If you are headed out of town, make sure you prepare appropriately. You want to get the biggest bang for your buck and your time. Keep reading to find out the best ways to plan for travel.
Check the airport’s website to see if there are any services they offer. Some smaller airports use charter airlines that don’t always show up on searches.
Once you know where you are going, put in some time to learn your destination. Buy a comprehensive map of where you are going, study the environment, and research the attractions being offered there. You can get around the area a lot better when you are there if you have memorized local geography and details.
When taking a cruise that you have to drive to the port city of, stay in a hotel or motel, that provides free parking, the night before. Inquire about reduced-rate parking at the hotel, regardless of whether you have seen any advertisements.
When you are traveling in an airplane, it’s a good idea to wear slip on shoes that are light and comfortable. Remember that shoes need to come off at the security checkpoint. Comfort is paramount. Traveling by plane results in a lot of sitting and very little walking, so heavy- duty footwear is not needed or recommended. Instead, wear something lighter, like sandals, for more comfort.
Bring your hotel business card with you when you are on your trip. 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 one of the most important suggestions that can be given as language barriers exist and you have a better chance of not getting lost.
Choosing a seat on the aisle will open more options for you. A view is one of the only benefits of a window seat. Aisle seats offer unrestricted access to baggage, restrooms and airline staff. You will also have one side of you that can move around without hitting the person next to you.
Credit Card
When traveling overseas, it is important to know what types of insurance credit card companies offer you. For example, there may already be coverage for cancelled flights which you paid for with your credit card. Conducting research prior to leaving is worth it.
Sometimes you will end up at a poor hotel. If you aren’t comfortable with the area but have no choice, pack an ordinary rubber doorstop. You can slide it under your door for your hotel room all night long (as well as using the chain and lock). Although intruders can break the chain and lock easily, opening the room door is almost impossible with a firmly lodged door stop under the door.
Be careful, and remember any food allergies while visiting other countries. If you suffer from severe food allergies, make sure you are able to speak those food related terms in the native language of your travel destination. This will help you ask locals about foods you want to avoid. Also, if the worst happens, you’ll be able to tell a doctor about your allergies.
What will you do if you lose your passport? You can get steps on contacting the embassy in the country in which you are traveling by visiting usembassy.state.gov. Dept. of State has a website at usembassy.state.gov that has contact information fro the US Embassy our consulate in foreign country of your destination. Know about these helpful resources ahead of time. You passport might only take a day or so to replace.
Check the dates on when your passport expires. Review passport rules for the country you are visiting. Some of them have very strict guidelines that must be followed. Even if it is still valid, if it expires soon, you may have problems. These times can be three or six months, or even eight months to a year.
Cash in your traveler’s checks before shopping or dining. While many places accept the checks, sometimes they are hard to deal with. If you use such checks, it may be that you end up getting shorted, so try to get some local money prior to spending anything.
When traveling abroad, be on the lookout for criminals who may be posing as law or government officials. You should always check credentials, and avoid releasing your passport or official documents to these individuals. If an officer or official asks you to come to their office, do so on foot. Avoid getting into a vehicle with anyone you don’t know.
Car rental companies generally require their renters be 18 years of age at the youngest; there are now companies that require drivers to be 25 years or older. If you aren’t 25, the rate you pay may be higher, and you may be required to use a credit card. There are certain areas where seniors are not permitted to rent cars. Discuss any age restrictions when you book your reservation.
Jet lag is a common problem when traveling across time zones. You can lessen the impact by sleeping more than usual a few days before you take off. You should also try to sleep during the flight if possible.
Jet Lag
To enhance your personal safety in hotels, bring along a doorstopper. You may need extra security at night at your hotel, especially when traveling to less developed countries. If your door lacks a deadbolt or chain beyond the main door lock, place one of these small, wedge-shaped doorstops under the door before bed.
If you are traveling to a different time zone, keep yourself awake until around 8pm or later in the new time zone in order to help you adjust. Going to bed too early can keep you set to your natural time zone; that will make jet lag worse. Do your best to adjust to the new time as quickly as you can, so your jet lag will fade and you can enjoy your vacation.
Remember to give a relative or friend your full travel itinerary. Put the names of where you’re going and people that you’re going to see, along with addresses and phone numbers. Make sure the person also has your flight information and a copy of important documentation, like your passport ID page.
Road trips are great for listening to some of the music you have stored over the years. After a while, the radio will keep turning to static as it goes in and out of different broadcast areas; your own music allows you to have something to listen to the entire trip.
If you have a toddler on your trip, you must be prepared with activities to keep him or her engaged. Try to bring along a few favorite toys. Also, consider picking up something new. A new toy is more likely to hold your child’s attention than something they’ve seen before.
Do not schedule your time too closely when traveling by car, particularly if one of your passengers requires a potty break. You need not be so rigid that a 10-minute restroom break destroys your itinerary. This will alleviate some of the grumpy travelers and cut down on whining.
The information here should apply to just about any type of travel. Use the tips that you have learned to make your next vacation the best ever.