Traveling may look complicated, but if you are familiar with where to go, what you can do, where you can get help, you will have a great time. Without proper knowledge, you may become lost or spend too much money on something. Keep reading to find out how to avoid travel pitfalls.
Avoid public computers when accessing your personal data. Keyloggers can steal this information from you.
Be sure to keep a list of important information on your person while traveling. Keep copies of your travel documents with you, and make sure that you always have all the contact info for the US embassy that is located in the areas you will be traveling. If you find yourself in trouble as you travel, this should be the first place to contact. They can give you assistance with any hiccups along the road.
Most people live and die by reserving the seat next to the window; however, you should consider one on the aisle. Other than providing a view, the window seat has few benefits where as an aisle seat will enable you unrestricted access to your overhead baggage, the restrooms, airplane staff and will also give you one side that is not bulging with another person or their belongings.
When planning flights for lower prices, check the actual website for every airline that offers flights to the destination. Yes, Booking Buddy and Expedia claim to have cheap flights, but by ignoring the official airline’s websites, you can miss out on some better deals.
Remember to carry a book of matches or a business card from the hotel your are staying at with you at all times. If you are in a foreign country or city and you get lost, you will have something to show to others to help find your way back to the hotel. This is useful for people that do not quite understand the language.
When taking a long trip with kids, take along some cookie sheets. Their flat surface is great under playing cards or coloring books. For smaller kids, teach them a thing or two by having them use magnetic numbers and letters on them.
Pre-book your parking if you will be leaving your car at the airport. This will save you a lot of money. If you live near the airport, consider taking a taxi instead. It could be cheaper than airport parking.
Try opting in to e-newsletters of major airlines. These e-newsletters will give you access to last-minute offers, special discounts and other deals that may not be available to anyone else. It’s true, this means one more email to fill your inbox, but the amount of money you can save could by well worth it.
Use services that are environmentally friendly to have an ecologically responsible trip. Some hotels have energy efficient lighting, reuse linens, have low-flow plumbing and give guests a recycling bin. There may also be car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, and other traveling providers that can help travelers “travel green.”
When you are one a long road trip, make plans to get your car checked at service points. You never know when you are going to hit a long, isolated stretch of highway. While planning your route, look for service stations that offer mechanic services. Keep the numbers for these stations on hand.
You need to find various activities for road trips. When you split up the boredom of a long drive with anything other than meal and restroom breaks, you add a little fun to the trip. Let your kids know your itinerary and route so that they have a chance to focus on upcoming locations and events.
If you’re not a deep sleeper, bring earplugs with you on your trip. Hotel walls can often be quite thin. Earplugs can help you sleep well by allowing you to block out everything around you.
To enjoy your destination to its fullest, don’t forget to factor in the weather. By using available weather forecasting sites, you can determine projected weather conditions at your destination. Don’t let your warm weather vacation be ruined by a cold front or find yourself at a ski resort with no snow.
To avoid any flight delays, try taking the earliest flight you can. 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. Morning flights have less chances of being delayed.
Do remember to tip generously. Give the steward a $20 tip when boarding the ship. You are likely to have the same crew members waiting on you for the duration of the cruise and if they feel as though you are going to be generous with them, you are likely to be well taken care of.
Traveling isn’t complicated. Of course you have to research, plan and pack properly, but this all means a great time in the end and only a small amount of sacrifice. Now that you have great travel tips at your disposal, you should be a wise traveler.
