Whether you travel constantly for work or haven’t been outside of the city you grew up in, we can all learn new tips and tools to be better travels. So here’s a great article on the basics of travel. We can all benefit from a primer on good travel habits.

The most basic advice on how to make a trip successful is to be informed. Study up on the area you are going to and take precautions to protect yourself from crime. Some tourist areas have especially high theft rates. It is very important to know about these things before you go. There are often simple precautions you can take to make yourself less of a target.

No one wants to deal with missing belongings while on a trip, but if you do have to, it’s better to minimize loss. Put your credit cards, cash, jewelry, and whatever else you value in a variety of different locations — some in your bag, some in your pocket, some in your wallet, and such. That way even if something gets stolen or lost, you probably won’t lose everything.

To save money when traveling for pleasure, look into swapping homes. Swapping homes saves you a great deal of money that would otherwise be spent on a hotel room. It is also a great deal more comfortable and spacious than your average hotel room. There are several places online that allow you to make house swapping arrangements.

When traveling to less-developed areas of the world, remember to bring spare batteries for all of your electronics. Not all areas will have accessible electric outlets to charge your items, nor will every country sell even common AA or AAA batteries. It is better to come prepared than to not be able to use your camera. Check out sites like Going Global for even more tips and ideas.

In most parts of the world, it is considered good etiquette to ask someone for permission when taking their picture. Many people will become very offended if you take their photograph without asking, and this could even lead to violence. It is better to simply get their permission first than risk offense.

When you are traveling overseas, make sure that you know and obey all of the local laws. The embassies and consulates can only help you so much. If you commit a crime on foreign soil, according to foreign law, your government will be unable to override those laws and you must submit to the punishment of that country’s laws.

If extreme circumstances, dangerous events, or natural disasters are going on in the intended travel destination, you should have prior knowledge. This will allow you to make an educated decision on whether you should travel or not.

You should also make sure to take care of your health. Check to see if there are any vaccinations that you need before heading away, pack a good supply of any prescription medications you might need, and locate a hospital or physician near your destination, in case of an emergency. Staying healthy will allow you to focus on the scenery and fun, not being sick.

Finally to get the most enjoyment out of travel, relax. Travel can be stressful no matter how you go – car, plane, train or bus. Inevitably, something will go wrong even when you are highly prepared. Do not stress about it. Relax and enjoy whatever might come your way. The best experiences often result from the unexpected. Just think of the stories you can tell later!

These are the basics of travel and if you follow them we hope you have better, more enjoyable and safe journeys around the world.