Whether you’re traveling by train, plane or car, the travel tips provided here will help you have a successful journey. Read on for the best advice for all the phases of your adventure.
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Try to read up on the customs and traditions of Athens before you travel there. Even the simplest things can happen differently depending on where you are. If you show that you are prepared to totally envelop yourself in the culture, people will welcome you with open arms. This will make your vacation much more enjoyable.
Family and friends can be very gracious in letting you stay in their home, while you are visiting. Show your appreciation by taking a small thank you gift for them. It will show your gratitude and make them more open to allowing you to stay there again, in the future.
Use carry-on luggage.
Most airlines now charge extra to check a bag. So, to avoid this cost, try to fit everything into a carry-on bag, if possible. Even if your airline is one of the few that doesn’t charge to check a bag, you may still want to avoid checking a bag. In a move to cut costs, many airlines have reduced the number of employees who handle baggage, making for a much longer wait at the baggage claim.
Check out alternative places to stay. You don’t always have to stay in a hotel to feel great on vacation. There are many “house-swapping” sites available, which allow you to stay in someones vacant home. Try looking for cabins or bed and breakfasts. Alternate lodging can be some of the most interesting and fun parts of vacationing, so be sure to check it out!
If you are traveling abroad and have food allergies, make sure to learn the name of the foods you’re allergic to in the foreign language of the place you’re traveling to. Another good idea is to make sure you know what you’re exactly eating. Stay away from foods that you may be allergic to or foods you may not be able to digest. This preventative measure will ensure your safety during travel.
If you have questions about the hotel, the best time to call is around midnight. The people working the desk most likely aren’t busy and will be able to give you their full attention. If you call during the day, most likely they’ve got people there in person and others calling on the phone to distract them.
Carefully choosing your hotel can result in a much better traffic experience. Dont just consider the price – think of what amenities you would like, and what the area around the hotel is like. Don’t just view your hotel as a stopping off point or as a place where you will just sleep.
If you want to be able to barter overseas, bring something that is difficult to get outside of your own country. Bourbon is a great example for Americans. American Bourbon is nearly impossible to find outside of the United States, so much so that other countries will pay you double the original cost.
When traveling by air, move the in-flight magazine and the SkyMall catalog from the seat pocket in front of you to the overhead compartment. Although it won’t free up a lot of space, every little bit counts. This simple adjustment can add some leg room to your journey and help you be more comfortable on your flight.
If your travel plans involve visiting various attractions, buy the tickets in advance whenever possible. Although it may be slightly more expensive, you will save a tremendous amount of time and frustration since you won’t have to wait in lines. Particularly pay attention to see if they allow timed entry; you can avoid both the purchasing line and the admission line that way.
Shopping for airline tickets online isn’t always the best deal. In general, you will find the same price by buying online as you will from the airline itself or from agencies. At times you can find great airline deals online but they are limited and contain restrictions. If you don’t mind the limits, buying your tickets online may be for you.
Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites can serve as wonderful resources while you’re traveling. A quick Tweet or Facebook status update asking such questions as: Where’s a great place for ice cream in New York? or Which coffee shop should I check out in Rome? can provide you with a wealth of instant information.
When traveling by car such as before a long trip across country one should take the vehicle to their usual mechanic. They can check to make sure everything is in good working order before relying on the vehicle. Oil changes and a tire check will cover all the obvious bases and the finished product will be a reliable means of travel.
On a long road trip get to bed early and start out very early. By leaving in the early morning hours before dawn, you can almost always guarantee that your children will sleep for a good portion of the beginning drive allowing you to be well on your way before any major disruptions may begin.
Take earplugs for flights and hotel stays. With the right level of noise blocking you can eliminate the volume that accompanies airplane travel. Also sleeping in hotels in an unfamiliar location can be hit or miss as far as the outside noise level. These earplugs can be the difference in a good night’s sleep or a grouchy morning.
When packing clothes for your trips, only pack what you know you will need. If your trips are over three weeks, you should plan on having to wash while at your destinations. Regardless, you can cut back on clothes by packing ones that are multi-purpose, such as clothing that can be used for day wear and sleepwear.
Remember this advice while you plan your vacation and pack your bags. The tips in this piece can make every part of your adventure much smoother.