New worlds await you, whether near or far, and travel is the way to open the door to unexpected sights, sounds and experiences. Though it can be intimidating on some levels, travel need not be stressful if you take some tips beforehand from those who have tread the paths before you. A few bits of knowledge will go a long way in preparing you for an unforgettable trip.

Print out directions and confirmation numbers ahead of time when you are traveling. If you have a smart phone, you can save these important pieces of information in a file in your phone for easy access later. You will be much more at ease if you know ahead of time how and where to find your important information when you need it.

Set a budget for your travel expedition ahead of your departure. It is so easy to overspend when you are in the middle of a vacation high and you aren’t thinking about the realities or consequences of the money you are spending. Determining a budget ahead of time and sticking to it will ensure that you can afford to take future vacations.

Before leaving on a trip, find out and write down the addresses of the American embassies in the countries you’ll be visiting. While the embassy is not a traveler’s aid office, they can help you if your passport is stolen or if you find yourself in some kind of unexpected legal trouble while overseas.

Watch prices even after you book. Some airline and hotel companies offer you a refund if the price of your reservation drops after you book it, so keep an eye on the price. Alternatively, set-up an account with a price watcher site. After you enter the reservations you made and the price you paid, it will alert you when the price has dropped by the minimum amount required for a refund.

A great tip to keep in mind when you’re looking to book airline tickets, is to compare airline rates online. By comparing airline rates online, you can find the cheapest deal available, and save yourself a lot of money.

When considering the purchase of travel insurance, check to see if you might already be covered by your own insurance provider’s policy. Some benefits to look for that might be exclusive to travel insurance are cancellation reimbursements, coverage for interruption of the trip, ambulance coverage, and coverage of your lost belongings.

Hit the gym before you board your flight. This will help you avoid the tediousness of long flights. Sitting for a long time can cause cramps in your legs and back. If you workout or stretch before the flight, the probability of getting cramps is greatly reduced.

When you travel make sure you take a travel-size bottle of Febreeze or similar product in your handbag. The person who sat in the seat of the plane, bus, or train before you may not have had time to shower before sitting down for a long flight. Avoid spending your trip smelling the previous passenger’s body odor by spraying your seat with Febreeze.

Stay aware of your belongings all the time while you are traveling. When carrying a handbag, hold it securely against your body using your arm. Do not rely on shoulder straps alone. Avoid the use bags with zippers that will provide easy access to nearby theives that could easily take your valuables. When choosing a dependable bag for travel, keep these considerations in mind.

Now that you’re wiser about the ways of the world, you can pack your bags and be on your way. Remember the suggestions you’ve read here, then relax and go with the flow. The world is an open book and it’s time for you to add a few pages of your own. What are you waiting for?