Think you know a lot about how to travel? Have you created a travel plan for yourself? And if you, would you like to make it better? Do you have a plan if an emergency or some other unexpected event come up? Read the tips below if you do not have an answer to one or all of these questions.

Be sure to create a list for packing. Anywhere from a week to a few months before you go on your trip, make a list of the things you absolutely need to pack. Even if you put off packing until the last minute, you can look at your list to avoid taking too much, or worse, forgetting something vital.

Learn the language about food if you are going to a foreign country, so that you can ask servers about ingredients in the food that cause you to have allergic reactions. Most especially if you have severe reactions to foods, you need to become somewhat fluent in the food related words of the native language. This way, you can easily explain your allergies to waitstaff or chefs in restaurants or–should something happen–medical professionals.

If you are traveling in a foreign country, be careful of the taxis you choose to ride. Some “taxis” are not legitimate. Anyone could put a taxi magnet on their car, but they could be someone else.

There’s no reason you can’t bring your dog with you on the right type of vacation. Vacations that are pet-friendly are becoming more commonplace, with a lot of hotels offering promotions for travelers with pets. These can include pet-friendly cruises, cat spas, and doggy-day cares. You can being your pet along as long as you make the appropriate plans ahead of time.

A fine safety idea is to pack a door stopper in your luggage for hotel stays. Many countries do not offer the security you need when staying in a hotel room. If your door lacks a deadbolt or chain beyond the main door lock, place one of these small, wedge-shaped doorstops under the door before bed.

Keep track of your important belongings when traveling. When carrying a purse, make sure you keep it tucked under your arm. Do not purchase bags that have easy open zippers and compartments. The easier the bag is to open, the more likely someone can slip away with something while you are distracted. Remember this when shopping for the ideal travel bag.

Make sure to tip the bell station and the housekeeper appropriately. You should give about a dollar per bag and 2 to 5 dollars per day of housekeeping. You will find that this simple act will make your stay overall that much better, and the people who work there will go out of their way to please you.

Be sure to dress in casual, simple shoes that can be quickly removed. Understand that your shoes must be removed during security checks. Your comfort should be a priority. In airports and on planes, you will not walk that much, but you will sit a lot; therefore heavy-duty support isn’t necessary. Flip-flops or slip-on shoes are recommended for air travel.

When packing for a longer journey, bring a lightly-lined raincoat. You never can predict what the weather will do. A great example of making the most of what you have is using a raincoat for cold weather, any rain that arises and even possibly as a bathrobe!

Do you feel like you are better informed about traveling? Do you have a new plan, or do you have a better plan now? Are you now able to add things that suit you as well as your budget? Do you feel confident in your ability to handle an emergency? Answering questions such as these should be easier now that you know about the helpful hints in this article.