• Contact your credit card company if you are traveling internationally; charges made in other countries can often raise flags about credit card theft and your card could be declined.
• If you'll be driving, give your car a thorough pre-trip inspection that includes checking the tire pressure and all fluid levels. Inspect windshield wipers, hoses and belts for wear. If you don't already have one, pack an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit, a disposable camera (especially useful if you are in an accident and need to document the incident for insurance purposes), and a flashlight.

• Make a list of the things you need to pack, checking to be sure you're only taking along what you will absolutely need. This will reduce the number of bags you'll take, which is good, especially since most airlines now have fees for checked luggage. Use our suggestions for What to Pack, and What to Leave at Home; your trip will be a lot more fun if you bring the right things.
• Avoid wrinkles by packing your clothes on hangers in a garment bag, with each garment in its own dry cleaner bag. The slippery plastic keeps the clothes from rubbing together, which is the main reason clothes wrinkle during travel. To keep clothes in your garment bag from creasing along the middle fold, roll up a sweater or similar item and place it in the fold.
• If you are more concerned about maximizing space than minimizing wrinkles, use a clothing compression system (you know, those bags you put items in and then compress by using a vacuum to suck out all the air) in your luggage.
• Think about how you'll care for your clothes throughout your travels. For example, if you'll be swimming, bring travel-sized delicate wash packets for cleaning saltwater or chlorine from bathing suits (or remember that in a pinch, gentle shampoo will do the trick, too). A travel-sized lint roller (or a roll of tape) will keep your clothes looking crisp and clean. And a compact sewing kit is always a must.
• If you like to shop, pack a collapsible tote for bringing all your vacation treasures home.
• Don't forget to check with the TSA for the latest rules about packing liquids, showing ID, traveling with gifts and so on.

Travelling with Kids

• Keep your child's schedule in mind as you plan your trip. For example, if you're driving and you want your child to nap in the car, it is best to start the trip close to your child's nap time. If traveling by air, avoid long layovers or late-night flights whenever possible.
• When boarding a plane, wait until the last boarding call to get on the plane with the child – although most airlines offer families the chance to board early, we've found that the less time children must be strapped into a seat, the better it is for everyone.
• Keep all travel documents, such as tickets, passports and other ID, together and put one person in charge of keeping track of them.
• Involve your child in as many aspects of the trip as possible, from selecting from sightseeing choices at your destination to choosing which items to pack. Read about your vacation spot before you leave, so your child knows what to expect.
• Especially with older children, establish ground rules for staying with the group or meeting at an agreed upon location if you need to split up. Make sure you can describe what your child is wearing and carry a current photo in case you get separated.
• Need to keep the kids entertained because your flight is delayed? Check out our kid-approved ideas for Airport Activities for Kids!
• Above all, keep your family safe and healthy by following the preventative measures described in our Safe and Healthy Travels article.