Proper preparation is the key to traveling well. You want to have fun and see all the sights while still remaining on budget. These ideas will benefit you.
Label your things. You know all of those return address labels you have accumulated over the years? Put them to good use as labels for your items. Stick them on everything from luggage and handbags to cameras and umbrellas. In case you lose an item, it will be much easier to get it returned to you.
Something you should never do is place an important document in the pocket of the seat in front of you. Most likely, it will slide down to where you will not be able to view it anymore and you will forget all about it. Then you will get off the plane and realize too late that you don’t have it.
Before spending hundreds of dollars on a plane or train ticket, consider traveling by bus. Especially for regional trips, you may find the bus is a very economical alternative that adds very little to your travel time in comparison. Often times bus tickets are thirty dollars or less, giving you more money in your pocket to spend.
When flying, always try to pack light. Mix and match outfits and pack only the essentials when possible. Packing just one suitcase means less baggage to carry through busy airports and security. It also means more cash in your pocket, with the rising baggage fees most airlines charge.
Verify that you have included new destination tags on your luggage. Many people fail to replace old tags from previous trips, see them on the luggage and mistake them for current tags. This is a major reason airlines deal with lost luggage. The best rule of thumb is to remove tags upon returning from your trip.
When traveling by airplane it is crucial to arrive early. You will have to find a place to park, wait in long lines at security checkpoints, and there’s always the possibility that the airline oversold the flight. When using the airlines, always give your self lots of extra time.
Stay healthy while traveling by remembering not to overwork yourself. Travel itself can be a strain on your body so make sure you aren’t scheduling in activities for every waking moment of your trip. Include ample down time when trip planning so you can recharge your batteries and stay at your peak for the duration of your travels.
When on a plane with a child, give them a lollipop at takeoff and landing. The child will love the treat, however the main thing is that it will help with the ear pressure and will help keep them from getting too cranky during this time. Once the child is older you can use gum.
Be sure to take some form of entertainment for the kids. Consider a portable DVD player and some headphones or a laptop computer that is loaded with games and movies to keep them happy during the flight. You will be glad that you have found a way to keep them entertained while you travel to your destination.
If you plan to take several trips throughout the year, consider getting an annual policy. It will cover the same things that a onetime policy will cover, but it is going to save you some money throughout the year. An annual policy will save you time and money versus taking out multiple policies.
Do not bring Social Security cards with you on your vacation! Not only are they unnecessary, but you do not want them to get lost or be taken, if your purse is stolen. If, for whatever reason, you want to keep your Social Security number handy while on a trip, write it on a piece of paper, and put it in your luggage.
When traveling to a foreign country, avoid dressing in a way that marks you as a wealthy tourist. Wear normal, casual clothing and don’t wear expensive watches, jewelry, cameras, and other things that can call attention to you. Try not to bring a lot of things with you during the day, in order to avoid having your things lost or stolen.
If you are traveling abroad, it is a good idea to consult with a health professional that is knowledgeable of the health climate in your destination country. There may be vaccinations you need for diseases that are uncommon in your home country. There might also be laws concerning which medications are legal for you to bring with you, and if you have a medical condition using such medications, you will have to prepare accordingly.
When you travel, double check airport security regulations before you leave. What’s allowed on the plane and what’s not change frequently. Make sure you know what you can bring in your carry on. When in doubt, check anything you can’t bear to lose or leave it at home.
Make sure that you do not fall for any ‘sight seeing’ adventures from someone you meet on the street. These people often are trying to scam you, steal from you, or worse. Stay to your plan and do not speak to strangers that are trying to offer you something for money.
When traveling abroad, get an international calling card. These cards provide you with discounted rates on minutes and can be an affordable way to call back home. Using the hotel phone with your credit card can be costly, sometimes to the tune of hundreds of dollars. You will likely find that your cell phone doesn’t work either. Plan for the calls you need to make and you will save money.
A small notebook and pen can be essential for travel in areas where you are not fluent in the language of the land. To get help from the locals, draw pictures of what you are looking for to get pointed in the right direction. A notebook is also handy to keep track of directions back to your hotel or to note where you parked the rental car in a massive parking lot.
These tips apply to any and all trips away. Keeping these travel tips in mind can help you succeed with your plans to have a stress-free trip.
