Whether you are leaving town for a weekend getaway, or heading off to a foreign location for weeks on end, traveling brings with it a certain amount of worries and trepidations. Hopefully the ideas we have for you here will help to put your mind at ease, and lead to happier, safer trip.
Amusements parks and other attractions have options of printing tickets out online before you leave for your destination. Sometimes there is a ticket fee, but already having your ticket means you don’t have to stand in long lines, so the fee is totally worth it. If it is somewhere like a park with lengthy lines for admittance, you can generally bypass these, too.
For someone who has never used a recreational vehicle or RV for traveling before it can be an interesting change of pace. With an RV one has many more options on where they want to stay at or go to. It is often a relaxing trip that one can take at their own pace.
When going on vacation, make sure to purchase travel insurance. Taking this step can cover you in the event that you need to go to the hospital or have a medical evaluation while away from home. This is especially important, if you are thinking of participating in adventure activities or sports.
Everyone knows that airplane food is not exactly gourmet. A good tip is to take along your favorite spice or hot sauce, and dress up your rather bland meal. It will add that extra kick to your food, and will help it go down a little bit easier.
Look for “nonstop” rather than just “direct” flights. Nonstop flights, as their name implies, make no stops before arriving at the destination, whereas direct flights may stop at other airports on the way to the final destination. Although you are not changing planes, the stops you make on a direct flight can lead to many unexpected delays.
Before leaving on an overseas vacation, ensure that there are at least six months from your planned date of travel and when your passport expires. Many airlines will refuse to allow you to board unless you meet this minimum requirement. In other cases, you will not be able to enter your destination country. In any case, it is easier to ‘be safe than sorry.’
Check the local news for the area you are planning to visit. Whether it is finding out about fun, local events, holidays which may impact local attractions, or serious political matters that may affect foreigners, it is always a good idea to be informed on what is currently going on in your destination city, area, and even country.
Drink plenty of water. Many doctors say that the primary reason people get sick on long flights is dehydration. Cabin air is very dry and in an enclosed space, germs travel much easier. Protect yourself by staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and juice and you may stave off the cold that the woman, three rows back is sporting.
While traveling, request peppermint tea or bring some along for your own use. Pack along some peppermint lozenges or candies. Peppermint is soothing and can help settle an upset stomach due to new culinary delights or motion sickness. In a pinch, it can also act as a breath freshener if you are caught out in the wild without a toothbrush or run out of toothpaste.
When traveling by car in the winter, it is best to pack a safety kit. Make sure you have the essentials for a safe road trip. You should have a cell phone and charger, tow rope, jumper cables, ice scraper, first aid kit, sand or cat litter, which can be used to help with traction, flashlights, matches, blankets, emergency candles and a portable radio, in your safety kit.
When traveling by air with small children, pack a couple of toys that they have never seen before in your carry on baggage. Traveling can be stressful and difficult for a very young child. A couple of new toys can provide a much needed distraction. It also helps to prevent that over tired, or over anxious, crankiness that children sometimes experience.
Learn local laws and customs. When you visit a foreign country, you become subject to their laws and regulations. Women should be especially careful when traveling, as some areas may have laws concerning head coverings and clothing. Be aware of the local alcohol and drug regulations as well, and avoid reckless behavior.
When packing your luggage, use your extra shoes to hold small items such as socks, jewelry, toiletries, or electronics chargers. The space inside the shoes would otherwise be wasted space. This can also help to keep you more organized if you know, for example, that all of your prescriptions medications are in your shoes.
If you’re going to a foreign country, bring some cards in that country’s language that describes your food allergies. If you have a special diet, this tip comes in handy as well. You are much more likely to have a good eating experience this way.
Bring a pillow and small blanket wherever you’re going. This will make things more comfortable for you. Airlines can provide them, but many run out. To carry your own, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it is clean.
A great traveling tip that can help you save a lot of money is to limit the amount of gambling you do when you go for a cruise. The cruise ship casino may be tempting, but you won’t want to return home after losing tons of money from gambling.
If you follow the advice we have laid out for you in this article, you should be able to take at least some of the stress out of your trip. Every trip comes with its own ups and downs and elements you can’t control, but armed with good advice and shrewd tips, you can minimize your worrying, and maximize your relaxation and fun.
