Take all the travel documents required for the countries you are visiting, as well as identification for your U.S. reentry. U.S. citizens need passports to reenter the country by air. Go to www.state.gov/travelers for destination information.

Declare everything you bring in from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop.

Be cautious when buying something from street vendors. The merchandise may be counterfeit and/or unsafe, and you may have to surrender it when you return home.

Items bought abroad for personal use or as gifts are eligible for duty exemptions. If you are bringing them back for resale, they are not eligible for duty exemption.

Be aware of U.S. prohibited merchandise, such as ivory, tortoiseshell products, and counterfeit items.

Many foreign-made medications are not approved for United States use and are not permitted in the country. When traveling abroad, bring only the medication you will need. Make sure the medication is in the original container.

Travels to and from Cuba – Before departing on your trip, check the latest information for the full list of prohibited and restricted items on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website, as well as other related government resources.

Before bringing food to the United States, please check the list of prohibited items. All live animals, birds, and bird products may be restricted, quarantined, or require certification.

CBP officers can inspect you and your belongings without a warrant to enforce U.S. laws.

For more information, read the CBP brochure, “Know Before You Go.” Request printed copies or view them online at www.cbp.gov/newsroom/publications/cbp-publication-catalogue.

Be Flexible

We always plan for delays and try not to get upset when things inevitably go wrong. Patience is extremely important when traveling!

Scan a Copy of Your Passport

Before you leave, scan a copy of your passport, e-mail it to yourself and take a photo of it to save on your cell phone. That way, if you need your passport while out (but it’s locked up in your hotel safe), you’ll have access to all your details. Plus, if it’s stolen, getting a replacement will be that much easier.

Leave an itinerary and emergency contact.

Unplugging while on vacation can be great, but try not to go too under the radar, especially if you’re traveling alone. Leave your itinerary (even if it’s just as basic as which city you’ll be visiting and when you’ll return) with a trusted friend or family member back home, and try to check in with him or her every day. That way, if something happens, they can alert authorities on your behalf.

Make a List

About a week or so before each trip, I make a mental list of items I don’t want to forget — which I WILL forget if I don’t write them down. I’ve learned that when I think of something, I need to write it down.

Learn Common Phrases of the Local Language

A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way. I also like to learn the word for beer, but that’s just me.

Don’t Forget an Extra Camera Battery

Have you ever gotten to that epic sunset photo spot and realized your camera battery is dead and you don’t have a backup? I try to bring at least three camera batteries on all of our trips so that we don’t miss out on that perfect shot.

Always Buy Travel Insurance

A medical emergency can wipe out your savings — or even worse. We use and trust travel insurance.

Put Electronics, Medications, a Toothbrush, and an Extra Pair of Underwear in Your Carry-on

A few important items should always go in your carry-on. A swimsuit is also a good idea if you are going on a beach vacation. You can buy most of these things if your bag gets lost, but having them in your carry-on will save you money and time if your luggage gets lost in transit.

Bring Lotion in Your Carry-on

fill both sides of a contact lens case with hydrating lotion because they rarely have it in the lavatories and airplane cabins are exceptionally dry.

Ask the Locals

We always ask the locals to point us to the best restaurants, awesome spots to watch the sunset, the best coffee shops, etc. I do like to tell people what type of food I’m craving, though. I’ve been led to some interesting restaurants that wouldn’t have been my first choice.

Beware of Free Public WIFI

I always try to avoid logging into bank accounts or entering any passwords while I’m using free public WIFI at a place like an airport. I’m not as strict about it once I’ve gotten to my hotel, especially if they have a password for their wifi.

Alert Your Bank and Credit Card Company of Your Travel Plans

This is a great habit to get into if you don’t want your credit card company or bank to put a hold on your card while you are overseas.

Keep an Open Mind

Don’t judge other customs. You are a visitor. Be respectful.

Let Someone at Home Know Your Plans

This is extremely important when traveling solo, but it’s still a good idea, no matter how many people are in your travel group.

Separate Your Sources of Money

Don’t keep all of your cash and cards in one spot. I usually hide some cash and a backup credit/bank card in a separate bag, not the same bag as my wallet.

Don’t Flash your Cash or Valuables

Keep your cash separated, with some spending money easily accessible and the rest hidden, so that you’re not showing off a big wad of cash every time you pay. Although it’s tempting to have your smartphone out constantly to look up directions or take photos, be mindful of your surroundings — thieves love to grab cell phones from people using them on trains and run off at the next stop.

Put Your Room Number & Hotel Address in Your Phone

Am I the only one who can’t remember my hotel room number?? There have to be others out there like me.

Confirm Visitors with the Hotel Desk

You’re in your hotel room, and there’s a knock at the door from someone claiming to be maintenance or housekeeping. Before you let this person in, call down to the front desk to verify that someone from the property needs access to your room. Criminals have been known to pose as hotel workers in order to get inside rooms.

Review the Escape Route in Your Hotel Room

Let’s be honest — when you check in to a hotel room, you’re more focused on scoping out the amenities than studying the map on the back of your door. But before you get too settled in, you should take a quick look at the emergency escape routes. You’ll be glad you did if an emergency arises in the middle of the night.