Traveling can be such a rewarding experience. Whether traveling to a new city or a new country, the road is always full of new adventures and new sights to see. Any trip can be made better by keeping a few basic travel guidelines in mind. Ahead is a great list of ideas and tips to help you travel smarter and smoother.

Create a list of all the things you need to pack before a trip. Well in advance, you need to craft a clear list of everything that you are going to need. This can especially help you if you are in a rush to pack, as it will prevent you forgetting things or including unnecessary items.

Get vaccinations in advance and bring your documentation after doing so. This can be a lifesaver when leaving or entering a country, and immunizations can even be an issue when traveling from one city to another within one country. Without this proof, authorities will have no way to know if you have been vaccinated and may place you in quarantine.

When traveling, bring only the essentials and keep your bags light. The less items you have, the less risk of having valuable items stolen or lost. 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.

If you come through a little airport when you travel, look at their website to see what services the airline offers. Many small airports offer charter airlines; they may not show up as you search for rates, and sometimes can offer a better deal than major airlines.

There are plenty of helpful travel price watchers to sign up for. You can find this handy feature online at many travel-related websites that will alert you to different prices. If your hotel price or airfare drops by a certain amount, as you decide, the site alerts you with an email about the change. This helps you avoid the hassle of always having to check.

Check the alarm in your hotel room when you arrive. The alarm clock may be set to go off in the dead of the night or at the crack of dawn either due to the last guest’s plans or as a prank. To make your vacation as relaxing as possible, turn it off, or set it to when you plan to awaken.

When to travel by plane or car with a toddler, make sure you have enough fun things to keep them occupied. Bring along some of their favorite toys. You may even want to buy a new toy specifically for your travels, as they will be fascinated with it and will keep busy.

Now you have some ideas to help your plans go smoothly. Don’t forget your camera!