Traveling can be one of the most fun times of the year. With the right planning, you will have a great trip. Before going on your trip, verify you have your passport and any other necessary documents to ensure an enjoyable time.
If you are in another country, get money from the ATM. Many times a bank will get a better exchange rate than what an individual has access to. You end up with more savings if you go to a bank.
Air travel requires a bit of planning. Since major airports are usually in big cities, getting there might take forever when you get caught in heavy traffic congestion. You should have all of your luggage packed up and ready to go on the evening before you leave for your trip. Prepare yourself well before the flight. Missing your flight can be a very devastating experience.
If you are worried about someone entering your room at night, you should bring a door stop with you. Most people use doorstops to prop their doors open, but you can also use them to hold a door shut.
If you really don’t want to leave your pet at home, try vacationing in a place where she can accompany you. Pet-friendly vacations are growing in popularity, and they offer several accommodations and deals for those that are “pet parents.” There are even pet day cares and spas. Some cruises also allow pets. Don’t fear taking your furry friend along, as long as you make sure you can before you do.
If you are shopping around for cheap plane tickets, don’t neglect to check the actual airline websites themselves. Travelocity and Kayak are websites that often offer low prices, but sometimes you’ll find the lowest fare on the airline’s site.
Try to wear comfortable and light shoes when air traveling – shoes that you can slip out of easily. Most of the time, airport security will ask you to briefly remove them. Your level of comfort is crucial. You will be sitting a lot, so a great deal of support is unnecessary. Flip-flops or slip-on shoes are recommended for air travel.
Carry something with you that has the information for your hotel, like a matchbook or a business card. This one little item can save you and get you back to where you need to be in case you get lost in a foreign land. It’s good for anyone that really can’t speak the language.
Cookie Sheets
If you’re planning a long car trip with kids, pack a few cookie sheets. Utilize the cookie sheets as a surface on which your kids can play cards or rest their coloring books. For smaller kids, teach them a thing or two by having them use magnetic numbers and letters on them.
Make sure that your passports are valid. You may find that different countries have different rules and regulations regarding your passport. A country may decide to not let you enter if your passport is expiring within a certain amount of time. Time frames can run anywhere from three months to a year.
Cash in your traveler’s checks before shopping or dining. Even though many places do accept these checks, often times it can be a complicated mess. You could feel shorted when using them, so try being safe and obtaining local currency before spending.
National Park Season
If you are going to vacation at a National Park you should get a National Park season pass. National park season passes are around 50 dollars, and they are good for every park in the country.
Go over your auto insurance policy prior to leaving home if you plan to rent a car during your trip. Your policy may already provide you with some of the coverage you will need to drive a rental car. Typically, insurance policies cover third party liability, at least in part. Look into your own policy before leaving, as it can be very important later.
Be sure to allow for changes in weather, as it can completely change your plans without notice. Make sure you look at the weather forecast for your intended destination. If the weather is not what you expect, it can completely ruin your carefully planned vacation.
Bringing your own bottled water to countries with dubious water supplies is recommended. Drinking water in foreign countries is usually not purified and can make you very ill. Do not forget to use bottled water for teeth brushing as well. The tap water where you are staying is very likely contaminated.
Sliding Doors
Try to get a hotel room on a upper floor. Rooms on the ground level have a tendency to be targeted by thieves more often as they offer easier access. Sliding doors also make your room easily accessible, and you should avoid these if possible. Rooms with sliding doors are easier to get into.
If you are going on a road trip, bring your favorite music to listen to while you ride. When you are driving through multiple cities, you will find that there are some spots where your radio will not pick up a signal. If you bring your own music, you can constantly enjoy some good tunes.
Traveling can be so much fun as long as you know what you are doing. Use the tips above to make your trip stress-free. You simply need to relax and take a break from your everyday life. The world is yours for the taking. Open it now!