Heading overseas on vacation? Fantastic! Business trip? Not so fun, eh?

Whether traveling abroad for business or pleasure, it’s best to keep an open mind during your travels… take the opportunity to meet new people and see new places, and be sure to look at things from other points of view. Travel enlightens!

The best way to enjoy your trip is to be prepared…that doesn’t mean you need to book your hotel room for every night you’re overseas… but having some important details covered can save you valuable time and just might make things bearable should a minor (or major) catastrophe occur.

The U.S. Department of State also offers some tips at their site “How to Have a Safe Trip.”

Register with the State Department
This may not seem intuitive, but depending upon your destination, length of stay or itinerary, it can make a lot of sense, and if an emergency arises, you may be able to get help all the sooner. Register through a free online link at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

This will help the State Department contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.

Leave a Paper Trail
Be sure that your family or business associates have a copy of your itinerary; if you don’t have complete travel plans, you should at least provide a general description of your travel plans.

Leaving behind a copy of your passport and/or visas is also a good idea.

Tip: While booking hotels online during your travels, simply add a second confirmation email address, so that someone back home gets a copy.

Pack Lightly
“You don’t need all the clothing that you think you do.” Repeat that. Repeat it again. How many times have you traveled and come home with unworn clothing? Don’t let it happen again! Pack lightly and smartly, with clothing that can be multi-purposed (casual/business) and layered.

If you’re checking your bag (notice I didn’t say bags!), be sure to pack some extra socks and underwear in your carry-on.

Tip: if you’re traveling with someone else and you’re both checking a bag, why not put half your clothing in the other person’s bag, and vice-versa? If one bag is lost, you’ve at least got some of your items!

Don’t Get Sick!
OK, you may not have control over your this, so check your health insurance policy to see what coverages you have overseas. If you’re traveling on business, you may have additional coverages available to you from your employer. If you’re not covered, see if you can get supplemental insurance, either through your own company, or through your travel agency.

At the very minimum, be prepared for minor emergencies, with a small first aid kit, and bring any prescription medication in the original containers (Or, make a copy of the packaging).

Blend In!
Whether you’re traveling on business or for pleasure, you’re a guest in a foreign country. Don’t stick out like a sore thumb – the last thing you want to be is a target for theft.

There are plenty of “secret” money compartments you can purchase, to keep cash and credit cards around your neck, in your belt, or even in your socks. Remember, too, to keep your money and travel papers with you at all times; not just in a backpack that you may put down for a moment or two…that might be all the time someone needs to take it from you.

Enjoy Yourself!
Even if you “have to be” overseas because of business, enjoy it as much as you can. Get away from your meetings, if only for a few hours, and do some people-watching at the very least. The world get a little bit better each time we learn a little bit more about our neighbors!

Holiday Inn, other IHG chains offer to pay airline checked-bag fees http://t.co/zgUBCo5 via @usatodaytravel

For all you non-iPhone Users…10 Essential Android Apps For Biz Travelers http://read.bi/atEHx8 Anyone out there using these on a Droid?

So I’ve recently signed up for Zipcar, in anticipation of an upcoming trip to San Francisco.

$50 fee for an “occasional user” plus a $25 application fee.

While that might seem steep at first, it would cost me $53 per night to park a rental car at my hotel.
The actual car may cost me $73 for a 24-hour rental, but that includes all insurance, and even gas. Since we’ll only need a car for a couple days of our 7-day trip, I figure it’s well worth it to go the Zipcar route.

Next time you’re visiting a city with expensive (or non-existent) parking, check out Zipcar.