Traveling abroad? Make sure to pack a passport holder! These nifty devices are slim, discreet, and very useful to protect yourself against pickpockets. You can slip your passport and money into the small pouch, and wear it under a sweatshirt or t-shirt so no one is able to get to it on the street. American passports are worth a lot of money on the black market in many other countries, so better to be safe than sorry!

When traveling, carry your own GPS unit and program it for all of the stops you will be making. Doing this can save you the time it takes to constantly look up addresses and review maps. You also won't find yourself stopping to ask for directions nearly as often.

You will want to buy souvenirs. Be aware that many items pose as souvenirs, meaning they are not that unique and made in other countries. You could probably find the same stuff back home. In other words, be on the lookout for the truly unique souvenirs that you would like to take home with you.

Buy a bag to keep your personal items all in one place. This is usually done so that you can be more organized when you travel to a new place, you might not necessarily always have the things that you require, such as an ID, money, or a passport. The one drawback to this bag idea is if you are very forgetful you might lose all of your personal items at once.

If you're packing your laptop for work or recreation while you travel, bring along an A.V. cable as well. Many hotels offer both free high speed Internet and a large HDTV in your room. If you've got an A.V. cable, you can plug your computer right into the HDTV and view your online content right on the large screen.

When planning a road trip, don't forget to budget for the cost of fuel. While many other costs can be easily calculated in advance, the cost of gas is more difficult to figure, and can also add up surprisingly quickly. Online gas calculators can show you where the cheapest prices are and help you get an idea of what you'll be spending.

As was mentioned earlier in this article, the success of a trip is often determined before you even leave. Keep the helpful hints you read here, in mind, as you prepare for your next journey. With this advice at your disposal, you're likely to create trips that you return from, with smiles.

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