Whether you are preparing to leave town by car, plane, or train, the information found in this handpicked selection of travel tips is sure to help you before you embark on your journey. Keep reading for the best tips on traveling, from packing to booking a hotel room.

Use the ATM to obtain spending cash in the local currency. In most cases, banks and other financial institutions are able to get far better rates of exchange that you ever personally could alone. You may find significant savings through the course of your trip.

Make notes of all the details of your trip. Include your embassy’s web address, physical address and phone number. You could possibly need this information while you are abroad. They can help you with problems that occur.

Create a list of what to pack. Some time before your trip, write down everything you need to bring with you. This can especially help you if you are in a rush to pack, as it will prevent you forgetting things or including unnecessary items.

For extra safety when staying in a hotel, bring a door stopper with you. Some areas just aren’t that safe. If the door doesn’t have a chain or deadbolt aside from its main lock, try placing one wedged door stop under your door before bed.

Luggage Tag

Place your contact information inside your luggage as well as on the luggage tag. It is easy for a baggage tag to come off the exterior of your suitcases while they are en route. Placing identifying info inside your luggage can ensure that it is returned to you in the event it becomes separated from the luggage tag.

Try not to schedule your trip during heavy travel times. If you are unable to plan a trip that avoids rush hour, use this time to take a break. This may be an opportunity to stop for something to eat and give the kids time to get some exercise.

While some car rental companies ask that drivers be at least 18, others require that their drivers be 25 years old. Additionally, many car rentals charge a higher rate if you’re under 25, and most require a credit card to be on file. It’s important to note that senior citizens cannot rent a car in certain cities. Inquire about age limits when renting a car.

Auto Insurance

If you are renting a car, review your auto insurance policy prior to leaving on vacation. Your policy may already provide you with some of the coverage you will need to drive a rental car. In a lot of cases auto insurance policies include basic third party liability coverage. Look at your policy before leaving home to save money later on.

If you want to quickly adjust to another time zone, you should aim to keep yourself awake until around 8pm local time. If you go to sleep too soon, it can make jet lag worse by keeping your body accustomed to your old time zone. The quicker you get used to local time, the quicker jet lag will fade.

As you begin planning for your next trip, remember all you have read here. The tips in this piece can make every part of your adventure much smoother.