You’ve done it. You have booked that trip that you have always wanted. That’s great! Or maybe it’s a trip that is related to work or family business. You probably have a lot of questions on what to do, what to pack, etc. Listed below are some tips that will help you get started with your traveling plans.

If you are worried about safety, carry a fake wallet. If you are traveling through a rough area, take precautions and carry a spare wallet with a few token dollars in it. In the off chance you do get accosted, you can hand over the fake wallet and your real valuables will remain safe.

To have a less stressful trip and over all more enjoyable travel, it is important to plan ahead. By planning ahead, one can reduce their chances of forgetting something that is needed. Also, if something comes up, there is enough time to handle it as opposed to having to rush at the last minute.

Before you travel internationally, learn where your country’s embassies and consulates are in your destination country. These are not resources for the casual traveler. Hopefully you will never need them. If you find yourself in legal trouble, though, consulates and embassies can provide vital assistance in navigating unfamiliar and unfriendly legal waters.

Make sure you understand all the laws of the destination you are traveling to. Some laws may seem very odd to you, however in that region, that is the way it is. Disobeying laws in a certain area can cause some extreme consequences and you may get more of a punishment than you are prepared for.

While Spanish is the lingua franca in most countries in the Western hemisphere, remember that Brazil is not one of them. Brazilians speak Portuguese. If you intend to visit Brazil, learning a little Portuguese can turn out to be a lot of help; learning Spanish will be considerably less valuable to you.

It is essential to join a car-rental club before traveling. While hotel loyalty programs give you various “extras” like free breakfast, car-rental clubs help you avoid long lines and eliminate endless paperwork. They also keep you from constantly getting up-sold. A car-rental club helps you avoid stress and frustration, leading to a better traveling experience.

Bring a snorkel with you when you are traveling on a cruise ship. Rather than spending money on an official “snorkeling excursion,” just use your own equipment during a shore day. Snorkels don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and this method allows you to avoid time limits or the hassles associated with swimming in a group.

Pay extra for the balcony when traveling on a cruise ship. Not only does it give you and your partner a little retreat, but it also provides you with an incredible view of the ocean. A balcony can add just the touch of romance that you might have been craving on your vacation.

Now you should be much more prepared when it comes to traveling. You should now be an expert on what to do and what to pack for all of your trips! The tips that were given should help you travel smarter and have a much more enjoyable time.