Traveling is a good way to learn about new cultures and become more worldly. However, traveling can also be expensive and time consuming. To make the best of your vacation and not hurt your wallet too much, here is some advice.
Try and leave important valuables at home. The more items you have with you, the chance will be higher that you will leave one behind, or an item gets stolen.
If you have any food allergies, you will want to be particularly careful when traveling abroad. Learn the words for foods to which you are allergic in the native tongue of the country you are visiting, especially if your reactions are severe. You’ll be able to tell waitstaff in restaurants about your allergies before there’s a problem and you have to explain to medical professionals.
Whenever possible, purchase tickets for admission to attractions online, then print them instantly or opt for will-call. There is a small fee associated with purchasing tickets online; however, the time saved at the ticket booth will make it worth the cost. Another option to skip admission is by using the timed entry into the park.
It’s important to tip the housekeeper and bell station well. An appropriate tip is considered $1 for each piece of luggage you have, and $2-$5 per day for the housekeeping service. Tipping the people who assist you during your stay will help to develop a relationship with the staff, and entice them to provide you with optimum service.
The price per unit for these conveniently sized products is disproportionate compared to the amount of space that you save. Use techniques such as rolling your clothing or make use of vacuum packaging. These techniques will help you create additional space in your bag.
Think about cashing in the traveler’s checks you need for dining or shopping. Though lots of places will accept the checks, it can be a hassle. You may get shorted when you use them. Instead, have them converted to local currency previous to shopping.
If you know you will be storing your car at the airport, call ahead and reserve parking. Parking can be more expensive when booked the day of the flight. If you live near the airport, you are probably better off calling a cab than putting your car in airport storage.
When taking a long trip by plane, bring along some snacks to eat. Fresh fruits will boost your mood and help your digestion. Not only will it save you money when it comes to pricey airport fare, it can also be a conversation starter as travel neighbors see your goodies.
Service Stations
When taking a long road trip, it is important to know where the service stations are. You may encounter long stretches of highway with no gas station in site. While planning your route, look for service stations that offer mechanic services. You can then retain a list of contact numbers on your person so that you can handle these situations more easily if anything happens.
When going to a different country, stay away from exchanging currency. There is an easier way to obtain your foreign currency. The easier method is getting your currency from an ATM. An ATM’s exchange rate is usually much better, and it is usually a lot less expensive than using an exchange to get your currency.
Think about insurance if you are going on a remote or exotic trip. The farther away from civilization you’ll be, the more peace of mind this insurance will give you.
You should never head out camping or hiking without taking along good maps of the territory you intend to visit. A compass or GPS would also come in handy if you end up getting lost.
Book flights that have multiple connecting flights. But, you need to be honest with yourself when considering these options. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you could miss the next plane. If it’s a lengthy layover, you will be spending a lot of time at the airport.
Before traveling to a foreign country, remember to purchase a high quality voltage converter or electrical adapter from an electronics store. If you purchase one at the airport or from a shop near your hotel, you are more than likely going to pay three or four times the normal price.
If you want to hit the ground running on your next vacation, be sure to take some of the local currency with you. In some countries, getting currency changed outside of business hours can be difficult. Plan ahead by finding a bank that can exchange money prior to getting on a plane headed abroad. This will save you time when you get to your destination.
You need to be informed of what documentation and visas you will need in transit to your vacation destination. Getting a visa doesn’t mean that you can just enter a country as there are various visas; it is important to do your research. Ask your travel agent, or consult the website of the embassy of the country where you are going.
If a hotel is fully booked, you may still be in luck; ask for a room that is listed as out of service. When a room has problems that need to be fixed, the hotel will take it off of their room rotation. They are usually minor issues like painting or aesthetic problems that the hotel would prefer not be seen by guests.
These tips will take the stress out of any vacation, regardless of how large or small your travel plans are. Regardless, if you plan ahead, your trip is sure to be fulfilling, interesting and something that you will never forget.
