Bring some Travel Books
Get yourself some travel books to know all the best spots, cheapest restaurants, best food, places to stay, and hundreds of insights about your destination. You may want to photocopy the pages of travel books relevant to the area you are visiting rather than taking the entire book with you to cut down on weight. 

Bring a Dictionary
Get a language translation dictionary and carry it with you. You will find it useful. 

Notify Family, Friends and Relatives
Before leaving on a trip, make sure that you give all travel information to your family and close friends. If anything should happen while travelling, multiple people know where you are and have a better chance of getting a hold of you and others who might need to reach you. 

Find Local Friends
If you have friends staying in the city you are about to visit, why not give them a ring? If they live there, they should have some good tips for you. 

Do you have a valid Visa/proper travel documents?
Has your passport expired? So many people neglect this simple task to check. Also renew your visa or apply for one before departing.  Make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your date of travel. A large majority of countries insist that your passport be valid for at least that time period or a year. Make a copy, in case you lose it while on vacation, you can send the copy to your Embassy. 

Learn some Native Language
Learn a few essential terms in the native language of the country you are travelling to. For instance, if you are going to a Chinese speaking country "ni hao" means "hello" and "xie xie" means "thank you". Your trip will be more enjoyable in learning a new language and culture. 

Use your own Padlocks
Use your own padlocks instead of the padlocks supplied with suitcases. It is usually safer. Remember to keep the key(s) in your carry-on luggage

Another Way to Identify your Luggage
Tie a colorful ribbon on each of your bags for quick identification at the baggage claim. Many people just use colourful straps which can be bought at many of the luggage shops in and around airports, or for a cheaper alternative use some tape.

Where's my luggage?
Make sure when you check in that you know exactly where you need to collect your luggage, this is normally your final destination, however if you are changing airline half-way then it is highly likely you will need to collect it at the changeover point, and check it in again with your ownward airline.

Photocopy your Identifying Documents
Photocopy all documents and cards and store it in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is ever stolen, you will know exactly what you have lost and will have all the telephone numbers to call to cancel credit cards and the credit card numbers, etc. at your fingertips. 

Scan your Identifying Documents
Instead of photocopying all your important documents and carrying them with you, you can scan everything and email the scans to your email account as attachments. You can use a free web based email such as hotmail.com or yahoo.com so you can access your documents from anywhere in the world. 

Rent a cell Phone
You can rent a GSM (Global System for Mobiles) wireless phone before you leave your country. For a small amount of cash a day, you can have one phone, with one number that will work in over 92 countries worldwide. These are great for the business traveler, families leaving the kids at home, or anyone who just wants to stay in touch. 

Convert your Cash
Convert some of your cash to the currency of the country you are visiting to get a better deal. If you have stopovers ensure that you have money in the currency local to your stopover points. If you are going to be in transit for any period of time, make sure you have some cash in a currency which is acceptable there, for example US Dollars are widely acceptable in most transit lounges in worldwide airports.


Departure Tax
Find out before you depart whether there is a departure tax, and how much it is. Some countries do charge a small fee and will not let you board your flight without first paying it. It is best to reserve an amount of cash, as credit cards and other forms of payment are not accepted. 

Arrange for Car Rental Collection
Reserve your car rental (if necessary) and arrange for collection in your arrival airport. 

Do you have an International Driving Licence?
Get an international driving license (if necessary). Many car rental services insist on an international driving license. 

Confirm your Reservations
Be sure your airline tickets and hotel reservation is confirmed, otherwise you may not have a reservation at all. 

Dietary requirements
Do you have special dietary requirements? If so ensure that your airline has the details and are able to comply, check again on check in, and once again when boarding, if you have any doubts about this take your own prepared (cold) foods just in case .

Use a Compartmented Kit
Use a compartmented kit that has a hook for hanging cosmetics, medications, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps etc. This will save space in your luggage bag and can easily be bought at travel stores. 
 

Red Flag Items
If you're planning on taking any sharp objects such as scissors or knives, then you should pack these in your suitcase NOT in your hand luggage. Also be aware that in some airports around the world any cigarette lighters may be confiscated.

First Aid Supplies
Pack some medicine and first aid supplies to fight off colds, flu, fever, upset stomach etc. 

Bring a Pen
Always take a pen with you. During the journey you might need to fill in customs formulations before landing. 

Wear a Sweater or Jacket
You may want to wear a jacket or sweater with you instead of packing it in your suitcase. You may need it in the airplane. In fact, this can reduce weight of your suitcase and maximize your space utilization. 

Bring some Films
If you are going to a popular tourist attraction, buy your film at home. This is definitely more convenient and saves cost. You might miss some beautiful spots while trying to get hold of films. 

Plastic Bags
Remember to bring some empty plastic bags. These can be very useful when packing used undergarments, dirty socks and etc. 

Bring an Extra Bag
Remember to bring an extra bag to pack your clothes for laundry. Sometimes you may want to consider taking an extra bag for your goodies if you're planning on doing lots of shopping on your travels.

Roll your Clothes
In order to save space and avoid wrinkles, the best way is to roll your clothes. 

Packing a Flashlight
When packing a flashlight, change the batteries around so that if the on switch is accidentally turned on, the flashlight will not go on. Upon needing the flashlight, just reverse the batteries into their correct position. 

Pack some Snacks
Carry some chocolates, breads or snacks with you when travelling so you are not forced to eat in expensive airport restaurants or snack stands. 

Important Stuff
- Passport
- Airline Tickets
- Cruise Tickets
- Hotel's Address
- Driver’s License
- Travel Books
- Dictionary
- Films
- Camera
- Watch
- Clock
- Spectacles
- Contact Lens
- Mobile Phone
- Phone Charger
- Wallet
- Purse
- Key
- Lock
- Key Chain
- Address Book

Stationeries
- Pencil Case
- Pens
- Pencils
- Sharpener
- Mechanical Pencil
- Lead
- Eraser
- Marker Pen
- Ruler
- Liquid Paper
- Hole Puncher
- Paper Clips
- Stapler
- Staples
- Scientific Calculator
- Calculator
- Scissors
- Highlighter
- Test Pads
- Geometry Set
- Long Ruler
- Folder
- Floppy Disk
- USB key
- Cellophane Tape
- Glue
Pen Knife
- File
- Printing Paper

Clothes
- Skirt
- Long Pants
- Short Pants
- Jeans
- Belt
- Shorts
- Blouse
- T-Shirt
- Tracksuit
- Sweater
- Briefs
- Panties
- Bras
- Socks
- Sport Shoe
- Leather Shoe
- High heel Shoe
- Slipper
- Clothes Hanger
- Swimming Suit
- Swimming Trunk
- Goggles
- Blanket
- Sleeping Bag

First Aid Supplies
- Painkillers
- Salt
- Mineral Bottles
- Thermometer
- Oil for Headache 
- Plasters
- Cough Drops
- Cough Sweets

Food and Accessories
- Cup
- Spoon
- Fork
- Mug
- Heater
- Drinks
- Coffee
- Biscuits
- Water
- Chewing Gum

Hygiene Supplies
- Towel
- Shampoo
- Body Shampoo
- Facial Cleanser
- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Facial Cream
- Razor
- Comb
- Facial Powder
- Powder
- Make-ups
- Lipstick
- Hair Clip
- Hair Band
- Rubber Band
- Nail Clipper
- Hair Oil
- Mirror
- Toilet Paper
- Tissues
- Sanitary Pads
- Napkins
- Handkerchief
- Washing Powder
- Body Lotion
- Perfume/Fragrance
- Facial Cotton

Others
- Umbrella
- Torchlight
- Batteries
- Walkman
- Discman
- Cassette Tape
- CDs
- Headphones
- Plastic Bags
- Batteries
- Business Cards

Hold your Mails and Newspapers
Hold your mails and newspapers or get your neighbor next door to collect it for you. 

Turn on your Security System
Set your timer to turn on lamps to show that someone is in the house at night even when you are away or turn on any security system that you have. 

Turn off your Home Appliances
Make sure your home appliances such as television and iron are turned off. It's often a good idea to unplug things that don't need to be plugged in while you're away 

Park your Car Safely
Park your car in the garage or a safe place. 

Notify your Neighbor
Notify your neighbor that you will be away, give them a set of spare key, and ask them for a favor to keep an eye on your house. 

Turn off your Hot Water Heater
Turn your hot water heater off or to the lowest setting. 

Unplug your Computer
Unplug all electrical items that do not need to be connected, also your modem from the telephone line. 

Water all Plants
Water all your plants. There is some commercial equipment out there that will help water your garden automatically when you are away to keep your plants healthy or at least not dry by the time you come home. 

Clear up your Refrigerator
If you will be travelling long, clear up all food in your fridge and turn it off. If it is going to be a short time, remember do not turn your fridge off, and if possible, clear up all meat before it rots in your fridge. 
 

Request for Maps
You can request brochures, maps, tourist attraction places, destinations, etc. from hotels if you did not bring any. 

Secure your Valuables
Keep your valuables in your handbag, not in your luggage bag. 

Keep Small Change
Always keep small change in your wallet and large amount of money in one of your handbag compartments. Strangers might be eyeing on you when you pull out a large amount of money from your wallet. 

Use Credit Card
Try to use your credit card instead of cash most of the time. You will find it a lot easier and avoid the hassle to convert the local currency. 

Queue for Taxis
Try not to take taxis that seemed to be hanging around. Try to travel with hotels taxis, limousines or queue for taxis instead. 

Secure your Passport
Do not carry your passport around everywhere you go. You may leave the passport in the hotels electronic safe. 

Confirm your Return Flight
Confirm your return flight few days before the end of your scheduled travelling. 

Prepare your Address Labels
You may want to pre-address labels for those people whom you plan to send a postcard. Then, you do not have to spend time addressing your destination, where there are so many more interesting things to do. 

How to Carry your Money
Bras with removable pads are great for carrying money. Just remove the pads and slip the money inside the pockets. 

Another Tip to Carry Money
Roll up your money and put it in a tampon tube. Not any are willing to invade such intimate privacy to find it. 

How to Carry Earrings
Pack your earrings in one of those lipstick carriers with the little mirror in it. This way, your earrings are easier to find. 

Avoid Strangers
While travelling alone, do not become too friendly to everyone for your own safety. Bring a great book and headphones with you to keep you company. 

Another Tip to Avoid Strangers
If you are travelling alone and do not want any company, in a train or bus, try placing a handbag, coat or jacket on the window seat and sit on the outside seat. If you are in a bar restaurant, place your coat on the back of the seat opposite to make it look as if you have company. 

Try not to Wear Sexy Clothes
Do not wear clothes that make you stand out. Try to stay away from anything provocative. 

Wear Appropriate Clothes
If you are travelling to a foreign country, be sure to check on their local customs. For example, do not travel to a Muslim country wearing hot shorts and a tank top. 

Safety Precaution
If you decide to rent a car, lock the doors, hide any road maps visible and remove advertising stickers on the car before driving to keep yourself safe. 

Leave your Hotel Room Lights On
At the hotel, try not to get a room on the main floor, do not use the stairs, leave the lights, television or radio on when you are not in the room and never expose your room key anywhere. 

Avoid Carrying Bottles
Cutting down on the amount of bottles and cosmetics that spill is always important. 

Bring a Sarong
Always bring a sarong on trips. It can be used as a sheet, towel, skirt, dress, headdress, beach cover-up, curtain, etc. 

Bring Panty Liners
Instead of packing lots of underwear, a small box of panty liners will save lots of space. 

Shaving
If you need a shave desperately and shaving cream is expensive where you happen to be, the cheapest and indeed the best is available over the counter from pharmacies - aqueous cream, alternately if you're really stuck shampoo works wonders. 

How to Carry your Tie
Roll your ties backwards and very tightly round two of your fingers, starting from the narrow end and finishing with the wide. Then secure by rolling a sock over each one, separately. This method will keep the ties from getting creased, and will even remove that annoying twist. 

For Easier Identification
On a crowded city street with a large tour group, carry a large patterned umbrella so that your family members can trace you easily. 

Secure your Wallet
Make sure you always keep your wallet in a front trouser pocket since the front of your thighs are more sensitive, it is more difficult for the pickpocket to get it out without you knowing. You can also place a thick rubber band around your wallet to ensure that you will feel it if someone is picking your pocket.