Jetsetter's Checklist: International Travel Tips

Every jetsetter should have these international travel tips memorized. International travel can be a risky and dangerous situation at times, but the  The best way to do so is figure out what you are doing and follow accordingly.   Keep in mind it all depends on you.

1. Make Sure It’s A Trip You Really, Really Want To Take International travel can be a huge headache, so splurge and make it the trip of a lifetime. Don’t settle and be held down by the other people's plans. If you have to, go alone. There are plenty of safe places to travel on your own and it might be exactly what you need. Regardless, don’t make it anything less then your dream vacation. No one said you can only have one. 
2. Plan The Entire Trip Out Before Hand Use a map. At the very least map out where you are going, down to the town, well in advance. Many people spend years planning out their trip, while for others it can take an hour. And though it’s almost guaranteed you’ll change your mind at least once, and a good travel tip is always have a basic outline before you start making reservations.
3. Book Your Hotel Ahead Of Time With international travel always book at least a month in advance and keep in mind your flight time and the time difference. Don’t be afraid to stay in small B&Bs, in Wales especially there are more B&Bs then there are major hotels and they provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere as well as home cooked meals. B&Bs also provide an insider's guide and plenty of travel tips to the area, as owners are often more then happy to point out good tourists spots and let you in on local favorites.
4. Make Sure You Know What Is Happening Where You Are Going With international travel make sure you know what is happening where you are going. Most places have small local festivals and such, many of which are only advertised locally or specifically in league with that country or theme. Make sure you spend the extra time looking. It might be world famous but unless it’s something you’re interested in chances are you haven’t heard of it.
5. Decide Whether Or Not You Want To Rent A Car With international travel deciding whether or not to rent a car is a big decision. European cities like Paris or London have excellent public transportation as well as decent cab fares. Unless you are really ready to brave driving on the right side of the road with very aggressive drivers and signs that aren’t always in English, I suggest you learn how to read the bus and train schedules. They’re cheap and surprisingly comfortable and between them go pretty much everywhere.
6. Keep Your Passport Handy Many overseas hotels require a look at your passport when you check in as a security precaution so this is probably the most important travel tip regarding international travel. It’s always best to keep your most legitimate form of identification; a driver’s license doesn’t really stand up in a foreign country, in easy access. There are plenty of book bags and purses out there specifically designed to do so and can also hold other essentials. This is probably the most important item for international travel.
7. Pack Light Don’t over pack is one of the most important travel tips no matter where you are going. Chances are in a two-week trip you’ll do laundry maybe three or four times and that’s all you need. Bringing too much will only bog you down. Try a small duffle with wheels and pack your most comfortable clothes and keep in mind, you’re a tourist, the locals are going to think you’re weird no matter what you wear.