Being thrown into a new, exotic place brings a sense of excitement. But, it can also bring anxiety on how to deal with the unfamiliar, even if you are accustomed to foreign travel. Before you hit the road or take to the skies, take a look at our tips to make traveling more fun and less stressful.

Make sure you leave extra valuables at home. Valuables attract attention and increase your risk of being a victim of theft.

If you are on a short or long flight, don’t expect the airline to supply your essentials. Bring anything you need to keep yourself entertained and comfortable. You should also plan to bring a few airline approved snacks along in case the airline meals are a flop.

Pack a small bag of clothespins for your next trip. Clothespins are not a typical travel item for many people, but should be reconsidered given their usefulness and versatility.

Make sure you check out social websites or forums geared toward travelers. Communication with others who have the same traveling interests can help you plan your trip. Not only will it give you the chance to make new friends, by sharing experiences you can avoid making the same mistakes or missing out on a hidden gem on your vacation.

You will need a visa in many countries around the world so you can gain entry into the country. If a visa will be required, apply for it early. Sometimes visas take weeks or even months to process, so it’s best to be prepared ahead of time. You will face serious problems and delays when you do not have the necessary visa for the country you are visiting.

Use services that are environmentally friendly to have an ecologically responsible trip. There are many hotels which have implemented a linen reuse program, use energy efficient lighting, place recycling bins for guest use, use low flow plumbing and use alternative energy sources. There are also other ways to travel green with car rental agencies and restaurants.

Scented Candles

If you have hotels booked on your trip, consider bringing a few travel candles. Choose scented candles that will make your room have a nice aroma. It is romantic, relaxing and could help you sleep easily. There are several companies that manufacture miniature scented candles that are easy to pack.

Don’t go to sleep before 8pm local time if you are adjusting to a different time zone. Even if you feel like you must go to sleep, avoid going to bed too early when you travel across time zones. If you do, you may prolong your jet lag as your body will not have adjusted to the new time. Focus on your adjustment to local time, and you will decrease your jet lag quickly.

When people choose to fly to their dream location, a great option is to not take luggage along on the flight. You can save lots of time and avoid unnecessary trouble. You can send your belongings to your travel destination via FedEx or UPS. This may be costly, but the price is worth it.

When you drive by car with smaller children, always bring plenty of snacks along. A good rule of thumb is to pack what you’re thinking and then double that. This will keep them busy and happy so that they won’t cause too many problems on the trip. Even some junk food wouldn’t hurt this time.

If you’re going to a tropical location, you might want to consider purchasing travel insurance that covers search and rescue. This will protect you if something were to go wrong.

If you are traveling to a foreign company, hold off on converting your cash until you reach where you are staying. By doing this, you enjoy a much lower exchange rate for your currency. You should exchange a bit of currency before you leave to go on vacation if you do not think you will have access when you get there.

A great travel tip is to make your luggage stand out from other luggage. Decorate it colorfully. Try using paint and markers for drawing on it, or you can use stickers. This will help keep anyone from walking off with it.

Extra Pair

If you travel with eyeglasses, make sure that an extra pair is in your luggage. Do not take the chance of going on a trip with only one pair. Make sure your extra pair is not in your carry on or handbag, as this luggage can get stolen.

Traveling a long way can be stressful, especially when you have jet lag. Try to time your flight so that it arrives around the time when you would usually wake up in the morning. When you get on the plane, take a sleep aid after dinner. ) and then relax until the plane lands. You will wake up feeling good and ready to start the day!

When traveling away from home you will be tempted by many different things. Rather than hanging out at the plentiful buffet, visit the hotel gym instead. You’ll feel better throughout your trip if you remain active.

It is usually cheaper to avoid direct flights. That said, consider your layover time wisely. If it isn’t long enough, then you run the risk of missing your next flight. If the layover lats more than a couple hours, you may get stuck in an airport a long time.

If you implement the tips mentioned here, you will most certainly increase the enjoyment factor of your next vacation. Whether this is your first trip away from home or your fifteenth, your upcoming trip will be more memorable and remarkable than you ever thought possible.