There is nothing more exciting than traveling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off overseas for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed off, there are some travel basics that you should know. Here are several tips that can help optimize your vacation.
Leave most of your items of value at home. Too many items often burden travelers with additional responsibility, which increases the possibility of these items getting lost or stolen.
If you are traveling through a smaller airport, go online to see what airlines are there. One of the main reasons for this is charter flights, which often service flights through smaller airports but aren’t listed. You can find some sweet deals this way.
Before booking, do all the necessary research. Look for review websites that have opinions on places you plan on visiting. Also inquire among friends and family to see if any have been before. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from your trip.
When you try to find the best prices on your flights, be sure to check individual airline websites. While many discount sites have good rates, you may find better fares through the airline.
It is customary to tip any hotel staff that makes your stay easier. You don’t have to overdo it, though, just a simple dollar per bag and no more than five dollars a day for the housekeeper is adequate enough. This will help ensure that you maintain a good relationship during your stay.
Prior to booking a hotel, ask if renovations will be taking place during that time. It is very frustrating to be awoken from your slumber early due to construction equipment while on vacation. By knowing in advance, you adjust your trip as necessary.
As soon as you can, find out if you need a visa for entry to the country that you plan to visit. Sometimes a visa can be time consuming to get, so it is always a good idea to begin the process of applying for one as soon as you can. Keep in mind that some countries will refuse to allow you into the country without the proper visa in your possession.
Cash your traveler’s checks before going shopping or eating. While many places accept the checks, sometimes they are hard to deal with. If you use them, you may find that you get shorted, so convert them to local currency before you shop.
Jet Lag
Staying awake until about 8pm in local time will help you to adjust better in the new time zone. If you go to sleep too soon, it can make jet lag worse by keeping your body accustomed to your old time zone. The quicker you get used to local time, the quicker jet lag will fade.
Your dream vacation can go horribly wrong if you do not take the time to do some research before planning. Read the reviews on the web from experienced travelers. A little bit of time spent now could save you quite the headache later.
When you travel overseas, take along an extra passport photo. It can take time to replace a lost passport. Carrying a photo with you can speed the process up. Remember to bring pertinent documentation that may be needed in moving things along.
When taking a trip using a plane, you don’t need luggage. You will save lots of unnecessary travel and time. Instead, have your luggage sent via FedEx or UPS to your destination. Although that might cost some more money, it’s worth it.
Photocopy all your essential documents before leaving. You want to be sure to have your copies of important documents in another location. To protect yourself from the headaches that will happen if your documents are stolen or lost, leave a set of copies with someone trustworthy.
Be wary of travel-related emails. Unless you’ve opted into an email list about travel, just mark as spam and delete any such emails you receive.
When going hiking, be sure you bring a map of the area in which you are hiking. You will also want to have a compass or a GPS that you can use just in case you should get lost in the wilderness.
Prior to doing any traveling with your canine friends, be sure to give their coats a very thorough brushing. This will ensure the interior of you car does not get too hairy. Don’t forget to pack the daily necessities for your dog, including water and food bowls and bags for picking up waste.
You’re never alone in a hotel. During your hotel stay, make sure to respect other guests by leaving and entering your room quietly and keeping conversations at a reasonable level. You never know who is catching up on some sleep because of jet lag, even if it’s in the afternoon. You don’t have to take it to an extreme, but keep volume levels reasonable and be considerate.
Review the laws and cultural standards before you arrive in a foreign country. Actions that may be considered acceptable in your home town may turn out to be unacceptable or even illegal somewhere else. When traveling, you should respect local customs and people.
If you book your own seat on the flight, you may be able to make your trip much more comfortable. Sometimes you can choose the area or the actual seat that you want on the plane, but not always. Once your flight is booked, check the booking site often so that you can take advantage of this feature as soon as possible. If you do, you improve your chances of getting the seat you want.
Use an expandable accordion file to maintain your itinerary as you travel. These are lightweight and simple to carry. They let you store brochures, schedules, and other important information from multiple places. It’s also good to use for receipts and maps.
You now have great ideas so your travel plans go smoothly. Just be sure you take your camera!