This collection of advice on traveling safer and smarter is a great starting place for new travelers to start planning a trip of their own. Ahead are a collection of tips that will help you plan a great trip and turn you into a seasoned pro.
Use an ATM when you are in a distant country. The banks generally have access to superior exchange rates. This can save you a lot of money during your trip.
Once you’ve picked your destination, familiarize yourself with the area. Get yourself a good map and take the time to review key spots. Memorizing some of the area will help you navigate it easier.
Once you have decided where to go, learn what you can about your destination. Get yourself a good map of the area, and look over what is available in the area for sightseeing and other destinations to visit. The more you know about the environment, the easier it will be to get around when you are there.
Aisle seats can allow you to have more options. Although you may not get a good view of outside the plane, this seat allows easier access to a restroom, or should you need something from the overhead compartment.
To stay on budget when planning your trip, plan it with plenty of time. Despite the different ways you can spend your money on your travels, many share one feature: the earlier you buy them, the cheaper they are. Try not to do things at the last minute in order to have more money left in your budget later.
When going to foreign countries, be smart about food allergies. If your food allergy is particularly bad, make sure to express this in their language. This helps ensure that the wait staff is clearly informed of your allergies in case of an emergency.
If you are driving of flying with a toddler, be sure to bring along “busy” toys for him. Remember to bring favorite toys. You may even consider purchasing a few new toys to grab his attention.
Check the airline’s website for discounts before you buy your tickets. You could find a very good deal this way, and it may even beat that of sites like Travelocity.
Credit Card
If you wind up traveling through a small airport, look online ahead of time to find out what services are offered there. Often, there will be charter airlines, and they might have great prices available.
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, there may already be coverage for cancelled flights which you paid for with your credit card. You should research a bit before leaving.
If you are going to vacation at a National Park you should get a National Park season pass. It is relatively inexpensive, $50 total, and it gives you open access to all national parks for a year.
Car rental companies generally require their renters be 18 years of age at the youngest; there are now companies that require drivers to be 25 years or older. If you are younger than that, you may have to pay more. There may also be restrictions against senior citizens. It’s essential to ask about restrictions on age before making a reservation.
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. These wedges are important if you have people coming in and out.
If you plan to hit the road with a small child, take breaks every two or three hours on the road. Taking a break gives you a chance to visit the restroom and walk around a bit. Having a child exit the car regularly will also avoid motion sickness. It may take a bit longer to get there, but the trip will be a lot less stressful.
Rental Car
Are you securing a rental car? Know what is in your car insurance policy prior to heading out of town. Your policy may already provide you with some of the coverage you will need to drive a rental car. Your car insurance could protect you while in the rental. Look into your own policy before leaving, as it can be very important later.
If you absolutely cannot leave “Fluffy” at home, find a vacation that will let you bring her! An increasing number of accommodations are available for those traveling with pets. These include cat spas, dog daycare centers and pet-friendly cruises. Do not be intimidated by the experience and bring your furry friend along.
Also bring travel candles for when you stay in a hotel. This can help the smell of your room. Using the same scent you would use at home, may help you go to sleep more quickly in an unfamiliar place. These candles are available in travel sizes and in drip-free formulations.
Your vacation can turn into a nightmare if not carefully planned. Check online for reviews from real customers who’ve already visited the places you intend to stay and play at. This will give you a good idea of what you are up against.
The tips above have proven to be a great help when planning your trip. These tips were constructed with new travelers in mind on how to start planning trips in a safe and smart way.
For added security when you are going to stay in a hotel, make sure you bring along a door stopper. This will add to the level of security that you have. If you cannot access a deadbolt for the door, wedge a doorstop under it instead.