Any kind of travel these days can be stressful! Being prepared and having a good attitude can alleviate a lot of that tension. We’ve traveled just about everywhere and learned lessons the hard way. We’re offering our survival techniques to keep you stress-free while traveling the world. We’re here to help you become the ultimate road warrior!

• Always place identification inside your luggage, easily spotted, in case it’s lost. It is a good idea to put a destination address such as a hotel on this as well as your home address. If you have cell phone access, add that number too.

• If you’re traveling internationally, check with your health care provider for information of coverage in a foreign country. One of our staff was hurt at a meeting and her insurance covered her ER visit in Brussels. No matter where you go, take your insurance card with you.

• Read up on Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and get fitted for compression stockings to prevent blood clots on flights of more than three hours. Jobst and Medi are two brands that have excellent products. We like the nude ones that are toeless. They really don’t look so bad with sandals!

• Make a photocopy of your passport. You’ll want to keep the copy in your wallet once you get to your destination and the original in your hotel safe. Give a copy to a friend or family member back home just in case the original is lost or stolen.

• Make sure your name is correct on your ticket—it must be identical to the government issued ID you will be travelling with (driver’s license or passport).

• Take your driver’s license and proof of auto insurance in the event you need to drive or rent a car unexpectedly.

• Call your credit card company and advise them you will be out of the country so that charges will not be declined.