Whether you have booked a trip out of town, out of the state, or even out of the country, there is a good chance that you will benefit from the useful advice found in this selection of handpicked travel tips. From packing your bags to shopping for souvenirs, enjoy these tips.

Dress in layers and you are sure to be ready for any weather. Weather can be unpredictable, especially if you are visiting an unfamiliar place. By having several layers of clothing, you can add or remove pieces depending on the temperature. This is especially useful for all day adventures which start in the cool morning but warm up later in the day.

To avoid any awkward confrontations, do some research if you are traveling to a foreign nation. This includes looking up standard phrases such as “thank you,” “how much” and “how are you.” You should also look around for standard customs of the country, such as gestures, so that you can avoid offending anyone with gestures or body language that seem normal to you.

When selecting a location to travel to, there is no better source of information than a fellow traveler. Other travelers with similar needs and plans, can tell you what destinations are must-sees and what areas you should try to avoid. No guidebook can replace the first-hand experience of another person or family.

Try using bubble wrap when packing. There is a good reason things get mailed in bubble wrap. It keeps fragile objects very safe. When you travel, your luggage goes through a process very similar to being sent via the postal service. Bubble wrap isn’t difficult to come by and is a great choice when packing breakable possessions.

Label everything with your information. If you have chargers, power strips, keys, or anything other small items that tend to get lost, put your contact information on it. An easy way to do this is to make a tag out of masking tape, and write your name and phone number on it. Or, you can use a Sharpie.

Be aware of the opportunity to get travel credit and continue to watch the price of your flight even after you make your reservation. Many major airlines will give you a credit for future travel if the price of your flight goes down after you have purchased your ticket. You could save money on a future vacation by being aware of the price fluctuations.

Buy American souvenirs to barter overseas. Stop at a local dollar store and pick up small souvenirs like postcards, t-shirts, and tiny replicas of famous landmarks. Foreigners love these trinkets, and they will go out of their way to get them. Bring them along and use them to get a souvenir that you have always wanted.

Carry an over-the-door shoe organizer with you when you are traveling. Staying organized in a hotel room is very difficult. A shoe organizer is extremely helpful because you can put your toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, aspirin and other items in it. If you have a clear organizer, you will be able to see where everything is at a glance.

Don’t fold your clothes when you pack – roll them. Rolling your clothes into tight cylinders is much more space efficient when packing a suitcase. You will be able to fit more items in your suitcase, which is very important now that airlines charge hefty fees for each bag checked.

If you are traveling overseas, search for restaurants that have menus in the local language. These establishments typically have inexpensive food that tastes great, and they provide a glimpse into the culture of the area. These restaurants normally won’t be in the middle of all the tourist traps, so you might have to look around a little.

To make the most of your travel budget, as well as your home budget, avoid taking it all with you. Taking too much money on a trip can quickly affect how the six months after the trip will go. Do not forget that you will have to return to the real world.

If you are traveling to a country where you do not know the local language, make sure to bring a translator. This is especially important when ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, or trying to have a conversation with the locals. If you can, try to learn basic words before you leave on your trip.

Bring your camera, wallet and other valuables wherever you go. For instance, if you are visiting a beach when on vacation, do not leave your belongings on the sand if you go in the water. This makes it very easy for anyone to steal your possessions when you are not looking.

Check over your homeowner’s insurance policy and your credit card insurance policy to see if your baggage is covered during travel. If it is covered under either of these policies you can exclude it from your travel insurance policy to save a bit of money and may make the claim process easier.

Go easy on the alcohol. Many people like to have a small drink when they are traveling by plane to relax them, but remember that alcohol will dehydrate you and can alter your perceptions. If you chose a larger alcoholic drink, you could arrive at your destination tired and grumpy, or even worse, too drunk to collect your own baggage and find your way to your accommodation.

Don’t travel with valuables. Not only could they get lost or stolen and cost a lot of money to replace, but if you carry valuables visible on your person, your personal safely could be put in danger from thieves. So, it is best to leave jewelry, expensive watches, designer handbags, antiques, etc. at home.

It does not matter if your destination is Paris, Texas or Paris, France; a perfectly planned travel itinerary and lodging arrangements can make all the difference in your stay. Use the information that you have just read in these tips as part of your smooth and stress-free, memorable vacation.