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One of the best ways to begin planning a successful trip is by working with a travel agent. Determine the reason for your journey: for relaxation or shopping, or to see historical or cultural sights.

To get the best fares and avoid expensive surprises, outline trip ideas and a budget with a travel agent well in advance, and purchase tour packages and tickets early in order to avoid unexpected fare increases.

Confirm itineraries a few days ahead of each international flight to keep up to date on the changes in schedule. Leave copies of your itineraries at home and at the office (This is absolutely essential). Inside a flight, always include in your carry-on luggage things you can`t live without - money, medications, glasses or contact lenses, keys or travel documents and one set of clothes. Never pack them in checked luggage.

When Travelling Abroad

• When travelling abroad, find out if you need passports, visas or other documents.

• Once your itinerary is set, make as many reservations as possible prior to your journey.

• Make sure a friend or family member knows where you are supposed to be at all times.

• Keep a record of all the important documents such as passports, visas, credit cards, traveller`s cheques and tickets. Give a copy of these to your travelling companion, and leave one at home or at the office.

• Get necessary vaccinations before departure.

• Bring over-the-counter medications. Keep them in original containers to avoid problems with customs.

• Use the hotel safety box for valuables.

• If you are unfamiliar with the local language, write down your hotel name and address on a piece of paper to show a cab driver. On the other hand, try and learn a few phrases or words that might be useful while you are out there travelling.

Home Security

• Let police and trusted neighbours know you`ll be away.

• Stop mail and newspaper delivery, or have a neighbour collect them till you are away.

• Invest in timers for lights, radios, etc. In general, make your home look lived in to avoid any suspicions.

After Your Trip

If you still have a complaint after you return home, review the materials you were given by the travel firm to determine the validity of your claim. Realise that some events, such as bad weather, are beyond the control of any company. Then outline the nature of your complaint, as well as the steps you feel should be taken to rectify the problem. Send a copy of this letter to your travel agent. Be realistic in your request.

If the problem is with a tour company, hotel or other supplier, enlist the aid of your travel agent, who will often pursue the matter for you. Remember, however, that your travel agent acts as an "agent," selling travel services on behalf of some third party. He or she will not, in most cases, be the source of any of these services. In addition, your agent will appreciate being advised of your problem so that your experiences can be considered when other clients inquire about this company. If the problem is with your travel agent, give him a copy of your letter outlining the problem. Limit your initial contact to only those parties directly involved in the matter. Ask for a response, and give them adequate time to investigate your complaint.

Assessing Travel Offers

Usually, many opportunistic tour operators won`t give you full and complete information in writing until after you`ve given them a credit card number, certified check or money order. Once you do get further information, there will be restrictions and conditions which may make it more expensive, or even impossible, to take your trip.

While getting a refund is sometimes possible, it`s better to avoid paying anything in the first place.

Follow these suggestions when evaluating travel offers:

• Stay away from travel offers that sound "too good to be true," particularly if you have been solicited by phone or have received a postcard.

• Never give your credit card number or any information about your bank accounts over the phone to a solicitor unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business.

• Take care not to give a courier a cashier`s check or money order in exchange for information about a travel package.

• Get the complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total cost, terms and conditions, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and specific information about all components of the package.

• Walk away from high-pressure sales presentations, which are very demanding, or which need your income disclosure.

• Be cautious with companies which require that you wait to take your trip or that you select several dates of departure for your trip.

Travel Security Tips

• LOCK YOUR LUGGAGE to avoid accidental openings due to rough handling or cabin pressure and carry the keys in your hand luggage.

• REMOVE OLD CLAIM CHECKS to avoid confusing baggage handlers about your destination.

• TAG YOUR LUGGAGE both inside and outside with your name, business address and telephone number and make sure the outside tag is securely fastened to your luggage.

• TAKE THE ITINERARY COPY WITH YOU. Also, your business address and your destination should be included in your luggage.

• BRING YOUR LUGGAGE EARLY to ensure that your bags not only make your originating flight but your connecting flight (if you have one) as well.