I asked my globetrotting facebook friends and twitter followers to share their favorite travel tips for planning the perfect trip. From hard-won wisdom to practical advice, here’s what they had to say…

 

1.   Air travel in US - Dress for security screening; no belts, buckles or bows! Seriously, undressing in public is a pain for all! Via @BronaCos

2.   Don’t overschedule! Leave lots of time for wandering, I like to make just one real plan a day and leave the rest to serendipity! Via @SophiaDembling

3.   Kathy Dragon Travel light. Feeling weighed down by luggage, packing and repacking, especially if you are moving about, can take the fun out. Carry on is the only way to go. Samsonite Spinner can carry everything, really.

4.   Sheri Anderson Wallace For families, I recommend avoiding DVDs and video games as much as possible. It’s counter-intuitive but they really are long-term losers because they teach a short attention span. Nothing with an on/off switch.

5.    I pack an empty water bottle in my carry on so I can fill up at a water fountain past security. Via @jesstagirl

6.    Serendipity Traveler Spontaneity and Serendipity are two essentials for traveling well.

7.   Margalit Sturm Francus Plan ahead, close your eyes and envision a plan A and B to every day/stop to eliminate surprises!

8.   Lauren Hefferon Reaching perfection in travel, as in life, can prove frustrating and futile. How about setting overall goals for one’s travel like: learning, cultural exchange, absolutely doing nothing or completing an new adventure. Recently for me it’s been to blend a visit to the world’s great cycling cities into my travels. So far we have been to Copenhagen, Portland and this year Barcelona. Welcoming Serendipity is always one of my general rules. Ask me more if you like!

9.   Anne Dimon For anyone heading to Italy, especially the Tuscany region, I highly recommend Adler Thermae Spa Resort. Plan to spend at least a couple of days. It’s fabulous!

10. Serendipity Traveler Start your travels well rested , spend enough time to immerse yourself and talk to locals everywhere.

11. Lauren Hefferon Reaching perfection in travel, as in life, can prove frustrating and futile. How about setting overall goals for one’s travel like: learning, cultural exchange, absolutely doing nothing or completing an new adventure. Recently for me it’s been to blend a visit to the world’s great cycling cities into my travels. So far we have been to Copenhagen, Portland and this year Barcelona. Welcoming Serendipity is always one of my general rules. Ask me more if you like!

12. Allie Avernie Almario Learn to laugh at yourself on the road, wherever you are. Laughter is a free and universal currency that everyone understands, whether you’re in Madagascar or Malaysia. Except possibly in North Korea. I don’t think they laugh much there.

 

Join the conversation, post a comment below and share your own tips with other travelers.