There are many things to consider when you have made the decision to travel to Athens. It has the potential to be a rewarding experience. The variety of places to travel and the resources available for planning your trip is staggering. Are you ready to take them on? Here are some suggestions that will help you on your way, no matter what you do.
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One you know where you are going, learn about it. Buy a decent city or regional map of where you are going to be, and take time to look it over to find museums, environs, and big sightseeing areas. Having a good understanding of how the area you’re going to is laid out, will make it much easier to get around when you arrive.
Bring a good digital camera for the vacation that you are taking. If you are planning on backpacking, for example, a rechargeable battery may not be the answer. Usually, you will need a digital camera that’s easy to turn on and focuses quickly in order to avoid missing once-in-a-lifetime shots.
If you are traveling in Athens, be careful of the taxis you choose to ride. Before entering any taxi, know if it is a real one. Anyone could put a taxi magnet on their car, but they could be someone else. Your best bet is to choose Uber. Uber has finally come to Athens and people love it. You will always know what you are going to pay upfront. Split fare is one of Uber’s best features. It allows you to share the cost with a friend.
If you’re staying in a hotel, especially in a less developed country, and you’re worried about someone possibly coming into your room in the night, bring a doorstop with you. Most people use doorstops to prop their doors open, but you can also use them to hold a door shut.
Have a door stopper to use during your hotel stay. You may not have access to the type of security that you think is acceptable. If the door on your room doesn’t have an extra deadbolt or chain in addition to the main lock, place the door stopper beneath the door before you head to bed.
Pack clothespins on your upcoming trip. A couple of clothespins can be very handy when traveling.
Keep everything in one place. You don’t want to spend your valuable time looking around your house for toiletries, charges or pillows. Store all the travel essentials in a plastic bin. If it can fit under your bed, that it is even better.
Keep your business card or some identifying information from your hotel when venturing out. If you get lost in a strange city, this small thing can be extremely useful when asking a local or taxi driver for directions. This is particularly true if you don’t know the language very well.
Get involved with travel websites and forums. Finding a community of fellow travelers to share experiences and socialize with is one of the best ways to prepare for a trip. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends, and through sharing your stories you can help others avoid your mistakes — and avoid the mistakes that others have made.
Jet lag is a common problem when traveling across time zones. This is almost impossible to avoid, but the effects can be lessened if you sleep more a few days prior to the flight. If possible take a nap on the airplane.
Booking travel online is a great way to get everything done at once. Travel sites aid in planning out your travel itineraries with little effort. You can book everything you need for your trip, from rental cars to flights to hotel rooms, all from the comfort of your computer. You will be able to see reviews and pictures of hotels without having to go anywhere. Don’t forget to look for discounts when booking travel at the last minute.
If you don’t like flight delays, get the earliest flight you can. Usually when flights are delayed it’s because they are waiting for it to arrive at the airport, but if you take the first flight out, chances are the plane is already there. An early flight has less of a change of getting backed up.
When going to a different country, stay away from exchanging currency. Check with your bank before you leave, and notify them you are traveling overseas. They will help you find the best way to purchase and also let you know the exchange rates for using your credit card or ATM overseas. The best way is to use an ATM at a bank to get your foreign currency. Bank ATM’s tend to have better exchange rates and are generally less expensive than an exchange.
Tip generously. Give the steward a $20 tip when the time comes for you to board the ship. These crew members will most likely be helping you for your entire cruise. Treating them well may ensure that you receive quality service.
Be certain to take car seats with you whenever you are renting a car with your young children in tow. The car seat that you own is probably better than the one a rental company would supply, and your seat is one that your child is comfortable with.
When traveling by car with small children, make sure to pack snacks for them to eat during the trip. Pack more than you think you should. A little bit of food goes a long way toward keeping everyone in a good mood. Sometimes, even some junk food can be okay.
Always exchange into the local currency when you reach your destination; this saves money. If you know there won’t be a place to easily exchange currency once you land in your destination country, exchange a limited amount before you leave and then look for a better exchange rate once you arrive in-country.
If you have designs on an overseas trip, but need to find savings, see if you can recruit some friends to go with you. Take advantage of the discounts many destinations offer to larger groups. Whether eating out or flying, group rates can save you a ton. Get in touch with your group of friends to determine if they are interested.
It is obvious that traveling is more than just jumping on a airplane and going. You will need to plan your trip so you can totally enjoy yourself. The tips provided in this article should give you a good idea of what your next step is going to be.