We’re got some fantastic travel tips here, whether you’re planning a trip to see family or a world-wide excursion. Whether you choose a plane, train, automobile or boat, you will appreciate some shrewd tips on how to enjoy your travel experience.
Make a list of what you need to pack. Sometime well before your trip, at least a week or more, write down all of the items that you must pack. This way, you can avoid clutter and panic, even if you have to throw things together on short notice.
Don’t bring extra valuables that you don’t need. If you bring many valuables with you, you run the risk of losing them or having them stolen.
It is often wise to choose an aisle seat. While you can see well out of the window seat, that is about all it does for you. Sitting on the aisle allows you to reach your luggage and easily get up to go to the bathroom.
When planning your trip, be flexible with your destination. While it may be fun to revisit your favorite spots, having some variety will ensure your vacation is more memorable. Also, choosing a new destination can offer some savings if your travel budget is tighter.
Only bring the absolute essentials when you travel. You won’t have to drag around as much weight or keep track of as much stuff. The less you bring, the fewer things you are likely to lose or have stolen. Limit the number of shoes you bring along since they are usually the biggest and heaviest items people carry with them.
If you are traveling with children be sure to bring a color photo with you and keep it on you at all times in case they become missing. Even the thought of losing your child is one of the most terrifying experiences you can have. With that said, it is best to be prepared for worst case scenarios. If you have a picture of your child on hand, it can really help to locate him or her in a crowd more quickly.
Amusements parks and other attractions have options of printing tickets out online before you leave for your destination. Although you may pay a service fee for this option, it is worth it to bypass long lines for entrance to the park. Also, if the park offers timed entry, you can use it to skip the admission line.
Make travel a learning experience for you and 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. Through cultural exposure abroad, your family can build understanding and tolerance for many types of people.
Prior to booking a hotel, ask if renovations will be taking place during that time. Nothing is more annoying than to be woken early in the morning by construction equipment, especially when you are on vacation. Since the hotel staff can’t do anything about the noise, you may wish to avoid staying on these dates.
You should know that some criminals pose as police officers in dangerous cities. Keep your passport on you at all times, and do not hand it over to anyone. Also, if you have to go somewhere with this person, be sure to walk along with them. Don’t enter a vehicle with a local you don’t know.
Bring a rain coat. You can never be certain about weather changes. Additionally, the raincoat can be used as a windbreaker or bathrobe as needed.
Rush Hour
If you are traveling by vehicle, plan your road travel to miss rush hour in any city you will be in. If you must travel during rush hour, plan for delays. It can be a good time to get something to eat or to just let the kids get out and run around for a bit.
If you are traveling through a smaller airport, check their website to see every airline that they service. Some smaller airports use charter airlines that don’t always show up on searches.
If you are planning a trip with young children, pack a cookie sheet or two. Cookie sheets can provide flat surfaces on which kids can use coloring books or even to play card games. If your children are very little, you can pack magnetic numbers and letters for some educational entertainment.
Before traveling, verify that your passport is not going to expire soon. Some countries have certain rules about the expiration. A country may decide to not let you enter if your passport is expiring within a certain amount of time. Many countries require that your passport is valid for more than six months after entering their country.
If you experience a problem, it is easy to get annoyed. There might be an airplane delay or the rental car might not run right. When this happens, only you or the travel agent can resolve the problem. It can be easy to lose your temper. Relax, be professional. You will accomplish far more this way, and your trip will be less stressful.
For extra safety when staying in a hotel, bring a door stopper with you. When visiting underdeveloped parts of the world, it is wise to maintain tighter security during the evenings in your room. If your door doesn’t contain a chain or deadbolt, place a doorstop under the door.
Follow these tips and your next vacation should be the relaxing trip you dreamed of. You could start getting ready for your traveling experience now by making a list.