The best travel tips will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals and just being a better traveler overall. Some of these tips are simple but incredibly effective, others might seem obvious, but they’re worth repeating.

Often when we think of traveling, we have preconceived notions about different cultures, religions and people. But the reality is that most of us have more in common with people all over the world than we might realize. So open your mind and embrace the differences, it’s what makes travel so interesting.

Don’t let the corporate news media make you believe that the entire world is dangerous. Sure there are places that should be avoided at all costs, but that’s a generalization and only serves to sell clicks and advertising revenue for the big corporations. So be smart and follow these travel safety tips, and always remember that even with the most careful planning things can still go wrong so get travel insurance to cover the unexpected.

Pack light! Bringing less baggage will save you time and money when you’re traveling. If you have to bring more than one bag, try using packing cubes to keep your clothes organized. They’re cheap and will give your luggage a professional, streamlined look. Plus, they’re great space savers! You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to carry a heavy suitcase around. You’ll also be able to wash your clothes more often (which will help with the stink). Plus, it saves on laundry fees at hostels and hotels.