Travel presents so many options, so many opportunities for fun and memorable experiences, and very many possibilities for trouble and disappointment too. Here’s a few facts and astute tips that will help you to make your next trip a wonderful one.
Always know where your luggage is. Airline and bus employees have been known to steal items out of cases when they are checked in. Additionally, other travelers might “accidentally” pick up your bag in hopes of finding expensive items. This also allows you to move between transit options faster, instead of standing around waiting for your luggage.
If you plan on using your credit cards for spending while on vacation or traveling, make sure that you alert the companies that you will be traveling outside of your home town and give them your location. Failure to do this may result in your card being denied as the company may think that your card has been stolen.
Before you travel internationally, learn where your country’s embassies and consulates are in your destination country. These are not resources for the casual traveler. Hopefully you will never need them. If you find yourself in legal trouble, though, consulates and embassies can provide vital assistance in navigating unfamiliar and unfriendly legal waters.
Scan your passport and email a copy to yourself. It rarely happens, but in the chance that you lose your passport during your travels, this will be a lifesaver. Getting a replacement passport can be a headache and having a copy can make the process much faster and less traumatic.
Another good way to get some sleep on an airplane is by using headphones or ear plugs. This will drown out the constant engine noise and also the little kids and talkative adults on the plane. You will be able to relax and get some much needed rest.
Inexpensive travel can seem nearly impossible today. Gas prices are astronomical, and airlines are too expensive for many people. You can still travel cheap if you are willing to take a bus or travel in a car pool with other people. You can search in advance for inexpensive destinations that will make your travel expenses less.
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!
If you are going to be traveling I would highly suggest planning your itinerary ahead of time. Many travel agents agree that doing so prevents you from wasting time when you actually arrive at your destination. This is not to say you cannot improvise, however it can and will maximize your enjoyment.
It is essential to join a car-rental club before traveling. While hotel loyalty programs give you various “extras” like free breakfast, car-rental clubs help you avoid long lines and eliminate endless paperwork. They also keep you from constantly getting up-sold. A car-rental club helps you avoid stress and frustration, leading to a better traveling experience.
If you are traveling overseas, search for restaurants that have menus in the local language. These establishments typically have inexpensive food that tastes great, and they provide a glimpse into the culture of the area. These restaurants normally won’t be in the middle of all the tourist traps, so you might have to look around a little.
If you will be on vacation for a week or longer, double check if there will be a laundry facility on site. If there will be then you can pack a little lighter and be able to throw in a load of laundry instead when you are there. Since airlines do charge for overweight luggage, it is nice to try to pack lighter.
Avoid getting lost in a new city and country by going to one very important spot when you land. That spot would be the tourism bureau. This place is packed with helpful people, guides, maps, all kinds of money-saving deals, and find out about free events that you can attend.
If you are traveling to a country where you do not know the local language, make sure to bring a translator. This is especially important when ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, or trying to have a conversation with the locals. If you can, try to learn basic words before you leave on your trip.
If you make as much preparation as you can for a trip, and you follow sensible advice (and a few notes or a task list can be indispensible) there’s no reason why you can’t avoid most of the stress that many people bring upon themselves when traveling. Be determined to enjoy your next traveling experience, and act on the advice you’ve read here.
