Although intended to be a leisurely and relaxing activity, travel can sometimes be unnecessarily stressful and fraught with disaster. When a trip is not properly planned, it can become a nightmare. To get more out of your future travel plans, read below.

After picking your destination, research the area thoroughly. Buy a comprehensive map of where you are going, study the environment, and research the attractions being offered there. Having a good understanding of how the area you’re going to is laid out, will make it much easier to get around when you arrive.

Create a list of what needs to be packed. Sometime well before your trip, at least a week or more, write down all of the items that you must pack. Even if you end up packing at the last minute, this will help you remain organized and avoid unnecessary clutter.

If you are traveling with your child, carry a photo of your child just in case he or she gets lost. It can be terrifying to lose your child. However, it can occur. If you have a picture of your child on hand, it can really help to locate him or her in a crowd more quickly.

To travel light, only pack essentials. The less things you have with you, the less chance you will have of losing valuables or risking having them stolen. Shoes tend to be larger and heavier than most objects in your suitcase. Reducing the number of shoes you bring can drastically reduce the weight of your baggage.

When venturing abroad, be cautious about getting into taxis. Make sure the taxi actually is legitimate before getting in. Always be mindful of taxis when you are traveling abroad; the person may not be legitimate.

Sign up to get updates on travel prices. With these sites, you can put in your destination and it will watch it for you. When the prices of airfare of accommodations fall to the level you choose, you will receive an email from the site about the changes. This will help ensure you don’t miss a savings opportunity.

Whenever possible, purchase tickets for admission to attractions online, then print them instantly or opt for will-call. You will generally pay a nominal fee for this service, but you won’t have to wait in ticket lines when you arrive. If the park you are visiting has a timed entry, you can skip admission lines too.

Exercise before you get on the airplane. Long flights can be tedious. When you are forced to sit in the same position for hours on end, your back and legs can cramp up. You can have more energy at the end of your flight when your warm up and stretch before takeoff.

Tip the staff at the hotel appropriately when you are staying at a hotel. 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 tip well, you are more likely to get good service and be on good terms with hotel staff during your stay.

While travel is intended to be fun and relaxing, it can also become very tiresome if you do not know the tricks to make your trip smoother. Using the tips above can help you use your new knowledge and make the next trip pleasurable and easy.