Whether you have booked a trip out of town, out of the state, or even out of the country, there is a good chance that you will benefit from the useful advice found in this selection of handpicked travel tips. From packing your bags to shopping for souvenirs, enjoy these tips.

When traveling, always be prepared to have things stolen. Make advance photocopies of all of your important papers. You can even upload electronic scans of these documents for easy access while traveling. The local American embassy can assist you in contacting those at home who can wire you emergency funds or help in replacing your passport, but not much else.

Make a packing list. Some time before your trip, write down everything you need to bring with you. That way, even if you wait to pack until you’re in a time crunch, the list can help you avoid clutter …