Don't Forget!

My name is Alexa Young

A few of my "why didn't I think of that?" tips

• Screenshot your parking location before entering the airport.

• Put one backup credit card somewhere other than your wallet.

• Photograph your passport's identification page before leaving home.

• Put your first night's essentials in your carry-on.

• Download your destination's map before you need it.

• Save your hotel's address in the local language.

• Take a photograph of your rental car before driving away — all four sides, wheels and fuel gauge.

• Check whether your credit card already includes rental-car or travel insurance before buying duplicate coverage.

• Set a calendar reminder for timed-entry tickets. Some popular attractions release tickets weeks or months ahead.

• Bring a small amount of local currency. Cards are widespread, but occasionally the one place that doesn't accept yours will be exactly where you need it.

• And perhaps the most important travel tip of all: don't schedule every minute. Some of the best travel experiences are the café you didn't plan to find, the street you decided to wander down, or the afternoon when you changed your plans completely.