A collection of tips on how to begin traveling smarter and safer makes the perfect starting point for a beginner to begin planning their own trips a bit easier. The tips below can ease new travelers into becoming traveling pros.

If you have a child, keep a color photo of him or her in your wallet in case they get lost. A lost child is one of the most frightening things a parent can face. It can happen to even the most diligent parents. If you have a picture of your child on you then this can come in handy if they ever end up getting lost.

When traveling on an airplane, don’t rely on the airline for any of your comfort needs, even if it’s an international flight. Bring anything you need to keep yourself entertained and comfortable. It is also wise to bring some snacks, so you will have food that you enjoy eating if you are hungry.

Sign up to receive emails for watching travel prices. That way, you can enter your favorite destinations and receive updates on prices and offers. When the hotel price or airfare goes down to the price you pick, the website will alert you of the change through email. You will not have to worry about checking the rates daily.

First thing to do when you get into your hotel room is to check the alarm clock. Whether the previous occupant was a very early riser, or the kids thought it would be a fun prank to set the alarm to scare the next occupant, you don’t want to be rudely awakened. Waking up at the time of your choice is ideal for your vacation.

Get a door stopper for additional safety when you stay in a hotel. Many countries do not offer the security you need when staying in a hotel room. If your door lacks a deadbolt or chain beyond the main door lock, place one of these small, wedge-shaped doorstops under the door before bed.

Get a good workout in before leaving on a flight. It’s boring having to sit through a long flight. Your body can become cramped and uncomfortable. Stretching beforehand, or doing some quick warm-up routines can help keep aches and leg cramps at bay.

These products are overpriced and the space saved is not worth it. Try to fold your clothes more efficiently with methods such as bundle packing. Using these can help you find some extra space in your luggage.

Rush Hour

Try to avoid hitting rush hour when planning a road trip. It’s better to just take a break than to drive in rush hour traffic on vacation. This can be the optimal time to go grab a bite.

Sometimes you wind up in a less than nice hotel. If you aren’t happy with your hotel, take along a doorstop. You can use this under your room door overnight in conjunction with the chain and lock. It is relatively easy for an intruder to compromise a chain or lock, but it will be almost impossible to get into a room that is secured with a doorstop.

Before traveling, verify that your passport is not going to expire soon. Some countries have very specific rules regarding passports, including when they expire. If your passport expires soon, many countries will refuse you entrance into their country. As long as the passport is not set to expire within the next six months, you should be fine for most countries; however, certain countries require eight months, or even up to one year.

Take a look at the currency rates in advance. If you know how far a dollar goes, you get a good idea of how much you can spend at your destination, which will help you save money. You’ll eliminate a large part of the stress of traveling that way!

See if you can get the local rate at a hotel when traveling. Many hotels offer local deals in order to fill empty rooms. You could contact anyone you know who lives in that area and ask them to find out if there are any special deals for local people. You can save a lot this way.

When you plan to stay in a hotel, bring some candles along. The candle will make the room smell better and feel more like home. The light from it creates a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. It could even relax you enough to help ease you into sleep. Many candles now come in small sizes, and wax that melts away instead of creating a waxy drip.

If you go on a cruise, use formal dinners to chat with fellow passengers. Many ships seat you at a large table with people you are unfamiliar with. Enjoy yourself and have a good time meeting new folks. You’ll be running into them daily, and may learn some things regarding the ship also.

When you’re planning a vacation, always take the weather into consideration. Make sure you look at the weather forecast for your intended destination. Freezing rain on a Florida beach, or unseasonal sunshine on an Aspen ski trip, will ruin the best laid travel plans.

Consider using E-tracking when it is available on a travel site. This can keep you updated on the cheapest travel methods. It will send you an email if a flight you booked or are watching lowers in price.

When taking a plane, have your child sit in the window seat, if you can. Make sure they are on the inside. You don’t want their fingers getting caught by a passing cart. They are also less likely to attempt running if they do not have easy access to the aisle.

Now you have a wonderful start on your next vacation. These tips were constructed with new travelers in mind on how to start planning trips in a safe and smart way.