Go over these tips to find out how to plan the perfect vacation. Find out how to find good deals and go to a place that you will enjoy. Planning a vacation can be a long process, and you should definitely start ahead of time. Reading these tips should help you get started.
In order to make the most of travel abroad, try to plan at least a couple of activities that aren’t listed in tourist guide books or blogs. You can do this by getting hold of information designed for and produced by locals, be it from newspapers, blogs or people on twitter. Stepping outside the tourist bubble will make your trip that much more exciting and fun.
When booking a hotel stay, be sure to ask when the hotel was last built or renovated. A low-cost motel that’s brand new might be a better option than an older building attached to a good name. Stay away from lower-end and mid-range hotels that haven’t been renovated in more than five or six years.
Always let someone know when you are planning to travel. While unexpected trips and spontaneous travel may seem like a good idea at the time, it is not so great if something goes awry. Letting a friend, family member or neighbor know you will be gone and where you are going is always a good idea. Contact that person as soon as you reach your destination. Let them know when you will be coming home. You will be glad you did.
When traveling, make sure you make a list of all the items you want to take with you. This will help you to not forget something as simple as a tooth brush or deodorant. You can save money by buying these items before you leave rather then wasting unnecessary money and time while you are traveling.
Make a portable washing machine with a plastic bag. Save money by skipping expensive coin-operated washers and dryers when you travel by using a do-it-yourself tip. Find or pack a large and sturdy plastic bag, and add a little laundry soap and water. Put your clothes in the bag, and shake. Drain the soapy water and repeat the process with clean water, then hang the clothes to dry.
If you know you have to fly, do yourself a favor and wear shoes requiring minimal effort to take off. Don’t pick that day to wear your eyelet wingtips with hard-to-tie laces. Women can wear clogs or slip-ons; men should choose a casual shoe style that can be easily slipped on and off with one hand.
Going on a long trip can ensure that something will happen. Make sure to pack a small first aid kit with you to help with minor scrapes and bruises. Other items, such as bottled water and some snacks can also make a huge difference when you don’t have to buy these things at a higher price in a tourist attraction area.
Pack a raincoat that has a soft lining when packing lightly for your extended trip. There is no predicting when it comes to weather. This rain coat can make you feel very comfortable during hazardous conditions or just running around your hotel room.
When packing for a cruise, be sure to bring along a pair of slip-resistant rubber soled shoes. These will work when you are walking across wet, slippery decks, as well as for most of your shore excursions. The fewer pairs of shoes you can bring, the easier your luggage will be to store.
If you are traveling abroad, it’s a wise idea to sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free government service for citizens of the United States who live in a foreign country or are planning to visit one. Providing STEP with your contact information and some details on your trip allows them to contact you in the event of an emergency and to advise you of travel warnings and alerts.
Weekend travel does not have to extend too far from your home. Staying out of your home for a weekend can be just what you need to feel better and rejuvenated. It is also an inexpensive way to get a vacation without taking time off work or spending too much.
Pack a multi-tool knife in your luggage. The scissors can cut through zip ties, and the corkscrew is perfect for impromptu wine tastings. When you reach your destination and unpack, make sure this multi-purpose tool goes with you wherever you go. Don’t put it in your carry-on though, as the airline won’t allow it on your person in flight.
Give a copy of your trip itinerary to a friend or family member. In case of an accident or another situation, this can help your friends and family track down your whereabouts. Make sure you also keep in contact with this individual as you transition from one leg of your trip to the next.
If you’re going on a long car trip, make sure to bring a plastic bag that can be dedicated to trash. This way you will have a place to throw all of those fast food wrappers and used tissues so they don’t end up all over the floor of your car.
If you are traveling in a car, take the time to go slightly out of your way and visit small town bars and restaurants. You will meet some interesting people and have the chance to sample some of the local fare. Residents of these towns will instantly recognize unfamiliar faces and often go out of their way to talk to you.
Now that you know the theory behind planning a great trip, the only thing to do is apply these tips for your next vacation. Choose where you want to go and organize your trip so that the only thing you need to worry about is having fun once on location.
