Travel can be an amazing source of inspiration, but if things go wrong, it can take on a nightmarish quality, instead. No one wants to go on a vacation that’s more aggravating than relaxing. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against some common travel mistakes and stresses, by following a few easy tips.
When you are traveling to a foreign country, learn something about its customs ahead of time. It will help you avoid embarrassing mistakes in local etiquette. It can also help you understand and appreciate the culture a little better. In a way, you will be representing your country in a foreign land, so you would want to make a good impression.
Before traveling to an area that is completely unfamiliar one should do some research to know what to expect. This research can be as simple as where to get good food, to as in depth as where to go for entertainment and pre-purchasing of tickets. Research of any kind can surely improve the quality of travel and the overall trip.
Travelling by plane can be a way to greatly reduce traveling time, while increasing time that can be spent enjoying the trip. Also, you are free to entertain yourself while the pilots and other staff take care of everything. You can sit back and enjoy the flight, while traveling in comfort.
If you want to plan a successful trip, you should establish a budget. Think about things such as travel expenses, accommodation, food, and money to visit attractions and pay for gas once on location. If your trip seems a little too expensive, look for cheaper accommodation or wait until you have enough money saved up.
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.’
Hotel stationery is a great souvenir, and hotels do not charge you for taking it. The hotels realize that their stationery is a form of advertisement for them, so if you take it and use it, you are doing them a favor. Most higher-end hotels have beautiful stationery, so snap it up! They don’t mind.
Do not take your sleep aids until the aircraft has actually left the ground. The last thing you want to do is have a technical issue that requires you to change planes after you have taken sleep medication. Carrying your luggage halfway across the airport while trying not to fall asleep is not a pleasant endeavor.
If you want to attempt to get an empty seat, there are some tricks to try. Ask for a seat near the back end of the plane, because these generally fill up last. If you are not comfortable with that, ask for an exit row seat. These seats come with extra responsibility, that not many are willing to accept.
When flying, always try to pack light. Mix and match outfits and pack only the essentials when possible. Packing just one suitcase means less baggage to carry through busy airports and security. It also means more cash in your pocket, with the rising baggage fees most airlines charge.
If you’re visiting a museum or other tourist attraction, make sure to ask about any special discount rates for which you might be eligible. Many attractions have discounts for seniors, children, and students. Getting a discount rate will help you save money and travel on a budget while still enjoying the local sites.
If you are planning to take a trip that involves children, be sure to prepare them for the trip well in advance of the departure date. You should provide them books that feature the location you will be visiting, age appropriate information, and pictures of places you plan to visit. Also, if there are movies available that feature the location you will be visiting, share them with the children. Depending on the age of the children, the library can be a great resource for obtaining information about the location you plan to visit.
When travelling, one important concern is keeping valuables and personal information safe. Before you depart, scan copies of your passport and other IDs and save them digitally somewhere, such as an email account. That way if any important documents disappear, you can access copies in emergency situations. To protect valuables, such as, money or credit cards, split them up between bags or people in the party. That way, if one bag gets stolen, not every valuable disappears with it.
If you’re going to another country, make up some cards that state any food allergies that you have in the language of the country you are visiting. This can also help you if you’re vegan or a vegetarian, as serves will know what you’re able to eat and what you cannot. These cards will ensure a more pleasurable eating experience when you’re away.
Do not carry your passport around wherever you go, leave in a safe place in your hotel room. In the case that you were to use your belongings or get robbed, at least your passport will not be taken. You cannot come back to the country without your passport.
See what transportation options are available in the cities and towns you plan on staying during your trips. There may be no requirement that you opt for car rental. Many times public transportation is much cheaper and actually an easier method of traveling because of constant traffic congestion and the stress this brings.
With this array of tips in your arsenal, traveling will be a breeze, not a pain. These are simple ideas, but simple acts can be an extremely effective preventative. Simple sense is all you need to keep a travel experience positive and fun, even when you’re venturing way off the beaten track.
