Traveling is a blast, but there’s always something you can do to make your trip even better. Whether you desire better places to sleep or cheaper rates and more, try looking at the advice below.
Take a minimum of valuable items with you when you travel. Bringing too many valuable items on a trip just increases the chance that some of them will be lost or stolen.
Watch your important belongings when traveling. If you have a purse, keep it close to your body with your arm on it at all times. Avoid bags with easy-access zippers that can be easily accessed by someone other than yourself. Remember this when shopping for the ideal travel bag.
It is customary to tip any hotel staff that makes your stay easier. Generally, you will give one dollar per piece of luggage, and anywhere between two and five dollars a day for housekeeping. Doing this will not only show that you appreciated the work they did, but it will also foster a good relationship with them.
Place identifying information inside the bags as well as affixing the usual baggage tag. The luggage tag may be ripped off during transit. Place your contact information and itinerary in your luggage in case it gets lost.
When packing for a longer journey, bring a lightly-lined raincoat. You don’t want to be caught in terrible weather without a way to protect yourself. Additionally, the raincoat can be used as a windbreaker or bathrobe as needed.
If you are going to be taking the red-eye, sleeping pills can help you to get some sleep. For many people, sleeping on a plane is almost impossible, between the uncomfortable seats and the noise level. If you have anxiety about flying, get your doctor to prescribe sleeping medicine to get you through your flight. Your best bet is to wait to take the pill after the plane takes off. If a delay should occur, you don’t want to feel exhausted before your flight takes off.
When preparing for travel abroad, check when your passport will expire. Some countries have certain rules about the expiration. Many will not allow you entry into the country if it expires soon. The lead time might be as little as three months, but it can go as high as a year in some cases.
Be sure to plan for extra breaks when traveling with a child. Breaks give you the chance to stretch out and go to the bathroom. Also, you should have everyone leave the car so that they do not get sick. While your trip may be a bit longer, less stress will make any delay worthwhile.
For longer road-trips, plan out periodic stops to check your vehicle. On road trips, often you find yourself on long stretches of road that may not have many services if an issue arises with your vehicle. Plan your route around repair places that can fix your car if need be. Keep the number for those service stations with you as you travel.
Sign up for the email alerts that some travel sites offer. Use it to keep up with the least expensive way to travel. You will get an alert by email if the flight you want or have already booked has dropped in price.
Bring a pillow and blanket with you. No matter how you are traveling, they can help make your trip more comfortable. Airlines can provide them, but many run out. Yours will be cleaner, too.
Before heading out on a long road trip in the car with kids, stock up on their favorite snacks. In fact, you should pack twice as much as you expect you will need. This way, they will be busy and happy the entire time, saving you headaches. Even some junk food wouldn’t hurt this time.
Contact lens cases can be a useful item to carry with you when traveling regardless of whether or not you wear contacts! You can fill these with a little gel or lotion so you do not have to bring the entire bottle with you.
When traveling, be sure your luggage can be picked out from others. Add color to your bags so that they do not blend in. It’s very inconvenient if someone else walks away with your luggage.
If traveling overseas, invite your friends along to help keep your costs down. You can often get group discounts. Group rates will save you money. See if friends would like to travel with you.
Consider the bus to save money. Yes you will have to pay an excess baggage fee, but it will be far less than that of an airline. So, if you have quite a bit of “stuff” going with you, think about taking the bus.
Traveling can be exciting. You will find new places and experience new cultures. You might already have travel plans in place, but there is always room for improvement. Whatever your reasons for traveling, using the tips above will make your trips better.