• Read and understand all of your travel documents. If your airline tickets are non-refundable, ask your agent to explain the procedures and additional cost involved should you have to make a change in your travel plans. If you are traveling abroad, apply for your passport and visas as far in advance as you can. During the peak travel seasons when the passport offices process the most applications, securing a passport can take several weeks.
  
• Purchase trip cancellation insurance.  Having good insurance coverage is the only way to plan for accidents or the unpredictable. Most cruise lines and tour operators offer an 
  inexpensive insurance package that can be purchased at the time of deposit. Most policies have a blanket coverage that will protect your investment should you need to cancel the trip completely, as well as medical emergency coverage while you're traveling. Travel insurance coverage varies by the provider, so be sure to read all of the details of your policy before you go.
  

• As the saying goes, take twice as much money and half as many clothes as you think you'll need. Pack as light as possible and be sure that you have room in your luggage for souvenirs. Comfortable walking shoes and loose fitting clothes are a must. Remember that many airlines are enforcing the "one piece of carry-on luggage" rule, particularly when the flight is full, so pack your bags accordingly.
  

• Keep a duplicate copy of your passport and travelers checks in a safe place. Securing replacements of these documents when you travel abroad is much easier when you can provide copies of originals. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines have become part of the landscape in many foreign countries. But, you may still find it necessary to carry cash when you venture into small towns and rural areas.
  

• When you cross several time zones, there are ways to minimize the effects of "jet lag". For example, try to get extra sleep the week before your trip. Take earplugs and an eye mask to shut out distractions so that you can easily sleep on the new schedule. And force yourself to maintain your normal sleep pattern so that your body can adjust more quickly. It is common to become dehydrated on a long flight, so drink plenty of water and avoid drinking alcohol, which dehydrates the body even further.
  

• Keep all of your receipts for purchases of goods or services  outside of the U.S.  In many other countries, a VAT,or "value added tax" is added to the purchase price of everything from theater tickets to toothpaste. Depending on the country that you are traveling to, these taxes can be as high as 25% or 30%. The good news is that if you have your receipts, VAT is reimbursable when you return to the U.S.  Also be aware that U.S. Customs regulations allow travelers a maximum of $400.00 per person duty free allowance upon re-entry to the United States.
  

• Suspend newspaper deliveries and have the post office hold your mail. Although burglars may not be very bright, even the "dimly lit" will realize those piles of newspapers by the front door probably means that you are out of town!
  

• Leave a few lights on in the evening.  If the lights in your home are equipped with a timing system, set the timer to turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, or according to your usual routine. Timing systems are inexpensive and available at most home improvement stores.
  

• Don't change the message on your telephone answering machine. When you are going on vacation, tell your coworkers, friends and relatives about your travel plans. Other callers can leave messages that can be returned when you get back from your vacation.
  

• Travel Medicine Kit - Be prepared when traveling
  First aid supplies should include bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, and tweezers to remove stingers or foreign bodies. A topical antibiotic ointment is also useful to prevent infection of minor wounds & abrasions. An elastic bandage can be helpful for strains or sprains along with an anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen. An antihistamine such as Benadryl can be used to treat allergic reactions and relive itching from insect bites. A topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% may be helpful for treating skin rashes or relieving sunburn.

  A decongestant is useful for colds or sinus congestion especially during airplane travel where cabin pressurization can cause ear pain if the eustachian tubes that equalize the air pressure in the ears are swollen shut. If you are prone to motion sickness you also should carry along some Dramamine or Ginger tablets. You also should be sure to pack a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 since most travelers will be visiting areas closer to the equator where the sun's rays are stronger and it takes less time for skin to burn. Insect repellents containing at least 30% DEET (such as Deep Woods Off or Repel) or a newer long lasting non-absorbed formulation (Ultrathon by 3M, now marketed as HourGuard by Amway) should be used when traveling in areas where mosquitoes are present. For jet lag, melatonin tablets taken at bedtime may help restore the normal sleep-wake cycle. Take along Pepto-Bismol liquid or tablets as a preventive measure along with Imodium AD to slow down a bad stomach.

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