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 traveling in another country, be sure to clean your hands and under your fingernails often. Try not to touch your face, especially your eyes and mouth ,to prevent any bacteria or germs from getting in. This is especially important if you’re visiting a less developed country to avoid getting sick.

When traveling with a dog, remember that most pet supplies are better purchased at your destination. For example, unless your dog is on a special diet, buying a bag of dog food when you arrive is easier than attempting to transport it. Bowls and other supplies are the same way.

When you travel, it’s tempting to try to pack activities into every spare minute. But you should also plan for some downtime. For example, a three-day weekend in New York City can be crammed with things to do, but why not build in a couple of hours’ ramble around Central Park? It will give you time to regroup, relax, and just enjoy being in your new surroundings.

If the hotel you’re staying in doesn’t offer free wifi, try asking for a room on the first or second floor. Most of the time in cities, there are tons of cafes around that offer free wifi and you can pick those signals up when you’re on the lower floors.

Talk to your bellman. The man who helps carry your bags to your room is usually one of the most informed people in the hotel. He can tell you the best and worst places to eat, drink, and be merry or relax. Tipping him can bring you a wealth of information, so don’t be stingy!

Hostel living is a great way to travel. You can stay at hostels all over the world as you travel in continent or abroad. Most will allow you to stay for free, while others charge an extremely small fee or have you work a bit for room and board while living there.

If you want to adjust quickly to an unfamiliar time zone, don’t allow yourself to fall asleep until nighttime locally. Though you may be exhausted, succumbing to sleep earlier than you should may end up making your jet lag worse because you have not allowed your body to recalibrate. Adjusting to local time is best way to defeat the effects of jet lag.

Before you go to your destination, try to find coupons online. These coupons can be for hotels, restaurants, shopping, and other recreational activities. Finding and printing coupons online can help you save large amounts of money. Make sure that the coupons are still valid and will not expire before you leave.

See what transportation options are available in the cities and towns you plan on staying during your trips. There may be no requirement that you opt for car rental. Many times public transportation is much cheaper and actually an easier method of traveling because of constant traffic congestion and the stress this brings.

Try to avoid jet lag during your trips by following these simple things. Start by resetting your watch before boarding your plane. Make sure that you stay incredibly hydrated before, during and after the flight. Try exercising and sleeping well days before your trip. Fly on morning flights if you cannot sleep on a plane. Seek and avoid light as you need it until your body adjust to the time differences.

Looking at airport websites can help you find deals on airfare that you might otherwise miss. The airport will list all the carriers that fly in and out of it, including any charter flights that won’t be listed by flight searches online. Also, be sure to check out low-cost carriers who may offer even lower fares.

Avoid iced drinks if you are traveling in an area with questionable water. Most people are aware that they should stick to bottled water in certain countries, but they often forget that a getting a soda or tea with ice is just as bad. Request your beverages sans ice to avoid potential stomach discomfort.

Get a doctor’s note to give to your insurance provider, that states that you are fit to travel if you have a pre-existing condition. Official documentation will go a long way with the insurance provider. If you have your wallet stolen while on vacation, go to the police report and get a written police report.

If you are headed to another country, do not make monetary exchanges at the airport. Given the convenience such exchanges offer, they tend to come at a high price. Before traveling, find banks that offer currency exchanges and you may get better rates.

Before you travel to a foreign country you should know if they accept American dollars, or if they don’t, what currency you need. You should be well aware of the current exchange rate because oftentimes foreign merchants will rip off Americans because they do not know the value of their money in the foreign country.

If you would like a quiet flight, try to sit as close to the front of the plane as you can. This is wear the noise is not so loud. Avoid the restroom and galley areas, as this is where the most noise tends to be. If you desire leg room, the seats in front of emergency exits are the best.

If you have never even traveled within your own country then you may want to hold off on going to a foreign country which speaks another language. There are some real skills associated with travel in general and you will want to develop the basic ones before you jump in head first.

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.