Nothing is more fun than traveling. Should you be traveling overseas or just staying in your local country, you should have great advice on hand to help with your travels. The following article will help you to plan the perfect trip.

Before packing, make a list. Make your packing list weeks before you leave for your trip. If you get in a rush and have to pack right before you leave, this list will ensure that you have everything that you need, and that you do not forget something.

Use the ATM to obtain spending cash in the local currency. Many times banks get better exchange rates, meaning an ATM can save you money. This can save you a ton.

TIP! If you are in another country, get money from the ATM. The exchange rate should be better.

When you plan your next trip, pick a digital camera that will suit you on that particular trip. You likely don’t want a camera with a rechargeable battery if you’re backpacking. In almost all cases, you will want a digital camera that can be turned on and focused very quickly so that you don’t miss the shot.

Even on an international flight, you should be able to provide your own needs. Consider packing your own pillow or blanket, as well as headphones. The airline versions are not very comfortable. You may also want to think of bringing your own food so you can eat what you want.

If you cannot leave your pet home, find a hotel that will allow you to bring your pet with you. Pet-friendly vacations are becoming popular, with many accommodations offering special deals for “pet parents.” You may find cat spas, doggy day-care facilities and cruises that welcome pets. Do not be intimidated by the experience and bring your furry friend along.

There are some criminals in foreign cities that pretend to be police officers, so be careful. Never hand over your original passport, as you might not get it back. If you are advised that you need to return with them to the police station or another office, travel with them only by foot. Do not get into a vehicle with strangers at home or abroad.

TIP! If you travel to a foreign city, keep a lookout for people pretending to be police or law enforcement. You should never give anyone your original passport no matter who they purport to be, or you could end up stranded in a strange land.

Check the alarm in your hotel room when you arrive. Whether the previous occupant was a very early riser, or the kids thought it would be a fun prank to set the alarm to scare the next occupant, you don’t want to be rudely awakened. Set the alarm to a reasonable time or turn it off altogether.

Make sure that the packing list for your next trip include clothespins. While you may not usually think of packing clothespins, they can be very useful.

When you travel, you always need to keep up with your belongings. Don’t let your purse dangle off your shoulder. Bags with easy-to-use zippers may appear tempting at first, but they are also tempting to criminals who want to steal your stuff. When you are buying a bag keep these things in mind.

When visiting foreign countries, be careful of which taxis you choose. Some “taxis” are not legitimate. Anyone can just put a taxi label on his car, and you would not know where this person would take you.

TIP! When venturing abroad, be cautious about getting into taxis. Prior to getting into a taxi, be sure it is legit.

Going on a trip away from home can make you want to take a bit of home with you. Just bring the toiletry items that you really need. Jot down those things you use during the day that you wouldn’t be able to live without. Just pack the essentials.

When traveling abroad, learn what insurance you may have that accompanies your credit cards. For example, will they cover a cancelled flight? Doing a bit of research before leaving is worthwhile.

When booking a hotel reservation, ask if renovations will be underway on those dates. This can cause a lot of disturbance to you. Since hotel staff are powerless to help with the noise, avoiding these dates is the only way to solve it.

Research before booking anything. Find websites that provide user reviews regarding the destinations you have in mind. Try asking people you know that have traveled there. This will help you decide if the location is right for you.

These tips will make traveling much easier. Why are you hesitating? Prepare for the trip of a lifetime!