How well informed are you about travel? Can you establish a detailed travel plan for yourself? If not, would you like to? Do you have a plan if an emergency or some other unexpected event come up? If not, try reading the tips below.
When you travel to other countries, try using an ATM for withdrawals for pocket cash instead of exchanging your cash for the country’s currency. Banks will get better rates for exchanging currencies than you would be able to get. As a result, you will save money and have more to spend on other things.
Always write down everything you need to pack in the form of a list. Create this list either a few months to a week before your trip. If you get in a rush and have to pack right before you leave, this list will ensure that you have everything that you need, and that you do not forget something.
Aisle Seat
Choose an aisle seat on the plane. Though the window seat offers a view, there are few benefits to it. The aisle seat lets you have access to bathrooms easily, overhead compartments and airline personnel. It also gives you one side free of confinement.
Whenever you travel, only bring what you need and travel light. The less you carry with you, the less chance you have of losing something. Bring as few shoes with you as possible; they are heavy and take up lots of room in your luggage.
When visiting foreign countries, be careful of which taxis you choose. If you simply could not get a recommendation and have to grab a vehicle immediately, all legitimate services should have some form of driver Identification and company license available in plain view on the dash. Always be mindful of taxis when you are traveling abroad; the person may not be legitimate.
When traveling on an airplane, don’t rely on the airline for any of your comfort needs, even if it’s an international flight. Be sure to bring a blanket, headphones or pillow if you think you’ll need them. It is also a good idea to pack a few snacks in your carry-on, in case your flight is delayed or they don’t serve food you like.
Looking for tickets online when you plan on traveling to a particular location or attraction is an easy way to prepare in advance. In addition, you can print the tickets ahead of time. Although you may pay a service fee for this option, it is worth it to bypass long lines for entrance to the park. If your destination offers timed entry, printed tickets can also be used to get around the admission line.
It is not uncommon to provide the housekeeper and bell hop with a tip. A good rule of thumb is $1 per bag/luggage and about $2-5 a day for housekeeping. Doing so will ensure that you have a nice relationship with both during your hotel stay.
Rush Hour
Do your best to avoid traveling during rush hour when you are driving. If it’s not possible to avoid rush hour, stop for a restaurant break during rush hour. Use this time to get a snack or allow the children to get some exercise.
Before traveling, verify that your passport is not going to expire soon. Some countries have certain rules about the expiration. Many will not allow you entry into the country if it expires soon. The range is typically between three and six months, but sometimes can be up to a year.
Determine if you will need a Visa in order to go to the foreign country you are traveling to. Make sure to get your applications in early, since paperwork can take awhile to process. Keep in mind that some countries will refuse to allow you into the country without the proper visa in your possession.
While some car rental companies ask that drivers be at least 18, others require that their drivers be 25 years old. Chances are a rental agency will charge an under 25 driver a higher rate, and also a credit is needed. Some cities prohibit senior citizens from renting cars. Find out about age issues before you arrive.
If you are traveling to a different time zone, you may experience jet lag. If you get more sleep before the trip it will help. If possible take a nap on the airplane.
Hotel Rate
When traveling, ask the hotel you’re staying at if they will give you the same hotel rate they give to locals. Hotels often provide special deals to local citizens in an attempt to fill their rooms. If you happen to know someone who lives where you are traveling, see if they can help you find a good local hotel rate. This can help you save a good amount of money.
Traveling by car can become boring; so, you may need to plan activities for the trip. In addition to just stopping to eat and use the bathroom, activities give people something to look forward to and help make the trip more fun. Show your kids the itinerary so that they anticipate each destination on the way to your main vacation.
Bring an extra passport photo along on your trip. Getting a replacement passport can take awhile if you lose it or it gets stolen. If you have a spare photo, this is one step than can speed up the process. Also, keep any extra documentation you would need to get your passport replaced quickly.
If you sleep lightly, carry a set of earplugs. Hotel walls can sometimes seem quite thin. Earplugs will block the noise and help you sleep.
Are you better informed with regard to traveling? Use this advice to make an airtight travel plan. Can you add activities to your trip that will fit in your budget? Are you prepared for unknown circumstances and emergencies now? If you follow the aforementioned tips, you can quickly answer yes to all of these questions.