Whether vacationing or handling business, traveling takes research and planning. This gives you the very most for your time as well as your cash — and gives you the best time. Ahead are some great ideas on doing just that.
When going to a foreign country, use ATMs to withdraw money. Many times banks get better exchange rates, meaning an ATM can save you money. This will save you a lot of your money over time.
When traveling abroad, rather than doing local currency exchanges, use ATMs to make withdrawals. Banks normally get an exchange rate that is much higher than an individual would be able to get. The amount will vary; however, this can save you a lot of money.
Once you know where you are going, put in some time to learn your destination. Pick up a map of the location you’re going to, so you can locate all the fun things to do, and how best to go about visiting them. Having a good understanding of how the area you’re going to is laid out, will make it much easier to get around when you arrive.
Make a list of things you need to pack. 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. However, even when packing at the very last second, this list will assist you in staying organized, and you can avoid any excess clutter.
Have some flexibility with your travel plans when choosing a destination. You can have fun making a routine when revisiting, but maintaining variety can make it more relaxing and memorable. You can even save additional money if you find another exciting vacation spot.
Planning ahead is the number one rule of flying. If an airport is in a major city, it can be quite difficult to get to, especially during rush hour when traffic is at its heaviest. Pack what you can the night before your flight so you are sure to be ready to leave the next day. You need to make all of your travel plans far before you plan to fly. Missing your flight will cost you precious time and money.
When you get into your hotel room, check your alarm. Many people have been awakened up by early hotel alarm clocks because they were still set on the old alarm. If you want to ensure a relaxing start to your vacation, make sure the alarm is off, or at least, set to when you would like to awaken.
Get a door stopper for additional safety when you stay in a hotel. Sometimes, especially when traveling in less developed countries, it is desirable to have a little bit more security in your hotel room at night. If you don’t find a chain or deadbolt on the door, put a small doorstop beneath the door at bedtime.
Put identifying information inside your bags, as well as on the outside. Make sure that this is on the inside as anyone can tear off tags on the outside. Be certain that you have good identification both inside and outside of your bags. In this way, if the tags are accidentally removed, your bag can still be returned to you.
When you travel to foreign countries, watch the taxis you enter. You should ensure that you are using a legitimate taxi service. It doesn’t take much to place a “taxi” ad on a vehicle, but you really don’t know who you might be dealing with or what their intentions are.
These products are overpriced and the space saved is not worth it. Try simple folding and packing tricks to expand your luggage space instead. These techniques will help you create additional space in your bag.
Sleeping pills or tranquilizers can help you through those long red-eye flights. Lots of people aren’t comfortable sleeping on planes, because the place isn’t familiar, the seats are uncomfortable, and the passengers and airplane make noise. To help you get some sleep during your flight, you should take a pill that makes you relax. Don’t take the medication before you go in case there are delays or problems with the plane.
Pre-book your parking if you will be leaving your car at the airport. In some places parking booked on the day you fly will cost more. It is always preferable to take a taxi or have a friend drop you off if you are able.
Always bring along some kind of doorstop when you travel. This will increase your security while you sleep in an unknown hotel in a strange country. While these little devices are most often used to keep a door open, they can also work to keep them closed.
A very common problem people have when traveling through different times zones is jet lag. While it is impossible to avoid it altogether, you can minimize the effects by sleeping a bit more during the days leading up to the flight. Try to rest as much as possible while on the plane.
These tips apply to any and all trips away. Remember them and apply them in the future; they will help you make the most of your trip.