Gadling

When I did a search for travel resolutions this handy guide of 12 resolutions came up. Although it was published in Travel and Leisure in 2005, the tips still hold true, particularly as regulations and rules change. Even if you take the steps already, check to see if there is anything you shouldn't update.

Andrea Bennet presents a through overview of those overlooked items that can make the difference between a smooth, uneventful trip if all goes well, and being prepared if things go awry. She also gives specific suggestions for what to consider when planning your next trip to get the best deal you can.

Check your insurance coverage:

• Look into travel medical insurance to decide if you need any and how much.
• Find out what your personal car insurance covers on a rental before you take a trip to decide exactly what you need before you leave home.

Review your Frequent Flier mile programs:

• See if the regulations have changed
• Do you need to update the credit card you are using?
• Plan your next trip and book ahead in order to use frequent flier miles. If you wait, you'll miss out.

Safety, security and regulations:

• Duplicate all important documents and designate a person and place to keep them
• If your passport needs new pages because there isn't much room for new stamps, get the pages now
• Get TSA approved locks for your suitcases

Keep in touch with family and friends while on the road:

• Make a personal Web site to keep in touch with family and friends
• Let people know how to get in touch with you (I wrote a post about this one)

Bennet gives specific details about each resolution and also offers the suggestion to build a vacation around a skill you'd like to learn. This is a read I recommend.

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