The choices when it comes to memory cards include compact flash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, and more. Some digital cameras only accept one kind of memory card, though, so actually, you might not have much of a choice. If that's the case, all you need to do is purchase the largest amount of memory storage you can afford.

Some digital cameras, however, do allow you to use more than one type of memory card. If your camera has this feature, simply choose the card that works best for you. Go with whatever option is least expensive, holds the most images, and works with your current computer setup.

The most important thing is the number of megabytes (MBs) in the card. Regardless of which format your camera requires, you want to get the largest cards possible (i.e., ones with the most MBs). This can be a painful decision to make because the larger the card, the greater the cost. But, this is one area in which you don't want to skimp. On your next road trip, you'll be glad you got the most you could afford.

If you see yourself doing a great deal of digital photography on the road, invest in a memory card that's 2 gigabyte (GB) or larger. This will allow you to capture a large number of high-quality images before having to off-load them from your camera to your computer. Big memory cards come in very handy when you're shooting raw or TIFF files.

TIP: Never delete images while viewing them on your camera's LCD screen unless you are absolutely sure that they're absolutely awful. Try to be objective about the quality of your photos, but before you hit the delete button, entertain the notion that you may be wrong.