However you choose to travel, and wherever you choose to travel to, there are a few tips that can come in handy on your journey. Use this article to save money and stress when preparing for your next trip.
Before packing, make a list. Put together a list of things you must take with you. You can start doing this a couple of months out, but should be finished about a week before your trip. This will keep you away from chaos no matter how late you pack.
Booking all travel arrangements well in advance is a great way to save money. There are many things you purchase for travel, most of them are cheaper, the earlier you buy them. If you don’t shop at the last minute, you can extend your travel much more.
Sign up to receive emails for watching travel prices. You can put in your desired location and it keeps an eye on the prices for that area. When the price for airfare or lodging meets your expectations, you’re going to get an alert. This saves you from the need to check the prices yourself every day.
If you’re traveling somewhere where you’ll need tickets, like amusement parks or a play, look for ways to have them ahead of time. You might have to pay a little extra for the convenience, but you won’t have to bother with long lines when you get to the attraction. If the park uses a timed entry system, you won’t need to wait in line to enter, either.
Take clothespins along the next time you travel. They can be a useful item when you go on a trip, even though they are not something someone thinks to bring with them.
Prior to flying, make a quick trip to the gym. Long flights are found to be hard to sit through. In addition, having to sit in one spot for hours can cause your back and legs to severely cramp up. If you workout or stretch before the flight, the probability of getting cramps is greatly reduced.
Stores often overcharge for such products, and the space you save is minimal. Try to be more efficient in how you pack instead. Some of these techniques can give you much more room in your bag.
When traveling abroad, prepare for emergencies ahead of time, such as losing your U.S. passport. You can find the information you need at the website for The United States Department of State. You can check the US Embassy website to find contact information. Bring this info with you as you travel. In many cases, a replacement passport can be ready within a couple days.
When traveling abroad, research currency rates in advance of your trip. That way, you don’t have to worry about spending more money than you realize. This way, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about money.
The National Park Pass is cost effective to purchase if you intend to visit National Parks on a regular basis throughout the year. They are only $50 and can be used for one year at all of the parks.
Auto Insurance
If you are going to be renting a car, make sure you review your auto insurance policy prior to leaving home. Rental car agents will try and sell you additional insurance, but they don’t care if you actually need it or not. Auto insurance policies usually include at least some third party liability coverage. Be sure to double-check your policy prior to leaving for your trip.
Take an early flight to avoid a delay in your flight. 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. The very first morning flight should not have many reasons to delay.
Consider drinking only bottled water if you are traveling to another country. The water you find in other countries may not be safe to drink as it can cause different sicknesses. You even need to use bottled water when you brush your teeth. It’s possible you can get ill from using the tap water in that fashion.
Always pass on a copy of the itinerary to someone that you trust. Make sure you include where you are planning to go and people you are going to visit, which includes telephone numbers and addresses. Make sure the person also has your flight information and a copy of important documentation, like your passport ID page.
A road trip is the perfect opportunity to listen to playlists of your favorite music, so do not forget to bring your CDs or MP3 player with you. You will often have difficulty receiving radio signals while traveling or getting a station that plays what you like to listen to, so bringing your own music guarantees quality listening.
If you’re going somewhere exotic or remote, try buying insurance to cover search and rescue and emergency evacuation. If you will be far from civilization, you will be very grateful for this insurance if you need it.
Be sure to keep the above tips in mind as you plan your trip. This information will help you tremendously at every stage of the vacation process.
