No matter how you plan to travel, what you will learn here was specifically designed to assist you in making great travel plans and having fun. Use this article to save money and stress when preparing for your next trip.
Use an ATM instead of a currency exchange when traveling abroad. The exchange rate should be better. This can save you a ton.
If traveling with children, keep a recent, color picture of them with you at all times, just case they become lost. It is extremely frightening to become separated from your child. Children can sometimes become lost when traveling due to the crowds or the unfamiliar location. If you have a picture of your child on you then this can come in handy if they ever end up getting lost.
If you are traveling through a small airport, find out from the airport’s website which airlines serve that airport. Smaller airports will often feature charter airlines. These airlines may not show on the travel sites, but can often offer great deals versus the big airlines.
Even if you are taking a long flight, bring your own comfort supplies and don’t rely on airline personnel to provide them. If you really need headphones, a blanket and a pillow to be comfortable while flying, you should bring your own on board with you. It is also a good idea to pack a few snacks in your carry-on, in case your flight is delayed or they don’t serve food you like.
Bring a doorstop with you when you are staying in a room that makes you feel less than comfortable about security. These nifty devices can help hold doors closed just as much as they can help keep them open.
When vacationing in a foreign country, be careful what you eat. If you do have food allergies, it is a good idea to learn some words for food in the native language. If you do this, you can avoid ordering anything that you may be allergic to, and if need be, alert medical professionals of any allergies.
Take clothespins when you travel. You would be amazed at how useful these will turn out to be.
Official Website
When looking for the best prices for a flight, look at each airline’s official website offering flights into your final destination. Although low fares are found on websites like Kayak and Travelocity, often the best price is found on the official website of the airline.
Always research before booking travel. Visit online review sites and see what others are saying about potential travel destinations. If you know anyone who has already been there, talk them up. This will help you decide if the location is right for you.
You may want to pack up everything you have while traveling. Make a list of all the things you might need, then prioritize to establish what your essentials are. Make a short list of toiletries you use daily and are truly needed. Only pack the ones you are sure you will use.
Always remember to tip housekeepers and bellboys. A good rule of thumb is $1 per bag/luggage and about $2-5 a day for housekeeping. This will increase the quality of service in your hotel and make your stay more enjoyable.
Traveling is a great way to educate your family. Exposing your children to the experiences of developing countries can be very rewarding as long as you take safety precautions and travel wisely. This is a wonderful way to create an understanding of the rest of the world and to build tolerance of others.
Pack a small bag of clothespins for your next trip. They can be very useful.
Look at when your passport expires. Most countries have specific guidelines concerning expiration dates. Many will not allow you entry into the country if it expires soon. This can be from 3-6 months of your trip, though there are some places where that time frame can be 8-12 months.
Know the rates of currency when you’re traveling abroad so you can get an idea of what you’re going to encounter. If you know how far a dollar goes, you get a good idea of how much you can spend at your destination, which will help you save money. This way, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about money.
Jet lag is an all too common complaint for travelers who cross time zones. While it cannot be avoided, getting extra sleep in the days leading up to the flight can help to lessen the effects. Also try and get a bit of shut eye on the plane.
Make sure you keep a matchbook, business card or some other small item from the hotel when you’re going out. When out and about in a foreign locale, you may get lost, and having this sort of identification will help others point you in the right direction. This is very useful if you do not know the language well.
If traveling with a child on a plane, seat them as far from the aisle as you can. Ideally, you should take the outermost seat, which your child closer to the window. You know that kids are curious, and they could get hurt if they put their arm in the aisle when the cart is coming. They can also run away, and you don’t want that to happen mid flight.
Keep this information handy as you plan your trip and pack your bags. This advice can help you along your journey, all the way there and back again.