Top 10 Tips to Avoid Vacation Disasters

I've sure made my share of travel mistakes. Here are 10 tips that will help you avoid them so you have the perfect vacation.

1. Allow enough time between connecting flights. Rule of thumb -allow an hour for connecting domestic flights and two hours for international flights. Murphy's Law states that if your flight is delayed you will inevitably get off at the gate and terminal farthest from your connecting flight!

2. Arrange your transportation transfers before you start your vacation. While traveling solo in Venice, I arranged, at the last minute, a private water taxi (vaparetto) to take me from my hotel to the airport.  When the water taxi driver dropped me off, he expected payment -in cash-I had expected to use my ATM card. I had to talk him into walking with me into the airport so I could get enough cash from an ATM ...He was not too happy -- it was probably a good thing that I don't understand any Italian swear words!

3. Don't overpack. Another example from my Venice trip....I was glad I stuck to my one bag with wheels rule. There are pedestrian bridges with steps everywhere and I saw many Americans struggling to haul several bags up and down them. Ladies, buy clothes like Chico's travelers that fold up tiny and don't wrinkle. Take scarfs to dress up your outfits and forget the heels.

4. Know the real budget. Remember to add in taxes, gratuities and some extra for splurges so you're not unpleasantly surprised at the end of your trip. Be especially careful when taking cruises (other than the high-end lines which are all inclusive). Alcohol, shopping, gambling and even sodas can add up.

5. Don't try to cram in too much sightseeing. You should come back from a vacation rejuvenated, not exhausted! Choose the top sites you want to see ahead of time. Take breaks in between your "must-see" sights to sit, rest and rehydrate in a charming cafe or local pub... Your time mingling among the locals may create some of your favorite memories.

6. Buy travel insurance for big trips. Honeymoons, international trips and cruises are big-ticket items -- if you need to cancel your trip, or fall ill while traveling, it can cost you dearly. Ask your travel agent about buying travel insurance from a company independent of the cruise lines or tour packages -- you'll get the same or better coverage for less money.

7. Notify your bank when you're traveling out of the country. You don't want to be unpleasantly surprised when your credit card is declined because the bank is trying to protect you -- they often block the card when they see "suspicious" activity.

8. Make a copy of your passport and keep it separate from your passport while traveling. This will help expedite getting a replacement in the event that your passport is lost or stolen.

9. Carry a list of your credit-card issuer's phone numbers with you. You'll want to be able to notify them if you lose your card.

10. Enjoy the quirks of any culture you're visiting. One of the greatest gifts we get from traveling is a broadening of perspective. Enjoy the differences you experience in other countries. View them with an open mind. Get a new idea of what quality of life really means.

Do you have a travel disaster story that could save the rest of us from making a mistake? I'd love to see them posted here!