Before your trip

Make three copies of the following: (1) the photo page of your passport, with your passport number and the issuing office; (2) your paper airline ticket, if you have one — or use electronic tickets, which you can't lose; (3) traveler's checks — make sure the serial numbers are readable, or record them separately; and (4) your driver's license. Keep one set of copies for yourself (apart from the originals), leave one set with a family member or friend, and stow the last set in the hotel safe when you get to your destination.

While you're away

"Treat your travel documents like you would treat your cash," says Denise Reilly, president of Reilly Group Travel, in Milford, Connecticut. Don't leave them lying around, and keep them locked up, if possible, even in your hotel room. (Leave them at the front desk if there's no safe in your room.) When you're on the move, keep the originals in a pouch with a Velcro closure so nothing can slip out.