Traveling is something that can be easy if you are aware of what you are doing. Without spending the time researching travel destinations, you may find yourself missing out on some of the best bargains on the internet. Prevent this from occurring with this advice.
If you are worried about safety, carry a fake wallet. If you are traveling through a rough area, take precautions and carry a spare wallet with a few token dollars in it. In the off chance you do get accosted, you can hand over the fake wallet and your real valuables will remain safe.
Purchase a travel dress, which is a garment that can be worn multiple ways. It can be worn as a dress, skirt, shirt and wrap. You can then pack a few other accessories and accompanying items, which will save lots of space in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you wish to bring home.
Purchasing tickets online and printing them at home can be a real time saver, so look into this option if you are planning on seeing a specific attraction or amusement park. Sometimes there is a ticket fee, but already having your ticket means you don’t have to stand in long lines, so the fee is totally worth it. Timed entry is another option that can allow you to bypass long lines to pay for admission.
Do not park your car at the airport. Parking lot fees can be steep and leaving your car in a parking lot for an extended period of time can make some people uneasy. Have a friend or family member drop you off at the airport. Alternatively, you can use the airport’s shuttle service.
The advice “don’t drink the water” if you travel to a foreign country is, unfortunately, accurate. However, you can also have intestinal upsets any time you drink water from a place other than where you live, even in the U.S. That’s because the bacterial flora that live in your gut (intestinal tract) are very sensitive to the composition of your own water, in your own area. It takes them a while to get used to water from elsewhere, and in the meantime, they want to push that unfamiliar water right through. So until you get used to the local water, wherever you are, sip slowly or stick with bottled H20.
When taking a road trip, naturally you’re going to pass things that look interesting that someone in the car may one to stop and see. But you can’t always stop at every interesting spot or your trip would never end. Instead, give each member a “Stop Card.” This way if something comes up that they want to stop and see, they can use their card, and the entire family can stop, no questions asked. You can decide how many each person gets, depending on how much time you have.
For added security, bring a doorstop with you to your hotel room. Some hotel locks are flimsy and not exactly secure, but if you jam a doorstop under the door before you go to bed, you will feel safer. This also works for shower rooms and bathroom doors, where the locks may not be secure enough.
Get involved with travel websites and forums. A great way to prepare for any trip is to socialize on these forums and ask questions and read stories from other travelers. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends, and through sharing your stories you can help others avoid your mistakes — and avoid the mistakes that others have made.
When traveling by air, move the in-flight magazine and the SkyMall catalog from the seat pocket in front of you to the overhead compartment. Although it won’t free up a lot of space, every little bit counts. This simple adjustment can add some leg room to your journey and help you be more comfortable on your flight.
Be very careful of sending text messages while traveling. While roaming charges within your home country are becoming less common, do not make the mistake of assuming your ‘unlimited texting’ plan is valid abroad and check with your phone company. Many travelers have come home from vacation to find an unexpectedly large phone bill waiting for them due to overseas usage fees.
When packing for a trip use space management techniques that make the most of your luggage space. For instance, consider rolling your clothing items instead of folding them. This will cut down on wrinkles and make additional space so you can fit a few more items in each piece of luggage.
Take an extra passport picture along as you travel abroad. It takes quite awhile to replace a stolen or misplaced passport. In order to speed up the process, you should keep a spare photo on hand. Be sure to carry extra copies of important travel documentation just in case the originals are lost or misplaced.
Do not purchase clothing or shoes especially for the trip without wearing them first! Sometimes shoes and clothing seem attractive for a trip, but if they fit awkwardly, you will not enjoy traveling with those shoes and outfits. Choose outfits and footwear that you are comfortable wearing.
Use your work address or a business card in your suitcase tags if you are wary of strangers getting a hold of your home address. With the increase in identity theft cases, many people want to protect their identities whenever possible. By using your work address on your luggage, you can protect your identity while still making it possible for you to be reached if your bags are lost.
Carry a list of important toll-free numbers, and keep it separate from your wallet. Make a list of the toll-free contact numbers for your bank, as well as your credit cards. Keep it separate from your wallet, so if it becomes lost or stolen you can quickly and easily notify the institutions and get the cards canceled.
Traveling can be enjoyable. It involves asking questions, packing, and researching, but it’s worth it to have an enjoyable trip. Knowing the tips you know now, you can better plan your vacation experiences.
