How to improve your next trip

10 Things to do before you travel

#1- Call your credit card company with travel dates and your destination

#2- Place a "stop" and "hold" on mail and other deliveries (newspapers, magazines, etc.)

#3- Emergency tlelephone numbers. Leave with family and friends as to where you will be staying, group or tour company info.

#4 - Set up pet care if applicable

#5 - Pack maps, guuide books and public transportation schedules

#6 - CASH - It is always a good idea to have cash on hand whether it's domestic or foreign for incidentals

#7 - Check the weather to help you with your packing in case you need an extra sweater, rain jacket, etc.

#8 - Make reservations for any special tour, spa treatments, golf tee times, etc.

#9 - Pack your essentials - Passport or drivers license, prescriptions, extra pair glasses

#10 - Plan for the first day of your vacation - list of things to do the first day

When to Renew Your Expiring Passport

While not every country requires six months of validity on your passport, it is an increasingly common rule.

If you are close to that mark, renew your now, as it is your responsibilty to verify that all documentation is correct before travel.

There is no requirement to inform passengers of problems with international paperwork prior to a domestic flight. Even if an airline allows you to board an international flight, if your documents are not valid, border control agents will deny entry when you arrive and force you to fly home.

While the State Department's "Country Information" tool is a good starting place, check with your destination country's own consulate or tourist information office to get the most up-yo-date requirements.