Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences that you ever grant yourself. There is so much to see out there and so much to learn. However, it’s smart to be prepared before you embark on any kind of travel adventure. Having the correct documents ready is just the first step.
In most parts of the world, it is considered good etiquette to ask someone for permission when taking their picture. Many people will become very offended if you take their photograph without asking, and this could even lead to violence. It is better to simply get their permission first than risk offense.
Spend more money on a better hotel than the one that’s cheap, but may be in a bad area. Cheap prices draw customers, but remember they also draw shady people too. Spend a few dollars extra and book a hotel that is in a better area with better reviews to boot.
Flexibility pays when it comes to booking your plane ticket! If your arrival or departure dates aren’t set in stone, you can often times find better deals on tickets. Likewise, if you’re willing to depart from a variety of airports in the area, you can often save big bucks.
Bring a power strip along with you when you go out of the country. This may seem like a silly idea to some, but if you have a room with two outlets and you have two cell phones, two laptops and an MP3 player that needs recharging, what are you going to do? Having a power strip prevents these dilemmas and also, you will only need to buy one adapter for foreign plugs.
Avoid the gate until it is actually time to board the plane. Many passengers will crowd the gate, hoping to be the first to be allowed on. To avoid the major hustle and bustle, hang back until you hear it is your turn. Then you can calmly walk up and get on the plane.
Always continue to search for travel deals on hotels and car rentals, even after you have secured your reservation. These companies often drop prices significantly to make sure their inventory is used, so keep looking. Make sure that you understand the cancellation policy before you try to switch out your room or car.
If you are going to be traveling I would highly suggest planning your itinerary ahead of time. Many travel agents agree that doing so prevents you from wasting time when you actually arrive at your destination. This is not to say you cannot improvise, however it can and will maximize your enjoyment.
When you are getting ready to go away from home and travel the world, do not forget to notify your financial institutions. To avoid future hassle with your cash-flow in a foreign land you should notify any bank or credit card company you do business with. Nothing is worse than having no money in the middle of nowhere.
Try to be flexible about your travel dates. If you can search for a day before and a day after a particular date, you will likely see that prices can vary. You may save some money by flying out a day earlier or later. These savings could easily add up to well over, a hundred dollars.
When traveling, carry your own GPS unit and program it for all of the stops you will be making. Doing this can save you the time it takes to constantly look up addresses and review maps. You also won’t find yourself stopping to ask for directions nearly as often.
When packing for the beach during your trip, try packing your gear separately into a beach bag that can easily fit in your luggage. This is a great time saver since it will be packed prior to your beach outing, and it can also save time if you have kids on your trip.
Try wearing a vest that you can pack a lot of stuff in and to easily get past airport security. You can fit nearly anything small in these including your money and valuables. This way, you won’t have to worry about stolen purse or bags full of your cash or other small valuables.
Bring back toiletries from the hotels that you stay at while traveling. Things like soap, shampoo and lotion can be some of the best souvenirs of your vacation, and they are completely free. Since your room rate includes the cost of these items, don’t feel bad for taking them home with you. Use them to remember the great time you had while you were away.
Be aware of your surroundings when you travel. If you feel that you may be being followed, find a store and step into it or another place that is safe and wait to see if the person you think is following you passes. If you are unsure if it is safe, contact your hotel for help.
If you don’t mind getting more email, sign up for newsletters from your favorite airlines, hotels or rental car companies. These newsletters, often list special deals that you may be able to take advantage of if you act quickly. These generally don’t last long, so be sure to act fast if you spot a good deal.
Make sure to get your credit cards in order while traveling. Check your limits and meticulously stay below them- Americans have been arrested for accidentally exceeding their card limit while traveling abroad. Also be sure to know in advance how to report a stolen card; an 800 number will not work overseas, so you’ll need to know an international number.
A tip we all forget, change the bed sheets if you are staying somewhere more than a few days. While on vacation, we tend to think that we are in a magical world where normal things don’t exist. However, they do, and if we forget about them, you can suffer from ugly infections especially if you are staying in a warm climate. Keep your sheets changes regularly.
In conclusion, make certain you are armed with the proper information for your trip and your destinations. Travel will be so much more rewarding if you avoid any negative incidents that could crop up along the way. Preparation and knowledge are key ingredients to having a wonderful travel experience.
