Traveling is enjoyable and exciting, even when you’re traveling for business. One thing which can take some of the joy out of traveling is spending a lot of cash to do it. The following information will give you some great travel advice on how you can keep your expenses low, while still being able to get to where you need to go.

List what you intend to take with you on a trip. Create this list either a few months to a week before your trip. Even if you won’t have time to pack until the last minute, having a list will keep you organized.

Keep a picture of your child with you if they get lost. Losing your child is a scary situation. Sometimes though, this may happen. If you have a picture of your child on you then this can come in handy if they ever end up getting lost.

If you’re staying in a hotel, especially in a less developed country, and you’re worried about someone possibly coming into your room in the night, bring a doorstop with you. These little wedges are generally used to keep doors open, but they can hold doors closed, too.

Workout at the gym prior to your flight. A long flight can be extremely boring. Your muscles can easily cramp from maintaining the same position for extended periods. Working out prior to a long flight can relax your body and reduce uncomfortable feelings in your body due to the flight.

It is not uncommon to provide the housekeeper and bell hop with a tip. People generally recommend a buck per bag for the bellhop and $2-5 per day for the maid. You will have a better relationship with them when you are staying at the hotel.

Be sure to put identification information inside your luggage in addition to the normal luggage tag. It is not unusual for exterior luggage tags to become detached from the bag along the way. If your luggage ever gets lost without a tag, it helps to have identifying information within the bag itself so you can get it back faster.

If you are planning foreign travel, be prepared for emergencies, like possibly losing your U.S. passport. The US Department of State uses the site (usembassy.state.gov)and affords you contact and location information for the US Embassy and Consulate within the country you are visiting. Take this important stuff along with you on the trip. You shouldn’t have any trouble that way.

As soon as you can, find out if you need a visa for entry to the country that you plan to visit. Make sure to get your applications in early, since paperwork can take awhile to process. Without the right paperwork, you could be prevented from entering your destination country.

Before you travel, make budgeting easier by finding out about currency exchange rates beforehand. Knowing monetary values before you leave will help you create a trip itinerary that does not deplete your funds. You will have more fun this way.

If you plan on renting a car, check your auto insurance policy. The rental car company may try and sell you insurance that you don’t need. Typically, insurance policies cover third party liability, at least in part. Look at your policy coverage before leaving home, as you could save money over time.

Making your travel arrangements online is now easier than ever before. When you visit a good travel site, you can plan an excellent itinerary quickly and easily. You are able to reserve hotels, rental cars, and flights online. When using the computer, you can see both reviews and pictures of all available hotels in an instant. Travel sites also offer great deals for planning your trip, including discounts for last minute travel.

By using these tips, you can travel smarter and have a smooth journey. No matter where you’re going or how you get there, thinking about how much money you’ve saved will add to your travel enjoyment.