Here is a checklist of important travel tips to go over before each and every trip:

1. Respect local laws and customs - Something that may be normal here can get you put in jail in some countries.  Plus, when you respect local customs, you respect the local people.

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We all know that you should never leave home without your toothbrush, and you’d be silly to forget your passport.   But too often it’s the little things that make all the difference on the road.  Here are eight non-essential travel accessories that you may find to be, well, essential.  If you have any of your own, feel free to post a note below.

1. Hot sauce

Anyone visiting Mexico, Thailand or Jamaica needn’t worry about the spice of their meals, but if you’re going to Europe, Africa, or just about anywhere else, a tiny bottle of hot sauce rescues any meal from certain doom.   Hot sauce rescues most airline meals too. Remember to keep it in a plastic bag for security, and just in case it breaks and spices up your luggage.

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Ever get off a flight and start to feel ill almost immediately?

Many fliers compain of headache, fatigue, fever or breathing problems. Some of these symptoms may be due to the low barometric pressure, oxygen content and humidity in the air cabin. When combined with jet lag, sleep deprivation, travel stress, (security concerns, long lines, missed flights, delayed and cancelled flights), as well as cramped seating, motion sickness and discomfort from vibration and engine noise, we have ample reason to feel “ill.” And let’s not forget that engine fumes can, on occasion, seep into the cabin.

Of course there’s also the germs… in all their filthy, immune system-attacking microbial nastiness. I may not be able to see them, but they exist alright – in all those hands touching the tray tables, grabbing my seat as they go past, spewing from mouths and nostrils in uncovered coughs and sneezes.

Ready to give up flying? Here’s why you don’t need to:

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Going through security at the airport can be a dignity stripping experience. Here are some pointers to make it faster, and easier:

1. Pack your laptop so you can easily remove it and send it through the X-ray machine. Don’t forget to label it, they are one of the most frequently forgotten items at screening checkpoints.
2. Store all undeveloped film and cameras containing film in a carry on bag. Ask for a hand inspection if you want to ensure that your film is not damaged by the X-ray machine. (more…)