Seeing a new continent, country or city can be overwhelming and exciting, even for regular travelers. Before you hit the road or take to the skies, take a look at our tips to make traveling more fun and less stressful.
If you are on a short or long flight, don’t expect the airline to supply your essentials. Bring your own blanket, pillow and headphones if your trip is going to be a long one. It is also wise to bring some snacks, so you will have food that you enjoy eating if you are hungry.
When you are traveling, it is important to remember to be aware of your vital belongings at all times. When carrying a purse, make sure you keep it tucked under your arm. You should avoid carrying bags with a zipper that is easy to get into because thieves could easily unzip the bag in a crowded location and steal important items. Consider these things when you are picking out your bag.
Be sure to create a list for packing. Sometime well before your trip, at least a week or more, write down all of the items that you must pack. However, even when packing at the very last second, this list will assist you in staying organized, and you can avoid any excess clutter.
Make sure your passport isn’t expired. Different countries have different passport regulations. A country may decide to not let you enter if your passport is expiring within a certain amount of time. These times can be three or six months, or even eight months to a year.
The newsletters of major airlines are great sources for travel deals. These emails may provide information on exclusive deals, offers and discounts for subscribers. While you might think that these e-newsletters are just extra clutter filling up your inbox, it will be worth it if you save money.
Pack a couple of travel candles for your hotel stay. These can improve the smell of an impersonal hotel room. It is romantic, relaxing and could help you sleep easily. A number of companies offer conveniently sized candles that don’t drip wax.
You should know the tipping conventions for the bellboys and housekeepers. You should give about a dollar per bag and 2 to 5 dollars per day of housekeeping. If you treat the staff well, then they will treat you well.
Jet Lag
If you want to adjust quickly to an unfamiliar time zone, don’t allow yourself to fall asleep until nighttime locally. Going to bed too much earlier than normal will just make your jet lag last longer, as your body remains committed to the old time zone. You will overcome jet lag fast if you help your body quickly adjust to the time zone changes.
Always take bottled water when you are traveling to a different country. Some countries do not purify or distill their water, and as a result it is rich in dangerous bacteria. Use bottled water to brush your teeth with. You can also become ill from tap water.
Use travel to teach your family all kinds of things. As long as you’re safe, going to developing countries can educate your kids on how other nations work. Traveling far afield is a wonderful method of exposing yourself to new lifestyles and cultural backgrounds.
It is not a good idea to exchange currency while in a different country. You can get foreign currency using an easier method. You can go to a bank ATM and get foreign currency. A lot of times these machines offer better exchanges rates, and are cheaper than using an exchange.
If there is hotel room available on a floor that is higher, you should request that one. This might not seem like a big deal, but thieves have easy access to first-floor or ground-floor rooms. Sliding doors are also a security risk, so if you have a choice, opt for a room without them. Sliding glass doors are, unfortunately, quite easy for thieves to get open.
Long trips provide a great reason to pack up your music collection, load it in the car and enjoy your favorite songs along the way. Radio reception can be spotty when you travel, with some dead or high static areas, so you will need something on hand to entertain yourself.
The major airlines all have e-newsletters, and subscribing has its benefits. E-newsletters show you any special discounts or last-minute offers they have available. Once you have planned your vacation, you can unsubscribe from these newsletters.
When you are ready to travel, you need to be sure to have copies made of each of your vital papers. For example, passports, insurance documents, and the like should all be backed up and stored separately. To protect yourself from the headaches that will happen if your documents are stolen or lost, leave a set of copies with someone trustworthy.
Wait to exchange large amounts of money until you get to your destination. Change a minimal amount of money before departing if you are uncertain about conditions at your destination, or if you know for sure that you will not be able to exchange currency for a while.
Make sure you pack an extra pair of glasses or contacts if you need them. If those items are accidentally broken or lost, at least you will have a backup. Make sure you put the spare pair in your stowed luggage, and not in your carry-on bags. This will keep them safer in transit.
In general, it is best to ask for a room above the ground floor. It may sound deceptively simple, but if you are on the ground floor, potential thieves will have an easier time accessing your room. Request a room without sliding doors. Sliding glass doors are, unfortunately, quite easy for thieves to get open.
Your luggage should have your name, phone number, and address on a visible label in your suitcase when you are traveling. If you lose your belongings, someone might return them to your address. Placing labels on the interior of your bag can help to ensure that you will get your belongings back, regardless of how long they are out of sight.
By following some of the advice her, you should be able to make the most out of your next vacation trip. You’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Regardless of how often you travel, your next trip will be the best you can remember.