Going on a trip is the best education possible. It can broaden your mind and help you develop some new ideas. You have to leave the safety and security of your typical daily environs and open yourself to new things. We may think we know exactly how something already is by seeing it on TV, but when you have the chance to see, smell and experience things in person, it will open your eyes in grand new ways.
Save on money and calories during all of your travels by packing snacks, meals and beverages ahead of time. You can make healthier choices when you plan ahead of time, and you will be less likely to overspend on a sugar or fat filled snacks that are grossly overpriced.
If you’re staying in a hotel and you like coffee, don’t use the tap water to make it. Instead, get some ice from the ice machine and put it in the coffee maker the night before to melt. The ice machines use filtered water so you’ll get better tasting coffee!
Sign up to get updates on travel prices. With these sites, you can put in your destination and it will watch it for you. If your hotel price or airfare drops by a certain amount, as you decide, the site alerts you with an email about the change. This saves you the aggravation of checking the price every day.
When booking your hotel stay, pay attention to cancellation policies and fees for date changes. Prepaying for a cheaper rate only benefits you if you can definitely travel on those dates. If you might have to change dates, you can save more money by paying a higher rate at a hotel with a more lenient cancellation policy.
Peruse the blogosphere. Bloggers are everywhere, and there is most likely one, if not many, bloggers blogging about your destination. Their blogs are a great resource for finding information about hidden gems of the city–restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. Don’t be shy. If you contact them, many will be happy to answer your specific questions as well.
If you are getting a hotel room, inquire as to whether there are any upcoming renovations or not. You do not want to wake up to the sound of construction when vacationing. There really isn’t much a hotel can do for you during the times they renovate, so you are probably better off choosing another hotel during those dates.
If you have a tendency to forget your charger when traveling, try asking the front desk if they have any. Many places have boxes of cords that have been left behind and if you search, you may be able to find one that fits your needs. You can also see if they have an international adapter as well.
If you are traveling by car for several days, think about researching fitness classes in the cities that you are driving through. Stopping at a rest stop can help you get out of the car and stretch, but joining a class at a yoga or fitness studio will let you meet people and check out the town. Look for companies that allow walk-ins and have fun!
Pack one extra outfit in your carry-on bag. Lost luggage could leave you without a change of clothes until they are located. By having one on hand, you will at least be able to change one clean set of clothes. Make sure your spare outfit does not take up a lot of space – a simple t-shirt and lightweight pants or shorts will suffice.
If you have a smartphone, check for useful travel and language related apps before you leave home. Having the ability to find a well-reviewed hotel or restaurant while in an unfamiliar city can help to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. There may also be phrasebooks and translation apps that can make communication much easier.
Put your name and phone number on both the inside and outside of your luggage. This way, if your luggage happens to get lost and your information is faded away on the outside, at least your contact information will still be available on the inside. Make sure to do this for all of your luggage.
Before you pack, it is wise to make a checklist. This helps so that once you put away each item, you can check it off the list and not have to worry if you forgot something. It will also help the packing process go quicker, leaving time to do other last minute things.
Have you always pictured yourself on a tropical beach or fishing in Alaska? If so, it can be true. Taking a trip puts the world in your hands and gives you a goal to look forward to. It is a great way to get through a boring day, just thinking about where you are travelling to next. Travel can give you memories that will bring smiles and warmth to your life for years to come. Don’t wait! Travel as soon as you can.
