When visiting a new place it can be scary, but fun at the same time, no matter the level of experience you have in traveling. Read these travel tips prior to going on a trip to help make your trip more pleasurable.
Don’t exchange your cash in another country, use an ATM instead. Many times a bank will get a better exchange rate than what an individual has access to. You may find significant savings through the course of your trip.
Hold Doors
Bring a doorstop with you when you are staying in a room that makes you feel less than comfortable about security. These handy little wooden or rubber wedges are usually used to hold doors open but they can just as easily be used to hold doors closed.
Looking for tickets online when you plan on traveling to a particular location or attraction is an easy way to prepare in advance. In addition, you can print the tickets ahead of time. Although you may pay a service fee for this option, it is worth it to bypass long lines for entrance to the park. If the park you are visiting has a timed entry, you can skip admission lines too.
Travel can be a great way to educate your family members. Traveling is a great way to educate your family about other cultures around the world, as long as you take the correct safety precautions. You can gain understanding and tolerance for different cultures while abroad.
United States
When traveling overseas, it is wise to prepare for emergencies beforehand, including the loss of your U.S. passport. The United States Department of State maintains a website (usembassy.state.gov) where you can find information on how to contact the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country that you are visiting. Take this information along on your vacation. Your passport will be done in a few days.
If your car has to be left at an airport while you travel, make sure you pre-book airport parking ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, you will pay top price. If you live near the airport, find out if taking a cab is cheaper than airport parking.
Try using eco-friendly services for a “greener” trip. A number of hotels have linen reuse programs, recycling bins, energy efficient lights, low flow plumbing, alternative sources of energy and so on. Car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants and other service providers are implementing ways that allow travelers to be able to travel green.
Rental firms typically require customers to be at least 18 years old, and some even have a lower age limit of 25. If they do allow younger people to rent, the rate will be very high. In some places, senior citizens may not be allowed to rent a car. Always ask when you call about any special restrictions.
If you’re a forgetful person when traveling and leaving the hotel room, you can leave yourself reminder messages on mirrors using dry erase markers. This prevents you from losing a piece of paper, and the information will be readily available. Dry-erase markers can easily be removed from the mirror.
If you plan to rent a car during vacation, make sure that you review your auto insurance before leaving home. You probably don’t need the extra insurance the salesman wants to push on you. Many times the car insurance policy will have added coverage that includes liability for a third party. Be sure to double-check your policy prior to leaving for your trip.
Carry an extra passport photo. In the event your passport is lost or stolen, replacing it can take some time. Carrying a photo with you can speed the process up. Remember to bring the necessary documentation that you might have to have with you, too.
Don’t forget to pack your child’s car seat when you hire a rental car. To be safe, bring your own car seats with you.
Travel Insurance
Any time that you buy travel insurance, make sure that you’re honest with the provider. If you’re sick, let the representative know all about it. A travel insurance company will deny claims for pre-existing conditions if your illness deteriorates while you travel. Then, all of the expenses will fall on you.
If you plan to go to a remote or exotic location, you might want to buy insurance that pays for search, rescue and emergency evacuations. The farther you are from civilization, the better off you are to have insurance of this kind.
When travelling and staying at a hotel, make sure you don’t rush to check out. Many hotels charge substantial fees if you not check out by the specified time. Allow extra time for check out.
Keep all of your luggage identified with your name, home address and phone number on a visible, durable label inside each piece of your luggage when you travel. If the luggage is lost and the outer tags get removed, the authorities can still figure out that the luggage is yours. Keep in mind that luggage gets misplaced all the time, and you may not get it back.
By keeping this article’s advice in mind, you can learn about new things to experience on your next trip. Whether you’re a travel novice or an experienced road warrior, these tips will help you have a more memorable and pleasurable trip.
