Making travel plans takes time, money, and research. No matter where you’re traveling, and no matter what means of transportation you’re using, you can simplify your travel plans in a variety of ways. The following tips provide you with information on how to have a safe, comfortable, relaxing, and inexpensive trip.
If you’re going to be travelling by air, make sure you don’t put any valuables or electronics in your checked luggage. Luggage handlers aren’t known to be gentle and any electronics may end up damaged during transport. Airlines are also known to lose luggage and you don’t want to take a chance of losing something valuable.
Try to read up on the customs and traditions of a country before you travel there. Even the simplest things can happen differently depending on where you are. If you show that you are prepared to totally envelop yourself in the culture, people will welcome you with open arms. This will make your vacation much more enjoyable.
When traveling in a strange city by taxi, ask an independent third party such as a front desk clerk or baggage porter what the right rate is for a trip to your destination. Also set up the rate with the driver before you get into the cab. This helps prevent you from getting ripped off.
When you travel, do not overpack. The fewer things you bring, the less likely you are to forget something. Don’t take too many shoes, as they are usually the heaviest and biggest things you’ll take.
If the hotel chain you will be staying at offers a loyalty program, join up. Even if you’re only planning on staying one or two nights, there are many perks to these programs. On the top of the list, is the fact that loyalty members are less likely to get bumped, if the hotel overbooks.
If you travel a great deal for work, the constant change of venue and planes can be exhausting. Make it a bit easier on yourself by always requesting the same seat when you book a flight (“9A, please, or right over the wing.”) Actually, over the wing is a good spot because the plane tends to be most solidly anchored and less susceptible to vibration. That way, you will feel as though you’re sitting in “your” seat on the same plane back and forth, and you’ll also be accustomed to working in that particular position (window at your left, etc.)
The more you plan, the cheaper the flight should be for you. Try and plan your trips ahead of time and budget how much money you want to spend on flights and hotel, as well as, how much you want to spend on leisure activities. Planning out your trip in advance, helps you to manage your money properly and ensures that you will have a better time.
To save money on your vacation, don’t be afraid of last-minute bookings. When airlines or cruise companies still have tickets available a few days before the departure date, they lower prices because they are desperate to sell. With a last-minute booking, you can take the vacation of your dreams at rock-bottom prices.
If you plan to stay more than one night in a hotel room, bring a cheap over-the-door organizer for shoes or jewelry. Instead of filling it with shoes, you can use the pockets to store your toiletries, room key, camera, phone and any other objects which might easily get lost in the fray. The clear pockets make it easy to find things, in seconds.
Make your travel plans without locking yourself into advance booking. While you can get a good deal this way, you are asked to pay in advance for the length of your trip, and you don’t have the flexibility to cancel or change the dates of your trip. Particularly if you know that your plans could change, pay a little more and stay at a hotel that will let you adjust the dates of your stay up until a day before your arrival.
Be aware of the potential for bedbugs while traveling and always check the bedding as soon as you get into your room. Do not put your luggage on the bed. Bedbugs are more likely to come home with travelers that allow their bags to touch bedspreads or mattresses. Instead, place your bag on a chair or other piece of furniture that is not upholstered.
Set up an account on a “cloud” site and upload scans of important documentation that you may need on your trip. Loss and theft occur quite often during travel in-country as well as abroad. By having documentation stored in a “cloud” location you can easily access them from anywhere you have Internet access.
If you’re a novice flyer and you find yourself about to board an airplane, bring some gum and a music player. When the plane is taking off and landing, slip your headphones on and chew some gum. The music will keep you calm and relaxed while the gum will prevent your ears from popping.
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.
Have someone pick up your mail and newspapers while you travel. A full mailbox and a pile of newspapers is a big sign that a home’s owners are away. Have a friend or family member pick up these theft beacons and ensure you do not come back to a ransacked home.
Whether for business or pleasure, traveling can be a hassle. Both your national and international travel plans are subject to a host of snags and snafus from the time you book a hotel to the time you arrive back home again. However, if you follow the advice in these tips, you can save both time and money and make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable.
