A compilation of pointers on traveling wisely and safely is terrific for those new to taking trips. Below is just such a collection that will hopefully assist the eager novice into eventually becoming a pro when it comes to traveling.

Try to avoid calling attention to the fact that you are a tourist. There are many people who earn their living by preying on unsuspecting vacationers. To avoid looking like a potential target, consult your maps and itinerary before you leave, avoid conspicuous jewelry and clothing and keep your camera in your bag when you are not using it – not dangling around your neck.

If you pack electronics while traveling, either remove the batteries or flip them around. Some small electronics can be easily flipped on. You definitely do not want them flipping on in your bag during the trip. There is a good chance the battery might be drained by the time they are unpacked.

When traveling to tropical areas, always keep your dirty laundry in a closed bag. Hotels and homes in tropical parts of the world aren’t as bug-proof as most American homes. Dirty laundry will attract insects, especially ants, meaning that clothing that was simply dirty, is now completely unwearable for the rest of the trip.

Be flexible. If your travel dates can be tweaked by a day or two, try using the “flexible dates” feature of most online travel search engines. This allows you to search departure and return dates within a given range. By just changing your dates by a day or two, you may be able to score huge savings on airfare.

A great way to get some sleep on an airplane is by bringing an eye mask. Even when you close your eyes, you can still see the different colors and shapes in front of you. With an eye mask, that will allow it to be completely blacked out, allowing much better chance of sleep.

For safety, when you are packing to go on a trip you should always include a first aid kit. You should also put a pair of tweezers in your suitcase in case of any splinters that get picked up along the way. You always want to be prepared for any emergency.

For most people, staying at a fancy hotel is not an option. If the area makes you uncomfortable but there’s no other choice, take a rubber doorstop. Just wedge the doorstop underneath the door and secure the deadbolt and chain. Intruders will have an easy time breaking the chain or lock, but the doorstop will make a more formidable barrier.

If you’re planning a long car trip with kids, pack a few cookie sheets. These cookie sheets can be a flat surface to put cards or coloring books on. You can even bring magnetic letters, numbers or shapes for the little ones for educational fun.

These tips should be beneficial to you as you go on your trip. This collection was carefully constructed to help you begin learning how to plan and take a trip, much smarter and safer that you did before.