Travel Tips:

Register with the State Department before you leave. Click here.

Leave a copy of your passport info page and a travel itinerary with family or friends.

Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws and a few key phrases in the language of your destination.

Use your common sense - don't wander in dark alleys, flash large wads of money, or drink to excess alone.

Know what will be expected of you in the airports, and dress accordingly (little to no metal in your clothing, easily removable shoes).

Check the list of prohibited carry-on items and ensure you either secure them in your checked luggage or leave them home. Click here.

When in doubt, ask a trustworthy local - your hotel concierge, for example.

Hoping for an upgrade? Dress well - business dress is much more likely to attract the positive attention than your pj's.

Need some packing advice?

Avoid over-packing, don't bring something simply because you might use it.

Decide on a basic color scheme and pack mix-and-match pieces. You'll be able to display multiple outfits without towing a ton of suitcases.

Along the same lines, consider layers - you can adjust your outfit to the changing climate and easily add even more options to your travel wardrobe.

Consider local customs when packing - some cultures and religious sites expect visitors to adhere to a specific, modest dress code.

Seal anything that has mess-potential in a plastic zip-top bag.

Bring along a small first aid kit - band-aids, aspirin, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic, and tissues.

Roll, don't fold your clothing to save on space.

To keep your clothing presentable, bring along a small lint roller and hang any wrinkled garments in the bathroom during a hot shower to steam the wrinkles out.

Worried about dealing with jet lag?

Start with a few basic preparations to ease its effect: get a good nights sleep the night before you travel, stay hydrated (avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, their diuretic effect will promote dehydration), and try to get a nap on your flight.

Once you've arrived at your destination, try to stay awake until local bedtime, and wake yourself up the next morning. Immerse yourself in the local time zone, eating and sleeping to fit that schedule.

Bringing medication with you? Click here.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are allowed abroad. Leave all prescribed medications in their original containers, with the proper labels affixed.

Travelers with diagnosed medical conditions should bring a doctor's note describing the condition, and including the names of the prescribed medications

Have a serious allergy or other medical condition? Consider getting a medical alert bracelet to wear on the trip.