Before you start any travels, there are some things that you will need to take into consideration. However, with the proper advice and knowledge, it becomes much simpler to make your travel arrangements. The following article is filled with helpful hints and tips on traveling for both the novice and the veteran.
Many out of the way destinations are often overlooked for vacations. For example, while St. Thomas in the Caribbean is incredibly popular, with very little extra effort one can make a trip to Vieques off of Puerto Rico instead. It has many of the same amenities, is much less crowded, and will make your vacation seem much more special!
Take along at least one dressy outfit with you when you travel. The more formal clothes are, they harder they are to pack and care for. Nevertheless, making the effort to bring one set of classy duds prepares you to take advantage of unplanned opportunities that may arise on your trip. You don’t want to miss out on a wonderful dinner invitation because you have nothing to wear but shorts!
If you are traveling overseas, always have local currency in a variety of denominations. It is much easier to be ripped off by a taxi driver or shopkeeper if the smallest bill in your wallet represents a week’s or even month’s profit. Small change can sometimes be difficult to come by, so hang onto your coins when you get them.
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.
Walk when you can. To keep your ankles from swelling and your joints from getting sore, stand up and walk whenever you get a chance. On the plane, get up and go to the bathroom or walk the aisle, once every hour. If you have a layover, opt to take a few laps of the terminal, rather than just sitting at your gate.
If vacationing in an area you’ve never visited before, try to find a local to give you some information about the area. Major tourist attractions are always well marked and you’ll have no problem finding them, but learning about some local favorites can make your trip much more memorable and personalized.
Try to only bring carry-on bags. If you can travel light, you will not have to face the mess that is the check counter. Just remember the policies about weight, and be ready to buy toiletries upon your arrival to your destination. You can call your airline to clarify any specifics.
To avoid paying high airport prices for snacks and food, make sure to pack your own bag of treats before you leave home. Pretzels, crackers, trail mix and dried fruit, are all great airplane snack ideas. If you bring your own, you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg for snacks at the airport or on board the plane.
If you’re visiting a museum or other tourist attraction, make sure to ask about any special discount rates for which you might be eligible. Many attractions have discounts for seniors, children, and students. Getting a discount rate will help you save money and travel on a budget while still enjoying the local sites.
If you plan on going backpacking, make sure you pack the proper gear. Even the most experienced backpackers can get lost, so it is important to bring flashlights, food, large amounts of water, matches and first aid supplies. Also, dress appropriately. Wear layers and avoid cotton clothing and jeans.
A great spot for budget travelers is Sarajevo. Completely affordable and so much to do, see, and eat here! Heavily influenced by Bosnian culture, experience sights and sounds of a foreign land and a lovely history. To fully experience Bosnian culture here, try to see if you could possibly stay with a local Bosnian family.
When you land in Berlin, make sure you invest in a “Welcome Card.” This handy little card can open up a bunch of venues and adventures for you. This affordable card contains access to free public transportation, gives you discounts for sights, tours, events, museums, restaurants, and many more things.
When going on a road trip, make sure that you pack sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen for everyone on the trip. Many people can easily get burned via the car window and the sun can be harsh during mid-day trips. Keep your skin and eyes protected by packing prior, so that you don’t have to waste time stopping at a store or gas station along the way.
As the beginning of this article mentioned, there are so many decisions any prospective traveler must make, a process which some might describe as intimidating. However, once you are equipped with the right travel information and advice, you will be able to plan an amazing trip quite easily. Great travel begins with great planning, so get started!
