With all that goes into planning a major trip for yourself or your family, it is no wonder that many people find the process overwhelming and extremely stressful at times. Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way. For your consideration, here are the very best travel tips and tricks out there.
This may seem like common sense, but one important thing to be sure of when you are traveling is that you’re reservations for hotels, flights, visits to attractions and monuments, etc. are correct. Double check confirmation e-mails and contact customer service if anything seems amiss. You don’t want to miss a flight, an attraction, or spend a night wandering around town because the reservation was not what and when you thought it was.
Before traveling make sure you get enough sleep. For many people, the few days before their vacation are filled with either stress or excitement, sometimes leading to a lack of sleep. When this happens, you tend to ‘crash’ when you reach your destination, meaning that you waste vacation time because you are already exhausted. A good night’s sleep before traveling will mean that you arrive invigorated and upbeat.
If you’re worried about having your pockets picked while you’re on vacation, try sewing a small hidden pocket into the inside of your pants to keep your money and credit cards in. This way you won’t have to worry about them being swiped by an eager pickpocket. You can also do the same thing inside of a bag, if you’ll be carrying one.
When traveling with a dog, remember that most pet supplies are better purchased at your destination. For example, unless your dog is on a special diet, buying a bag of dog food when you arrive is easier than attempting to transport it. Bowls and other supplies are the same way.
International travel can be quite fun. On the plane flight to your destination, bring along a phrase book and try to learn a few phrases in the language of the culture where you will be spending time. You do not have to be fluent in the language and many locals will be delighted that you tried to learn a little bit of their language. Do not be shy about mistakes. Most people will appreciate you tried to learn a little bit about their culture.
Provide someone in your family with your travel itinerary. This allows a relative at home to know where you are at any point in time. Also, make sure to keep in constant contact with that person to ensure safety. If they hear from you regularly and know your location at all times, there won’t be any reason to worry.
Some hotels have video games in them for you to use. If you’re traveling with kids, ask the front desk to disconnect these. Most of the time as soon as they’re turned on they’ll bill you for playing them. So if you take a shower you may not notice your kids have been playing them until you get your bill at checkout.
To avoid high exchange rates in foreign countries, stop at an ATM for your bank when you disembark from your flight. Large banks get much better exchange rates than an individual, so pulling money out once you get there is a hassle-free and inexpensive way to get the currency you need.
Bring your own comfort items on the plane. With airlines trying to recoup costs wherever they can while keeping ticket prices low, many have resorted to charging for many of the comfort items that used to be free. A travel pillow, blanket, music and headphones can save you precious money that is better spent on your vacation.
Hostel living is a great way to travel. You can stay at hostels all over the world as you travel in continent or abroad. Most will allow you to stay for free, while others charge an extremely small fee or have you work a bit for room and board while living there.
Weighing your checked bags before you arrive at the airport can save you money and frustration. Many airlines charge an extra $50 or more for checked bags weighing over 50lbs. This can result in spending more money, or having to leave items behind. Put your luggage on a scale at home before you head to the airport to save yourself a headache!
Want to relax early in the morning when you travel? Check the alarm clock as soon as you check in. Often the alarm was set by a previous guest, or possibly even the hotel staff. Not checking it can mean a six a.m. wake-up when you’re hoping to sleep until eight.
So whether you are planning a getaway for one person or for the whole clan, chances are good that you could use a little help in making arrangements that will go off without a hitch. Remember the advice in this article to keep things going smoothly during the course of your travels.
