Think you know a lot about how to travel? Did you make a travel plan? If so, are you aiming to better it? Would you survive if an emergency came up? Read the tips below if you do not have an answer to one or all of these questions.
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for travel is to itemize what you need to pack. Some time before your trip, write down everything you need to bring with you. This way, you can avoid clutter and panic, even if you have to throw things together on short notice.
When traveling it is helpful to be flexible about where you are going. Favorite vacation spots may be fun, but you can make your vacation more interesting and memorable if you vary your destination. Also, an alternate destination may save some much-needed money.
Be vigilant when dealing with local police or other officials, in case they’re not who they claim to be, but instead are imposters. Do not ever give someone your passport; they may steal it. If they insist on transporting you to an office, walk with them. Do not get into the car of someone you do not know.
Proper planning is key, so pack the essentials, but don’t over-pack. You’re more likely to have your things stolen or become lost if you do not have too much. Try not to pack too many shoes, as this tends to be the heaviest item.
Look for a hotel that offers free parking and stay the night before leaving from a port city, on a cruise. If you cannot find any details about parking, ask the hotel staff what their policy is.
Before booking any hotel, do your research. Find websites that have reviews of the locations you plan to go. Ask your friends and relations about their travel experiences. This will help you decide if the location is right for you.
Make sure that the packing list for your next trip include clothespins. They have several uses, and since they are small they take up hardly any room.
You should know the tipping conventions for the bellboys and housekeepers. You don’t have to overdo it, though, just a simple dollar per bag and no more than five dollars a day for the housekeeper is adequate enough. If you can tip these people appropriately, you will find that you will have a better relationship with the hotel staff during your stay.
Not a lot of people can afford the Ritz Hotel, and sometimes have to stay at a less desirable hotel. If the surroundings make you nervous, bring along a rubber doorstop. You can slide it under your door for your hotel room all night long (as well as using the chain and lock). While it is relatively simple to break a chain or lock, entering the room will be almost impossible if you have the extra protection of a doorstop.
Make sure that your passports are valid. Different areas of the world have different rules regarding passports. Some will not allow you into their country if your passport expires soon within a specific amount of time. These periods usually range anywhere from a year to three months.
Sign up for email newsletters offered by most major airlines. They contain discounts not found elsewhere, including last-minute fare reductions. Although these emails can add to the clutter in your inbox, you can always filter them, only opening them when you need to snag a deal on airfare.
You can have an eco-friendly vacation by using services that are environmentally responsible. You can find many hotels that use the go green philosophy, there you will find lighting that is energy efficient, recycling bins, reusable linens and other additional healthy environmental items. There may also be car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, and other traveling providers that can help travelers “travel green.”
Pack a couple of travel candles for your hotel stay. This can make your room smell a bit better. They are soothing and give the room a romantic feel, making it easy to relax. There are small candles that do not drip wax.
If you choose a cruise for your vacation, it’s fun making new friends while sailing. Many times you will get put at a large table with passengers you have never met before. Talk to people you meet. You will see them daily and you might learn something.
Take an early flight to avoid delays. Chances are that if one flight is delayed, the flights immediately after that flight will have to be delayed. Taking the first flight of the day means that it is unlikely that it will be delayed.
Give your friend or family your travel itinerary. Include the names of the places that you are going, anyone that you plan to visit along with the telephones and addresses. You should leave copies of your ticket and flight info and your passport ID page.
When you go on a road trip it’s always a good idea to take along some tunes, so that you can have more fun on the ride. After a while, the radio will keep turning to static as it goes in and out of different broadcast areas; your own music allows you to have something to listen to the entire trip.
Bathroom Breaks
Allow for extra stops on your trip, such as bathroom breaks. Setting aside a few extra minutes for bathroom breaks will allow you to enjoy your trip much better. This will make the entire trip more pleasant.
You can save money by waiting until you reach your final destination to change currencies. If you know there won’t be a place to easily exchange currency once you land in your destination country, exchange a limited amount before you leave and then look for a better exchange rate once you arrive in-country.
Do you feel more confident in your travel contingency plan? Make sure to have a detailed plan about your time you will spend traveling. Is your budget and plans easier to maintain? Are you ready for the unexpected things that might come your way? Answering questions such as these should be easier now that you know about the helpful hints in this article.