Traveling is a blast, but there’s always something you can do to make your trip even better. Whether you need cheaper transportation or better places to stay so that you can better enjoy your trip, take a look at the tips below to help you plan a better trip.
Choosing a seat on the aisle will open more options for you. Being in a middle seat on a long plane trip, or in a noisy room in a hotel can quickly zap any aspect of pleasure in your trip.
When traveling in different countries, instead of exchanging cash for the local currency, use an ATM to withdrawal some pocket money. In most cases, banks and other financial institutions are able to get far better rates of exchange that you ever personally could alone. You may end up realizing significant savings in this way.
When traveling, bring only the essentials and keep your bags light. The less you bring with you, the less you have to lose or get stolen. Limit the amount of shoes you pack, because they are usually the heaviest and largest items on your trip.
If you will be traveling through a smaller airport, check which airlines offer services there. Some small airports may have charters with better deals.
Hold Doors
It’s important to plan ahead when traveling by air. Just reaching the airport can be difficult to do quickly, especially if you are traveling through a major city during rush hour. Pack your suitcase beforehand to save time. Make sure that everything is ready with plenty of time to spare. One of the worst ways to start a trip is to miss your flight.
If you worry about security, pack things like a doorstop to secure your door or other small things to ensure your safety. The little rubber or wooden wedges that hold doors open can also hold doors closed.
If you don’t want to leave your pet behind, plan a vacation that includes them. Pet-friendly vacations are growing in popularity, and they offer several accommodations and deals for those that are “pet parents.” You will find that while many chain hotels allow pets, you can even take them to some Las Vegas casino hotels and on some cruises. Don’t leave your pets at home; just make sure you can bring them with you.
If you are traveling with a toddler, make sure they have something to occupy them. Familiar and favorite toys are a great start. It is also a good idea to buy a new toy to take on the trip because it will give your child something to associate the trip with.
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. You will generally pay a nominal fee for this service, but you won’t have to wait in ticket lines when you arrive. For big attractions that have timed entry available, you can use that, too, to get you in faster.
Let a family member have access to the travel itinerary you will be following. Someone is sure to know your whereabouts at all times. Make certain to stay in close touch with that individual. If they hear from you regularly and know your location at all times, there won’t be any reason to worry.
Taking a trip sometimes causes you pack too much. You should make sure you do not take too much, so only bring the toiletries you really need. Toiletries are the most important things that you will bring. Pack what you know you need to get through the trip.
Carry your hotel’s business card or matchbook with its logo on it when you’re tooling around the city. This one little item can save you and get you back to where you need to be in case you get lost in a foreign land. If you are unfamiliar with the language, this is really really helpful.
Always keep in mind where your belongings are, and keep your most important items in a place you always have access to. Carry your purse securely under your arm. Also, pick travel bags with secured flaps that conceal zippers and pockets, so that access is not easy in crowded or dangerous areas. Keep these things in mind when you’re looking for a useful travel bag.
Don’t forget to pack a rain coat. You just cannot tell how the weather will turn out. In addition, your raincoat can serve for a windbreaker in the cold. You can even use it as a bathrobe for your hotel stay.
Consider buying bottled water once you arrive or melt the hotel ice to get filtered water for making coffee. If you are worried about the taste of tap water, melt a bucketful of ice overnight. When you awake the next morning, you can brew some fresh coffee that has some decent filtered water.
If you use traveler’s checks, make sure the cash them prior to dining or shopping. While most places do accept traveler’s checks, they can be difficult to deal with. Sometimes, you get shorted by using these checks, so you may want to convert them to local currency before spending.
If you’re licensed, consider using a motorcycle for day trips. The quick movements, efficient gas use and overall enjoyment will give the trip a great start. It can be a lot of fun.
Use environmentally responsible services to ensure your vacation is eco-friendly. Many hotels have been re-using linens, using energy-efficient lighting, offering recycling bins for guests, using low-flow plumbing and using alternative energy sources. Tour operators, car rental companies, restaurants and many other travel service providers are also finding and implementing new ways to allow travelers to travel green.
To rent a car you must be 18 or older, but some companies go even further and set the minimum at 25. You may pay more and have to use a credit card if you’re not at least 25. In some cities, senior citizens are not allowed to rent cars. You need to ask about restrictions on age before making a reservation.
Try getting the “local” rate at the hotels when you travel. A lot of hotel offer locals special prices just to fill up their rooms. If you know a person that lives in the city, try asking them to contact them about available special offers. This method can save you a lot of money.
When making hotel reservations, ask if there are any impending renovations. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than being woken up with the noise of loud construction equipment. Since hotel staff are powerless to help with the noise, avoiding these dates is the only way to solve it.
Long road trips are often dull, so plan things to do on the way. Rather than just taking meal and bathroom breaks, the trip will be more entertaining. Make an itinerary for your kids so that they will know what to expect along the way.
Traveling brings so much fun and excitement, and you can experience things and see places you’ve never seen. Even if you’ve planned successful trips before, there’s always something new you can learn. No matter your reasons, hopefully the tips above gave you some ideas on what you can do to enjoy your trip even more.