If you want to become an expert traveler, or even just make sure your future trips all go smoothly and efficiently, there are plenty of ways to transform any travel experience from a merely acceptable one to a great one. Read the below tips to find out how to make your trips effortless and enjoyable.

When travelling out of the country, make sure someone back home has a detailed copy of your itinerary. Make sure they know where you’ll be staying and have a way to contact you in case of an emergency. This is also good on the off case that something happens to you they can find you.

Although you can buy most first aid tools on your various travels, it is still a good idea to have a first aid kit in your bag. You will be well-served to pack some essentials like bandages, soap, aspirin or other pain relievers, cold medicine, prescription medicine, etc. You never know where or when you will need these items, so it’s a safe bet to keep them with you just in case.

Make use of social media when traveling and when planning your trip. Many blogs and online forums have first-hand reviews of the locations you’d like to visit, plus you can ask people directly about their experiences. In addition, if you use sites that allow you to update your status, your friends might have good suggestions on what to do next.

When planning a road trip, don’t forget to budget for the cost of fuel. While many other costs can be easily calculated in advance, the cost of gas is more difficult to figure, and can also add up surprisingly quickly. Online gas calculators can show you where the cheapest prices are and help you get an idea of what you’ll be spending.

When going on a trip, make sure to split up your bank cards, credit cards, checks and cash. Put them all into different hidden pockets of your purses and travel bags. Following this simple tip will ensure that if you do get robbed, you will not be stranded without any money.

Try to eat something very mild during the meal prior to your plane ride. You don’t want to feel nauseous or have to use the bathroom numerous times during the flight. A piece of toast for breakfast or a cup of soup for lunch would be a great option.

There are lots and lots of cruise lines offering fine travel packages in the Caribbean. Some are more memorable than others, though: Consider a barefoot windjammer cruise as an exciting alternative to a more modern, conventional cruise ship. Visiting the islands of the Caribbean powered along by wind and the tides is more romantic than steaming around them on a massive cruise liner.

When packing for a cruise, be sure to bring along a pair of slip-resistant rubber soled shoes. These will work when you are walking across wet, slippery decks, as well as for most of your shore excursions. The fewer pairs of shoes you can bring, the easier your luggage will be to store.

When traveling long distances by airplane, make sure to get up and walk around every hour or two to stretch your legs. Staying seated for too long can lead to medical issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so take a stroll up and down the aisle every once in a while.

To save money on your vacation, choose a hotel that offers rooms with an en-suite kitchen or kitchenette. Even a simple refrigerator can save you big bucks if, instead of paying for the pricy hotel breakfast buffet, you pick up some cereal, milk, and yogurt to eat in your room.

Learn the tipping culture for whatever countries you plan to visit. In some cultures, tipping is automatic, while in others, it does not exist. There are still a few cultures in which tipping is considered a great insult, so mind your manners by checking the customs. You do not want to insult your server.

It is possible to keep your diet in check when you travel and stay in a hotel. While you are at the hotel, skip the minibar. Also, if the hotel offers a Continental breakfast, stick to the healthier options such as, cereal, eggs and fruits. If your room has a refrigerator or microwave, it might be best to bring food from home that has the nutritional content that you are familiar with.

A great travel tip if you’re planning on going for a cruise is to ask to get a map of the ship. There are so many different levels and areas on cruise ships that it can get really easy to get lost. Having a map handy can keep you from getting lost.

If you have dry skin, turn the air vent away from you on the seat of the plane. Constant air against your face can lead to extremely parched skin, which will tarnish the way that you look. If you must use the air vent, be sure to apply moisturizer to your face.

Only have your money changed at reputable locations. It doesn’t matter if someone says they can get you a better rate down the block. If you don’t know where that down the block is stay where you are. Make sure to always keep your eyes on your money at all times.

To optimize your vacation every chance you get, always ask if you can get an upgrade. This is especially effective when you can clearly see that the airline, car rental company or hotel is not busy. During slow periods many of these establishments are happy to go the extra mile to please a customer when ample upgrades are available.

People who travel for a living learn to use a lot of little tips and tricks, like the ones above, to make sure all their trips are simple, pleasant experiences, whether they’re leaving home for a day or a month. With these insider tips, you’re well on your way to being an expert traveler, too.