When a person or family decides they want to experience a once in a lifetime adventure, they often choose to travel. It may seem like a daunting task, but nothing could be further from the truth if you remain calm. You want to double check all important documents to ensure you have what you need.
Be sure to bring any proof that you have had vaccinations if you’re traveling to a country that requires it. This is important information needed to enter and leave many countries, but keep in mind that it can also be required to travel to different cities within the country. If you fail to present proof of vaccination, you cannot prove to authorities that you are immunized, and you may be detained and quarantined.
Do not bring anything valuable that you will not need. Valuables attract attention and increase your risk of being a victim of theft.
Pack lightly when traveling. The less items you have, the less risk of having valuable items stolen or lost. Do not bring too many pairs of shoes, as these become heavy clothing items to bring.
To enhance your personal safety in hotels, bring along a doorstopper. Sometimes, especially when traveling in less developed countries, it is desirable to have a little bit more security in your hotel room at night. If your hotel room door is lacking an adequate lock, you can use a wedge-shaped doorstop to hold it in place.
Get adequate exercise before a long trip. This will help you avoid the tediousness of long flights. Your body can become cramped and uncomfortable. By having a speedy workout, or even stretching before your flight, you are reducing your chances of getting these cramps.
Don’t get set on just one destination.; flexibility is key. Though you may have established favorites, it is always fun to mix things up with some new spots. Also, picking new destinations can be a money-saving technique.
It is customary to tip any hotel staff that makes your stay easier. Generally, you will give one dollar per piece of luggage, and anywhere between two and five dollars a day for housekeeping. Doing so will ensure that you have a nice relationship with both during your hotel stay.
Identify every piece of luggage that you bring on your trip. It’s easy for a luggage tag to fall of if it’s hanging off your luggage. Placing identifying info inside your luggage can ensure that it is returned to you in the event it becomes separated from the luggage tag.
Rush Hour
As you plan your trip, pick a digital camera that really suits your needs. If you are going backpacking, you shouldn’t have one with a rechargeable battery. This will save you a lot of time and hassle on your trip.
When going on a road trip, try to avoid rush hour. If that is absolutely unavoidable, use rush hour time to take a break. This may be an opportunity to stop for something to eat and give the kids time to get some exercise.
Taking a sleeping pill can make a red-eye flight much easier. A lot of people find it hard to sleep on planes, due to the unfamiliar surroundings, uncomfortable seats and aircraft noise. If you have trouble sleeping while flying, feel free to have a sleeping pill shortly before your flight in order to help you relax and possibly get a nap in during the trip. Don’t take any pills until after the plan has taken off. If there is an issue or delay you would be sleeping in the terminal!
Sometimes you will end up at a poor hotel. Bring a rubber doorstop to stay safe. This will allow you another line of protection while you are sleeping. While it is relatively simple to break a chain or lock, entering the room will be almost impossible if you have the extra protection of a doorstop.
If you wind up traveling through a small airport, look online ahead of time to find out what services are offered there. One of the main reasons for this is charter flights, which often service flights through smaller airports but aren’t listed. You can find some sweet deals this way.
Cash in your traveler’s checks before shopping or dining. Although traveler’s checks are accepted in most places, they’re hard to deal with. You might be shortchanged if you spend them in-store, so be safe and change them to local currency prior to spending.
If you are going to travel with a young child, make sure you take breaks at least every two to three hours. This lets you visit the washroom and get out of the car. Getting a small child out of the car occasionally can also help to prevent motion sickness. Your trip may become a little longer, but the reduced stress will be worth any delay.
Attempt to get the “local” hotel rate when traveling. You will find plenty of local hotel deals in your area because they are trying to have a full hotel. If you know a local in your destination, they may be able to secure you a better hotel deal. Doing this can save you wads of cash.
When traveling with a toddler, you have to bring along things that will keep him interested and happy during the trip. Pack some of his favorite games and toys. You may also look into purchasing something new for your child to keep them occupied much longer as they get used to their new toy.
Travel candles are a great thing to pack if you’ll be visiting a hotel. This can make the scent of your room more appealing. It is romantic, relaxing and could help you sleep easily. These candles are dripless and are available in travel sizes.
To make sure your flight won’t be delayed, take a flight early in the day. Airports are normally extremely busy, so the delay of one plane causes the planes scheduled to depart thereafter to be delayed as well. The first flights will be your best bet.
Carry a pillow and small blanket when you travel. A comfortable pillow and blanket is always something that can make a trip more pleasurable. Though most airlines do provide these items, they may not have enough of them. Bring your own to ensure that your head is resting on a nice clean pillow.
Exercise before you get on the airplane. Being on a flight for a long period of time can be tiresome. Sitting the same way for a long time can cause your legs or back to cramp. Stretching beforehand, or doing some quick warm-up routines can help keep aches and leg cramps at bay.
Try not to bring luggage on the plane. You can save lots of time and frustration. Try to have everything sent by UPS. While this may be a bit more expensive, it is worthwhile in the end.
Exchange Currency
For the best exchange rates on currency, wait to change your money until you arrive on your vacation. Exchange currency before going on your trip to benefit from a better exchange rate. If you absolutely have to, you can also exchange currency in airports or once abroad, but make sure to compare rates before you do.
You should know the tipping conventions for the bellboys and housekeepers. Standard tipping rates are a dollar per bag carried, and around $2-5 per day to the maid. Tipping the people who assist you during your stay will help to develop a relationship with the staff, and entice them to provide you with optimum service.
Traveling can be fun if you have great tips available to you. This is not an issue anymore. Use what you’ve learned here to ensure your trip is a success. The only thing left for you to do is kick back and enjoy a fabulous vacation. It’s time for you to see the world. Open it to discover new adventures.