Jan 15 - Feb 8

Some countries requires that your passport has at least 6 months validity left.

Reconfirm your flights as there may be airline schedule changes. Your return flight must be reconfirmed at your destination directly with the airline 3 days prior to your departure.

Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number. Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.

Most companies offer signup and monitoring online. Getting your air miles after your trip is a pain, so better do it in advance.

A pile of newspapers or a stuffed mailbox tells thieves that you are not at home.

One way to help protect your home while away on vacation is to make it seem like the homeowners are currently there. This can be done by setting up timer lights throughout the house. Lights can be placed on timers both indoors and out which will present an at home atmosphere. Those who perpetrate breaking and entering crimes will be less likely to target a home which has lights on and may opt for houses which are dark and obviously no one is home.

Many countries demand that you have such a certificate when you enter their borders.

Remember to keep a close eye on the passport copy - it's a great asset if you lose the original, but can also be used to steal your identity if it gets into the wrong hands.
If you have a web based e-mail platform, e-mailing yourself scans/copies of important documents and passport info is a great alternative to hard-copies. It's easier to access, less likely to be stolen, and guaranteed to always be on hand.

You may need a photo to obtain passes, permits, etc.

If you have any of these (AAA, Hertz, Avis, Hilton, etc.), going abroad may be a good opportunity to use them.

Can save you some money in Youth Hostels, trains, museums, planes, so get one if you qualify as a student.

In case all your money, or all your gear, is lost or stolen.

Memorize PIN codes to credit cards so that you can use them with ATM machines to get cash.

Where pickpockets are a problem, carry your wallet in your front trousers pocket.