These are some of the lessons that I have learned ( some the hard way ) in my 15 years plus of  travelling. Some are just life tips and the other are travel tips

1. Make a Photocopy and Take a photo of your Passport – email to yourself and have a copy on your phone – will come in handy
2. Try to keep everything in one place and secure – passports ,tickets, money. Using your phone and keeping a electronic copy of everything is a good idea. Always use the hotel safe provided.   
3. Join any frequent flyer, Hotel and other reward programs – they don’t cost anything and in some cases your miles and points do not expire. If you can try to use the same Airline and hotels often or frequently – miles and points accumulate.
4. Use a no foreign transaction Fee Credit card ( not all cards have this feature ) also if the card accumulates points even better
5. Have a centralized repository for all your photos as well as travel documents – I have learned this the hard way having lost hundreds of photos from our early trips
6. If you do you own travel planning and booking – use reputable companies . Read reviews and get second opinions. If it sounds too good to be true – it usually is
7. If you use a travel planner or travel agent ( like I do ) do your research and give them your suggestions. Travel agents get paid commission for them to  recommend a certain hotel for example – yet its reviews and location may not suit you.
8. Try to download communication apps like Whats app and area specific apps like We chat for China or Kakao Talk for Korea. You will save money as well as be able to communicate locally. Investing in a local network card is a good idea.
9. Convert money but do so wisely – if you can use a card do so. Excess local currency left will be cost ineffective to convert back. Also you will get the best rates from exchanges outside the airport and banks
10. Carry all denominations of bills – you will be surprised how people will take cash in a foreign currency example I will you US$ 1 for this
11. Download any local apps that will assist you – for example some countries don’t have Uber but have grab etc
12. Try to learn some phrases of the local language – but have both a currency converter app and language app on your phone if possible
13. Depending on how often you travel TSA pre Check and Global Entry are a great way to save time
14. If you have or can get Lounge Access ( some credit cards provide this for a Fee ) do it – will always come in handy
15. If possible take photos of all your luggage ( its surprising how you seem to forget the color and design of your bags when they go missing). If you can travel with only a carryon do it
16. Pack smart – read the weather forecast and blogs – so you have what you need from an umbrella, light jacket or comfortable shoes for long hikes
17. Carry snacks and water with you all the time
18. Learn to bargain – not a western thing – but the price offered is never the final price in most Foreign countries
19. Use common sense and basic courtesy always
20. Learn about tipping in the county you are visiting and follow the standards
21. Do your research on where your visiting and if possible buy your ticket in advance for your attraction. For Example if you want to visit the Livraria Lello Bookstore in Porto – you need to get a ticket at 24 hours before. If you are in Amsterdam and want to visit the Ann Frank Museum you need a reservation ( 2-3 weeks wait )