Few things are more exciting than taking a trip. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off overseas for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed off, there are some travel basics that you should know. What follows is a list of tips to make your travel easier.
Be sure to have a good, clear, color photo of your child on hand to be prepared in the unhappy event your child becomes lost. It can be a very scary thing to lose your child. However, in case it happens, you should be prepared. Carrying a picture of your child with you, so that you can identify them if you become separated, can make a difference in terms of a speedy reunion.
Choosing an aisle seat keeps options open. The window seat provides a view, while the aisle seat lets you have access that is unrestricted to overhead baggage and bathroom access.
Always bring along some kind of doorstop when you travel. This will increase your security while you sleep in an unknown hotel in a strange country. Most people use doorstops to prop their doors open, but you can also use them to hold a door shut.
Before getting off the cruise in a port city find yourself a hotel with free parking. Ask the staff of the hotel if there are any unpublished parking deals.
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. Even if there’s a fee, it is very much worth it to be able to skip the long lines for purchasing tickets at the venue. You can also often skip the admissions line altogether.
Take clothespins along the next time you travel. While you might not think of them immediately, clothespins can perform many functions.
You should put your identifying information inside luggage, instead of just the luggage tag. Exterior ones may be lost or damaged during travel. Place your contact information and itinerary in your luggage in case it gets lost.
As you travel overseas, you should find out the types of insurance coverage that your credit card company makes available on your account. For example, perhaps your flight gets cancelled, but you are covered when it comes to those charges. Conducting research prior to leaving is worth it.
Make sure that you are not going on vacation during a time of renovation. The last thing you want is to have your peaceful trip interrupted by construction noise. Avoid staying in a hotel that is undergoing construction.
Melt hotel ice to have filtered water in your morning coffee. Rather than making do with tap water, let the ice melt in the ice bucket. You can use it to make coffee.
Deserts are a place unlike any other, with sunny weather and a unique ecosystem. Most people find themselves struck by the quiet majesty of a desert, even though visiting a desert does not sound like much fun.
Rush Hour
Try to avoid hitting rush hour when planning a road trip. If you must travel during rush hour, plan for delays. It can be a good time to get something to eat or to just let the kids get out and run around for a bit.
For most people, staying at a fancy hotel is not an option. Take a plain doorstop with you for these situations. You can slide it under your door for your hotel room all night long (as well as using the chain and lock). Intruders may easily break chains and locks, but it can be nearly impossible to enter a room with these door stoppers firm;y under the door.
Jet Lag
Many people experience jet lag when traveling to faraway destinations. If you get a lot of sleep leading up to the trip, you’ll experience less jet lag. You should also try sleeping during the flight.
Take snacks on long flights. Make sure you take light snacks such as fruit and food that is fresh, so it is not something that sits in your stomach to cause you any kind of discomfort on a long plane ride. This will save you the money otherwise spent on expensive airport food.
Earplugs are beneficial if you are awoken easily. Sometimes hotel walls seem tissue paper thin. Earplugs can prevent any disturbances from other rooms keeping you awake.
When you enter a new country, avoid exchanging currency. You can get foreign currency using an easier method. The easier method is getting your currency from an ATM. If you are able to use a bank ATM machine, you will be able to find a more affordable exchange rate and less fees.
Remember to bring your medication. This is something that can be easily overlooked. Your medication may not be available in other countries.
If you plan to take a very remote trip, think about purchasing insurance to cover any emergency evacuation, rescue or search costs. This is a great idea the further from civilization you get.
Hopefully, you now understand more about travel in general. Now, you can pack up and get started on your adventure! Pack your camera and gear up for a fun experience.