It doesn’t matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. This article contains travel advice to help you get the most out of your next vacation.

Watch out for faux cops or faux government officials in foreign countries, as they may be criminals. Never give them your original passport as you may never see it again. If they state you must go to an office, offer to walk the distance with them. Do not ever agree to go somewhere with someone you don’t know.

When flying, never assume that the airline will tend to your every need, even on lengthy flights. And items you may need, such as a pillow or blanket, should be packed before your flight. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring something to snack on.

It is a good idea to register with a site that watches travel prices. This allows you to track prices. When the price of the hotel or airfare gets to the point you want to buy, you will get an email alert telling you of the price drop. This helps you avoid the hassle of always having to check.

If you have to drive a distance to the port to get on a cruise,drive there the night before and stay at a hotel that has free parking. Ask the staff at the hotel if they offer any parking discounts even if they don’t have any published.

If you have a pet, bring him or her with you if it is allowed. There are many pet friendly hotels and vacation sites now. There are even pet day cares and spas. Some cruises also allow pets. Do not hesitate to bring your pet along – just ask if it is okay before you book.

Check the carrier’s website that you are most interested in to make sure you are getting the best price. Sometimes they have better prices than the discount travel websites.

When traveling, be vigilant about protecting your possessions. Tourists are easy marks for criminals. When carrying a purse, make sure you keep it tucked under your arm. You should avoid carrying bags with a zipper that is easy to get into because thieves could easily unzip the bag in a crowded location and steal important items. These are but a few tips to consider when shopping for a safe bag for your travels.

Give the travel itinerary of your trip to a relative. This will ensure that someone knows where you are. Talk to this person occasionally and tell them that you are okay. If they hear from you regularly and know your location at all times, there won’t be any reason to worry.

While you should always have a luggage tag on the outside of your bags, be sure to place identification inside as well. Make sure that this is on the inside as anyone can tear off tags on the outside. In case something happens to your suitcase (and the tag), put some information inside it so that you can easily identify the bag, or that a baggage handler can find if for you promptly.

Melt hotel ice to have filtered water in your morning coffee. Ice water frequently tastes better than tap water, so fill up your ice bucket so it can melt as you sleep. The next morning you should be ready to brew your coffee with better tasting water.

Not everyone can afford to stay at the Ritz, and sometimes you get stuck at a less than one-star hotel. If the area isn’t palatable, make sure you have a rubber doorstop with you. In addition to locking and chaining the door, you can wedge this beneath your door. While intruders can easily break the lock or chain, getting into the room is next to impossible with a door stop firmly lodged beneath the door.

Planning for your trip will make it that much better. Use the advice that you have just read so that you can really enjoy your next trip, no matter where you may be headed.