The moment you step off the plane into a foreign country, a rush of adrenaline is bound to consume you. Not only are you in for an adventure and as appreciation for cultures other than your own, but you must be aware of safety and rules abroad as well. This article contains a multitude of travel tips to keep you safe while away from home.
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!
When traveling to poor countries or countries with high crime rates, keep all of your valuables out of sight. Don’t wear a camera over your shoulder or even a cheap watch on your wrist if you don’t want to attract the attention of thieves and beggars. Carry a shoulder bag for these types of items instead.
If you’re planning on taking a cell phone with you on your trip, make sure to call your cell phone provider to ask them about roaming charges. The familiarity of your cell phone may make you feel better, but it may cost you a lot more to use it on foreign soil. A good alternative is buying a local SIM card and using it while you’re there.
When traveling by air, conceal a store of emergency money in your carry-on luggage. This stash will be useful if you run into a worst-case scenario, like a mugging or pick-pocketing. Make your stash as large as you feel comfortable with, but remember you may need it to purchase food, transportation or even an overnight room.
Wear dark sunglasses throughout your entire flight if you want to be left alone. Most people will assume that you are either trying to sleep or nursing a migraine, and will behave as such. If you want politeness and courtesy, leave the glasses on. It’s an easy way to have a relaxing flight.
Make your vacation more green by discovering new places by foot. You will find a lot of the most enticing sights are set off from the main thoroughfares, hidden away and only accessible by foot. Hiking offers many unforgettable views and up close experiences, as does biking and canoeing.
When flying, always try to pack light. Mix and match outfits and pack only the essentials when possible. Packing just one suitcase means less baggage to carry through busy airports and security. It also means more cash in your pocket, with the rising baggage fees most airlines charge.
When you are traveling to a new city, join in on a pub crawl. You can experience the downtown area and meet new people. You’ll have even more fun by slowly eating dinner across the different restaurants; have drinks at one place and then an appetizer at the next. Work your way up to a main course and dessert.
When on a plane with a child, give them a lollipop at takeoff and landing. The child will love the treat, however the main thing is that it will help with the ear pressure and will help keep them from getting too cranky during this time. Once the child is older you can use gum.
If you do not know the language of the area you will be traveling to, try to learn a few basic phrases before you go. If you can ask if someone speaks English, in their language, they may be more likely to help you out or help you find someone else who can help you. Also, a smile goes a long way. Don’t be an obnoxious, English speaker.
Use the information that is all over the web to help you get the airfare rate that is fair. You will be able to find out how much other travelers are paying for a flight ticket. You can use a Fare History Chart to compare what the going rates are for different airlines to find the one that will work best for you.
When traveling aboard, make sure your passport is not expired. In the chaos of preparing for a trip, you may not realize your passport has expired. You can renew your passport by mail as far in advance as one year before it is set to expire and up to two years after it has already expired.
Above all, staying safe while traveling is the most important aspect of your trip. Hopefully, this article has provided some helpful insight into staying safe on your trip and will allow you to travel worry-free. So, breathe easier, sit back and enjoy the finer things in life (while staying safe, of course).
