This collection of advice on traveling safer and smarter is a great starting place for new travelers to start planning a trip of their own. The tips below can ease new travelers into becoming traveling pros.
When you travel in different countries, use ATM machines to withdraw pocket money instead of exchanging your currency with local currency. Usually banks and financial institutions are able to offer exchange rates that are better than those available to individuals. You may find significant savings through the course of your trip.
On your travels it is best to avoid using a public computer for sensitive information such as checking your bank account. It is possible for keyloggers to be installed on public computers. Keyloggers permits the person who installed it to then access the accounts you visited.
Once you’ve picked your destination, familiarize yourself with the area. Choose a good map of the area, and pore over the museums, sightseeing destinations and the general region. Learning this type of information will make getting around so much easier.
Amusements parks and other attractions have options of printing tickets out online before you leave for your destination. The small fee for such a service is worth it to avoid long lines. Some parks now have tickets that contain a specific time in order to avoid lines.
Before booking any hotel, do your research. This will put you in the most comfortable position when flying or driving. Get advice from friends who may have traveled there previously. You can have realistic expectations when you do your homework, which makes your time at that destination all the better.
Give a copy of your travel itinerary to a loved one. This person should always know your location. Give that person a call regularly to let them know you are safe. They won’t be concerned if they hear from you.
Identifying Information
Put identifying information inside your bags, as well as on the outside. A luggage tag on the exterior of luggage is easily lost 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.
Use sleeping pills to help you fall asleep on an overnight flight. A lot of people find it hard to sleep on planes, due to the unfamiliar surroundings, uncomfortable seats and aircraft noise. If you feel anxious about flying, think about taking a sleeping pill. Take the pill during the flight, and not beforehand, in case there is a problem and you do not take off.
Many people get jet lag when they travel to different time zones. While it cannot be avoided, getting extra sleep in the days leading up to the flight can help to lessen the effects. Try to rest as much as possible while on the plane.
If you plan on renting a car, check your auto insurance policy. Rental car representatives know how to sell extra coverage, but you might not need it at all. Your car insurance could protect you while in the rental. Look carefully at the policy so you know what is, and is not, covered.
When you travel, try to obtain the “local” rate at a hotel. You will find plenty of local hotel deals in your area because they are trying to have a full hotel. If someone you know lives in the city you’re traveling to, see if they can call and find out if there are any special offers available. This will help save money.
Consider different modes of transportation. Bus systems are not how they once were. You may be able to get great rates and buses are generally clean. You can find package deals from some lines to make your travel planning a cinch.
If you sleep lightly, carry a set of earplugs. Sometimes hotel walls seem tissue paper thin. A reliable pair of earplugs can filter out the noise and give you a restful night’s sleep.
Don’t forget those important medications. It is very easy to forget about packing important things, and medications are often overlooked. If you do forget, you might find it hard to get your medicine.
Sliding Doors
If there is one available, request a room on a higher floor. As meaningless as this sounds, you don’t want to give thieves easier access by having a room on the ground floor. Request a room without sliding doors. Rooms with sliding doors are an easy target.
When you fly, put your child in a seat that is as far from the aisle as possible. An adult or someone mature should always be in the aisle seat. You don’t want your little one sticking their arms and legs out, because it could be dangerous for the crew. Your child could also get hurt if they get hit by a cart. They are also less likely to attempt running if they do not have easy access to the aisle.
If you are traveling for several hours at a stretch, be sure to stand up and walk around at least one time each hour to get your circulation moving, even if you have to take an unneeded restroom break. Sitting for too long reduces blood flow and can lead to blood clots.
Your luggage should have your name, phone number, and address on a visible label in your suitcase when you are traveling. If the luggage is lost and the outer tags get removed, the authorities can still figure out that the luggage is yours. Having your luggage out of sight can result in it getting lost.
The tips above have proven to be a great help when planning your trip. You want to be safe, and you want to make smart decisions so that you encounter nothing but fun.