Traveling is exciting and can be a great time for you or one of the biggest headaches you will ever encounter if not done right. Read on for some great ideas on how to travel smart and take care of all the little things that if you don’t, will leave you wishing you stayed home.
Bring a good digital camera for the vacation that you are taking. For instance, rechargeable batteries are not great for backpacking in the woods for a week. Try to find a digital camera you can turn on and focus quickly. You don’t want to miss anything memorable.
If you are traveling abroad and have food allergies, make sure to learn the name of the foods you’re allergic to in the foreign language of the place you’re traveling to. Another good idea is to make sure you know what you’re exactly eating. Stay away from foods that you may be allergic to or foods you may not be able to digest. This preventative measure will ensure your safety during travel.
Consider attaching small bells to your carry-on bag. If you are worried that someone might steal or tamper with your luggage during a flight, attach bells to it. Inexpensive, Christmas jingle bells will do nicely. The noise is likely to deter criminals. If not, the noise will draw your attention.
When packing toiletries for your carry-on, make sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule (3 oz bottles, 1 quart-sized Ziploc per passenger). Having your toiletries ready to go in a designated bag will make getting through security a breeze and have you on your way to your destination in no time.
One of the first steps you should take is to find out if you need a visa to enter the country you plan on visiting. Visas often have a lengthy processing time so you should apply for them as soon an you are thinking of travel. Without the right paperwork, you could be prevented from entering your destination country.
When vacationing in any of our world’s beautiful areas, it is important to leave nothing behind. Do not leave trash of any kind, and do not take any artifacts from natural areas or historical sites. If you are in the wilderness, avoid disturbing the natural elements, for example leave the beautiful rocks where they are. Leave everything you find in these places as you found it.
Staying longer can equal bigger savings. Airlines will offer better rates on round trip tickets based on the amount of time between flights. Hotels as well may offer discounted room rates for three or more days with them. Hotels can offer these rates since a booked room is generating more income than an empty room.
Take cookie sheets with you when you are traveling in a car with children. Cookie sheets can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including snack or meal trays. They can also be used as a coloring desk and game table. Small children will enjoy using the trays with their magnetic letters and numbers, keeping them busy and happy during the drive.
If you enjoy backpacking on your travels, there are a few packing tips that can make your adventures much easier. Try packing lighter items towards the bottom of the bag so that it feel lighter as it rests on your back. It is also smart to pack commonly used items at the top of the bag so they can be easily reached. To lighten the load make sure you only pack the essentials you will need for the duration of the trip. And be sure to have a properly fitted backpack to prevent strain or injury.
Read several reliable travel forums. These forums have come a long way in recent years and can be quite informative about the potential destinations on your list. Take some time to read many of the posts on the site to find out what to expect when you get to your travel destination.
If you are traveling and wear glasses, do not hesitate to bring a spare pair. Make sure it is a pair with a strong frame and preferably unbreakable lenses. In the event that you do not have a spare pair and time does not permit, get a copy of your prescription and order them at your destination when you arrive or if needed.
Seek out “slow food” restaurants when traveling. These establishments combine eating with a commitment to locally grown foods. They only serve dishes that use fresh ingredients from their own farmers and fisherman. There are websites that can help you locate these restaurants all over the United States.
If you are traveling by airplane, call the airline company or airport before you go to the airport. Although many airlines do not make this a requirement anymore, it is a good idea to do so, just in case your flight has been canceled or delayed. You can also check your flight status, online.
You should always plan on spending money to get quality things when you travel. Cheaper is not always the way to go. This is especially true when you are considering lodging and food. You will likely have a better experience if you do not go cheap on every single thing.
If you have a baby that is traveling with you, put all of your valuable belongings in their diaper bag. A diaper bag is less likely to get stolen than a purse or handbag. It is also a great place for you to store items you will need during your flight.
When packing for your next trip, remember that it is not necessary to pack your entire beauty routine. If you use six different steps for your facial cleansing and five different steps for your hair, that is a lot of space in your suitcase. Pack only the most essential items, and try going casual so you avoid needing them all.
Hopefully this article has given you some tips and tricks on how to be a wise traveler. In this day and age you really have to keep your eyes open and your wits about you to keep traveling safe and smooth. Check your list before taking off and keep these smart tips in mind.