In today’s struggling economy, money may be tight for you and your family. You make think that this year’s vacation is out of reach. This article is the perfect starting point for the economical traveler.

Don’t bring a lot of valuables on any trip. Valuables attract attention and increase your risk of being a victim of theft.

Before you travel, make a list of what you will pack. Sometime well before your trip, at least a week or more, write down all of the items that you must pack. Even if you won’t have time to pack until the last minute, having a list will keep you organized.

Keep a picture of your child with you if they get lost. Not knowing your child’s whereabouts is frightening. It can, however, still happen. If you have a picture of your child on hand, it can really help to locate him or her in a crowd more quickly.

Be aware of people pretending to be officials in a foreign country. Never give someone your passport, because they might not give it back to you. Also, if you have to go somewhere with this person, be sure to walk along with them. Don’t enter a vehicle with a local you don’t know.

When taking a cruise that you have to drive to the port city of, stay in a hotel or motel, that provides free parking, the night before. If you cannot find any details about parking, ask the hotel staff what their policy is.

Get a workout in before you get on the plane. Longer flights can be hard on your body. Your body can become cramped and uncomfortable. Getting a good workout or stretch in before your flight can leave you feeling relaxed and reduce the chances of your body stiffening during your flight.

Always pay attention to your surroundings when traveling and keep track of your belongings. If you are carrying a purse, be sure to have it tucked neatly under your arm. Also, do not use bags that someone can easily open on a crowded subway or in another crowded public area. When choosing a dependable bag for travel, keep these considerations in mind.

It is not uncommon to provide the housekeeper and bell hop with a tip. The typical tip is a dollar per bag of luggage and anywhere from two to five dollars per day for housekeeping. Tipping will show your appreciation for their work, and will help you maintain a good relationship with hotel staff.

You don’t save much space using travel size toiletries and when you run out, the local stores often charge more for products that you need to replace. Try simple folding and packing tricks to expand your luggage space instead. You can have more space in your bags than you thought if you pack properly.

If you are considering skipping your vacation, think again. If you use the advice contained in this article, you will have no problem getting that next vacation set up.