In the world of travel, it is important to know what you need to do before, during, and after your trips so that you don’t forget something important. That is where these traveling tips come in handy. They will help you properly plan your trips. Follow them to smartly and safely enjoy your next trip.
When traveling, always be prepared to have things stolen. Make advance photocopies of all of your important papers. You can even upload electronic scans of these documents for easy access while traveling. The local American embassy can assist you in contacting those at home who can wire you emergency funds or help in replacing your passport, but not much else.
Study up on the language of the area you are planning to travel to before you leave. Language barriers can be tricky. Obviously, you can manage in a foreign country without speaking the language. Even so, it is always a good idea to brush-up on important words like “police” or “hospital.”
Plan clothing for your trip so that everything can be worn together. This reduces the need to pack individual “outfits” and allows you to plan for the number of days you’ll be traveling. If all of your clothes match, you don’t have to worry about which are clean when you’re doing laundry.
Pack some plastic zipper bags. You know you need them to get your liquids and toiletries through security, but extras can always come in handy. You may need a few extra for snacks on the road, as a garbage bag, or as an ice pack in an emergency. Most of all, they come in handy when you are packing to return home and have a soaking wet swimsuit to put in your bag.
First thing to do when you get into your hotel room is to check the alarm clock. The worst thing that could happen is to be startled by an alarm clock when you’re fast asleep that a previous guest had set to early. Don’t let this bother you on your first day in town!
If you’re going to be driving to your destination, especially if it’s a long trip, try to travel at night. There’s a lot less traffic on the roads so you can most likely get their faster. And if you’re traveling with kids, they can curl up in the back seat and sleep the drive away.
Try to avoid eating anywhere that has a great view of a local tourist attraction if you are on a tight budget. While the food and atmosphere may be great, it will be incredibly expensive. This is due to the fact that you are technically paying a premium price just for the view of the tourist attraction.
If you use a wheelchair, make sure to let the airline know beforehand. This way they will reserve a special seat for you and make any other accommodations that you may need. If you are using a travel agent to make your reservations, make sure they make the special arrangements for you.
Make sure you take shifts if you plan on making a road trip at night. Trying to drive long distances at night is very dangerous because you may fall asleep at the wheel. Try taking shifts with someone else to prevent that from happening.
A great travel tip is to always scrutinize your hotel bill whenever you leave. A lot of the time hotels will tack on hidden charges to your bill. If you catch these charges in time you might be able to dispute them. It pays to look closely at your hotel bill.
When you are buying your tickets for your flight, make sure that you look for all of the aisle or exit seats that are available. This will give you additional leg room so that you are not cramped next to a window. Maximizing your comfort is very important while traveling.
Get to the bus terminal at least an hour in advance of the travel time listed on your ticket. You need to have time to check-in and drop off your bags, and get any amenities you may need ready to go. Remember, bus seats are not assigned, the early passengers get the best seats.
To be truly prepared for travel when packing your clothes, have something for all seasons. Even if its summer where you are going, the climate can still be very different than you are used to. Include both the swimsuit and a good jacket just in case. Even the Bahamas get cool on rare occasions.
Always check airport websites before going on a trip. You will learn about security rules and requirements. This will help you come to the airport ready to board your flight. You can also find out about weather conditions or situations that might cause your flight to be delayed or canceled.
Carry your wallet in a front pocket, not a back pocket, purse, or backpack. It may be less comfortable, but you’ll be a lot safer. Back pockets or bags are much more easily accessed by thieves, especially if the pickpocket is working with a partner who distracts you while he works.
Know the value of the local currency before you travel. This can help prevent you from being ripped off. For example, many countries have their own currencies but still prefer to use the American dollar over the local currency, as it’s more stable. Also, knowing approximately how much you should be receiving in return prevents you from being shortchanged.
While you are away traveling, turn off your hot water heater in your house. This saves on energy costs for you. In the event of a burst water heater, it also saves you from coming home to a house that has been flooded for a week or more. Turn off the water heater!
As you can see from the previous list of tips, traveling about can really be a fulfilling experience in your life. It takes a lot of research, paperwork, and a lot of asking questions; but it is all worth it in the end to have a memorable and fulfilling trip.
