Travel can be one of the most stressful parts of life, but also one of the most rewarding. Being prepared and knowing what to expect on the road, at sea or in the air is essential to having a good trip. Read on to discover some knowledge that you can use to make good memories away from home.
Try to avoid calling attention to the fact that you are a tourist. There are many people who earn their living by preying on unsuspecting vacationers. To avoid looking like a potential target, consult your maps and itinerary before you leave, avoid conspicuous jewelry and clothing and keep your camera in your bag when you are not using it – not dangling around your neck.
If you want to save money on travel, be flexible when you are booking your airfare. Many times, lower prices can be found if you are not committed to a specific departure and arrival date. In addition, sometimes prices are cheaper if you fly into a nearby city instead of the major one in the area.
In areas that offer air conditioning as a “luxury extra” on buses or inside movie theatres, always carry a lightweight jacket or sweater. Instead of bringing the heat to a manageable level, the air conditioning in many of these locations can be overwhelming, especially if you are coming in and out of high temperatures.
To find good deals on your air fare, make sure you get prices from as many companies as possible. Booking on the internet should save you money: most travel agents take a commission on their sale. Consider taking a route with several stops and changes if it is cheaper.
When traveling to a different area, make sure that you’re open to different local customs. Some ideas might be strange, but be respectful of other cultures. Not showing respect and not paying attention to local customs can be a real downer for your trip causing you to not feel welcomed in a city.
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.
If you are traveling by air and have to make multiple stops in airports, take a look around at some of the bookshops. Many airport bookshops now trade in used books. You can take that paperback you just finished on your last flight and get a new one to read, while you wait for your upcoming transfer.
Schedule a late night flight if you are traveling with a baby. Airlines dim lights and raise the cabin temperature on night flights so that people can sleep easier. People are also much quieter and tend to watch movies or listen to music instead of talking. These conditions will help your baby feel relaxed.
If you plan to stay more than one night in a hotel room, bring a cheap over-the-door organizer for shoes or jewelry. Instead of filling it with shoes, you can use the pockets to store your toiletries, room key, camera, phone and any other objects which might easily get lost in the fray. The clear pockets make it easy to find things, in seconds.
Pet friendly travel can be very rewarding if you plan ahead. Make sure you know if your pet travels well before subjecting him to lengthy car rides. The Internet can help you find pet friendly lodging and destinations that can make vacationing with your pet fun and inexpensive. Gone are the days of leaving your furry friend home.
Think about travelling in the low season. If you can avoid taking a vacation during summer holidays or over the Christmas period, you should be able to find some good bargains. Travel is nearly always cheaper off-season and lots of airlines offer special deals. Another advantage of travelling off-season is that your destination is likely to be a lot less crowded.
When traveling anywhere, don’t assume that the bus service will be bad. The bus services anywhere can be very helpful. They are cheaper than a taxi of car rental service and can be utilized anywhere that you go. You also don’t have to go through all the hassle of renting a car.
One of the best ways to save money on airline travel is to be flexible. If you are willing to fly out a day or so earlier or later than your original plan, or choose another airport other than your first choice, you could save yourself some money. Sometimes airlines offer specials; you just need to be flexible enough to take advantage of them. If you can remain flexible with your travel plans and schedule, you can save some resources.
Ninety percent of any good trip is preparation and knowledge. Having read this article, hopefully, you are now full of ideas on getting ready for and surviving your next adventure away from home. Apply what you have learned and you are sure to come home with good memories of visited destinations.
