Traveling doesn’t have to be a large undertaking. If you have the proper steps in place and knowledge about what to do and what to look out for, you can become a seasoned travel pro in no time. This article will look into the types of things that you need to know, in order to be prepared for all your trips.
When traveling out of the country, it is advisable to drink only bottled water. This is especially important in countries where the quality of their tap water may be questionable. It’s better to possibly pay a bit more and be safe than risk getting sick because of contaminated tap water.
When traveling, pack plenty of snacks and munch on them throughout the day. Snacks that keep you fuller longer are best. Some good ideas are almonds, dried fruit, cashews, whole wheat crackers, and beef jerky. When you pack snacks that fill you up, you spend less money on meals. Additionally, it sustains your energy so you can do more sight-seeing during the day.
If you pack electronics while traveling, either remove the batteries or flip them around. Some small electronics can be easily flipped on. You definitely do not want them flipping on in your bag during the trip. There is a good chance the battery might be drained by the time they are unpacked.
Tip your hotel service personnel. A small tip can make the greatest difference in your stay. If you do not tip, the maid who services your room may feel slighted by the lack of financial gratitude and this could lead to the neglect of your room as well as supply of soaps and shampoos. Your luggage carrier, when properly paid, could suggest the great spots around town.
Being careful about purchases while traveling will help you through customs. Remember anything you buy on your trip must pass through customs when you return home so exercise caution when you see street vendors abroad or other sellers who may be offering counterfeit or unsafe souvenirs you will have to surrender later.
Pay attention to hidden fees when booking airline travel. It is becoming commonplace to charge fees for checked baggage, especially overweight baggage. In addition, airlines now charge fees for checking in at the terminal instead of online, and may even charge extra to select a more coveted seat on the airplane, such as exit row seating.
One simple tip for hotel safety is to carry a small rubber door stop with you. It can pack easily inside a shoe or even be carried in a jacket pocket if you’re short on space. This door stop can be wedged under the door at night, to prevent midnight visitors.
Check out alternative places to stay. You don’t always have to stay in a hotel to feel great on vacation. There are many “house-swapping” sites available, which allow you to stay in someones vacant home. Try looking for cabins or bed and breakfasts. Alternate lodging can be some of the most interesting and fun parts of vacationing, so be sure to check it out!
Look up reviews about hotels you plan to visit, but do not necessarily trust everything that is written. Everyone will have a different experience, so be forgiving of some negative reviews and do not be blinded by overly positive reviews. When trying to find a hotel, one suggestion is to call the hotel and ask the clerk a few simple questions. His customer service skills will often indicate the quality of the hotel.
If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you print a copy of the directions. GPSs and cell phones are great help for navigating, but they can break easily. And you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of no where without any directions! It’s better to print the directions and not use them than to be lost.
Bring a door stop with you when you are traveling if you are nervous about the hotel room’s security. Particularly if you are visiting overseas, some of the less expensive rooms do not have a dead bolt or chain lock. A door stop can be wedged between the door and the floor, offering a small deterrent to someone trying to get into your room.
Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful experience. Long lines at the airport and traffic congestion can cause you to arrive late to your destination, or even worse, miss your flight. Allow yourself plenty of extra time by leaving earlier than normal. This will save you from rushing, and allow you to enjoy the holiday season.
Do not travel with all of your luggage when you are on a road trip. Keep a laundry basket in the car with you that has most of your clothes. Pack necessities like pajamas and toiletries in an overnight bag. Only carry this bag into the hotel room with you, saving yourself the hassle of bringing in a large amount of unnecessary items.
If you do not know the language of the area you will be traveling to, try to learn a few basic phrases before you go. If you can ask if someone speaks English, in their language, they may be more likely to help you out or help you find someone else who can help you. Also, a smile goes a long way. Don’t be an obnoxious, English speaker.
If you are traveling with small children, visit a small hospital beforehand. They can give your child an identification bracelet so that if your child gets lost, their personal information is available. If you are traveling to another country, get the identification tag in the language of the country you are visiting.
Now that you have an understanding of what it takes to successfully travel without any hassles, you can go ahead and plan that next trip. Just remember the tips and advice that you were given here and you should have no problems taking a relaxing and stress free trip, next time around.