location at your destination airport. It is very convenient to do it there, but the rates are typically sky high. Before you travel, look up nearby banks that do currency exchanges, as you will typically be able to find much better rates.

When traveling overseas, you can save money creatively by inviting friends to join you. Large groups get big discounts. You can save a great deal of money on anything from dining to airfare simply by getting a group rate. Speak with the people close to you and see if they want to go.

Inside your luggage, attach a tag or label with your name and contact information. If the luggage is lost and the outer tags get removed, the authorities can still figure out that the luggage is yours. If your luggage ever escapes your sight and gets lost, this can identify your property and provide information on where to return your luggage.

An expandable file can come in handy to help you keep important papers including your itinerary on you at all times. These files are not heavy and make it easy for you to store the information you need during your trip. You can also find places to store maps along with receipts.

Once you’re finished with the planning, you’re going to be able to relax, knowing you have everything handled. Pack up your bags and your passport and rest up for your trip.