New worlds await you, whether near or far, and travel is the way to open the door to unexpected sights, sounds and experiences. Though it can be intimidating on some levels, travel need not be stressful if you take some tips beforehand from those who have tread the paths before you. A few bits of knowledge will go a long way in preparing you for an unforgettable trip.
Airplanes can be filled with airborne bacteria. You can dab some Neosporin in your nose while on the plane to combat the germs in the air. You can also use hand sanitizer frequently. After you rub the sanitizer into your hands, put a small amount right under your nose.
Whenever you travel for business or pleasure, research your destination before you leave. Arriving in a foreign city without any idea where to go or what to see can be overwhelming and takes away from the experience. Read a guide on your destination and talk to people you know have been there. You can easily learn some insiders tips.
Taking time to travel to new areas while on the way to an intended travel destination can help one find new places to stay at for the next time they want to take a trip. Side trips can often yield new and exciting places for one to explore either on their trip or to book a separate trip to experience fully.
Thinking about planning a vacation? It may surprise you to know that the days you select to travel can result in a huge savings…or a huge expense. If you fly on the weekend, the ticket price is generally much higher than it is during the week. Consider arriving or departing on a Monday or a Thursday instead.
Hotel stationery is a great souvenir, and hotels do not charge you for taking it. The hotels realize that their stationery is a form of advertisement for them, so if you take it and use it, you are doing them a favor. Most higher-end hotels have beautiful stationery, so snap it up! They don’t mind.
Even if you don’t have a digital music player, bring headphones on your flight. Many airlines have in-flight entertainment systems that are free to use but require headphones. Instead of paying $5 for the crummy airline headphones, bring your own and enjoy your flight in comfort and style.
As you make your travel arrangements, negotiate with the front desk at the hotel you would like to stay at. Do not necessarily request a lower rate because managers do not often change the price of their rooms. Instead, try to arrange for other perks, including a free breakfast or an upgraded room. You can also ask if they have any other packages or special offers.
Bring an over the door shoe organizer along whenever you’re staying in a hotel. Being an organized traveler in a hotel can be tough. There is limited drawer, counter, and closet space. Keep your bathroom essentials, shoes, and accessories organized and in clean site by putting them in your shoe organizer as soon as you arrive.
Exchange your money at your bank before you leave for your trip. Large financial institutions often have the best exchange rates, and changing your money before you arrive ensures you can avoid long lines at the airport currency exchange or even worse, being left at the mercy of less-scrupulous exchanges which prey on travelers who need local currency fast.
Now that you’re wiser about the ways of the world, you can pack your bags and be on your way. Remember the suggestions you’ve read here, then relax and go with the flow. The world is an open book and it’s time for you to add a few pages of your own. What are you waiting for?