1. When traveling with your mate, put half of your clothes in each others luggage just in case one of the pieces is lost by the airline.

2. While  withdrawing money from an ATM, try to use a machine outside a bank and make sure the bank is OPEN. If the machine eats your card you can then go inside and retrieve it. 

3. Remember that in most countries, credit cards are considered as 'Live Currency', so do remember to mention you are bringing these into the country of travel if asked by the customs officials. This will help you avoid trouble with countries that are strict with the rules of money importation. 
 
4. Pack a heavy duty plastic sack and some brown packing paper and tape, then mail your soiled laundry home the day before you leave your travel destination. You'll arrive home before it does, and it makes your luggage so much lighter to carry! 

5. For tourists traveling to the US - be sure to develop your film while still in the States! It's MUCH cheaper than developing it in Europe, and be sure to ask for multiple copies. It's cheaper than getting re-prints. This may take some room in your luggage, but you'll save a lot of money! 

6. If suffering from a headache during traveling, try massaging lavender aromatherapy oil where the pain is - it works wonders! 

7. If you shop at touristy places, bear in mind that tour guides/operators who take their visitors to these types of shops all get a commission on purchases for the clients they bring to the venue. This generally represents 10% of the purchase price. Effectively, this means that all these venues cost the extra 10% into their selling price. There is no harm in you, as a tourist to a foreign land, asking for this as a discount for yourself if you travel on your own - or even asking your tour guide to arrange his commission to be turned into a discount for you. Remember YOU are paying for this anyway and it is your money being slurped up so be big and bold enough to ask for it. This has never failed me in the past. 

8. Combating Dry Hotel Air - In cold and dry climates, like the prairie provinces or states - Canada and USA, air in hotel rooms becomes very dry. This creates static electricity and difficult sleep due to dry nose and mouth passages. Before going to bed, I sprinkle an ice-bucket of water around the carpet in areas where I am not likely to walk if I rise during the night. By morning, the carpet is dry, but the air is moist and much more comfortable. 

9. In a hotel room, split your cash in 4 and hide it in different suitcases and places, so that if you get robbed, you always have something left. 

10. Usually hotel beds are equipped with an extra sheet, in case of children having bladder problems during the night, or for other reasons. This sheet is located near the bottom, and if removed can make a night's sleep in a hot hotel much more pleasant, stopping you waking up hot and sticky. 

11. Have a group journal and allow everyone in your group to write in it. It is interesting to read each person's viewpoint. Be sure to make copies of the journal for everyone when you get home. 

12. If you are planning to try your hand at scuba diving, know that you must have your lungs checked by a physician first. Save time by having the exam before you leave, and take the lessons when you arrive! 

13. The air in the hotel room can be very dry, especially during the winter season in European countries (from my experience). Therefore, wet a few towels and place them on the bedside table next to where you are sleeping to increase the moisture in the air. 

14. Keeping track of currency, especially coins, when visiting several countries can be a problem. To help, I always place coins from the previous country visited in an envelope when leaving so as to not mix them with coins from the next country.
When arriving in the new country, I try to obtain coins of different denominations so that I can study them and learn the difference. Then before I set out, I count how much money I have in coins - so that if I buy a less expensive item I will know if I have enough coins to pay, or for more expensive items if coins can be combined with notes to pay. This helps speed up the transaction, plus helps prevent accumulating large amounts of coins. Also, I always try to have a few smaller notes to pay for the less expensive items. A vendor really doesn't want to get a $100 note to for a $1 item. 

15. Take a wide spectrum antibiotic with you and something to stop diarrhea. Ask your doctor to prescribe. 

16. After using a roll of film, number the roll and the canister (1, 2, 3, etc.) with a permanent marker. This is helpful in knowing which rolls have been used. Then when having the film developed, write the number on the envelope. This will keep the photos in chronological order - which helps in identifying photos based on your itinerary. Numbering video tapes is a good idea, too. 

17. When on a long, multi-stop trip, take a photo of that part of your itinerary before heading out for sightseeing. Then, when the pictures are returned, you'll know exactly from which part of your journey they were taken - that day's/location's itinerary will precede each set of pictures. 

18. When entering a hotel/hostel room for the first time, run the shower for a few minutes, without you being there. This will get rid of any build-up of spores that cause Legionnaires disease. 

19. Remember, all medications and vitamins must be in original containers when traveling overseas. You can get your pharmacist to label small bottles, to put just enough medication in for your trip. Always carry these in your carry-on. Also, carry a couple of days extra supply of medication in case you are delayed coming back. You should always pack 2 sets of clothes in your carry-on also. 

20. One in 200 suitcases are lost. Make sure you know the type and color of your luggage, in case it is necessary to fill out a report. A better idea is to take a picture of your luggage with you. It makes for easier identification. 

21. Anything with batteries will set off the alarm in security. Make sure they get packed in your carry-on. For instance, camera batteries, etc.

22. Trouble sleeping on a plane: chamomile tea in warm milk is a good remedy. 

23. When traveling with family or friends, split up jobs. Don't do everything yourself and avoid doubling up. For example, if someone is better at using a video camera, 'assign' that duty to that person. Same is true for taking still photos, journaling, or audio taping. This cuts down on how much each person carries (good tip when on tours). When you get home, it is easy to make copies of the tapes, have multiple prints made at time of developing (usually cheaper, too, then getting reprints), and photocopying journal pages. 

24. I keep a separate bank account just for travel and vacations. I fund it with any 'extra' money (dividends, tax refund, my change jar, garage sale proceeds, etc.) and I have a VISA check card for the account. When traveling, I carry $200-$300 cash and keep the check card in a safe place. It can be used as a VISA for purchases or as an ATM card for cash withdrawals on a daily basis. They usually have a limit of $500 cash withdrawal daily - helps you keep track of how much you are spending and if you get your pocket picked, you won't lose your entire vacation fund. ATMs are everywhere these days, especially airports. Also keeps me from being tempted to spend more than I have allotted for each vacation. 

25. When traveling, and going out and about on day trips, always ensure you carry at least 1 bottle of water. It is very easy to get dehydrated while busy doing other things, especially if they are strenuous activities such as hiking, cycling or even shopping (!!) - and a drink of cool water on hand can be a God-send. 

26. I travel with a waterproof wallet that can be purchased at a scuba dive shop. I wear this under my clothes, and carry money, ID, etc. This keeps my valuables close to me, it is very difficult to pickpocket, and it is great for the beach/pool. .  

27. Carry your purse close to your body - don't let it dangle. Carry your wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket.  

28. One great way to take your 100 dollar bills (besides the money belt) is: the inside part of the jeans where the belt is supposed to be has a little chamber. With a knife cut an opening and now you can roll your bills up and put them inside. I found it's not very comfortable when trying to use your bills, but sure is a safe place. I have been mugged twice traveling in Asia and I still have my money! 

29. Immunizations Before You Go - There are an amazing amount of shots that you can get to ensure you won't get sick or get a disease. Check the website below and type your location in the 'travel health' section. 

30. Before traveling, scan your documents (passport, travelers, identity and vaccination card) and send them to your email address. In case of problem you can print them everywhere in any cyber café in the world. 

31. All travelers should have their own passports. Although passports are not currently required in all countries, some have stopped accepting birth certificates alone or baptismal certificates as proof of citizenship, because they do not have photos on them. In the event of a missing or injured member of your party, the information in the passports will be of help to the authorities immensely.

32. Take a flashlight with you on your trip and keep it on the nightstand in your hotel room during the night. A battery operated smoke detector and a roll of duct tape can save your life in the event of a hotel fire. The duct tape is to block vents and door cracks if you are ever trapped in a hotel room during a fire.