I almost always fly Southwest, so there goes the whole "board at the last second" theory. Honestly though, here's a few to keep in mind:

1. Even if you hate using credit cards and believe they should all be destroyed (and trust me, I'm in that boat), never travel without one. Most hotels require one at check in for a security hold (cash customers have a bad habit of destroying rooms, take it from a veteran of that business) and if you use your debit card, you can have as much as $500 extra dollars being held hostage in your bank account. Remember, you can pay however you want to when you check out, but having a credit card is a must. Also, it is impossible to rent a vehicle without one. I know that Enterprise will accept debit (sometimes) with two forms of ID and a utility bill, but how many people carry one when they travel? I have a credit card that I keep locked away and only use for traveling. Plus, if you do have an emergency while you're traveling that exceeds your budget, you've got an option (and Murphy's law manages to strike every time). There's nothing worse than running out of money when you're out of town.

2. If you forget your charging cord in your room, then you're never going to see it again. You can get cheap generic extras at gas stations and drugstores. Leave the good expensive ones at home. Once housekeeping finds these cords, they turn them in, but if you've ever seen the "lost and found phone charger" drawer in a hotel, then you know it's a lost cause.

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