Taking a trip is similar to going to an exciting adventure. If you have made a list, then check it multiple times. Then, relax and watch what pleasant surprises happen that make your trip memorable. The tips shared here can help you have the best trip yet.

When traveling by air, you need to plan ahead. Major airports are in big cities much of the time, so getting through traffic and to your gate on time can be a challenge. Pack your suitcase beforehand to save time. Prepare yourself well before the flight. You want to do everything possible to avoid arriving late for your flight.

A doorstop may be of help if you’re going to be in a hotel in a not-so-great area. These handy little wooden or rubber wedges are usually used to hold doors open but they can just as easily be used to hold doors closed.

Take clothespins when you travel. They can be a useful item when you go on a trip, even though they are not something someone thinks to bring with them.

If you have a toddler on your trip, you must be prepared with activities to keep him or her engaged. Take a few of their their favorite toys. Bring a new toy to keep him interested the whole trip.

Include identification on the inside and outside of your bags. It’s easy for a luggage tag to fall of if it’s hanging off your luggage. 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.

Carry something with you that has the information for your hotel, like a matchbook or a business card. This one little item can save you and get you back to where you need to be in case you get lost in a foreign land. If you are unfamiliar with the language, this is really really helpful.

There is a remarkable amount of plant life and beautiful views in deserts. For many people, the first sight of a desert is like nothing else. Many feel that everyone should be treated to a majestic view of a desert at least once in their lifetime.

If you are going to be taking the red-eye, sleeping pills can help you to get some sleep. Many people find it difficult to sleep on an airplane, between the unfamiliar surroundings, uncomfortable seats, and passenger and aircraft noise. If you have anxiety about flying, get your doctor to prescribe sleeping medicine to get you through your flight. Importantly, wait on taking the pill until the flight has taken off; this keeps you mentally aware in case there are delays or changes in the schedule.

Most people can’t afford a nice hotel. Often, you may find yourself stuck at thoroughly unpleasant places to rest your head for the night. If you dislike the area you are stuck with, bring a rubber doorstop. It can be wedged under the door overnight, along with the chain and lock. Intruders won’t just have to break the lock and chain, they will have to get past rubber firmly wedged beneath the door.

When traveling on the road with kids, take along some cookie sheets. Their flat surface is great under playing cards or coloring books. For young kids, magnetic numbers and letters can be fun and educational to bring with.

Make sure that your passports are valid. Passport rules can vary among different countries. If your passport expires within a specified time frame, you may not be able to enter the country. Normally, this range is between three and six months, but it can even be eight months to a year.

Investigate currency exchange rates prior to leaving so that you know what to expect. Knowing the value of your dollar before you travel gives you a clear picture of what you can spend and create an itinerary that will be conducive to savings. You will have more fun this way.

Make sure you get the latest e-newsletters of the airlines you use. E-newsletters show you any special discounts or last-minute offers they have available. The savings you get from these newsletters make the extra email worth it.

Make sure that your vacation is environmentally friendly at all times. A number of hotels have linen reuse programs, recycling bins, energy efficient lights, low flow plumbing, alternative sources of energy and so on. Car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants and other service providers are implementing ways that allow travelers to be able to travel green.

If you are taking a small child in a long car ride, plan on taking breaks every few hours. These breaks are great times to visit the bathroom or to stretch out their legs. In addition, getting a little fresh air can help keep motion sickness at bay. Your trip may take longer, but reducing the stress can be worth that delay.

Bringing earplugs can help if you’re a light sleeper. Hotel walls are paper thin at times. Investing in a decent pair of earplugs can really help you get a good night of sleep.

Give your itinerary to a family member. Include the names of the places that you are going, anyone that you plan to visit along with the telephones and addresses. Also, leave copies of your ticket and flight information along with your passport id page.

These tips will help you, but all trips have some inevitable frustrations. After you have properly planned, sit back, relax and enjoy your trip.