Travel can be an amazing source of inspiration, but if things go wrong, it can take on a nightmarish quality, instead. No one wants to go on a vacation that’s more aggravating than relaxing. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against some common travel mistakes and stresses, by following a few easy tips.

A great tip for anyone who is traveling is to make copies of everything. Create copies of your passport, your travelers checks, your itinerary, and anything else of value that you will be carrying on your trip. Make sure to keep them in a separate place from the originals.

A horrible disaster on a trip would be losing your ATM card. When traveling, things often get misplaced or lost. You should always carry a spare ATM card for your trip. This can save you from the inconvenience of not having an ATM card when you need one. Always keep your spare in a safe place.

Whenever you travel for business or pleasure, research your destination before you leave. Arriving in a foreign city without any idea where to go or what to see can be overwhelming and takes away from the experience. Read a guide on your destination and talk to people you know have been there. You can easily learn some insiders tips.

The lighter you pack the easier you travel. This is the closest thing there is to an absolute rule in travel. Pack the lightest clothing you can, and restrict yourself to only the clothes you are sure you will wear. The less you pack, the less you carry and the less tired you will get.

Take the first travel photo” of your luggage. If you do end up checking your luggage, take a picture of it before you turn it over to the airline. In case of a problem, this will document what the luggage looks like and its condition when you left it. Also keep your baggage claim ticket in a safe place or snap a picture of it, too, so you have all the information necessary in the event that your luggage is lost.

When you are packing for a long trip you should be sure to include at least one basic change of clothes in your carry on. The idea of lost luggage is horrible but it is a reality and if your bags are lost you don’t want to be stuck in Paris without a change of underwear.

Don’t miss the bus. If you need to travel a moderate distance to your next destination, use the bus instead of more expensive taxis or rental cars. Many buses, especially in major cities, are quite clean and modern. Not only will you save money, but you will get an excellent chance to people-watch and get to know the locals.

With this array of tips in your arsenal, traveling will be a breeze, not a pain. These are simple ideas, but simple acts can be an extremely effective preventative. Simple sense is all you need to keep a travel experience positive and fun, even when you’re venturing way off the beaten track.