Travel presents so many options, so many opportunities for fun and memorable experiences, and very many possibilities for trouble and disappointment too. Here’s a few facts and astute tips that will help you to make your next trip a wonderful one.
Consider mailing souvenirs home. Everyone loves souvenirs, but sometimes you can wind up with one too many while traveling. If all the things you have accumulated on your vacation won’t fit in your suitcase for the return trip, you can always mail them home. Usually, you will make it home before your trinkets do.
Packing your suitcase smarter will enable you to bring more fun! The best way to maximize space in your luggage is to lay an item flat and roll it up. Roll as many things as you can and fit them closely together. Stuffing socks and underwear into your shoes will save you even more space.
For some the road trip is the only way to travel. If you’re going to be taking a road trip do this simple things before hand so you don’t end up stranded half way across the country. Number one, be sure to get an oil change! Number two, have your mechanic give your car a once over before you depart. The last thing you need in the middle of no where are easily preventable mechanical failures.
When you travel to visit friends or family, be a courteous guest and do not assume they will make all your sightseeing plans for you. Many people assume they are there to be entertained, which is of course an incorrect assumption and generates bad feeling. Instead, do your homework ahead of time, let your hosts know what you’re planning to do, invite but don’t oblige them to accompany you, and spend your time together in good will, knowing you are being a gracious guest.
When you’re traveling and you’re in need of a taxi, make sure you pay attention to the meter. When you first get into the taxi make sure that the meter isn’t broken, it is properly zeroed out, and it is turned on and off when you get out. Taxi scams are famous all over the world, and in a foreign place it is easy to get scammed. Paying attention to these simple meter tips can ensure you’re charged a proper rate and not swindled.
Remain vigilant while you are traveling. It is no secret that tourists are often the mark of pickpockets and con artists. Whether you are vacationing or traveling on business, remain vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings. Being cautious and wary of others who might wrong you is the very best defense against them.
Bring your own adapters, unless you want to buy over-priced ones. Many foreign countries have differently shaped and sized outlets. Buying adapters while you are still at home is much more cost-effective. Businesses in these countries have learned to take advantage of travelers who forget that the plugs are quite different from back home.
Travelers are a common target of theft, but you can protect your luggage with a few simple tactics. Put Christmas bells on your suitcases and carry-on luggage, to alert you if someone tries to take them. Insert your foot through the strap or handle of your luggage when sitting in an airport lounge during a layover. Be aware that a distraction around you may be a deliberate attempt to divert your attention from your belongings.
Learn the tipping culture for whatever countries you plan to visit. In some cultures, tipping is automatic, while in others, it does not exist. There are still a few cultures in which tipping is considered a great insult, so mind your manners by checking the customs. You do not want to insult your server.
As you make your travel arrangements, consider using the bidding features that are available on several websites to secure your hotel accommodations. You can bid on hotel rooms at drastically reduced prices, but you don’t know which hotel you are staying at until they charge your credit card. You can often get at least 50 percent off the regular rate of the room using this method.
Traveling long distance in a car with children can be challenging. Take along a variety of activities for the kids to play with such as coloring books, crayons, toys, etc. It is also fun to play games with the kids such as trying to find license plates from all the states, or playing I Spy.
Consider swapping souvenirs when you are traveling. Many people in other countries are interested in hats, shirts and a lot of other items that come from this country. If something catches your eye in a vendor’s stall, see if they would like to make a trade with you. You will also have the opportunity to talk to local people and create interesting stories for your friends and family back home.
It is possible to keep your diet in check when you travel and stay in a hotel. While you are at the hotel, skip the minibar. Also, if the hotel offers a Continental breakfast, stick to the healthier options such as, cereal, eggs and fruits. If your room has a refrigerator or microwave, it might be best to bring food from home that has the nutritional content that you are familiar with.
When making airline reservations, make sure you request seat assignment. Without it, you could be fighting with other passengers over which seat you want. Or worse, you could be forced to have to take a later flight because your original flight is overbooked. When you get your seat number, make sure it is documented on your ticket.
If you make as much preparation as you can for a trip, and you follow sensible advice (and a few notes or a task list can be indispensible) there’s no reason why you can’t avoid most of the stress that many people bring upon themselves when traveling. Be determined to enjoy your next traveling experience, and act on the advice you’ve read here.
