Traveling alone can be a great experience, you just need to be more careful about possible crime. There are many things you can do to help ensure your safety while you travel solo. This article has all the tips you need.
Write down all the important information you will need when going overseas. Know where your embassy or consulate is and how they can be reached should you need to get into contact with them. If you get into any trouble while abroad, this is the first place you need to contact. They have a lot of experience with issues travelers face, and they will help.
Create a packing list for your trip! You should start this list at least one week in advance, preferably earlier than that. The list should include all of your necessities for the trip. This will keep you away from chaos no matter how late you pack.
Prepare ahead of time if you’ll be traveling by airplane. Since major airports are usually in big cities, getting there might take forever when you get caught in heavy traffic congestion. You should have your suitcase packed the day before you leave, so on the day of your trip you are totally ready to go. Get yourself completely ready to go the night before your trip. Nothing is worse than missing your flight.
Picking aisle seats is the best way to give yourself options. Aside from the view, window seats don’t have many benefits. An aisle seat gives you better access to the baggage storage, bathrooms, airline staff, as well as prevent you from being squeezed on both sides.
Digital Camera
When traveling with children, carry a color picture of them with you at all times so that you can use it to identify them were they to get lost. Losing track of a child can be very frightening. Sometimes though, this may happen. Having a photo of your child handy in case they get lost in a crowd could end up making a huge difference.
When you plan your next trip, pick a digital camera that will suit you on that particular trip. Rechargeable batteries won’t work on a camping trip, for example. Try to find a digital camera you can turn on and focus quickly. You don’t want to miss anything memorable.
Check out your hotels alarms when you arrive. You don’t want to be woke up too early because of an alarm that was set by the person that stayed there before you. Turn the alarm off, or set it when you want to get up, if you want your vacation to start in a relaxing way.
Throw a few clothespins into your suitcase. Clothespins are not a typical travel item for many people, but should be reconsidered given their usefulness and versatility.
If you are traveling through a small airport, find out from the airport’s website which airlines serve that airport. Lots of small airports have charter airlines that don’t show up when you are seeking rates. They may have better deals than those offered by the larger companies.
A motorcycle is a good mode of transportation for day trips. You can get a lot of mileage without using much gas. It’s exciting to travel by motorcycle.
Rush Hour
If traveling by car, it is important to avoid a city’s rush hour traffic. If you are unable to avoid rush hour entirely, use that period for much-needed rest stops. This can be a great time to relax and get a bite to eat, or maybe let the kids out to burn off some energy.
First thing to do when you get into your hotel room is to check the alarm clock. The worst thing that could happen is to be startled by an alarm clock when you’re fast asleep that a previous guest had set to early. Set the alarm to a reasonable time or turn it off altogether.
Bring a few cookies sheets with you when going on a road trip in which your children will be with you. These are great for providing the flat surfaces needed for coloring or playing games. If your children are very young, bring along magnetic numbers and letters to provide an educational activity.
Know the rates of currency when you’re traveling abroad so you can get an idea of what you’re going to encounter. Knowing how much the dollar is worth in advance will help you develop a budget and itinerary. This means you will be able to have a great time without spending too much.
E-tracking is available on many travel sites. These sites will alert you should accommodations or flight prices change. You will receive email alerts if the flight that you have booked or shown interest in has dropped the price and is available at a cheaper rate.
Increase safety at hotels by bringing along a door stop. Many countries do not offer the security you need when staying in a hotel room. If you cannot access a deadbolt for the door, wedge a doorstop under it instead.
Foreign Currency
When traveling in a foreign country, don’t change your money at an exchange. Try getting foreign currency at a bank ATM. That way would be obtaining foreign currency from a bank ATM. You will find that ATMs usually offer a better rate of exchange and cost less to use than a brick and mortar exchange.
Remember to bring your medication. When someone prepares their vacation or trip, they may forget to pack these kinds of crucial items. It can be almost impossible to get a prescription filled in a foreign country when you are on vacation.
Pack clothespins on your upcoming trip. Although many people do not usually pack them, clothespins can be helpful.
If you are planning on a really remote and exotic trip of a lifetime, consider purchasing an insurance that will cover emergency evacuation, rescuing and search. This kind of insurance can give you peace of mind when you are far from civilization.
Wait until you reach your destination to exchange money; you’ll get a cheaper exchange rate. If you know that currency exchange will not be available to you soon after you land, exchange some of your money before you leave, then exchange the rest when you find an exchange center in your destination.
If you want to travel to a new country, don’t exchange currencies at the airport. Given the convenience such exchanges offer, they tend to come at a high price. Look for a local bank that will give you a much better exchange rate for your money.
Include identification on the inside and outside of your bags. Luggage tags can fall off without much provocation. This increases the chance you will have it returned.
Stay Safe
As stated earlier, while traveling by yourself can be a fun experience, it can leave you vulnerable to crime. But, it isn’t necessary to travel in groups to stay safe. You have options. Use the advice you learned here to stay safe as you travel.