For most people, the least fun part of travel is planning it. While it may be a daunting task, planning your trip can make the experience more enjoyable. Read on for some tips on planning a trip you can enjoy.
Use an ATM instead of a currency exchange when traveling abroad. The exchange rate should be better. The amount will vary; however, this can save you a lot of money.
In some countries, criminals will pose as the authorities to get the jump on you. Keep your passport on you at all times, and do not hand it over to anyone. If an officer or official asks you to come to their office, do so on foot. Do not get into a vehicle with someone that you do not know.
Only pack the essentials. When you carry less items with you, there is less of a chance of having items stolen or losing them. Limit the pairs of shoes you carry, as they are often the largest and heaviest items you will be bringing on your trip.
When traveling with young children, pack things to keep your child occupied. Remember to bring favorite toys. Also, consider picking up something new. A new toy is more likely to hold your child’s attention than something they’ve seen before.
The price per unit for these conveniently sized products is disproportionate compared to the amount of space that you save. Fold your clothes with a more efficient technique when you are packing them. Trying out different folding techniques will allow more to fit in your bag.
When traveling in other countries, be wary of what taxis you get into. You should ensure that you are using a legitimate taxi service. Anyone can fool you with a taxi sign.
If you are getting a hotel room, inquire as to whether there are any upcoming renovations or not. Few things are worse travel experiences than waking up too early to the sound of construction noise. Avoid those dates if you can.
If you are traveling with small children, plan breaks every couple hours. Breaks may offer you time to stretch and use the restroom. Also, if your child has motion sickness, it is a good idea to let them out of your car once in awhile. Your trip may take a bit longer, but the reduction in stress is worth the small delay.
When traveling a long distance by airplane, try packing your own non-liquid snacks. Fresh snacks can include apples, strawberries or grapes, and will provide a welcome change from the airplane meals that weigh you down. Not only will you save a bundle by not buying that expensive airport food, but you will have a great conversation opener with any nice-looking neighbor, eyeing your snacks!
Keep your most important information and items close to you at all times. If you have a purse with you, keep it close to your body at all times. Avoid choosing a bag that is easy to open, as they will be easier for a thief to open and steal your valuables. When buying a travel bag, keep this in mind.
Take an early flight. There is less of a chance that it will be delayed. Because flights are often full, delays in one plane can cause a domino effect as the gates become crowded. The first morning flight should not have many reasons for delay at all.
When you are going to another country, take bottled water with you. Drinking water in foreign countries is usually not purified and can make you very ill. Use bottled water to brush your teeth with. You may get ill from using the tap water.
Photocopy all your essential documents before leaving. You want to be sure to have your copies of important documents in another location. You may want to give a loved one a set in case yours gets stolen or lost.
Keep travel essentials stored in the same place of your home. There are better ways to spend your time than searching the house for travel accessories. Buy a small plastic container and store everything you’ll that is a travel essential. An under-bed container works well to keep things hidden, but ready for you to quickly jet off on your next adventure.
Be sure to bring along your children’s car seats if you are planning to get a rental car for your trip. Use your own car seat if renting a vehicle.
Make sure you check your alarm when you check into your hotel room before retiring for the evening. The previous guest may have left an alarm set, leading to an unpleasant disruption to your sleep when it goes off.
Make your luggage appear unique. Decorate it, use stickers or paint it. You don’t want someone else to mistake your luggage for their own!
Place contact and information on the inside and outside of your luggage. Tags can fall off en route. You should have ID and contact information inside your bag so it can be returned to you if lost.
If you are going on a trip and you wear eyeglasses, put an extra pair in your luggage. If your glasses happen to break when you are vacationing you can have a back up. You may want to keep them on your person, or you can pack them into a suitcase if you prefer.
Put all of your contact information on a clearly visible label inside all of your luggage. So, if your luggage were to get lost, the person who finds it can call you. It’s a simple precaution that could save your luggage.
Group travelers should prepare as a group and individually for anything. This helps avoid lost luggage. If luggage is lost then at least a few personal items might be stashed elsewhere. It is also a good idea for everyone to have one change of clothes in their carry-on.
You want to check with the companies with whom you have credit card accounts to see what insurance they are already offering you when traveling abroad. For example, you may enjoy coverage for flights that get cancelled, as long as they were charged to your card. Doing a bit of research before leaving is worthwhile.
Be sure to carry valuables with you during bus layovers. You don’t want your items stolen.
Make sure you have a map of the area with you if you are planning on any outdoor adventures. A hand-held, portable GPS or a compass is a must to have on you when you are out and about as they are very useful if you get disorientated and lose your bearings.
If you plan to travel with your dogs, you should always brush them before putting them in the car. An animal shedding in your car will cover your seats with hair and can also impact your car’s heating and cooling system. Don’t forget your dog’s items; they will need food and water bowls and bags for cleanup.
Determine if you will need a Visa in order to go to the foreign country you are traveling to. Visas often have a lengthy processing time so you should apply for them as soon an you are thinking of travel. Sometimes you may not be allowed to enter certain countries without a visa.
As was said before, planning your trip might not seem as fun as going on a trip. There are various ways to simplify trip planning and to have a more successful trip. Use this article’s tips to help you make the most of your travel experience.
