If you’ve got a trip coming up, then you’ve come to the right place. Preparing for a trip can be one of the most stressful things you do. But below we have some advice for stressed out trip goers that can help things run much smoother and not leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.
When traveling abroad, rather than doing local currency exchanges, use ATMs to make withdrawals. Many times these banks offer exchange rates that are better than individuals get. This can save a considerable amount of money for you over some time.
If you plan on traveling, remember to schedule reliable pet care in advance. If you have a small dog, you can find pet-friendly flights and hotels and bring him along. Large dogs, cats, and animals with medical problems should have a reliable pet-sitter that you can trust. Your furry friends will be grateful!
Travel during the off-peak seasons. Hotels and airfare are usually a lot more expensive during the peak summer months. Also, popular destinations can be so over-crowded during the summer that it takes the enjoyment out of it. If you travel in the off-peak months you can save money on airfare and accommodations and you can avoid the crowds.
In most parts of the world, it is considered good etiquette to ask someone for permission when taking their picture. Many people will become very offended if you take their photograph without asking, and this could even lead to violence. It is better to simply get their permission first than risk offense.
If you travel by air frequently, it’s a good idea to learn the rules of the TSA. Every airport has a security checkpoint that you need yo pass before you can get too your plane and not knowing the security rules can make your time at the checkpoint frustrating for you and the people around you.
A plastic shoe organizer over your hotel door can keep you organized. It is difficult to stay organized away from home, with little to no storage space except your suitcase. Put an organizer over your bathroom door when you arrive, the kind with the clear pockets is best. You can use it to store your essentials and keep them where it’s easy to locate.
If you know you have to fly, do yourself a favor and wear shoes requiring minimal effort to take off. Don’t pick that day to wear your eyelet wingtips with hard-to-tie laces. Women can wear clogs or slip-ons; men should choose a casual shoe style that can be easily slipped on and off with one hand.
You can save a lot of room in your suitcase depending on the way you arrange your clothing. If wrinkles are not necessarily a problem upon the arrival of your destination, using the rolling method can help save many inches of square space. Simply fold your clothes into a long, narrow strip, and roll them as tightly as you can.
Knowing what to take with you on a trip can be tough and you can often forget important things. Put an hour aside, to sit down a few days before your trip and compile a list of things that you need to take with you. Make a second list of things that you may need, but you are okay without if there is only limited space. Making lists, ensures that you won’t forget important items.
During the winter, in particular, it is smart to keep a couple of blankets, some boots, some matches and a large candle, in the trunk of your vehicle. These could come in very handy if you happen to skid off the road and find yourself lodged in a snow bank with no chance of immediate rescue.
If you are leaving children with friends or relatives while you are away on a trip, make sure to leave important papers like health insurance cards and a notarized letter, stating that their caregiver has your authority to make medical decisions. They made need this information if there is a medical emergency.
If you are traveling by air, select your row carefully to ensure that your carry-on bag can fit in the overhead compartment. Planes are usually boarded in a group of five or ten rows, so a row with a higher number may get on first. Also try to get in the boarding line as quickly as possible; once the group in front of you has stopped joining the line, go ahead and stand behind them. Your group will probably be announced before you get to the front. The faster you are able to get on the plane, the more likely it is that there will still be room for your bag.
Hopefully at least some of these tips will be helpful for you on your upcoming vacation. While each tip may not work for every person and every vacation, you should now be armed with some extra knowledge to make things run a lot smoother and help you avoid any problems.
