·      *Book the room category that you will be happy with. Although I can request a complimentary upgrade, they are never guaranteed. Remember, you will be living in that room the entire length of your vacation.

·      *If you are flying to take a cruise, place schedule to fly out 1 day prior to the cruise ship’s departure, just in case of flight delays or cancelations.

·     * Carry a complete change of clothes in a carry-on, just in case your luggage is delayed.

·      *Check the current passport rules before you travel. Be an informed traveler and make sure you have the proper ID and proof of citizenship before you leave.

·      *Put the customer service numbers for your credit cards, insurance company and travel agent in your cell phone.  You might not be able to call from your phone, but at least you will have the numbers with you.

·      *Always cross pack your clothing. Pack ½ of your clothes with ½ of your travel companion’s clothes in one suitcase, and the other half in another suitcase.  In case of lost luggage, you will both still have clothes.

·      *Make two copies of the first two pages of your passport.  Take one with you and keep it in a separate place and leave one with friends or family at home.  In case your passport is lost or stolen, your copy will expedite a replacement.  Do the same with the credit cards you are taking with you.

·      *Before you leave for the airport, take a digital picture of your suitcases so that if your luggage is lost by the airlines, you have an exact description of the luggage.

·      *Notify your credit card companies that you will be using the card while out of the country (the same goes for ATM cards-notify your bank).  If they are unaware that there may be charges from outside the U.S., they may deny the charges

·     * When traveling with children, use your cell phone or digital camera and take a picture of your kids each morning. Then if they get separated from you, you will have an exact description of what they look like and what they are wearing that day.

·      *Bring along a hanging shoe organizer on your cruise. It can be used for storage of anything and everything with all those compartments.

·      *Check your airline’s website for the latest information on luggage allowances.

·      *Put a copy of your itinerary in your checked luggage. Include a local contact for your destination and one at home.

·     * Pack your sense of humor and take it with you. Otherwise, you might not enjoy your trip to the fullest.

·      *Take advantage of traveling today…you just never know what tomorrow will bring.  Go for it!

·      *Keep a journal of your travel experiences to see how much you have learned about different people and cultures around the world. One of the most positive rewards of travel is the sense of self-understanding that can be gained by learning to understand others. See how much you’ve grown.