Traveling can seem complex, but if you’re sure of what to do and where you need to go, the people to get assistance from, etc., then you can enjoy a fun trip. Otherwise, it is all too easy to get in over your head or end up spending more than you can afford. These tips can help you to avoid this fate.
If you are traveling to a less developed country and you have security concerns in a hotel, take along a doorstop. They don’t take up a lot of space, but they are great for keeping doors shut.
When you check into a hotel, see if the alarm is set. Whether by simple accident or obnoxious prank, many a traveler has been awakened early in the morning or worse, in the middle of the night, by the alarm clock at their bedside. If you make sure to turn it off or reset it, you will help get your vacation started off on the right foot.
When shopping for the lowest price on a flight, make sure to check each airline’s official website. Sometimes they have the best price.
Stores tend to overcharge for these items, and the space saved is minimal, so save the money. Try to save space in other ways, like packing more efficiently or eliminating unnecessary items. Doing this can give you a surprising amount of space in your suitcase.
When packing light for a long trip, take a rain coat that has a soft lining. The weather is unpredictable. A raincoat can be used as a windbreaker if it is chilly or as a robe while in your hotel.
Cash in your traveler’s checks before shopping or dining. Many places do, of course, accept these checks, but they are really a pain to deal with. Be safe and make sure you get local currency before buying so that you don’t get shorted.
If you are leaving your car at the airport during your trip, then make sure you pre-book a parking spot at the airport in advance. Parking on your first vacation day may cost a lot. Consider a taxi if you live near the airport.
If you use services with a “green” certification, your vacation will be friendlier to the planet. Do business at hotels that use green energy and offer recycling. Tour companies, care rental agencies, and other services are also implementing ways to be environmentally responsible.
Auto Insurance
If you plan on renting a car, check your auto insurance policy. Rental agencies want to try to get you to buy additional insurance that you may not even need. Most auto insurance includes coverage for a third party vehicle. By checking your policy prior to your trip, you can save a chunk of change.
Booking your travel plans online is virtually a one stop shop for your vacation planning. Online travel sites are one of the easiest ways to put together your entire travel itinerary. Just use your home computer to book your flights, make hotel reservations and arrange for a rental car. Reviews and photographs of hotels are available on the web. Don’t forget to look for discounts when booking travel at the last minute.
Bring an extra passport picture with you. If your passport winds up stolen or missing, it can take a while for you to get a replacement. Carrying an extra photo is one way to speed it up. Be sure to carry extra copies of important travel documentation just in case the originals are lost or misplaced.
Take some bottled water along on your journey if you are traveling abroad. Many foreign countries have drinking water that is not purified leading to illness. Make sure you use bottled water when choosing to brush your teeth. It is quite possible to become ill if you do not use it for this type of personal hygiene task.
You do not need to carry luggage when you travel by air. This will save you time. Let FedEx or UPS deliver your things straight to your destination. It may be slightly more expensive, but is worth the additional investment.
An extra contact lens case can be useful for storage when traveling. A few applications of your favorite lotion or gel will also fit very tidily into these cases.
Exchange the bulk of your money for foreign currency after you reach your destination. If you are concerned that you will not be able to immediately locate a currency exchange location, exchange a few dollars before your trip begins and wait until you can locate a bank at your destination to swap out the remaining cash you need.
If you want to travel to a new country, don’t exchange currencies at the airport. Since it’s often the most convenient place, the exchange rate is usually very high. Before traveling, try finding banks close by that allow currency exchanges. These are usually at better rates.
If you are traveling with other people, separate your things across all of your luggage pieces. This helps protect any one person from losing all of their stuff should baggage go missing. If a person’s luggage gets lost, then they can access their belongings placed with others. To guard against not having any clothes should something go wrong with the luggage, carry an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag.
Do not fall into any traps in emails that concern travel. Be sure not to open travel related emails, unless you know which company they are coming from.
If you want to hit the ground running on your next vacation, be sure to take some of the local currency with you. In some countries, getting currency changed outside of business hours can be difficult. You should go to your bank and ask about foreign currencies, or go to a change agency before your trip.
Traveling isn’t complicated. It just involves proper research, planning and packing to make it a greatly enjoyable experience. These tips will keep you well informed while traveling.