Though traveling to new destinations is a great experience, there might also be much stress. Fortunately, there are a lot of easy things that can be done to ensure a smooth trip. Below are some great pointers that will help you have the best possible time.
Be aware of food allergies when you visit a foreign country or new place. If your food allergy is particularly bad, make sure to express this in their language. This way you can be sure to alert wait staff of your allergies to specific foods and, in the worst case scenario, be able to inform medical professionals of your condition.
When venturing abroad, be cautious about getting into taxis. Be sure that you choose legitimate operators. Any person can throw a “taxi” label on a vehicle, meaning you may have no idea who they are or where you will end up.
Join a good travel price watcher. You can put in your desired location and it keeps an eye on the prices for that area. When the prices of the hotel or airfares drop to the level of your choosing, the website will alert you with an email about the change. This helps you avoid the hassle of always having to check.
When you are going to some type of attraction, print online tickets in advance. 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. Also, check to see if the attraction offers timed entry, as these can allow you to skip lines within the park as well.
You may want to pack up everything you have while traveling. Only take the things you truly need. List all the ones you typically use each day and that you really need. Only pack the most important one.
The bell hop and housekeeper should be tipped appropriately. A good rule of thumb is $1 per bag/luggage and about $2-5 a day for housekeeping. Doing this will not only show that you appreciated the work they did, but it will also foster a good relationship with them.
Cookie Sheets
Bring cookie sheets when on a road trip with kids. These cookie sheets can be a flat surface to put cards or coloring books on. If your children are very little, you can pack magnetic numbers and letters for some educational entertainment.
Check the expiration dates on your passports. Different areas of the world have different rules regarding passports. A country may decide to not let you enter if your passport is expiring within a certain amount of time. This can be from 3-6 months of your trip, though there are some places where that time frame can be 8-12 months.
Purchase the National Park Pass if national parks are something you and your family visit quite often. While the initial outlay is $50, they are valid for a one year term and give you open access to all national parks.
If you plan to hit the road with a small child, take breaks every two or three hours on the road. Breaks will let you stretch and use the restroom. Stopping and taking the child from the vehicle may also lower the incidence of motion sickness. Though it adds a little time, the stress reduction is valuable.
Travel plans sometimes go awry. Flights can be cancelled, or your rental car might not be ready. The discussion is between you and an employee that likely did not make the error. It can be easy to lose your temper. Stay as calm and polite as possible. You will get much more done this way, bringing your trip much less stress.
Remember your medications. Medications are a commonly forgotten item by travelers. It can be almost impossible to get a prescription filled in a foreign country.
Sliding Doors
Get a room on the highest floor possible. As trivial as this may seem, thieves have easier access to your room if it is on the bottom or ground floor. Request a room without sliding doors. Rooms with sliding doors are at a greater risk of being breaking into.
If you are going off the grid on your trip, into a remote area, think about getting special insurance. You want something that will cover the cost of a search and rescue, if necessary. If you will be far removed from developed areas, this kind of insurance can be a godsend.
Wait until you reach your destination to save money on your currency exchange. Sometimes you are not able to exchange currency right away when you reach your destination. If this is the case, make a small currency exchange before you leave and take that money with you while you’re traveling until you are able to change the remainder of it.
You want to always make sure your luggage stands out in comparison to everyone else’s luggage. You can place stickers on your luggage or even color it. This will prevent others from mistakenly picking up your luggage.
If traveling by bus, take all your valuables with you each time you exit the vehicle. If you leave them on the bus, someone could easily steal them during one of these stops.
If you are considering bringing your pet on a trip, you need to take the time to research hotels that accommodate pets and any fees that may apply to bringing your pet with you. Make sure to look into all of your options, and make a choice based on what is best for your pet, as well as yourself.
If your dogs are accompanying you on a road trip, 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 the accessories you need to care for dogs properly, like bowls for water and food, leashes, and cleanup baggies.
You can’t let possible situations prevent you from enjoying your trip. Remember the information learned here the next time you go traveling, and your vacation will be much more enjoyable. Don’t let travel worries zap your enjoyment. Concentrate on the wonderful memories you will create instead.