No matter what type of travel you’re planning, you definitely want to plan everything out prior to departure. So, use these tips to make all your travels more pleasurable.
Leave what valuables you can at home and don’t take them on your trip. You don’t want to have to keep track of these valuables at all times, and even worse, they could get stolen.
Don’t use the public computers in your hotel or anywhere else they offer free internet while you are on vacation. A public computer could have a keylogger installed on it so that criminals can access your information. While that is probably not the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Make sure to get to the port city the night before your cruise to avoid the chance of missing it. Even if they don’t publicize the service, it can’t hurt to ask about free parking deals at your hotel.
If you have a pet, bring him or her with you if it is allowed. Vacations that are pet-friendly are becoming more commonplace, with a lot of hotels offering promotions for travelers with pets. These may include care for your pets. Don’t fear taking your furry friend along, as long as you make sure you can before you do.
Use travel as an educational tool for the members of your family. If you are safe, even third world countries can be an opportunity to show children how life is in different places. The best way to foster tolerance for other cultures in your children is to spend time in other countries with them.
List what you intend to take with you on a trip. You can start your list anytime before you travel. By having a detailed list of what you need, you will take the stress out of packing. That way, even if you wait to pack until you’re in a time crunch, the list can help you avoid clutter and to stay organized.
When packing light for a long trip, take a rain coat that has a soft lining. The weather could be tumultuous, wherever you go. Additionally, the raincoat can be used as a windbreaker or bathrobe as needed.
You will want to cash your traveler’s checks prior to going anywhere to eat or shop. Many places abroad do readily take traveler’s checks, but it can be a pain to use them as they are. You could find yourself losing money by using them, so be smart and exchange for the local currency.
Projected Weather Conditions
When you try to find the best prices on your flights, be sure to check individual airline websites. While you can find low fares on travel websites, you may learn that the best prices are sometimes on the airlines’ own sites.
To get the most enjoyment while vacationing, make sure to take projected weather conditions into consideration. By using available weather forecasting sites, you can determine projected weather conditions at your destination. If the weather is uncooperative you may need to make last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Take an early flight to avoid a delay in your flight. Since airports are usually filled to their capacity, if one plane is delayed, more then likely the plane after that will be delayed, too, since it has to wait for the gate to open up. The first flight in the morning should have very limited reasons for a delay.
Always tip generously. When boarding the cruise ship, be sure to tip your steward at least $20. You will probably have the same folks waiting on your party for the rest of the cruise, and it pays to make them happy.
Keep the business card from your hotel or something else with their information on it with you at all times. Should you be in a foreign location and get lost, this item can be perfect for getting directions or telling a taxi where you need to get to. This is very useful if you do not know the language well.
You can always decide not to bring luggage if you are going on a plane. This will save you some time. You can send your belongings to the destination via FedEx or UPS. This might cost more, but for the long term it is worth it.
Have copies of any important documents with you when you travel. Keep the copies of your documents in a safe place that can be accessed in the event of an emergency. Check with your hotel for any resources that may be available. Avoid keeping document copies and the originals together. Otherwise, you can lose everything, and your precautions will be futile. You could also leave a copy of everything with a friend or family member as a backup.
Don’t be too rigid with your trip time, especially if another person needs a bathroom break. It won’t hurt your trip. That way, you will keep everyone from getting crabby.
When using traveler’s checks, be sure to cash them prior to eating out or shopping. Though lots of places will accept the checks, it can be a hassle. You don’t want to lose out, so go ahead and get local currency as soon as possible.
If you are headed to another country, do not make monetary exchanges at the airport. Since it’s simple to do there, airports will charge a lot for exchange rates. Before traveling, find banks that offer currency exchanges and you may get better rates.
Lost Luggage
If you travel with another person or in a group, try practicing dividing your belongings across every piece of luggage. This will help in the case of lost luggage. If luggage is lost then at least a few personal items might be stashed elsewhere. To better protect against any lost luggage, each person should carry another change of clothing in a carry-on bag.
Check the exchange rates before your trip to better plan your budget. By knowing how much your money is worth in other countries, you will have a better idea on how best to budget your trip. You’re going to have more fun this way, and you’re not going to spend too much money.
Travel comes with impulse buys and temptations so plan ahead. Instead of eating at a buffet, visit the hotel’s gym. This will keep you feeling great while you are traveling.
Be sure to take everything with you when a bus stops for maintenance or for a layover. Passengers have access to the bus during these stops, giving them the chance to run off with things.
If you are traveling out of the country, make sure that have the currency traded before your trip. Some countries have difficulty changing currency past business hours. Most large banks are able to sell you foreign currency, so just stop by the bank before heading to the airport and your fun can start when the plane lands.
The major airlines all have e-newsletters, and subscribing has its benefits. These newsletters are often the best way to get exclusive offers and discounts. Yes, they will fill your inbox more, but the rewards and savings can be worth it.
When you travel, make sure to label your cords. It is easy to become confused about which cord goes with which device. Label each of your cords with colors to make it easy. Be sure to keep a list of your cords also.
Don’t want to find out on your cruise that boats make you seasick. That could make your cruise impossible to enjoy. You will be bedridden, recovering from the seasickness, and not having fun. Take a small boat trip before your cruise to see if you get seasick. If you do, make sure to get some medication that can help with this problem.
If you are going on a trip, proper planning will make your travel more comfortable. If you plan well, you will feel comfortable taking your trip, and have a good time while you’re on it.
If you plan on visiting the National Parks often, it would be best to invest in a National Park Pass. They cost $50 and are good for all the parks for one year.