There nothing quite like traveling the globe to put a new spin on life. Traveling can bring you new education and adventure. With a world full of wonder, there is the perfect place for everyone. Traveling is enhanced when this advice is put to good use.
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Tip your concierge!
Whether it be on a cruise or at a hotel, your concierge will be your go-to guy for reservations, directions and almost everything else! Many concierges have admitted that if someone is willing to tip them well, they will go out of their way to make sure those great tippers, have a fantastic time.
To decide if you should buy travel insurance, you need to look at how much the trip is going to cost. At some date in the future, many reservations can’t be canceled without some financial penalty. Looking to see how much is already at risk if you have to cancel is a great way to get an idea of what you might be willing to spend to insure a trip.
Having a small sewing kit and an eyeglass repair kit tucked away in your luggage can save the day! Whether you rip your clothing, need to remove a splinter, replace a button, or replace the tiny screws on the back of your child’s hand held video game these tools are great!
Try to only bring carry-on bags. If you can travel light, you will not have to face the mess that is the check counter. Just remember the policies about weight, and be ready to buy toiletries upon your arrival to your destination. You can call your airline to clarify any specifics.
Don’t forget the Discount Codes
When booking a hotel online, don’t forget to search the web for discount codes or promotions for that hotel chain. If you are a AAA (American Auto Association) member, don’t forget to request the rate, which most hotels in North America have. There’s no reason to pay list price for a hotel room, so shop around and ask for better rates.
If you know in advance that you will be passing through some less-than-desirable neighborhoods or areas of town en route to your destination, don’t rely solely on your in-dash GPS system. Map out alternate routes using MapQuest or Google Maps, so you don’t end up in a bad part of town, in the middle of the night, with bad directions.
Long flights are notorious for cramped quarters.
If you stay cramped in your seat for the entire time, there is the possibility you could develop deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to blood clotting in your legs. Take some time to walk around and stretch your legs at least once every hour.
You can usually use the internet to find flight schedules. A lot of websites will allow you to specify schedules and search by travel time. Some sites do exclude some of the low fare airline searches. Although you may find the information online, sometimes it can be hard to decipher with layovers and such.
When traveling, always know the number of doors between your hotel room and the exit. If there is a fire, you will have to quickly move to the stairwell. If the fire produces a lot of smoke, you may not be able to see, so feeling the doors and counting until you reach the right one may be your only option.
Check what types of documents are needed for entry in your country of destination. A passport alone, does not guarantee entry into every country. While some accept a passport alone, others may have special requirements (such as unstamped pages in your passport book), and some require you to possess a visa.
Plan your budget before your trip.
There’s nothing worse than being away from home and realizing you don’t have enough money to do all of the fun things on your list. Plan so much per day for food, entertainment, souvenirs, and cab/bus fare if needed. Stick to that amount each day. At the end of your trip, you might be pleasantly surprised by how much you have left over.
Rather than renting a car use Uber instead. Driving is very dangerous in Athens. The traffic, the narrow roads, being in unfamiliar surroundings. Its easy to get lost and the added stress can easily be removed simply by letting your Uber driver do shuttle you around. Be sure to tip your Uber driver. Gas is extremely expensive in Athens, about double what you’d expect to pay in the United States. Many Athens Uber drivers work the same neighborhoods, so its very likely you will see your driver multiple times. They will not only remember and appreciate your generosity.
Get a credit card that is associated with your favorite airline or hotel so that you can earn miles or reservations. Often the bonus for your first purchase will be enough to get you a free ticket or night’s stay. Be sure you pay off your balance regularly, though, or the card may cost you more than it saves.
Make sure to plan out a driver and an entertainer for a road trip that involves small children. The entertainer is in charge of keeping the children occupied and happy so that there are no problems during the trip, while the driver is supposed to get everyone to the destination. Also feel free to switch roles at different intervals when one gets tired of the other.
Travel Insurance
If you’re planning on purchasing travel insurance, it pays to be up front and honest. If you’re sick, make sure your provider is aware of it. If you have an illness-related emergency while you are abroad, the insurer may deny the claim. In such a circumstance, you will have to foot the bill alone.
A great travel tip is to book your hotel room on the first floor if the hotel you’re staying at charges for wi-fi. Generally, on the first floor you might pick up different signals you can connect to. If you’re on a higher floor you aren’t likely to pick up any signals.
Make sure that you plan your vacation in advance. This will help to ensure that you get the best deal on your flight and hotel. Last minute vacations always cost more than those that are planned ahead. You will be happy you did the planning ahead.
As you can imagine, what you have learned here will ensure that your trip is at the least pleasant and simple to arrange. You may even travel to places you’ve only dreamed about. The suggestions you have read and retained ensure nothing less than success when it comes to your travel plans. So long, and remember to write!