No matter why you’re travelling, taking a trip is a lot of fun. Of course, there are some basic things you need to know. The article below focuses on some great tips that you can incorporate into your next trip. These tips will help you no matter where you are traveling.
When traveling by airplane, try to limit yourself to a single 20 pound carry-on bag. This way, you always know where you luggage is. If you are traveling to multiple destinations in a single trip, there’s nothing worse than having your luggage chasing you around while you go without clean underwear.
Use websites that allow you to name your own price on hotel rooms for your next overnight stay. You can save a considerable amount of money by doing this. You won’t be able to know ahead of time what hotel will accept your bid, but the savings more than make up for it.
Pack your bags several days ahead of leaving for your trip. By doing this you can continue to think about things you want to take with you for an extended amount of time, keeping yourself from feeling so rushed and having to worry about forgetting something important or necessary.
Sometimes long flights can cause you to sit and sit and sit. Don’t be afraid to get up and walk down the aisles every once in a while. Exercise is great for you and when the plane reaches its’ destination, you won’t feel so lousy and you will avoid the stiff feeling in your legs.
Because security does not allow you to lock your luggage, you run the risk of the zippers coming undone and your belongings leaving a trail across the country and around the baggage claim. To help prevent this, use zip ties, which hold the zipper together, but can easily be cut off (with little cost to you) by security, if necessary.
Make sure you check your credit card statement after you stay at a hotel. Even if your bill is correct when you pay at check out, extra fees may find their way into your payment. Sometimes rooms get charges twice by accident or another guest’s expenses will get put on your account. If this happens, call the hotel’s billing department right away.
When booking a hotel online, don’t forget to search the web for discount codes or promotions for that hotel chain. If you are a AAA (American Auto Association) member, don’t forget to request the rate, which most hotels in North America have. There’s no reason to pay list price for a hotel room, so shop around and ask for better rates.
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.
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.
If you are traveling in a car, bring a roadside geology book with you. They have a variety of maps, mileage logs and geologic primers that will make your trip a little more interesting. They also contain beautiful collections of photographs that will make the scenery around you come to life.
Travelers on cruise ships should purchase any tickets, shore excursions or accommodations once they are on board. Many people feel like they should book these things ahead of their vacation, but due to unpredictable circumstances, they may not be able to use them when the time arrives. Waiting until they are on board helps ensure that they can participate and often saves a little money.
Give your travel information (including where you are going and the name and number of the hotel where you will be staying) to multiple friends and relatives. This way, if something were to happen when you are away, it will be easy for your loved ones to get a hold of you.
During your trip, do not give out any unnecessary personal information, such as your address or full name. You may not think so at the time, but taxi drivers, door men, or anyone else for that matter could store your information in their head and use it to steal your identity.
If you’re traveling with an infant, remember that it’s not necessary to pack every piece of baby equipment. Most hotels will lend you a portable crib if you ask. Almost every restaurant that is child friendly has high chairs available. Packing a million pieces of equipment is heavy and cumbersome. Pack only the essentials and you’ll enjoy your trip more.
Enjoy some down time while you’re on vacation. Everyone who travels thinks it is essential to see and do everything. Trying to fit it all in can get stressful though, and might make you enjoy your vacation less. Fit in some time for a nap or movie each day and you will all have more fun during the planned activities.
Wear easy slip-on footwear when going on a car trip. Flip-flops, sandals, slip-on tennis shoes, and deck shoes are all great options to use for road trips. Many people remove their shoes in the car when the trip is long, so this helps them with being able to get them on quickly when having to get out for a stop. There’s no waiting on them needing to tie or strap anything; just slip-on and you’re ready to go.
For your next vacation, be sure that you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable with the advice from this article. You may not use all of them, but they may be a good foundation for a great trip the next time.
