Traveling involves leaving home for a real adventure. It is important, however, that you adequately prepare for your travels before leaving home. The following tips are things that should be on that list you check twice before heading out the door.
Use plenty of plastic when packing. Putting your clothes, toiletries, and other items in clear plastic bags is always a smart way to pack when traveling. Not only does it help you organize, it also keeps your possessions safe. If the bag should be exposed to the elements on the tarmac, the contents of your bag will stay dry.
If you pack electronics while traveling, either remove the batteries or flip them around. Some small electronics can be easily flipped on. You definitely do not want them flipping on in your bag during the trip. There is a good chance the battery might be drained by the time they are unpacked.
When traveling, even in developed nations, always assume your hands are contaminated. Don’t put your fingers in your mouth and avoid eating with your hands. Chances are good you’ve come into contact with hundreds of people and thousands of surfaces, any one of which could be carrying a disease that you aren’t prepared for.
Family and friends can be very gracious in letting you stay in their home, while you are visiting. Show your appreciation by taking a small thank you gift for them. It will show your gratitude and make them more open to allowing you to stay there again, in the future.
Young women traveling alone may want to invest in a simple gold plated band or cubic zirconium ring. Wear the ring on your left ring finger which signals that you are married or engaged. This keeps potential suitor at bay and gives an excuse for unwanted attention in hotels, airports and buses. While it may seem a tad dishonest, it can keep you from getting hit on if you are alone in unfamiliar places.
One simple tip for hotel safety is to carry a small rubber door stop with you. It can pack easily inside a shoe or even be carried in a jacket pocket if you’re short on space. This door stop can be wedged under the door at night, to prevent midnight visitors.
Choose a seat as soon as possible. If your airline allows you to select a seat at the time of booking, be sure to do so. To make the best decision, use airplane seating websites to look up information on seating layouts and details for your specific type of plane online. Airlines often charge extra for exit rows and more spacious seats, the value of which you must determine based on the flight duration and cost.
If you are taking your car to the airport and leaving it there, always make a note of where you parked it. You should write it on a piece of paper or put it in your phone. Most likely when you return from your trip, your memory will not be enough to find it.
Use noise-cancelling headphones. Because of all the engine and background noise on an airplane, you have to crank the volume on your headphones up dangerously high just to hear the music. Invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, which cancel out the background noise and let you clearly hear your music at a reasonable volume. Even if you don’t listen to music, they are great for just reducing the noise.
Traveling by bus with children can be a trying experience, but you can make it easier by being prepared for boredom, snack attacks and other potential circumstances. Bringing along some travel games and coloring books and crayons are great ways to keep both younger and older children occupied. If you travel overnight rather than during the day, a young child is likely to sleep through most of the trip. Pack a snack bag with food and beverages for each child. Give your children the opportunity to stretch their legs by getting off the bus during brief stops.
If you are traveling to a hotel that requires payment for internet access, get a room on the first floor. Hotels are located around many establishments that offer free wifi, like cafes or book stores. While a room on a higher floor can not pick up their signals, a first or second floor room should be able to access them.
Look into restaurants in the area that you are going to be vacationing in. You can gather very useful information about the different places to eat through online travel sites where others who have dined there leave very helpful reviews that can save you time and money by avoiding the places with bad reviews.
Although you will get the help you need with planning a trip in this piece, all trips are vulnerable to having issues. The best tip is to simply relax and have a great time.
