Planning a trip can be exciting, but also overwhelming and costly. From ensuring your documents are in order to packing light, a little preparation can go a long way in making your travel smoother, safer, and more affordable. Whether you're heading overseas or just out of town, these smart travel tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your time away.

Book midweek flights

If you can, start and end your travel midweek when airfare tends to be cheaper. The airport will also be less crowded, which is a nice bonus that can reduce some of the usual stress that comes with traveling.

Buy travel insurance

Be protected in case something goes wrong during your trip by having travel insurance. This can be anything from lost luggage, medical emergencies, stolen items, or cancellation fees if you need to cancel for reasons beyond your control. Having insurance can be the difference between a ruined trip and having the funds to book another one.

Enroll in STEP

If you're planning a trip abroad, consider enrolling in STEP, the government's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It is a free service that allows Americans to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can quickly contact them in an emergency, like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency. With STEP, you can receive safety and security alerts for your chosen country. This can also be helpful if you have loved ones living abroad. Click here to learn more and enroll.

Pack light and smart

Pack only a carry-on to make your movements easier and avoid unnecessary baggage fees or lost/damaged luggage. Think about what you will actually use during your trip, and don't bring any "just in case" items. If you need something you didn't bring, your vacation spot should have what you need. Pack layers and multi-use clothing that you can mix and match in packing cubes with a compression function to save space and make unpacking easier.

Always have access to your travel documents

You don't want to be in a position where you lose any of your important travel documents and can't retrieve the information. Before you leave on your trip, scan or take photos of anything important, like your passport, travel insurance information, hotel reservations, and tickets, and email them to yourself. Also, make copies of these documents, keep a set on you during travel, and place sets in your checked bags. Having a set in your checked bag can help the airline get your bag to you in case it is lost.

Ready your cell phone and bank cards

If traveling abroad, consider how you will get cell phone coverage. Talk to your provider to see if they have options to add coverage abroad. Otherwise, consider buying either a local SIM card when you arrive or an e-SIM while you're still in the US. If you plan to buy a local SIM card, make sure your phone has a spot for a second SIM card; otherwise, you'll have to swap your existing SIM card out while you're away, effectively removing your US phone number from use. Download any translation and available rideshare apps and consider adding emergency phone numbers to your contacts, like your hotel's front desk, a taxi service, and the nearest US embassy.

For your credit and debit cards, some banks still require that you inform them of your travel so your cards won't be locked for fraud. Check to see if that's the case with your bank. Also, if traveling abroad, it's generally best to choose the local currency when paying by card rather than US dollars. This is because your bank's exchange rate will likely be more favorable than what the merchant or ATM might offer. If you choose the local currency, your bank will handle the conversion, and you'll often avoid unexpected fees. 

Consider traveling in shoulder season

As travel guru Rick Steves suggests, traveling just before or right after peak season, aka "shoulder season," can reward you with fewer crowds, cheaper airfare and hotels, and pleasant weather. If you're flexible on when you can travel, combine this tip with flying mid-week, and you're sure to save money and see the sights with fewer tourists around.

Check your estate plan for accuracy

Has it been a while since you've updated your estate plan? Check who you have as your trusted professionals, trustees, and beneficiaries to ensure they reflect your current wishes. Are there any assets outside your estate plan that need to be added? Make any important changes to your estate plan before leaving on a trip in case anything happens to you.

Save offline maps

Before traveling, use Google Maps on your phone to download offline maps of your travel destination. This way, you won't have to rely on having any data or an internet connection to navigate. You can also use the map as a travel tool to mark down places you don't want to miss, like a restaurant or a museum. Hit "save" when viewing the location; you can make notes on each place and view all your saved items on your map and in list form.

Be smart about hotel location

Picking a hotel is not just about proximity to the top tourist spots and having the right amenities. Consider other factors to ensure you and your possessions are safe during your trip. Pay attention to the neighborhood – is it in an upscale neighborhood or a seedy downtown area? Would you be safe to walk around the area after dark? If you've never been to the city, do your homework before booking to ensure you're in a safe and comfortable spot.

Smart travel is all about preparation, flexibility, and awareness. With these tips in your toolkit, you'll be better equipped to enjoy a stress-free journey - saving money, staying safe, and making unforgettable memories along the way!

^{Sources:
https://www.smartertravel.com/hotel-safety-tips/
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