When you travel for either business or pleasure, you must know how to plan the trip. Here are some tips to help you.

Create a list of what to pack. Start as soon as you can before your trip, that way you can add your must-have items to the list as you think of them. Even last minute packing won’t be as stressful, when you have a list to reference. It will also take the panic out of forgetting anything.

Be aware of people pretending to be officials in a foreign country. Keep your passport on you at all times, and do not hand it over to anyone. If they state you must go to an office, offer to walk the distance with them. Do not get into a vehicle with someone that you do not know.

When taking a cruise, find a good hotel in the port city that provides free or low cost parking and make plans to arrive the day before your departure. Be sure to ask about parking deals in case they are not published.

Alarm Clock

Check your hotel alarm clock. The worst thing that could happen is to be startled by an alarm clock when you’re fast asleep that a previous guest had set to early. Be sure to set this for whatever time you feel is comfortable to wake up at.

It is customary to tip any hotel staff that makes your stay easier. For bell hops, tip a dollar for every bag they carry. With housekeepers, leave between two and five dollars for every day they care for your room. If you treat the staff well, then they will treat you well.

Sometimes you wind up in a less than nice hotel. If you are staying in an area where you don’t feel safe, pack a rubber doorstop in your luggage. You can place it underneath your door at night to add security beyond the main chain and lock. While intruders may be able to pick a lock or break a chain, it will be next to impossible to open a door that has a door stop wedged beneath it.

What will you do if you lose your passport? The U.S. Department of State has a site that has info on how to get in touch with the US Embassy in case you need it. This information should be with you at all times. A replacement for your passport can take a few days (or less), so be prepared if that will cause a delay.

Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. You’ll feel less anxious since you’ll know what to expect when you get to your destination.