Going on trips for business or pleasure involves considerable preparation and research. You want the maximum time, to save the most money and have the most fun possible. Here you will see advice to get you started.

After choosing a destination, spend some time learning more about where you plan to travel. Purchase a decent map of the city or region where you plan to travel, and spend time looking over the environs, major sightseeing areas and museums. Memorizing a bit about your environment will make it that much easier to navigate when you arrive.

When you are flying, you have to make sure to plan ahead even before you get to the airport. Many airports are located in major cities, and reaching them in congested traffic can be difficult and time consuming. Pack your bags, including your carry-on, before you go to bed. Ensure that everything is planned out and packed before your trip. If you miss your flight, you will have to take a later one. This might create problems with your itinerary.

Create a list of what needs to be packed. 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. Creating a list is a great way to stay organized, and even if you procrastinate, it will be useful to get packing done quickly.

Avoid food allergies when going abroad by not going to places that cannot translate. Learn the words for foods to which you are allergic in the native tongue of the country you are visiting, especially if your reactions are severe. Doing this, you can tell restaurants what foods you can’t eat or at least be able to tell medical professionals what’s wrong.

Only pack the essentials. The more you pack, the more you may have to carry, pay excessive luggage fees for and then keep up with. Take only a few shoes, as they add unnecessary weight to your bags.

Make sure to perform sufficient research prior to booking. Find websites offering lots of reviews and information about the destinations you want to explore. Ask your friends and family for advice on destinations. Doing all the research you can will help you learn what to expect and what things to do after you arrive.

If it’s too hard to leave your furry friend at home, bring her along. Bringing pets on vacation is growing in popularity. These include cat spas and doggie day care centers. Find out where you can take your pets and feel free to do so.

It’s important to tip the housekeeper and bell station well. A good rule of thumb is $1 per bag/luggage and about $2-5 a day for housekeeping. Doing this will not only show that you appreciated the work they did, but it will also foster a good relationship with them.

Bring a book of matches or a business card of your motel with you while traveling about the city. In the event that you get lost while meandering about, this info will help you find your way when using a taxi or other service. It’s good for anyone that really can’t speak the language.

Travel is an excellent way to educate your family members on the ways of the world. As long as you understand what you’re doing and take the precautions necessary, you can find traveling in a developing world a great experience. You get to give your children the chance to see another country and have a different view on the world. Traveling to other countries is a good way to better understand them and the world as a whole.

If you are taking a long trip and you’re packing light, pack a rain coat that has a soft lining. You can never be certain about weather changes. A raincoat can be used as a windbreaker if it is chilly or as a robe while in your hotel.

If you are planning foreign travel, be prepared for emergencies, like possibly losing your U.S. passport. The United States Department of State has a website where you can locate information and contact them if need be. The State Department offers a site that gives instructions on contacting the Consulate or Embassy in countries you may be visiting. Keep this information on you when traveling. Your passport will be done in a few days.

You can make your vacation more eco-friendly by using environmentally responsible services. Some hotels reuse linens, provide recycling bins, and save energy in several ways. Car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants and other service providers are implementing ways that allow travelers to be able to travel green.

When making a long journey on a plane, you should pack along some non-liquid snacks of your own. Fresh snacks like strawberries, apples, and grapes can keep your voyage enjoyable and give you something else aside from the airplane food. In addition, you will save money since you won’t have to purchase food at the airport.

If you tend to wake up at the slightest sound, earplugs are something you should consider. Some hotels don’t have great sounding in their walls. Good earplugs will keep you from hearing the noise that could keep you up at night.

Sometimes the best vacation locations are right around the corner. There are probably places you haven’t enjoyed in your home state or the neighboring ones. Your travel expenses can be lower if you support local businesses by staying close to home. You may even find something really fun nearby that you had never known of.

These tips can be used for business, romantic getaways, or special family vacations. By using the above tips when planning your trip, you will find yourself less stressed and more entertained.