Traveling can teach you so much in such a short time. It can open you up to a whole new world of possibilities. How great it is to discover new places and explore the world. The minor inconveniences of travel are nothing when you consider the benefits of exposing your senses to the wonders of other lands.
Don’t use the public computers in your hotel or anywhere else they offer free internet while you are on vacation. Keyloggers can steal this information from you.
Be aware of people pretending to be officials in a foreign country. You must not give anyone your original passport; it may be gone for good if you do. If they are insistent about detaining you, ask to walk to the office. Do not get into a vehicle with strangers at home or abroad.
Leave what valuables you can at home and don’t take them on your trip. Too many items often burden travelers with additional responsibility, which increases the possibility of these items getting lost or stolen.
If you are traveling to a small airport, do some research on which carriers use it. Often, there will be charter airlines, and they might have great prices available.
Put identifying information inside your bags, as well as on the outside. It is easy for a baggage tag to come off the exterior of your suitcases while they are en route. If that happens, the identification inside the luggage will help ensure that you get your things back.
You want to be very careful when catching a taxi in another country when traveling. Ascertain the taxi you’re taking is actually legitimate before stepping inside it. Anyone can place a “TAXI” sign atop their vehicle, which means you can be in danger.
Sometimes you wind up in a less than nice hotel. Take a plain doorstop with you for these situations. You can place it underneath your door at night to add security beyond the main chain and lock. Burglars will be able to break the door’s lock, but entry will be extremely hard if you have such a doorstop engaged.
United States
When traveling abroad, prepare for emergencies ahead of time, such as losing your U.S. passport. The United States Department of State maintains a website (usembassy.state.gov) where you can find information on how to contact the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country that you are visiting. Carry this information while traveling. In many cases, they will have a replacement passport for you in a day or so.
Check your hotel alarm when you get there. Whether by simple accident or obnoxious prank, many a traveler has been awakened early in the morning or worse, in the middle of the night, by the alarm clock at their bedside. Set the alarm off so that you can sleep peacefully.
It’s a good idea to get National Park passes if you often visit National Parks. They only cost $50 and remain good for use that year at any national park.
Jet lag is an all too common complaint for travelers who cross time zones. To help prepare for this try to get a few extra hours sleep before leaving on your trip. If possible take a nap on the airplane.
Using the Internet to book your traveling requires only one stop. Online travel sites will assist in planning your travel itinerary. Hotels, flights, and rental cars can all be booked straight from the computer. You can find photographs and customer reviews of many of the hotels and other lodgings in which you are interested. These sites offer fabulous deals for online trip planning, like last minute traveling discounts.
Bring a book of matches or a business card of your motel with you while traveling about the city. If you become lost, you can show it to a local and get directions back to the hotel. It is very important, especially if you are unsure of the local language.
Consider alternate modes of travel, such as trains, buses and subways. Taking a bus is not the same experience as it once was. It is relatively inexpensive, and many buses offer free Wi-Fi and other nice amenities. There are package deals available, which make the trip easy to plan, too.
Take an extra passport picture along as you travel abroad. If you happen to lose your passport or it gets stolen, getting a new one may take a long time. In order to speed up the process, you should keep a spare photo on hand. Make sure you also carry copies of critical documentation.
Earplugs will be of great help to you if you’re a light sleeper. Many times the walls in your hotel are very thin. Good earplugs can help block any excess noise.
If you have the right license, think about a motorcycle as a great way to take day trips or longer road trips. They get great gas mileage, move fast and make things a bit more exciting. It can be quite fun to travel by motorcycle.
Weather can be a huge factor in your travel plans. Check the forecast for your destination. Don’t let your warm weather vacation be ruined by a cold front or find yourself at a ski resort with no snow.
When you travel via car with little kids, pack snacks to eat along the way. You may even want to pack twice the amount of what you thought you would. This way, they will be busy and happy the entire time, saving you headaches. Sometimes, even some junk food can be okay.
Be sure you are allotting enough check out time when you’re departing your hotel. Hotels tend to charge a big fee if you don’t check out before the stated time. Allow extra time for check out.
When you are packing light for an extended trip, bring along a rain coat with a soft lining. You don’t know what will happen with the weather. Not only that, but a rain slicker can serve as a windbreaker when it gets cool, and possibly a bath robe if you need one at the hotel.
If you have designs on an overseas trip, but need to find savings, see if you can recruit some friends to go with you. Take advantage of the discounts many destinations offer to larger groups. By getting group rates, you can get real savings on lots of different things. See if friends would like to travel with you.
You could fulfill your dreams of doing Alaskan salmon fishing, going to an island, or bathing in a refreshing waterfall. Taking a trip puts the world in your hands and gives you a goal to look forward to. You can have something to anticipate during less exciting periods. Travel is great for providing memorable experiences to last a lifetime. Get out there! Begin planning your trip now.