Use online tools when traveling in London, England

If visiting London, England and you are taking the Underground (subway system) or local buses, you can go to http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/traveltools for the latest information on the operation of the system.

Track the buses in Chicago, IL

When using the local buses in Chicago, IL, you can go to http://ctabustracker.com/bustime/home.jsp for information on when the next bus will arrive at your point of origin.  There are also maps available.

Check your check-in cut off times before you leave your house

For most airlines, the cut off time to check-in for an international flight is an hour before departure.  This means if you are within that hour, it is at the discretion of the airline whether you get checked in or not.  If you are late, be very nice to the agent and do not argue as that will get you on the next flight, which unfortunately for you maybe tomorrow.

In Europe, they are much stricter than in the U.S. with this check-in rule.  Also, in Europe, depending on the country to which you are traveling, the time may be less than an hour.  A look at your airline Web site or a phone call will clarify this information.

Check visa/health requirements before you go

When visiting a foreign country, make sure that you check if a visa is required. You can do this by calling your airline/bus company, boat or rail or checking their Web sites under "International travel." Give yourself ample time as sometimes it is necessary to mail your passport to the consulate/embassy in another city or you have to wait a few days after submitting your passport to the consulate/embassy.

You should also ensure that your passport has at least a 6 months validity and a few blank pages so the visa can be placed in it.

Health requirements are very important as some countries may require a vaccination before entry. This is common for countries in Africa and South America.

Declare your infant at the time of booking

If you are traveling with an infant, it is imperative that you tell the airline at the time of booking. A ticket is required for the infant if traveling internationally. This is usually at a percentage cost of the adult fare. Usually, if traveling in your own country a ticket is not required. A boarding pass may be required in order to clear security though.

Also, on certain airplanes, you have to sit in specific rows due to the number of oxygen masks available in that row.

Assign an aisle/window seats if two in your party

If you have two members in your party, assign an aisle and a window seat with the middle seat empty. This increases the chances of having the middle seat open during the flight. The further back in the plane you do this the better the chances are as most people don't like to sit towards the back of the plane.

Bring pen and paper with you

You should always have some sort of writing implement with you when you travel. If you travel international, you will need it to fill out the entry documents for the country you are visiting.

You may also need one just to jot down information as you go. Or to write down the number of someone you meet on your flight.