A compilation of pointers on traveling wisely and safely is terrific for those new to taking trips. The tips below can ease new travelers into becoming traveling pros.
When traveling with children, carry a color picture of them with you at all times so that you can use it to identify them were they to get lost. It is extremely frightening to become separated from your child. Unfortunately, it can happen. The photograph you have on hand could make a difference in time spent finding them if they are separated from you in a crowd.
Aisle Seat
When you choose an aisle seat, you have some open options. Window seats are overrated. An aisle seat gives you the freedom to move about as well as access to the belongings you have stowed in the overhead compartment.
When being serviced by a smaller airport, look into all the different airlines that have flights. Charter airlines often operate out of smaller airports; their rates, which may be cheaper than those of the bigger airlines, do not always appear when you do a rate search.
Take clothespins when you travel. While you might not think of them immediately, clothespins can perform many functions.
When taking a road trip or flying with small kids, make sure to bring things to keep them entertained along the way. Bring along some of their favorite toys. You may want to consider buying a new toy or two as well, so that they have something exciting to occupy their time.
The markup on these small products is ridiculous. A different way to save space is to fold your clothes more efficiently. By applying these methods of packing, you will have considerable more space in your luggage.
Rush Hour
Plan your trip around rush hour. If you can’t avoid being in a busy area during rush hour, plan a stop and take a break for a while there. The kids can stretch their legs or you can all eat something.
Be sure to reserve space for your car if you must store it at the airport while you are away. If you book parking on the day of your flight it will usually be much more expensive. If you live close to the airport you may want to take a taxi instead of paying for parking.
When you travel, try to obtain the “local” rates. Hotels often cater to locals with deals so that they don’t have to deal with vacancy. If you happen to know someone who lives where you are traveling, see if they can help you find a good local hotel rate. This can save you some cash.
Plane Ride
If you are taking a long plane ride, bring along snacks that you can eat during the trip. Fresh snacks will be better on your plane ride than the food they offer. It helps you save money by not having to buy pricey food at the airport, and it could serve as an ice breaker to start a conversation with people sitting nearby.
When venturing on a cruise adventure, get to know other travelers while on board. On many ships, you will be seated at a large table near people you haven’t met. Have a positive attitude and speak with all the people you come in contact with. You will see them each day, and you could learn something new about your ship.
When planning a road trip, remember to plan for service stops. When traveling by car, you may have long periods when there are few options for vehicle service. Make sure you take a good close look when planning your trip and locate places when you realize that you might run into one of those types of stretches. Keep their phone numbers close at hand as you travel.
Bring stuff to do on your road trip. Adding in stops for things other than necessities can add fun during your drive. Provide your children with a copy of your intended itinerary and route so that they can follow along.
Try thinking about different transportation methods. Bus travel isn’t what it once was. Buses often are less expensive, clean and offer travel perks such as electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. Package deals may also be available to you, making planning a great trip fast and easy.
Tip generously when you are on a cruise. Give the steward a $20 tip when the time comes for you to board the ship. You will most likely have these same crew members during the entire cruise, so if you are generous up front, then they will be more likely to take great care of you.
Remember to give a relative or friend your full travel itinerary. Make sure it lists where you will be and provides relevant phone numbers and addresses. Leave at least one copy of your ticket and flight information as well as the identification page for your passport.
To save money, consider taking a bus. Even though a bus has some fees for larger bags, the allowance for bigger bags is much great than flying. Therefore, consider bus travel if you are carrying a lot of cargo with you.
Make sure you research for hotels that accommodate pets if you plan on bringing your pet along. Use consumer review sites or pet forums to determine your best lodging options.
If you will be driving your car to the airport and parking it there, do a bit of research first. There may be promotions or discounts being offered at the time you are to travel. You may also want to know whether you can ride a shuttle directly to your terminal or whether you can simply park in a lot that is close to your terminal. Choose the offerings that tend to your needs.
Now you have the knowledge to travel and have fun. These techniques and ideas will make you feel confident on your next adventure.