Because of all the steps involved in planning and executing a trip, opportunities for setbacks and frustration abound. However, by planning ahead, you can eliminate your frustrations and sail through your next trip with ease. Just follow the smart travel tips given in this article for a headache-free trip.
Before you go on a trip, ask around for tips from friends and family. See who has been there before and/or what they’d recommend you either visit or avoid. Are there particular restaurants, sights, or shows you should see? You can also check out sites on the internet that provide advice from fellow travelers.
If you plan to opt for a night flight or just a very long flight in general, it may be best to bring some sort of sleeping aid. It’s quite difficult to sleep on airplanes anyway, but if you take a sleeping aid right before takeoff, you can arrive at your destination fresh and ready to take on the world!
To prevent yourself from becoming sick after a long flight, you may want to consider using a saline spray in your nose. This is proven to help fight any bacteria that may be dormant in the air. It’s a great way to get one up on the passengers beside you if they are sick.
Don’t get carried away with taking too many photographs on your trip. Some people get so caught up in taking pictures of everything that they forget to experience the culture and landmarks. Take a few pictures, but also make sure to spend enough time outside of the lens to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Airport food can be pricey and not all flights provide snacks while in flight. Its handy to keep a couple of sticks of jerky, a candy bar, or maybe a pack of peanuts in your pocket or purse so that you can get that quick energy boost you need without having to pay an arm and a leg or take the time to buy food at a shop.
If you are planning to fly, make sure that you purchase your ticket under the same exact name that is on your identification. Airport security has increased these past years and you don’t want to get to the airport and realize that you are not allowed to fly because your ID doesn’t match up to your ticket.
When booking a cruise, opt for a balcony room. They are only slightly more expensive, but tend to offer much more space and a gorgeous view. Just remember to securely lock your balcony door when you are finished using it, as thieves are known to jump from balcony to balcony to find an unlocked door.
If you have a laundry list of questions to ask about the hotel that you’ll be staying in, call the front desk in the late evening or overnight. Hotels are significantly less busy during these times, and you are more likely to speak with someone who isn’t especially rushed or trying to check five people in all at once.
Take your own travel items on the flight. This includes a pillow, blanket, entertainment device and headphones. Bringing these items allows you to be self-sufficient rather than being forced to rely on the airline for your needs. Also consider taking your own food. Airline food prices can be reasonable, but they don’t have a very good selection.
Traveling by bus with children can be a trying experience, but you can make it easier by being prepared for boredom, snack attacks and other potential circumstances. Bringing along some travel games and coloring books and crayons are great ways to keep both younger and older children occupied. If you travel overnight rather than during the day, a young child is likely to sleep through most of the trip. Pack a snack bag with food and beverages for each child. Give your children the opportunity to stretch their legs by getting off the bus during brief stops.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, consider departing from a “drive-up port”. This option saves you money, but you might have trouble parking. Get there one day before you leave and keep your car in the hotel’s lot for the length of your trip. Most hotels in these areas advertise this perk, but if you don’t see it, ask about it when you call.
Be sure to acquire travel insurance prior to taking a big trip, especially if your vacation is in a foreign country or includes adventurous activities. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. Travel insurance can cover you for any medical evaluations, issues or procedures necessary while you are traveling.
You can find a great deal on a hotel room. You can get the best deal on a great hotel by booking early through your travel agent with flexible dates. Also, look into hotels that cater to business people as they will have low weekend rates. Travel agents are a great resource to finding the best hotel rates and packages.
Seek out “slow food” restaurants when traveling. These establishments combine eating with a commitment to locally grown foods. They only serve dishes that use fresh ingredients from their own farmers and fisherman. There are websites that can help you locate these restaurants all over the United States.
Educate yourself on how your cellphone and plan will function when you are traveling. Do not go on vacation unawares and end up with a bill that exceeds five dollars a minute because you did not check with your provider before you made roaming calls. You may be better off making calls from a land-line in your hotel.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, travel can be frustrating, but whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, the travel tips given in this article will help you get through your next trip with minimal stress. By planning ahead and keeping these tips in mind, you will have all the tools for frustration-free travel.