If you're anything like me, unpacking once you get home often takes as long (if not longer) than actually packing for the trip.

If you can, do your laundry the day before you leave your vacation spot (this works especially well when you're visiting relatives).

Not only will you have clean clothes once you return, but it's a way to make sure you actually come home with everything you either packed for the trip or purchased while on vacation. Once you're home, unpacking isn't so tough because alI you have to do is bring the bag in, put your clothes where they belong, and put the suitcase back in the attic.

Having never traveled to a foreign country, I didn't realize I had to pay a departure tax when leaving St. Lucia. Check with your travel agent or with the airline before you leave, so you'll know how much you're required to pay in taxes and other fees not included with the price of your ticket.

Pro tip: learn the method of payment that's allowed before reaching the airport. Most places will not accept credit cards.