What's the key to a successful trip?   Preparation.  Follow these Top 10 Travel Tips © and you'll be far less likely to have any problems crop up that you won't be prepared to handle.  Of course, there are always unforeseen random acts of nature that can't be controlled - but if you have patience and a sense of humor, you'll get through it and have some really great stories to tell when you get home!

Top Ten Travel Tips ©

1. Research your destination before you book - in particular the hotels or resorts you're considering, to be sure they offer the amenities you want or need, that their location is right for your trip (close to attractions, shopping, or the beach), and that others have given them positive reviews - TripAdvisor is a great resource;
2. Think through your flights before booking your airfare - consider the time of year (and weather) when choosing connecting cities.  You're more likely to have weather delays in northern cities during the winter months.  If you just can't get out of bed early, don't book an early morning flight.  Give yourself enough time to get from one flight to the next if you're going through a large airport, like Chicago or Dallas (an hour sounds like enough but often isn't - and your bags need time to get transferred too).  Think about what time it will be when you land - will it be too early in the day to check into your room (ask about early check-in availability) or very late (you may have to guarantee the first night for late arrival);
3. It pays to use a Travel Agent (or at least an online booking tool that coordinates your airfare and hotel together) - not only can you save money, but you won't risk booking your flights and then finding out your hotel is full - or securing your hotel only to find out you can't get flights for those dates;
4. Make sure you have printed confirmations for everything - your airline e-ticket reservation, your hotel reservation (including what type of room you reserved), your rental car reservation or shuttle transfer vouchers, and keep them handy in your carry-on bag or purse - don't leave home without them;
5. Get Travel Insurance - yeah I know, you're thinking why spend the extra money?  Because if something does happen, it can save you the several thousands of dollars you'll lose if your trip gets cancelled or cut short.  Travel Insurance is cheap and worth it for the peace of mind you'll have;
6. Start your packing list early - by at least a few days to a week.  Keep your list handy and when you think of something you want to take you can jot it down.  I have a basic list that I re-use for every trip as my starting list, then I add to it for a few days.  That way you'll be sure that you won't forget anything.  Feel free to use our Packing List as your starting point if you'd like to, and check out our Packing Tips too;
7. Check the weather before you pack and again before you leave - going to be warmer than expected?  Leave out that bulky sweater and take a lightweight one instead.  Rain expected?   Travel umbrellas are very light and small these days (like this Compact Umbrella ) but will keep you from getting drenched.  Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature will throw at you;
8. Reconfirm everything the day before - I can't stress this one enough.  The chance that your flight or hotel reservation will go astray, or that your flight will get changed or cancelled may be slim, but it happens - don't allow last minute surprises to ruin your trip;
9. Allow yourself ample time to get to the airport and get through security - on a good day there will be plenty of parking spaces, and no long lines at the ticket counter or security and you'll speed right through.  They aren't all good days.  An hour used to be enough (and on rare occasions still is) however, 90 minutes is better (2 hours is what I generally aim for).  And the number one reason some luggage is delayed?  Travelers checking in bags only shortly before their flight - the bags have a longer distance to travel to the plane than you do, and have to go through screening first.  Don't shoot yourself in the foot by checking your bag any less than 45 minutes before your flight.  Worst case is you'll have extra time to peruse the new magazines near your gate or get a coffee;
10. Speed through Security Checkpoints  - with a little preparation you can be through and on your way as quickly as possible.   First and foremost, know the Current Airline Travel Requirements for what you can and can't take with you on the plane.  Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and put all the items from your pockets (coins, wallet, cell phone, etc) along with your watch and jewelry into a zip-loc bag before you get to the security line, then stash it in your carryon or purse to go through the x-ray machine;
11. BONUS TIP: Give yourself time to decompress when returning home.   Traveling these days can be hectic and even a vacation can leave you exhausted.  Allow yourself at least a full day to unpack and unwind before you head back to work.

Copyright Barbuda-FYI.com

Additional Resources:

• Current Airline Travel Requirements
• Packing List
• Packing Tips
• Year Round Weather on Barbuda
• Your Rights As A Traveler
• Traveler's Rights: Your Legal Guide to Fair Treatment and Full Value (Legal Survival Guides)
• US Department Of State Consular Affairs Publications offers numerous links to useful and informative publications.  In particular, be sure to read:
  • A Safe Trip Abroad
  • Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
  • Tips for Women Traveling Alone