Traveling can be pretty intimidating to someone that has never gone on a trip before. It can easily lead to a bit of information overload because of all of the resources you can access. Below are some tips to help you in organizing this information so that you can start traveling smarter and safer.
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When staying at a high-end domestic hotels, in Athens bring along your own A/V cable (with international power converters) for your laptop. Most hotel rooms at nicer hotels offer free in-room WiFi and a large HDTV, but will then charge a premium for in-room movies. Having your own A/V cable gives you access to your own selection of downloaded movies or an online account.
If you are traveling to an area where the tap water tastes strange to you, try using the hotel ice machines to get your water. The ice machines make use of water filters, so the quality is better but you don’t have to cover the expense of bottled water. This can be used for your coffee maker in the room as well as other drinks.
Label your things. You know all of those return address labels you have accumulated over the years? Put them to good use as labels for your items. Stick them on everything from luggage and handbags to cameras and umbrellas. In case you lose an item, it will be much easier to get it returned to you.
Instead of taking a taxi in Athens use Uber instead. The great part about Uber is there’s no need to pay with cash; the app automatically pays the driver using the credit or debit card on file. Upon reaching you destination, you simply get out of the car and get on with your day. You’ll be asked to rate the driver after reach ride, and they’re given the option to leave a tip. Drivers really appreciate tips and curtesy. Note drivers are asked to rate you as well on a zero-to-five scale, too.
If you’re going on a cruise, you should arrive a day in advance. This will stop those close calls of getting stuck in traffic or having your flight delayed and causing you to miss your trip. The stress of almost missing the ship is not how you want to start your trip.
Always look up recent reviews to the travel destinations and hotels that you plan on visiting. The more reviews a place has, the more reliable it is and the easier you can figure out if the place is one you want to stay at. If the review has photos, even better. Pictures tell more than words can, most times.
How About an Upgrade
If you are interested in traveling comfortably on your vacation, don’t be afraid to upgrade your seat. Most airlines are combining traditional business class and coach seats by offering “premium economy” options. They have larger seats and better legroom, but they often do not cost as much. You can also try to upgrade your seat just before boarding, but you won’t know about the availability of the upgrades if you check in to your flight online.
After you decide on a travel destination, be sure to check user reviews on local hotels before you secure your reservations. Gather these from multiple sources, including magazines, websites and guidebooks. Also ask the hotel to send you pictures of the type of room that you will be staying in. Doing your research will help you avoid unexpected surprises when you get to your destination.
Do not travel with all of your luggage when you are on a road trip. Keep a laundry basket in the car with you that has most of your clothes. Pack necessities like pajamas and toiletries in an overnight bag. Only carry this bag into the hotel room with you, saving yourself the hassle of bringing in a large amount of unnecessary items.
The Candy Cure
When on a plane with a child, give them a lollipop at takeoff and landing. The child will love the treat, however the main thing is that it will help with the ear pressure and will help keep them from getting too cranky during this time. Once the child is older you can use gum.
To get the most enjoyment out of travel, relax. Travel can be stressful no matter how you go – car, plane, train or bus. Inevitably, something will go wrong even when you are highly prepared. Do not stress about it. Relax and enjoy whatever might come your way. The best experiences often result from the unexpected. Just think of the stories you can tell later!
Instead of traveling with a tour guide, buy a Guidebook. They are just as effective as a tour guide, showing you the best places to visit and good places to eat. A Guidebook is much cheaper than a tour guide, and some may even have tips that the guide doesn’t know about!
Join the loyalty program at the hotel you are staying at. Even if you are only staying that one time, it will provide you with added amenities that you would likely be charged for otherwise. Read the fine print when signing up for these because there may be a hidden charge in some cases.
If you are traveling on an airplane, bring a set of headphones with you. When you would like to get some rest or just need a little peace and quiet, put the headphones on. This will discourage the people around you from talking, although you may need to also avoid eye contact with them.
When going on a road trip, think ahead and pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks for the trip. You are bound to get hungry along the way, especially if it is a long distance trip. Many people don’t think about doing this and have to stop and waste money at some stores along the way for goodies that could have easily been packed prior to leaving.
A great travel tip is to be careful about how you show your money when you’re in public. If you dig into your pockets and lift out a big wad of cash, thieves might take notice and lock onto you. It’s best to be discrete at all times with your cash.
When going on a trip it is important to gauge the length of your stay and compare it with what you are packing. If you are going to be flying this is especially important because many airlines now charge baggage fees. In order to avoid baggage fees try to fit everything in your carry on for a short trip.
Hopefully, these tips have provided you with some very valuable information, as well as given you a way to organize all of the thoughts and information you may have already had on traveling. Keeping these tips in mind when you start traveling can help you enjoy more of your trip.