MAIN Travel Planning Your Trip

As the wise man once said, "No unplanned trip goes well!".

As seasoned travelers will tell you, planning your vacation ahead often reduces stress later.

Learning key phrases in a foreign language, deciding which streets to include in your walking tour, or which route to take if you're planning a road trip — are all exciting preludes to the real adventure.

Another good reason to plan ahead? Saving money! Take time to find out when's the best time to take advantage of cheap airfares, or scout out deals at cheaper hotels located just outside major tourist areas.

Don't forget the paperwork. Find out if you'll need a passport, entry permits or Visas for your destinations. Will you need a rental car, health or auto insurance for your destination? Make sure to take care of these details with plenty of time to spare in order to keep the fun alive and avoid the stress of last minute problems.

Having said all that, for some travelers planning simply centers around what to put in the suitcase... and that's fine. If you find yourself in that group, just try to remember that there are very few places in the world where you can't pick up toothpaste or shampoo if you leave your supply home.

Medications are important, but a phone call can usually take care of getting a new prescription even if you do forget to bring yours.

If the weather takes an unexpected turn, you can always pick up a few items in a local store that match the climate.

Around the Web, find out what else you should know before you take off. Everything from passports, visas and exchange rates to proper travel etiquette...and what to pack ...

More travel planning tips & advice around the Web;

Epinions: Travel - A rich source of info from real people who've been there and done that, offering insider reviews on worldwide destinations, hotels, tours, car rentals, cruises and much more.

Travelite FAQ - Expert advice on what to pack from clothes and toiletries to appliances and adapters, plus luggage tips and recommendations, related links and resources.

SeatGuru.com - So...where are you sitting? Really useful interactive diagrams of all the most common airplanes used by American, Delta, Continental and most other major carriers together with advice on where not to sit.

HolidaysGo: Weather - Actually this is holiday weather and much more. The links to sites with detailed weather information are good but check the other useful information as well - including a worldwide ATM finder, currency converter, passport and visa info. Distinctly British focus.

Tourist Offices - The best place to find out about the current attractions in any specific town or country in the local office of tourism. Worldwide listings - 1306 at last count - make getting brochures and detailed information easy.

workpermit.com - If you love it so much you want to stay, here's extensive info and regulations, applications and guides to obtaining work permits and visas in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and worldwide.

also see feature article -> New Year's Resolution - Take a Vacation!

Pet Friendly Vacation Planning | Planning a Road Trip with Kids

also see in Business -> Business Travel

also see -> Planning a Cruise | Family Travel Planning

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