Traveling to a new location, especially a new country can be a stimulating experience, especially for a first timer. But to be sure that it does not end up being a nightmare, one needs to plan well, and well in advance. "Prevention is better than cure" and nothing sums it up better. Here are some of the small things that will go a long way to ensure that you come back from your trip with a big smile.

Getting travel insurance from a reputed service provider is a must. Do ensure that you take a comprehensive plan that includes the medical insurance also. This will ensure that you are covered for exigencies like missing a flight connection or a flight cancellation. Since the medical costs in a foreign land may be exorbitant, ascertain that your medical policy is accepted by hospitals in that country and that the sum assured in the policy covers you adequately for all the medical conditions.

Thanks to the heightened security measures, especially at the airports, it is advisable to reach the airport ahead of the time. This will help you in case of any undue delays in the guise of security precautions. Keep your passport and boarding pass at a convenient place so as to save time. Finally if you find that you still have plenty of time, even after obtaining all the security clearances, you can explore the comfortable airport lounges and book stores. Be careful of your belongings at all times lest someone relieves you of your precious possessions. One simple rule that can be followed is to check in all your bulky baggage and keep only the essential things with you. And ensure that you have locked your hand baggage.

Another seemingly trivial act that can go a long way to protect your interests is to preserve a copy of all your key documents. Keep them in a different place than your original documents. In case you lose your passport, the copy of your passport will help you in filing a police complaint without having to lose your sleep over it. A copy of your credit card can help you reach the issuing bank with all the relevant details so that your card cannot be misused. The copy of your medical prescription and your medical insurance can even be life saving, literally.

Lastly, check for the financial details. Do you know the conversion rate of American dollars into the local currency? Where do you get your currency exchanged? Will your credit cards be accepted or should you take travelers check? Since these factors would change depending on the country you are visiting, it is wise to invest some time in finding these answers.