• Ask the ticket agent about senior-citizen rates.  Also ask if the fare quoted is the cheapest available and if the ticket is refundable.
• Inform the ticket agent of your dietary needs when making reservations.  Low-fat, low-sodium, vegetarian or other special meals must be ordered in advance.
• Request bulkhead seats when flying with small children.  This way the children will not disturb other passengers.
• Remove old flight-destination tags from your luggage.  Automatic scanners may send your bags to the wrong airport.  Indicate only your name and destination on the tag attached to the outside of your luggage.  Tape your office address, telephone number and itinerary inside each locked bag. 

• Pack light.  Pack essentials such as eyeglasses, jewelry and travelers’ checks in your two allowable carry-on bags.  A change of clothing and toiletries may come in handy if your luggage is delayed.  
• Never carry or check luggage or packages for strangers.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and birth certificate with you in case of loss or theft when traveling abroad. Write on the back the addresses of U.S embassies and consulates in countries you plan to visit.  Also bring extra passport photos.   Carry them in a different place other than with your actual passport.  
• Check whether you are entitled to a refund when you have been involuntarily bumped from a flight on which you have a confirmed seat.
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• Apply for a personal identification number (PIN) through your credit card company at least four weeks before your trip should you need access to extra cash overseas.
• Contact all credit card/debit card companies before you leave to inform them where you will be going so that they do not put a hold on funds due to transactions done in a different state or foreign country.  Many companies do this as a protective service but it becomes a hassle when you cannot access funds when you need them most.  
• Contact discount-travel companies for unsold space on cruises and package tours.  For a modest yearly fee, most offer great deals, but be prepared to take off on short notice.
• Pack plenty of tissues, personal-hygiene products, deodorant, a bar of soap, toothpaste.  These inexpensive items can cost more abroad or may not exist there.  
• Find out if your health insurance covers you on the road.  If the coverage is insufficient, ask your travel agent about comprehensive travel insurance.
• Request a room close to the elevator bank when staying alone at a hotel to avoid walking down long, isolated corridors.  Ask for a room change if you do not feel safe.  
• Check with your hotel’s concierge for tickets to shows, tours, local attractions and other events.  They will accommodate special requests and can even estimate the cost of a local taxi ride.  
• It is best to use a digital camera to avoid film damage.  All film is susceptible to being damaged in carry-ons and check-in luggage.  If you have to use a camera that uses film, buy film after you arrive and develop it before you leave.  
• When driving, pack sensitive equipment such as cameras, tape recorders and film in a small cooler with no ice.  This protects them from heat.
• Bring taped short stories and novels on long road trips.  
• Do not give easy to choke on items to children in car restraints.  You will not be able to rescue a child choking on cookies, grapes or toys with removable parts in time, especially if you are driving a stick shift or driving in the fast lane.  
• Find out if your personal auto insurance or credit card agreement covers rental-car accidents before you waive the rental company’s collision insurance.  
• Join a motor club such as AAA.  Membership can provide much more than emergency towing services.  The club will outline your driving route and provide information on state motor laws and it may entitle you to special discounts.  
• Wear less revealing attire in other countries, especially if you are not familiar with the language.  Dressing conservatively can help you avoid problems from harmless stares to harmful physical assault.
• Avoid ice cubes, crushed ice, uncooked vegetables, salads and fresh fruits with thin skins such as grapes and apples in countries where you should not drink the tap water.  Use bottled water for brushing your teeth and drinking.  
• Depending on your destination, check what immunizations you need before you travel.  Be sure to allow enough time before departure to make an appointment with your doctor.  Some immunizations require a series of shots or pills to take affect.  
• Carry medications in their original bottles to avoid security questions.  Carry them in your carry-on.  

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