Away We go! My Favorite Travel Tips

1. Let your travels begin at the library

Check out  books, videos and DVDs on your destination. Find books that suit your travel style and offer a good mix of practical information, history and culture.

2. Good Guys and Bad Guys

Security issues ....make sure others can tell who you are. If traveling domestically, take your driver's license or state ID; if international - make sure your passport has at least six months validity on it. If it is time to renew your passport stop by your local Post Office or an authorized passport center like the Public Library. Other documents to carry are your insurance card and/or other proof of insurance (travel and supplementary medical) and international driver's license/AAA card (if renting a car).

3. Think of your money belt as a safety deposit box for storage of your cash     and credit cards.

Keep only what you need for the day handy and accessible. Clean out your wallet (or better yet, use a separate travel wallet) so it contains only what you'll need enroute. Make a note of your credit card telephone numbers, pin numbers and emergency numbers and keep it separate from your purse or wallet.

4. It's not heavy.... it's my luggage!

Pack light -- unless you have a personal assistant along to handle your luggage, bring only what you can carry by yourself. No need to tote duplicate toiletries, etc. as you can find these items any place in the world, and it is a nice opportunity to shop like a local. Plan around two solid colors (on bottom of body) with two contrasting colors on top. Try to fit in and dress appropriately - especially when traveling overseas as many countries are more conservative than the US. Include one item warmer and one cooler than you think you'll need. Good walking shoes are essential.

5. Is this bag yours?

Pack smart -- Place luggage tags on outside and place name/address information on the inside of your suitcase together with the name/address of your hotel and/or your complete itinerary. Use TSA approved combination locks on your luggage - these can be purchased inexpensively anywhere locks are sold, including drug and hardware stores.

6. Leaving on a jet plane

Arriving at the airport one hour before a domestic departure doesn't seem to be enough time these days. Give yourself plenty of time to check in, proceed through security then use the extra time before boarding for a relaxing brunch or lunch. Depending on the length of your flight, you might want to bring along an inflatable pillow, water (buy after you go through security), reading materials and favorite snacks.

7. Paper or plastic? (dealing with money)

How about a mix? Insure there is enough money in your ATM account for withdrawals, including related fees. People are starting to cover the 3 digit security code on the back of credit cards with tape to avert fraud. If someone lifts your credit card number, they might not be able to use it as telephone and on-line purchases are requesting the code for added security. As for tipping, if you want to give more interesting looking money, use new $2 bills for small tips - ask your bank to get them for you.

Mom was right about washing your hands. One of your most important jobs while traveling is keeping yourself healthy so pack moist towelettes or a bottle of hand sanitizer. Don't let yourself get too tired, too hungry or too thirsty. Take your time -- chat with the locals, learn a bit of the language, eat proper meals at local restaurants (rather than fast food) and embrace the local culture.

9. For international trips

Register with the State Department  so local embassies know your whereabouts in the event of  an emergency (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/); read the State Department's  Consular Information Sheets (www.travel.state.gov) click on "International Travel" and Consular Information Sheets will appear in the text box on the left) for up to date information on entry requirements, safety, health issues and the address and contact information for the US Embassy in that country.

10. Put your house in order

Give a trusted neighbor your itinerary and house key, water your plants, set timers, pay bills and unplug unneeded appliances. Before departure, check all documents and vouchers for accuracy and reconfirm all flight arrangements along with the first night hotel reservation.

Universal Travel Truths

• It won't be the magnificent sites or buildings you see that make your trip -- it will be the people you meet.
 
• Everyone is nice if you let them be -- giving attitude is like looking into a mirror -- it always comes back at you.
 
• In reality all you need for a wonderful trip is passport, ticket, credit card, an open mind and a good sense of humor.