Traveling can be a wonderful way to explore new places, learn about other cultures, and get some much-needed relaxation. However, if it’s not done right, travel can also be a source of stress or problems. With the following travel tips you will find it easier to plan and enjoy whatever trips you find yourself taking.
If you know that you are going to have a long layover in a city, check what there is to do beforehand. A 3 hour layover in Washington D.C. can easily turn into a quick tour of the Washington Mall or a long sit in Minneapolis can become a quick shopping trip to the Mall of America!
Do not bother wrapping gifts. A lot of people buy small souvenirs when traveling. If you are planning on bringing something back to a loved one, don’t bother wrapping it before you return home. On the off chance that your bag is inspected, it will have to be unwrapped anyway.
When traveling, never take an item from someone to transport it for them. No matter their situation or how nice they may seem, this is almost always a trap to convince an unwary tourist to transport drugs or other contraband into secure areas. Even “gifts” can fall into this category.
Planning your travel in advance is always good advice to follow. Make sure to plan your trip at least a month or a few weeks in advance to ensure you have enough time to make changes. Planning ahead leaves more room for error and gives you more time to get the best deals on travel packages.
If you are going on extended vacation and leaving your home behind for a month, it might be worth it to you to stop cable fees and other utilities. Make sure to inform other services you subscribe to, such as pool cleaning or housekeeping while you’re away. Doing all of these things, ensure that you will have a worry-free vacation.
Whenever you travel for business or pleasure, research your destination before you leave. Arriving in a foreign city without any idea where to go or what to see can be overwhelming and takes away from the experience. Read a guide on your destination and talk to people you know have been there. You can easily learn some insiders tips.
Don’t travel by car at rush hour. If it’s not possible to avoid rush hour, take a break during that time. This can be the optimal time to go grab a bite.
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.
As you make your travel arrangements, consider staying at places other than hotels and resorts. Alternative choices like a house swap or a farm stay may be a better deal, and they can offer you a unique experience. There are several websites that can help you locate “unusual” lodging options.
When you fly across time zones jet leg is very common, although there is nothing you can do to completely avoid it, if you eat light on your flight it can help. Eat lightly and avoid rich foods for the first few days of your trip that way your body can focus on getting used to your new surroundings instead of digesting a lot of food.
When packing your luggage for a flight, affix a card with your name, phone and address inside the bag in the event the luggage is misplaced and tags are lost. Often the airlines will inspect the inside of lost luggage when the tag is lost, in an effort to find some identifying information about the owner.
Get to know the generic names of common pain relievers before travel. If you find that you need to purchase something at a drugstore it is helpful to know that Acetaminophen is the same thing as your favorite headache reliever, even if the drugstore does not carry the same brand. Ibuprofen and Naproxen are also common drugs.
To pack light while traveling, make time to plan ahead. Lay articles of clothing out before you pack, and make sure that each top can go with more than one bottom. Bring clothes that are comfortable and easy to wash, in case you need to do laundry on the road. Think carefully about the shoes you bring. It is best to wear your bulkiest items on the flight, to make more room in your luggage.
Avoid getting an illness while you are traveling. Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose and be sure to bring along some hand sanitizer. Use it after you wash your hands in the lavatory. Stay hydrated by drinking bottled water. Avoid ice from the airline as it is teeming with bacteria.
Try to find and wear clothing that has hidden pockets. Not only is this convenient for you because you have room to carry more items, but it is helpful for keeping things from thieves and pickpockets. They will never find your valuables in a hidden shirt, pants or jacket pocket.
If traveling with young children, place a card somewhere in their possession. This way, if they were to ever get separated from you, whoever finds them will know where to bring them. Also, on this card, put your phone number so this person can reach you. Tell your children if they get lost to try and find a police officer.
Always write down or print out your confirmation numbers. Make sure you are not left scrambling to find tickets or lodging at the last minute by keeping careful track of reservation confirmation numbers. If you are not given one, be sure to ask and double check that it is not necessary. Doing so ensures you have proof that you indeed have a reservation instead of having to rely on your word.
By following the simple tips given above, you will find that your travel adventures become far easier. With these tips you can fully relax and enjoy your vacations knowing that your travel plans will go off without a hitch. This advice will help you enjoy stress-free travel, leaving you free to appreciate the locations you’re visiting.
