If you're a frequent business traveler, a global explorer or just a tourist for two weeks each year, Fine Living's Top 20 Travel Tips has the very latest information worth knowing before you plan your next trip. Take your traveling skills to the next level with our Top 20 Travel Tips. The tips start here, counting down from number 20 to number 1.

Planning, Packing, and Vacation Rentals

Travel Tips #20 through #17 feature being skeptical of hotel brochures and websites, not packing what you can buy at your destination, booking a vacation rental for your family trips, and taking extra items in your carry-on bag.

• Tip # 20: Research Your Destination
  
  • Call and ask specific questions.
    
  • Consult a travel guidebook.
    
  • Read online feedback from actual travelers.
  
  More information: www.tripadvisor.com

• Tip # 19: Pack Lightly
  
  • Purchase beach and rain gear as needed.
    
  • Purchase toiletries after arriving at your destination.

• Tip # 18: Vacation Rental Benefits
  
  • Significant cost saving measure
    
  • Everyone under one roof with common area and kitchen

• Tip # 17: The "3-1-1" Rule
  
  • liquids and gels in a 3 oz. (or less) container
    
  • stored in a 1 quart sealable clear bag
    
  • one bag per passenger

Preparation, Car-Rental Insurance And Fine Dining For Less

Travel Tips #16 through #14 cover what information you should have in the event of a travel crisis, how much rental car insurance is necessary, and how to enjoy the best restaurants without breaking your budget.

• Tip # 16: Emergency List Contents
  
  • credit card and bank phone numbers
    
  • health insurance and personal physician contacts
    
  • airline and hotel info

• Tip # 15: Ask Your Insurance Agent
  
  • Do I have complete policy coverage?
    
  • Am I covered for luxury and SUV rentals?

• Tip # 14: Cut Meal Expenses
  
  • eat a price fixed three course lunch for $20-30 at a fine restaurant
    
  • make lunch the large meal of your day

Tagging Your Luggage, Buying Travel Insurance, And Joining A Loyalty Club

Travel Tips #13 through #11 include the importance of tagging your luggage, knowing when you'll need travel insurance, and the benefits of joining a loyalty club.

• Tip # 13: Identify Your Bags
  
  • Attach a permanent label with your name and phone number.
    
  • Include a label inside your luggage.
    
  • Consider an additional colorful tag, label or ribbon.

• Tip # 12: When You Need Insurance
  
  • trips with large deposits
    
  • fixed-date bookings
    
  • adventure activities planned
    
  • Insider Tip: A typical travel insurance policy is priced between 3 and 8 percent of the total cost of your trip.
  
  More information:
  www.insuremytrip.com
  www.travelguard.com
  www.travelinsure.com

• Tip # 11: Loyalty-Club Membership Benefits
  
  • usually free to join
    
  • improve chance for an upgrade
    
  • coupons amd last-minute deal emails