If you have ever had one of those trips where everything went wrong and you were totally scatterbrained, we have a few tips for you. This article is just what you need to get your vacation head on straight and plan the trip of your dreams: one that is hassle free.

When traveling abroad, you should make sure to carry a photocopy of your passport and other important documents in a separate location from the originals. Having a copy of your passport will greatly speed up the process for getting it replaced at the local U.S. consulate or embassy. You may also want to leave a copy with a friend at home.

If you are traveling overseas, always have local currency in a variety of denominations. It is much easier to be ripped off by a taxi driver or shopkeeper if the smallest bill in your wallet represents a week’s or even month’s profit. Small change can sometimes be difficult to come by, so hang onto your coins when you get them.

You have several insurance options when traveling. When you book a trip, you should decide, first of all, what kind of traveler you are and your appetite for risk, and then determine which policy or policies you should purchase to cover contingencies on your trip. The sooner you make these insurance decisions after booking, the less money you will pay and the more options you will have. You may buy trip cancellation insurance, a popular option; insurance against loss of your luggage; insurance against medical emergencies; or even weather contingency insurance.

If you are traveling road-trip style and you have a smart phone, try downloading apps such as GasBuddy so you can look up what gas stations have the cheaper prices before you get into town. Spending 10-11 cents more per gallon can add up to quite a lot of extra cash that you could be spending elsewhere.

When you’re taking a trip that requires a passport or any type of paperwork for that matter, make sure that you have a second copy available. Go to your local photocopy shop and make a copy of all of your documents. This is a great way to stay safe, even if you lose your original documents or if they are stolen.

Rental cars come in all colors and all models. The problem is that they all look basically the same! Make sure you note your car’s precise location before you leave it in a parking lot to go into a large discount store or anywhere else where it could be lost in the sea of other cars.

Be sure to put identification information inside your luggage in addition to the normal luggage tag. Make sure that this is on the inside as anyone can tear off tags on the outside. Put your ID inside your luggage so it can be returned to you if it is lost.

Sometimes the cleanliness of the linens in your hotel room is questionable. Rather than risk it, use your t-shirt as a pillowcase. After a long day of business meetings or sightseeing, turn your shirt inside out and use it over the hotel pillowcase. You can wash your shirt later, and it’s infinitely more appealing than putting your face on suspicious linens.

If you are traveling to a foreign country and are not fluent in the language, make sure you can always arrive safely back at your lodging by carrying its name, phone number and address with you. Use a piece of hotel stationery or a business card or matchbook labeled with the appropriate information, or write it on a piece of paper. If you get lost, simply show the information to a taxi driver, and, before you know it, you’ll be back at home base.

Pack a multi-tool knife in your luggage. The scissors can cut through zip ties, and the corkscrew is perfect for impromptu wine tastings. When you reach your destination and unpack, make sure this multi-purpose tool goes with you wherever you go. Don’t put it in your carry-on though, as the airline won’t allow it on your person in flight.

When taking a cruise, your health should be your number one priority. Before you depart, speak with your doctor about the trip you are planning on taking and any extra medication you may need. Let your doctor know the ports your cruise ship will visit and all modes of transportation you may encounter. Your doctor can offer advice on where you can obtain medical care as well as where you can get a prescription filled in an emergency.

If you have a smartphone, contact your carrier before you leave to find out options on international use. You may be able to pay a fee for the ability to use you phone in a foreign country that would otherwise have been either restricted or very expensive to use.

When you decide to travel and want to make the most out of your time away from home, spend time now doing your research. Get a feel for what you are going to want to do at your destination. Make your reservations and dinner plans ahead of time to minimize hassle.

When traveling alone, it is a good idea to speak to strangers, especially if you have never been in your destination before this trip. You can find out many interesting and wonderful facts and things to do and see during your visit, from a stranger. This can really make your trip more interesting.

Enjoy some down time while you’re on vacation. Everyone who travels thinks it is essential to see and do everything. Trying to fit it all in can get stressful though, and might make you enjoy your vacation less. Fit in some time for a nap or movie each day and you will all have more fun during the planned activities.

Do you feel calmer now? Hopefully you have found this information to be helpful and informative. Now you can make those travel plans with the confidence that you need to know this will be a great trip. You work hard and deserve to take a break. Go make it happen.