Travel tips make trips less tiring

Travel details can sometimes get complicated and produce anxiety, which diminishes the enjoyment of a trip. Here is a list of tips from frequent travelers to help travelers relax and enjoy the adventure:

Don't leave home without patience and sense of humor.

Always request advance seat assignments.

Be prepared to show identification at check-in.

Have all pertinent documents and names of people dealt with. Boarding passes, ticket copies, and rental agreements are handy in case of problems with flights, rental cars or hotel reservations.

Try to board early to get overhead storage for carry-on luggage. It will be checked with regular baggage if it doesn't fit overhead or under the seat in front.

Always lock luggage. If luggage is lost, don't leave the airport until filing a claim with the airline traveled on.

Put name, address and phone number on the inside of luggage, as well as on a baggage tag. If the baggage tags are torn off, the airline will still have a contact.

Reconfirm flights before traveling to be sure that there has not been a schedule change.

Try not to book the last flight through airports prone to weather delays. This will provide a backup if a connection is missed.

If a flight is canceled or delayed to the point of missing a connecting flight, go to the airline booked on and ask them to find an alternate flight. Travelers must work with the airline ticketed with unless willing to pay for a new ticket.

Always get a confirmation number for the hotel room. If the traveler arrives after 6 p.m. the room must be guaranteed with a credit card. It could be rented to someone else if the hotel is booked to capacity.

Check with the travel agent to see if there is complimentary shuttle service.

Ask the travel agent to put the hotel telephone number on the itinerary. If a hotel is guaranteed for late arrival and the traveler's plans change, the reservation can be canceled so that the credit card won't be billed.

Always book car rentals in advance. The prices can be better, and you won't be surprised by no availability.

Before renting a car, be sure of enough credit on the credit card. Rental companies put a hold on credit until the car is returned. Check the gasoline gauge when picking up the car. If it is not full, be sure the attendant notes that in writing.

Note the time of picking up the car and return it at the same time on the return date. This will avoid extra-hour charges.

Know the rental company's policy on refueling the car.

(Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.)