While it is meant to be an escape from the everyday, traveling can often be stressful in itself. If you don’t plan your trip, it can be a disaster. Follow the tips below to put yourself in the best position.

Savvy air travelers know not to let delays get to them personally. In modern air travel delays are virtually inevitable. Every frequent flyer will encounter flights that run late, get overbooked, or even get canceled. Passengers can do nothing about these things. What they can do is remember that the airline personnel taking care of them are doing there best to get them to their destinations.

When planning an overseas trip or any kind of dangerous outing, check with your health insurer to see what you’re covered for. Most health insurance companies will not cover injuries incurred during a wide variety of dangerous activities, and many will not cover health costs incurred overseas. You might need to purchase special traveler’s insurance for your health.

There are a few essentials everyone should have whenever they’re travelling. No matter where you’re going, make sure to bring your photo ID, preferably in more than one form, any medication that you frequently or infrequently need, and a small amount of cash. Everyone has their own personal needs, so think of what yours are before you travel.

Many of the most exotic, romantic travel destinations are in areas susceptible to natural disasters. Certain disasters are seasonal – late summer and fall are hurricane season in the Caribbean, for example. Travelers headed for areas that may be subject to seasonal disasters should be aware of that fact, just in case they find themselves in an evacuation situation.

If you want to be able to barter overseas, bring something that is difficult to get outside of your own country. Bourbon is a great example for Americans. American Bourbon is nearly impossible to find outside of the United States, so much so that other countries will pay you double the original cost.

When you get back from a trip with a baby or toddler, do not expect them to be back to their schedule as usual the very next day. Children this age like to follow schedules and theirs was disrupted for some time. By realizing this, it will help you understand them better and make this transition period a little easier for all.

Unless there is a specific event you are hoping to experience at your destination, avoid the busy travel times. Crowds of tourists can diminish the amount of activities you experience on your vacation due to waiting and overbooking. Maximize your time by choosing off-season times for your adventures and avoid the crunch.

If you are flexible with your travel schedule, consider booking your trip the day before or the day after your ideal departure date. Just one day can mean the difference of one hundred dollars or more in savings. Many of the big travel websites give you the option to see the prices of the days surrounding your ideal date.

Although travel is supposed to be a relaxing experience, if you aren’t fully aware of simple tricks to follow, it can be quite the opposite. Use what you’ve just learned to make your next adventure easy and fun.