Nothing is more fun than traveling. There are some basic things to know, whether you are traveling overseas or going on a road trip within your home state. The following advice will smooth the way toward terrific travel adventures.

Planning ahead is the number one rule of flying. Most major airports are situated in busy cities, so driving to an airport can take a very long time during periods of heavy traffic. Make sure to have your luggage packed and waiting on the night before you leave. Before your travel day, make sure all of your preparations are taken care of. Nothing is worse than missing your flight.

When packing for your next trip, be sure to bring clothespins. Although many people do not usually pack them, clothespins can be helpful.

Let a family member have access to the travel itinerary you will be following. This is a great tip because it ensures that a non-traveler is always aware of what you are doing. Also, stay in touch with that person for safety’s sake. This provides you with a level of protection.

United States

When traveling internationally, it is a good idea to prepare for unexpected events, like misplacing your passport. The United States You can find this at the United States Department of State which has useful information in case you need to know what to do for a lost passport or some other emergency. Bring the information along as you travel. A replacement for your passport can take a few days (or less), so be prepared if that will cause a delay.

Make sure that your passports are valid. Most countries have specific guidelines concerning expiration dates. Some countries won’t allow you to come to their country if your passport is about to expire. These range from 3 to 6 months, or could even reach 8 months to a year.

One of the first steps you should take is to find out if you need a visa to enter the country you plan on visiting. The processing time for travel visas can vary greatly, so it is recommended that you complete the application process well in advance of your departure date. Keep in mind that you can’t enter some countries without a valid visa.

Before you travel, make budgeting easier by finding out about currency exchange rates beforehand. 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. Doing this will ensure you properly plan your trip for the most amount of fun.

Car rental agencies require renters to be 18 years old. Now there are some companies where the age requirement to rent is 25 or older. A higher rate may be offered to you if you are not yet 25, and you may need to provide a credit card. Some cities don’t allow for the renting of cars to seniors. When you make your reservations, make sure you ask if they have any age restrictions.

When you cross time zones, you’re likely to suffer from jet lag. It can’t be avoided completely, but getting as much sleep as you can in the days preceding the flight will help. You should also try to sleep during the flight if possible.

You should now have a better understanding of the most fundamental travel concepts. While simple in nature, these travel tips will go a very long ways towards improving your trip. Just don’t forget to bring along a camera (or two!).