By David 
Traveling can be one of
life’s greatest experiences, but if things go wrong, you might wish you had
stayed at home.
In this article, world
traveler Michael
Wiener of Albuquerque New Mexico reveals ten travel tips
that will allow you to see the world while maximizing the quality of your
journey.
- Make
two copies of your Passport photo page!
Carry one copy in your luggage and leave the second one with a
trusted friend back home. In the event your passport is lost or stolen,
having a copy easily available will help you get it replaced at the nearest U.S.
Consulate.
- Be
Cautious When Using Wi-Fi Networks!
Many public wi-fi networks you will find available when traveling
are unsecured. In high-traffic areas used by tourists, hackers know how to
access the information you send or receive over an unsecured network. Secured
networks are much safer than open networks, but it is a good idea to wait until
you are on a trusted network to access any banking or personal information on
your laptop or mobile device.
- Sign
Up For STEP!
When traveling internationally, U.S. citizens are eligible to
enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program is free
and allows you to customize alerts and information related to the specific
places you will be visiting. STEP provides information that American travelers
need regarding emergencies, weather and natural disasters, and any dangerous
condition along with instructions on how to obtain help and stay safe.
- Make
Finding Your Car When You Return to the Airport Easy!
We all know that getting there is half the fun, and the rush when
arriving at the airport to depart often leaves us confused about where we
parked our car when we return. You can jot down the lot and aisle where you
park to make your return trip stress free when looking for your car. Even
better, you can just take a picture of the sign in the lot where you park to be
sure you won’t lose your parking location.
- Seal
the Liquids in Your Luggage!
We have become accustomed to the small-sized 3-ounce (100 ml)
containers for liquids we must use when traveling. However, we never get used
to the frustration of having a container leak out perfume, sunscreen, or other
travel liquids over all of our packed luggage. Use a dual safety seal: pack
liquids in a zip lock bag and also seal each container with plastic wrap
between the container and the cap.
- Tag
Your Luggage for Easy Identification!
When you have a fairly ordinary-looking piece of luggage, waiting
for it to arrive at the airport’s baggage claim can be frustrating. You will
spend time looking at almost every bag, and it is likely that other travelers
might mistake your bag for theirs. Use a brightly colored tag or ribbon with a
distinctive pattern and you will be able to confidently spot your luggage
quickly.
- Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-Free!
Travel can be very difficult on your garments, and no matter how
carefully you pack you may wind up with wrinkled and creased clothing. For
items that normally need to be pressed, fold them carefully and then pack them
near the top of your case with tissue paper placed below and above each piece
of clothing. The tissue will absorb a significant amount of stress and help
keep items from getting tangled up.
- Explore
Credit Card Travel Benefits!
Especially if you travel regularly, credit card companies have
become very competitive in offering travel benefits. Bonuses often include
flight vouchers, hotel stays, and even cash back. If you have a need for a credit
card when traveling or for business, check out which card
provider offers the most bang for your travel bucks. Notify your credit card
companies of your upcoming international travel.
- Unfortunately,
Pickpockets and muggers are everywhere!
Especially in train and bus stations and on elevators, tourists
are often targeted. If you carry a dummy wallet with some expired or valueless
cards and a small amount of cash, you may be able to hand this over to a mugger
in order to end the confrontation quickly and safely if possible.
- Make
sure your Passport will have MORE THAN 6 months of validity on the date your
international travel is set to begin!
Most countries will deny you entry if you arrive there and your
passport expires within a 6-month window. Best idea is to renew your passport
after 9 years has passed. It is a myth that a U.S. Passport is valid for
10 years – it is NOT!
About Michael Wiener:
Michael
C. Wiener of Albuquerque New Mexico is a world-renowned license plate
collector, researcher, and consultant. He is considered to be America’s leading
authority regarding automobile license plates and motor vehicle licensing
systems. By the time he was 23, he had visited all 50 states and has now
explored over 100 countries across the globe. Mr. Wiener was elected as an
Albuquerque City Councilor, a New Mexico State Senator, and a Bernalillo County
Commissioner. He was elected twice as International President of the Automobile
License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA), and has been featured on HGTV’s
Offbeat America,” CNBC News with Brian Williams, and appeared in an episode of
AMC’s Breaking Bad and was featured in New Mexico Magazine. Michael serves as a
consultant for motor vehicle departments, law enforcement agencies, and
television and motion picture producers on subjects related to motor vehicles
and automobile plate history. He has been nominated twice, by his peers, to the
ALPCA Hall of Fame and was given the “Outstanding Leadership” Award
by the Mid Region Council of Governments in 2013.
SME Paid Under
Full Editorial 
Sitetrail Research Team