My mom and I are going to Paris together (here’s what I’m packing), and my flight leaves this Saturday. So, looking ahead, I’d love to ask: what’s your best travel tip?

Here’s what I swear by…

When choosing a hotel, I go to TripAdvisor and, instead of looking at the hotel’s professional photos, look at the travelers’ photos. That way, you can get a real sense of the place. Does the pool look crowded? Are lots of kids at the restaurant? Do the rooms feel dark?

My friend Gisela brings pretzels and chocolate to the airport, in case of long delays.

On a long flight, I put on water cream; you land dewy and hydrated, instead of dry and crusty.

Pack a funny book you can dip in and out of. (I’m bringing this one for my mom.)

And, finally, in other countries, grocery stores are always really fun, don’t you think? The candy! The potato chip flavors! The baby food! (In England, they have ‘Grandpa’s Sunday Lunch.’)

What’s your best travel tip? I want to hear! My friend Liz recommends a Koosh ball if you have kids because it won’t bounce away.

P.S. The weirdest best part of trips, and 12 readers share their solo travel photos.