Do you plan to travel? Trips are wonderful, no matter what type they are. From novices to pros, the tips here will be something new to learn.

In some countries, criminals will pose as the authorities to get the jump on you. Be sure your passport is in your possession at all times, and never give it to anyone. If they are insistent about detaining you, ask to walk to the office. Do not ever agree to go somewhere with someone you don’t know.

Sign up with a travel price monitor. This is a feature that many websites provide. It lets you pick a destination and automatically watches the prices for you. When the hotel or airfare price drops by the amount chosen, the site ends you an email alert. The alerts keep you from having to constantly check on such matters.

Keep travel essentials in one place. Avoid wasted time spent getting all your travel necessities together. A plastic bin can hold all of the stuff that you need. You can use an under-bed box to make sure they are out of the way and hidden, but easily found when needed for your next trip.

Deserts have great views and interesting plants and animals. Visiting the desert for the first time can be an especially exciting adventure; it’s something you should do at least once during your lifetime, just to experience the awe and wonder of the desert.

Avoid driving in rush hour traffic when setting out on your trip. This will help to reduce the time that it takes to get there. This can be a great time to relax and get a bite to eat, or maybe let the kids out to burn off some energy.

Everyone can’t afford to stay somewhere like the Ritz, but you may get stuck staying in a hotel that’s below one star. If you are not comfortable with an area, but haven’t any other choice, try bring along a rubber doorstop. You can place it underneath your door at night to add security beyond the main chain and lock. Intruders will have an easy time breaking the chain or lock, but the doorstop will make a more formidable barrier.

When traveling overseas, it is wise to prepare for emergencies beforehand, including the loss of your U.S. passport. The State Department has contact information on the website for your destination’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find this at the United States Department of State which has useful information in case you need to know what to do for a lost passport or some other emergency. Take this important stuff along with you on the trip. In many cases, they will have a replacement passport for you in a day or so.

With this new knowledge, you have more tools to take on that next trip. Having a shrewd travel personality is essential to putting together an awesome trip for you as well as any companions you have. A little preparation goes a very long way, and it will bring so much added value to your travel.