While travel can be a rewarding, fun experience, it can also be dangerous and daunting! If you’re planning a trip and aren’t sure what to expect, read on to find out what everyone should know before setting off on a trip, whether it be for vacation or another reason.

When traveling, it is important to make sure your airline will suit your needs. Different airlines maintain different niches. Some are inexpensive, some provide superior service, and some cater to far more destinations than others. Before you book any trip by airplane, research different airlines first. It will save you a headache.

Only pack the clothes you will need. In some instances, it does not pay to be over-prepared. Many people pack far too many clothes when they travel. This is a problem. It is especially a problem when they inadvertently lose the bags that contained them. Try packing multipurpose clothes that you can re-wear.

Keep a group journal in your hotel room while traveling. Invest in something as inexpensive as a spiral notebook, and allow the people you are traveling with to write in it during down time. This will provide an interesting read later and will be a nice keepsake from your trip.

When traveling by air in the U.S. you can get through security faster if you wear slip-on shoes. Since you have to remove your shoes when going through security it is better to have shoes that come off and go on quickly so you can retrieve your other belongings quickly.

Something you should never do is place an important document in the pocket of the seat in front of you. Most likely, it will slide down to where you will not be able to view it anymore and you will forget all about it. Then you will get off the plane and realize too late that you don’t have it.

Make sure to drink plenty of water when travelling, especially when travelling by air. During busy, hectic days of travel, many people neglect to stay adequately hydrated, leading to feelings of nausea compounded by the stress you feel when travelling. Always have a bottle of water on hand.

Try to only bring carry-on bags. If you can travel light, you will not have to face the mess that is the check counter. Just remember the policies about weight, and be ready to buy toiletries upon your arrival to your destination. You can call your airline to clarify any specifics.

Before you leave home, make multiple copies of your travel documents. Store these in separate bags. It may also be a good idea to scan them onto a flash drive, and carry it with you. Emailing them to yourself can be another method. Make sure you have several backups. You do not want to get stuck in a foreign country!

Traveling, as you now know, is a complicated task that requires careful planning and plenty of precautions. Now that you’ve read what needs to be done to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, you’re ready to get on with planning your trip. Remember to be safe and always prepared!