While some parts of the country are busy digging themselves out from under several feet of snow, Southern Californians are basking in the afterglow of the holidays and probably planning their next trip.

Is it going to be a fun one? Possibly off to the ski slopes to enjoy the snow, or off to the beach to frolic in the surf and enjoy the sun and sand.  Could be the boss thinks you should be on a business trip somewhere else. Whatever the decision, here are a few traveling tips to get you through 2010 and the years to come.

If you are heading to the mountains for some fun on the ski slopes, you want to be prepared and equipped with the right gear.  Proper ski attire and gear are important.  One item you should not forget is the ski helmet. This is the best protection from possible head injury. It has become more readily available in stores over the last few years. The nice pretty woolen ski hats do not protect your head when you fall. You might be thinking that you are an expert skier and never fall. However, what if a novice skier runs into you and knocks you over? If you notice, all the professional skiers that are on television always wear a helmet.

Every ski resort has rental gear available, so no worries if you do not have your own gear.  Sometimes it is best not to own your own stuff, because your ski level might change from year to year. As your level of skiing changes, you will need to change the type of skis you use. Besides, the ski makers are always coming out with newer improved version of skis every year.  So if you are renting, you have the advantage of skiing on newer equipment.

For you ladies out there who might be shopping for a ski suit, the jump suit can look cute and fancy.  But comfort and fit matter, so it’s best to choose something for convenience and warmth.  A ski suit with many zipper pockets is important, since there is no chance of carrying a purse down the slopes.

Maybe the snow is not your thing and you prefer the sun and sand.  A beach holiday is more up your alley. At the top of your list should be sun screen.  Regardless of your skin tone, you still need protection from the direct rays of continuous exposure to the sun. Sun glasses are a must, of course. There is no need to drag beach towels from home. All beach resorts are happy to provide you with beach towels for your use.

It might be a business trip that you might need to take.  The rule of thumb is to wear your bulky clothing. For example, your big overcoat and your boots should be worn as they take up a lot of room in suitcases.  And do not forget your list of useful carry on items for use in flight as well as in the airport or hotel room.

Whatever the winter destination of choice, you will probably be staying in a hotel, or renting a car. With a little research good deals can be obtained for luxury hotels. At ski resorts, beach resorts and popular destinations, good deals on room rates are more likely on weekdays than weekends.

Upon check in at your hotel, you will be required to present a credit card. A debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo will also be accepted.  However, keep in mind that if you choose to present a debit card to the front desk at check in, the funds for the length of your stay will be held (taken from your bank account) and not replaced until a few days after you have checked out. That might put a dent in your spending money, because you will not have the money available to spend while on your vacation or business trip.

Hotel rooms are sometimes colder than we would like. So, a hot water bottle might come in handy. Be sure to bring along your antibiotic wet wipes to wipe down the germ infected objects in the room, like the phone and the remote control. The maid never cleans these things. You never know who was handling them before you came along.  Be careful about using the mugs and glasses as well before thoroughly washing them yourself.  The maids do not carry around dishwashing liquid or washing sponges on their carts. You get my drift…..

If you are renting a car, a good thing to think about having is a GPS unit. You can rent one from the car rental company, or if you have your own you can bring it along with you. With a more advanced version, you can download maps of international destinations and your unit will work in other parts of the world, getting you from point A to point B without a worry of getting lost.

Where ever your destination, or no matter how much fun you are planning on having, don’t forget to bring along you umbrella.