Many people dream of traveling the globe. Though it is nice to dream about these great places, proper planning is the only way a trip will truly be enjoyable. These tips will help you do just that!

Consider the nature of your trip when choosing a digital camera. Do not bring a rechargeable battery if you cannot charge it anywhere. In most situations, you want a camera that activates and focuses fast so that you never miss a shot.

Planning ahead is the number one rule of flying. If an airport is in a major city, it can be quite difficult to get to, especially during rush hour when traffic is at its heaviest. Make sure to have your luggage packed and waiting on the night before you leave. Get yourself completely ready to go the night before your trip. One of the worst ways to start a trip is to miss your flight.

TIP! If traveling by air, it is important to think ahead of time. It can take much more time then expected to get to airports in major cities because of traffic.

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. Sometimes there is a ticket fee, but already having your ticket means you don’t have to stand in long lines, so the fee is totally worth it. Some places have time blocks that you can enter. This is another good way to avoid lines.

Make sure that the packing list for your next trip include clothespins. They can be very useful.

Taking a trip sometimes causes you pack too much. Don’t take too much; leave toiletries you don’t need at home. Write down which toiletries you use religiously and would not want to be without. Pack the most important things.

Be wary of people who tell you that they are police offers or government officials when you are traveling in a strange city. Show officials your passport, but do not give it to them. If they state you must go to an office, offer to walk the distance with them. In order to stay safe, never ride in a car with someone you don’t know.

TIP! Watch out for faux cops or faux government officials in foreign countries, as they may be criminals. Do not give anyone your actual passport.

When you are trying to pack light for a trip, take a raincoat that has a soft lining. You never know what the weather has in store for you. A raincoat can be used as a windbreaker if it is chilly or as a robe while in your hotel.

Use melted hotel ice to get filtered water for your morning coffee. The ice often tastes much better than hotel tap water, so just fill the bucket before you go to bed so it can melt as you sleep. You can also brew tasty coffee in the morning.

You can survive a red-eye flight using sleeping pills. For many people, sleeping on a plane is almost impossible, between the uncomfortable seats and the noise level. If you want a surefire way to make it through your flight, try taking a sleeping pill in order to relax, calm down and sleep through it. However, do not take the pill before takeoff, just in case there is a problem or delay that requires the plane to return.

If you are traveling in a foreign country, be careful of the taxis you choose to ride. Make sure the taxi actually is legitimate before getting in. Anyone can put a sign that says “taxi” on a vehicle; you have no way of knowing who the person is or where you might end up.

TIP! When venturing abroad, be cautious when using taxi cabs. You should make an effort to ensure it’s a legitimate taxi before you actually enter the vehicle.

It isn’t always possible to get accommodations at the best places, and sometimes you end up at the worst places. Take a plain doorstop with you for these situations. You can use this under your room door overnight in conjunction with the chain and lock. It is almost impossible to enter a room that has a doorstop placed beneath the door.

When using a traveler’s check, exchange some before going shopping or out to eat. While it is true that most places accept traveler’s checks, they are difficult to work with. You may find that you will get shorted by using them, so convert them to local money before you shop.

Rental firms typically require customers to be at least 18 years old, and some even have a lower age limit of 25. If you’re not yet 25, you might pay a higher rate, and you might have to put down credit card information. Some cities prohibit senior citizens from renting cars. Discuss any age restrictions when you book your reservation.

Do not expect an airline to cater to your whims when you are flying. Bring your own pillow, blanket and headphones if you think you will need them. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring something to snack on.

TIP! Don’t rely on the airline you’re flying with to cater to your every need, even if you’re going on a long distance flight. Bring anything you need to keep yourself entertained and comfortable.

So now that you are properly prepared and have the right attitude, get ready to roll. Other travelers will think you are savvy when problems arise and you handle them well. If you want to make sure that your next trip is as free of troubles as possible, you’ll want to use these tips.