When it’s time to get away, whether for business or pleasure, the experience of traveling can be rewarding and fun. Take some tips from those who hit the highways and byways on a regular basis. A little planning and forethought can go a long way on the road to a pleasurable journey.
For international travel, checking the foreign power supplies that will be available is vital. Most modern travelers rely on having their personal electronics available wherever they go. Charging up these gadgets can present a challenge because electrical connections are not standardized around the world. A bit of research beforehand will teach the savvy traveler what sort of power adapters to buy and what preparations to make.
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 know you have to fly, do yourself a favor and wear shoes requiring minimal effort to take off. Don’t pick that day to wear your eyelet wingtips with hard-to-tie laces. Women can wear clogs or slip-ons; men should choose a casual shoe style that can be easily slipped on and off with one hand.
You can save a lot of room in your suitcase depending on the way you arrange your clothing. If wrinkles are not necessarily a problem upon the arrival of your destination, using the rolling method can help save many inches of square space. Simply fold your clothes into a long, narrow strip, and roll them as tightly as you can.
Rental cars come in all colors and all models. The problem is that they all look basically the same! Make sure you note your car’s precise location before you leave it in a parking lot to go into a large discount store or anywhere else where it could be lost in the sea of other cars.
Participate in loyalty programs if you are a frequent traveler. You may not anticipate being able to cash in, but these programs often accumulate faster than you realize. Companies are fighting against a sea of competition and want to keep your business. If you typically choose the same company, find out what kind of rewards they have in place for your loyalty.
While traveling to a foreign country is an exciting experience, it can also be risky if you aren’t familiar with its laws and customs. For that purpose, the State Department of the United States created a website (travel.state.gov) that you can visit to find out a wealth of information on the country to which you are traveling, including facts on crime, health conditions and popular attractions.
Now that you’ve armed yourself with some insight and information, you’re ready to venture in a relaxed and informed manner. Stay alert, and at the same time remember to relish the experience of meeting new people and embracing new cultures. Try these tips and you can be confident and enjoy the trip.
