The moment you step off the plane into a foreign country, a rush of adrenaline is bound to consume you. Not only are you in for an adventure and as appreciation for cultures other than your own, but you must be aware of safety and rules abroad as well. This article contains a multitude of travel tips to keep you safe while away from home.

When traveling by air, there is no longer any reason to carry a separate toiletries bag. All of your liquids and gels will need to fit into a Ziplock bag regardless. That bag will already be sealed, and will be smaller and lighter than any bag designated for the task.

If you are planning on flying or riding a long distance with school-age children, consider investing in a small portable DVD player. The least expensive ones can run as low as $75, and the peace of mind it buys you on that nine-hour international flight is more than worth the cost.

Your baggage can really weigh you down on a trip. Carefully consider your clothing choices. There’s no reason to take half of everything you own! Take clothing that you can easily rinse out in a bathroom sink, or in a bucket if the situation so demands. Make your choices mix and match, so a few items will be worn several items in different combinations.

If you are packing shoes for your next trip, it may be a hassle trying to keep everything odor- free and clean. A great way to ensure that your shoes won’t be trouble, place each pair into a grocery bag. Wrap your grocery bag around the shoes and it will keep your other items safe from picking up dirt and odor.

During your trip if you’re staying at many different hotels, you can rest assured there is an easy and cost effective gift you can give your friends as a souvenir. Collect all of the little samples such as shampoos, body washes, body lotions and coffee packets that hotels give out, put them in a basket and give them away as gifts to your friends. It makes a nice gift because it gives a taste of culture from different hotels and is cost effective to you for making a friendly gesture.

You should always arrive early to the airport when you are flying. It is so much less stressful knowing that you are checked in and through security with time to spare. It will give you time to use the restroom or grab a snack before the flight starts boarding.

When traveling in remote areas by car there is not always a convenience stop at every mile marker. When you are traveling with children, in particular, this can be very problematic. Take along a sheet so you can drape it over the open doors of your vehicle to give them some semblance of privacy when you have to make that emergency pit stop on the side of the road.

Above all, staying safe while traveling is the most important aspect of your trip. Hopefully, this article has provided some helpful insight into staying safe on your trip and will allow you to travel worry-free. So, breathe easier, sit back and enjoy the finer things in life (while staying safe, of course).

By Alex