Travel tips can help you make the most of your trip. The tips below can ease new travelers into becoming traveling pros.

Leave most of your items of value at home. If you are bringing your valuables on a trip, there is more of a chance that they will get lost or stolen.

If you are traveling through a smaller airport, check their website to see every airline that they service. Some of these small airports use charter airlines that you won’t find when looking for rates, and many times you can get a better deal.

If your travels will take you to a port of call prior to your cruise, try to find a reasonably priced hotel with included parking and check in the night before. You may want to contact the hotel administration about potential deals that they offer on parking even if it doesn’t look like any are available.

Bring clothespins on your next trip. You would be amazed at how useful these will turn out to be.

If you are driving of flying with a toddler, be sure to bring along “busy” toys for him. Bring along some of their favorite toys. It is also a good idea to buy a new toy just for the trip, as it will provide a little novelty and help keep a small child’s attention.

Visit websites and forums that are related to travel. A travel community is the best way that you can get ready for your trip. You will make lots of new friends and learn a lot that can help you in your travels.

You can find great vistas and unique vegetation in the desert. For many people, the first sight of a desert is like nothing else. Many feel that everyone should be treated to a majestic view of a desert at least once in their lifetime.

You always want to be prepared for unexpected emergencies when traveling, such as losing a passport. You can get steps on contacting the embassy in the country in which you are traveling by visiting usembassy.state.gov. The U.S. State Department can provide you with the info via their website on contacting the Consulate or U.S. embassy in your destination. Make sure to have this information handy on your trip. A replacement for your passport can take a few days (or less), so be prepared if that will cause a delay.

Be aware that you must be at least 18 to rent a car. Some car rental companies require that you be 25. You may also need to bring a credit card with you. Some cities prohibit senior citizens from renting cars. Find out about age issues before you arrive.

Do you often forget things while traveling? Simply jot down notes on the mirror with a dry erase marker to help you remember. It will serve as a great reminder. You will be able to easily remove the note with a tissue, making it easy to clean up.

Go over your auto insurance policy prior to leaving home if you plan to rent a car during your trip. These rental car agents know how to sell extra insurance to you, but the issue is that you might not need it. Vehicle insurance policies often have some third party liability coverage. Know how your policy works before you leave.

If you are traveling on a plane, pack snacks that are non-liquid. Fresh snacks can include apples, strawberries or grapes, and will provide a welcome change from the airplane meals that weigh you down. Not only will you save a bundle by not buying that expensive airport food, but you will have a great conversation opener with any nice-looking neighbor, eyeing your snacks!

This group of tips should prepare you well to begin exploring the world like a pro. These tips will help you plan and travel safer and smarter than before.