Avoid Travel Disasters With These Great Travel Tips
Traveling is a really fun hobby for many people. Going to a new place is fun, but planning a trip can bring stress and headache as well. This piece provides great insight on how to plan a great trip.
Prepare ahead of time if you’ll be traveling by airplane. Many of the major airports are situated in and around big cities, so you need to plan ahead to avoid any delays, especially during heavily congested periods like rush hour. Have your bags packed well in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your flight. It feels terrible to miss your flight.
Make a packing list. You can start your list anytime before you travel. By having a detailed list of what you need, you will take the stress out of packing. However, even when packing at the very last second, this list will assist you in staying organized, and you can avoid any excess clutter.
If you need vaccinations in order to travel to a certain country, make sure you bring along your certificate to serve as proof that you have received the treatment. This can be a serious issue traveling from country to country, and even within regions of a single country. If you fail to present proof of vaccination, you cannot prove to authorities that you are immunized, and you may be detained and quarantined.
Digital Camera
Bring a good digital camera for the vacation that you are taking. For example, if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you probably don’t want a camera that has a rechargeable battery. In any case, take a digital camera that is quick to turn on and focus so you won’t miss the shot you want.
If you aren’t comfortable leaving your furry friends at home, then research vacations that allow pets! There are many resorts and hotels that now allow owners to bring their pets along, and travelers are flocking to these types of places. These range from pet-friendly cruises to cat spas and dog daycare centers. Do not hesitate to bring your pet along – just ask if it is okay before you book.
Be sure to pack a rubber door stopper in your bag to add a measure of safety to your room security. Some areas just aren’t that safe. If you cannot access a deadbolt for the door, wedge a doorstop under it instead.
Always check the website for every airline when looking for deals on flights. Yes, Booking Buddy and Expedia claim to have cheap flights, but by ignoring the official airline’s websites, you can miss out on some better deals.
Always remember to tip any hotel staff. For bell hops, tip a dollar for every bag they carry. With housekeepers, leave between two and five dollars for every day they care for your room. Doing so will ensure that you have a nice relationship with both during your hotel stay.
Remain calm and don’t drown in stress. You don’t want to spend your valuable time looking around your house for toiletries, charges or pillows. Buy a storage bin to help organize everything that is related to travel. The storage boxes designed to slide under a bed will work, and they will keep you ready to go on a moment’s notice.
Identify every piece of luggage that you bring on your trip. Luggage tags can easily be torn or lost when your bags are in transit. If your luggage ever gets lost without a tag, it helps to have identifying information within the bag itself so you can get it back faster.
When traveling abroad, prepare in advance for emergencies, including the possibility of losing your passport. The U.S. State Department keeps a website available for you to check information on contacting the Consulate or U.S. Embassy in the country you are visiting. Carry this information when you go on the trip. A replacement for your passport can take a few days (or less), so be prepared if that will cause a delay.
If you use services with a “green” certification, your vacation will be friendlier to the planet. There are many hotels which have implemented a linen reuse program, use energy efficient lighting, place recycling bins for guest use, use low flow plumbing and use alternative energy sources. Tour providers, car rental agencies, restaurants, and numerous other travel services are finding new ways to help travelers stay green.
In summary, most people like to travel. While many people enjoy traveling, no one really enjoys the stress that can go hand in hand with it. The advice you have read here can make it much simpler to plan a trip.