Traveling is a really enjoyable experience. Be sure to make a list and double check it. The tips below should help you plan your trip before you leave.
Make a list of what you need to pack. Put together a list of things you must take with you. You can start doing this a couple of months out, but should be finished about a week before your trip. Even last minute packing won’t be as stressful, when you have a list to reference. It will also take the panic out of forgetting anything.
Depending on where you travel, there may be some medical requirements before you are allowed entry. If this is the case, ensure that you have the proper documentation stating that you have been treated for all possible illnesses that they claim you should have received a shot for. This comes into play whenever you are attempting to enter or leave a country, and can even be a problem when traveling between cities in the same country. If you don’t have your certificate, authorities may quarantine you until they can verify you are telling the truth.
As you plan your trip, pick a digital camera that really suits your needs. For example, if you plan to backpack, a rechargeable battery will be of no use. You also want to pick out something that will focus almost immediately.
If your travel takes you to amusement parks or any other place that requires tickets, purchase them online. Many times you can print them at home and save some money, too. Sometimes there is a ticket fee, but already having your ticket means you don’t have to stand in long lines, so the fee is totally worth it. Some places have time blocks that you can enter. This is another good way to avoid lines.
Bring along a door stopper to provide an extra measure of safety when you stay in a hotel. You may need extra security at night at your hotel, especially when traveling to less developed countries. If you don’t find a chain or deadbolt on the door, put a small doorstop beneath the door at bedtime.
When traveling by car or airplane with a small child, make sure you have plenty of interesting things to occupy them during the trip. Do your best to include some of the child’s most beloved toys. It is also nice to purchase at least one new toy for the trip, since this will be a complete novelty and will keep your little one’s attention, for a longer period of time.
Check the carrier’s website that you are most interested in to make sure you are getting the best price. While you can find low fares on sites like Travelocity and Kayak, the best prices are on some of the official airline websites.
Keep the business card from your hotel or something else with their information on it with you at all times. If you become lost, you can show it to a local and get directions back to the hotel. This is great as well for those that do not have a firm grasp of the language.
When making a hotel reservation, try asking about dates for any possible renovations if you can. You do not want to wake up to the sound of construction when vacationing. Just don’t book during those times.
For your morning coffee, melt ice overnight. Tap water is not always the best tasting option, so fill up the ice bucket with lots of ice to melt overnight. When you awaken, you can use good water for your coffee.
If you use traveler’s checks, try cashing them before eating or shopping. Some places may accept these check, but they’re hard to work with. You might find you don’t get as much as you should have when you use them for purchases, so be safe and use the local currency instead.
It’s a good idea to get National Park passes if you often visit National Parks. For fifty dollars, you can visit all the parks all year long.
When traveling with a child, be sure to take regular breaks. This will allow your little one to go potty and get a little bit of exercise. Also, you should have everyone leave the car so that they do not get sick. Your trip might take longer, but having less stress is worth the delay.
Even with considerable planning, all trips will have their high and low points. The best wisdom you can employ is too just travel with ease and roll with the punches.