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Use your digital camera as a "visual notebook" to record things you may find useful later on — not just for photos of your family at your destination. Here are some ideas:
'Return to owner'
Take a photo of a sign you make that says "This camera belongs to ..." and lists your name, contact information, and (perhaps) the promise of a reward. Set this image to "read-only" to make it difficult to erase. Keep it as the first picture on your memory card. If strangers find your lost camera and start looking at its photos, they'll know it belongs to you.
'Where was that again?'
Snap the location of your parked car, or take a picture of your hotel door with the room number on it. At the end of your jetlagged day, whether you're in an Orlando parking garage or Las Vegas resort, you'll appreciate having the photo to remind you of where you need to go.
'See? My car was fine when I left the lot'
Sometimes sneaky rental car companies will "ding" you for rental car damage you didn't cause. Avoid surprises on your bill by capturing "before" and "after" views of your vehicle. (Skip taking photos if an attendant walk arounds the vehicle with you and notes any damage on a form you both sign.)
'Which temple was that one again?'
Let's say that on a vacation you see dozens of the same category of sights: a Madonnarama of paintings at European art galleries; a Buddhathon of temples in Cambodia. Be sure to record the context of what you're photographing by shooting up close the text of a street sign, historical plaque, or a relevant page of your guidebook.
'Darn it. I wish I could print out this webpage'
Let's say you're using your hotel's computer to look up some information, such as a map for a museum's location, but you don't have access to a printer — or maybe don't want to pay a silly printing charge. Simply take a photo of the screen, and then use your camera's built-in LCD screen to view it as you walk.
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Or, be like the Japanese tourists and just take a picture of every. single. thing. that you lay eyes on for your entire trip.
Sorry but I have already taken most of these photos. They are hardly new ideas. I started taking photos of attraction signs 20 years ago. Other good ideas are to take a photo of are the you are here, park or trail maps. You can stop trying to find one and just pull it up on the camera to figure out which way you need to go.
Definitely not new ideas. I take these types of pictures on every trip. I also ensure that my sister has up-to-date photocopies of all of our identification before leaving the country in case of passport theft/loss. Emailing yourself all of the phone numbers, directions, etc. that are needed for a trip pays off as email can be checked from iphone/ipad or any computer in case you get lost. My business card is hidden in the lining of every bag we take with us and our kids also have the business card with cell phone numbers and hotel name/address written on the back in case they get lost. Show us some new ideas!
Seriously, though - not bad ideas at all. Another one might be to take a snap of your checked baggage if you fly (before you check it, obviously).
When I traveled to European cities, frequently at the bus stop, train station, etc., there was a "you are here" map of the city. I took a picture of the map, and some close ups, too, just for street names and directions. It saved us more than once.
Also, if you have young children with you, take a pic of them at the beginning of the day or whenever you change their outfits. If they become separated from you, you will have an immediate image to share with the folks trying to help you. (It works for spouses, too.)
Also useful if your kids have a "favorite" outfit or shirt or whatever and swear they have not worn it 5 times already this week. . .
These may not be new ideas for everyone but they are good ideas. They may be new ideas for people who don't travel a lot.
We take a picture of our kids everyday so we can describe what they were wearing, in case we get separated.
Take a close- up of your rental cars license plate. Many hotels ask for this information upon check-in.
Thanks for the comments! I'm not surprised that MSNBC has readers who are very experienced travelers! But these are new ideas for some people.
@Shawn Great idea! RE: Take a close- up of your rental cars license plate. Many hotels ask for this information upon check-in.
@Zapper Love this! RE: if you have young children with you, take a pic of them at the beginning of the day or whenever you change their outfits. If they become separated from you, you will have an immediate image to share with the folks trying to help you. (It works for spouses, too.)