Traveling is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can encounter. No matter whether your travels take you by road or air, through your own state or abroad, there are important travel tips that everyone should be aware of before they set off on their great vacation. These suggestions will make traveling easier.
Once you’ve picked your destination, familiarize yourself with the area. Make sure you have a map, and know what attractions are must-sees in the area. Memorize the major streets and landmarks, too.
Digital Camera
Bring a good digital camera for the vacation that you are taking. If you are going on an outdoor trip, for instance, a camera with a rechargeable battery probably won’t work for you. In nearly all cases, a digital camera with an that focuses quickly is best to avoid missing that perfect shot.
When venturing abroad, be cautious when using taxi cabs. Make sure the taxi actually is legitimate before getting in. Anyone can just put a taxi label on his car, and you would not know where this person would take you.
If you’re traveling somewhere where you’ll need tickets, like amusement parks or a play, look for ways to have them ahead of time. You might have to pay a little extra for the convenience, but you won’t have to bother with long lines when you get to the attraction. If your destination offers timed entry, printed tickets can also be used to get around the admission line.
Keep everything in one place. Avoid searching throughout your house for trip items such as toiletries, chargers and travel pillows. You want to get yourself a plastic bin so that you can organize all your travel stuff. A container that can be put under your bed is fine, as it will hide things but be easily accessible for your next trip.
Bring cookie sheets when on a road trip with kids. Your children can use them to play games or color. They also work great in tandem with bright magnetic numbers and letters.
Parking Spot
If you are leaving your car at the airport during your trip, then make sure you pre-book a parking spot at the airport in advance. If you wait to book a parking spot on the day you need it, it will generally be way more expensive. If you live close to the airport, see if taking a taxi is cheaper that it would be to pay for airport parking.
Jet lag happens to be a real drag. While it is impossible to avoid it altogether, you can minimize the effects by sleeping a bit more during the days leading up to the flight. Additionally, sleep during the flight as much as possible.
If a rental car is part of an upcoming trip, check out the fine print in your current car insurance policy. The agents at the car rental booths are trained to sell you additional insurance that may not be necessary for you to purchase. Some of these policies will be a ripoff for what you require. Consult your insurance agent about what your policy does and does not cover before you leave.
When you make travel plans, thinking ahead is important, so do not forget about the weather. Check the local weather forecast for your destination before traveling. If the weather is uncooperative you may need to make last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Foreign Currency
Do not go to a currency exchange if you can help it. If you need foreign currency, there are easier ways to get it. Bank ATMs are a great place to get your foreign currency from. If you are able to use a bank ATM machine, you will be able to find a more affordable exchange rate and less fees.
Whenever you travel, bring along a small pillow and blanket. A comfortable pillow and blanket is always something that can make a trip more pleasurable. Though most airlines do provide these items, they may not have enough of them. If you have your own, then you will be confident that it’s clean and sanitary.
Road trips are great for listening to some of the music you have stored over the years. It is frequently difficult to find appropriate or clear local radio stations as you drive from one place to another, so having your own source of music is a good idea.
When flying to a foreign destination, do not exchange currency at airports. It is very convenient to do it there, but the rates are typically sky high. Look for a local bank that will give you a much better exchange rate for your money.
Long flights can be stressful. You can avoid some of this by taking a flight that gets to your destination at the same time of morning you usually get up. Once on the flight, take a couple Tylenol PM to put you to sleep (especially after the in-flight meal! ) and then relax until the plane lands. Get up with a sense of rest and refreshment.
Use caution with any emails you may receive about travel deals. Never open emails from a travel company that you do not specifically do business with.
Make sure you know how large your carry-on bag can be. Also, be aware of the airline’s carry-on policy. Many airlines allow a personal carry-on bag along with a smallish suitcase. Use this to your advantage to keep all your important items with you.
Take an voltage converter or electrical adapter with you when you travel to areas with different electric systems. You can get one inexpensively from an electronics store. You will pay a great deal more if you have to buy it at an airport or hotel gift shop.
If you are bringing a pet, you need to find a hotel that will allow that and see what type of fees they charge. Look in various places before choosing one that fits you and your pet’s needs.
Hopefully you now have some great ideas to help your travel plans go smoothly. Make sure to pack a camera!