If you want to travel and do it to the best of your ability, then you want to learn as much as you can about traveling. Traveling is a subject where the more you know, the more you can apply and improve your trips accordingly, so take these tips into serious consideration.
When traveling, don’t forget that you can travel by bus to many areas in North and South America. It can be much less expensive than flying and is generally lower-stress for the travelers. Traveling by bus has lost much of its stigma in recent years, with many companies purchasing new vehicles and even hiring security guards to ride along.
Pack dryer sheets into your luggage. If you have ever flown before, you might have noticed that sometimes your luggage can come back smelling just a little odd. To eliminate this problem and keep your clothes and possessions smelling fresh, use dryer sheets. Pack them in between layers of clothing.
For someone who has never used a recreational vehicle or RV for traveling before it can be an interesting change of pace. With an RV one has many more options on where they want to stay at or go to. It is often a relaxing trip that one can take at their own pace.
When traveling by air in the U.S. you can get through security faster if you wear slip-on shoes. Since you have to remove your shoes when going through security it is better to have shoes that come off and go on quickly so you can retrieve your other belongings quickly.
Make sure to drink plenty of water when travelling, especially when travelling by air. During busy, hectic days of travel, many people neglect to stay adequately hydrated, leading to feelings of nausea compounded by the stress you feel when travelling. Always have a bottle of water on hand.
Keeping fresh water for you pet is a must when you are traveling. This is particularly important in hot climates. One way of insuring cool, fresh water is to rinse out a two liter drink bottle, fill it, and freeze it before you leave. As it melts it will provide your pet with the liquid they need to survive.
Choosing the right time to leave can make a big impact to how your trip starts out. By choosing a time to travel that will guarantee that the roads will be mostly clear of people one can avoid traffic. This makes a big difference especially when taking a road trip over a long distance.
If you’re going on a cruise, make sure you pack a power strip with you. Most rooms aboard cruise ships will only have one (maybe two) power outlets. If you have multiple devices that will need to be plugged, in you’ll be glad you brought a power strip instead of fighting over outlets.
Buy American souvenirs to barter overseas. Stop at a local dollar store and pick up small souvenirs like postcards, t-shirts, and tiny replicas of famous landmarks. Foreigners love these trinkets, and they will go out of their way to get them. Bring them along and use them to get a souvenir that you have always wanted.
Don’t fold your clothes when you pack – roll them. Rolling your clothes into tight cylinders is much more space efficient when packing a suitcase. You will be able to fit more items in your suitcase, which is very important now that airlines charge hefty fees for each bag checked.
If you suffer any sinus related issues, bring a cotton surgical mask along for your flight. The recirculated air in airplanes can wreak havoc on your sinuses plus it is a good place for germs to colonize. Wearing these masks can greatly reduce discomfort and ensure a more pleasant flight.
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.
Try to avoid visiting Europe during the hot summer months. The consensus is that this is the worst time to vacation there. Another reason is that prices are higher, many trips are booked and over-booked, and there are many crowds during this time of year. Experience Europe in the off-season to see what it’s like for locals.
Invest in a good pair of earplugs. It is often difficult to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings, away from the comforts of your own bed. Add to this unfamiliar noise and you could spend your vacation in a sleep deprived state. Earplugs help you block out noises that might keep you up, or can help you concentrate when in a noisy location such as an airplane or busy terminal.
Pack a nightlight. Many people can easily find their way to their bathroom in the middle of the night at home, but attempting to do so in an unfamiliar location can lead to bumps and bruises. If you do not have the space for a night light, leave the bathroom light on, but close the door so that only a small amount of light is visible or excess light may keep you awake.
When on a road trip with a toddler, try to start your trips nearer to the afternoon. Many times, young children will give you problems if you head out too early. Most toddlers will be ready for their nap in the afternoon and will be less likely to act up on any trip, when they are fast asleep.
As stated in the beginning of the article, you want to learn as much as you can about traveling. Remember that the information you just learned, isn’t everything there is to know about how to travel efficiently, so always be on the look out for new things to learn. Apply these tips and your trips in the future should be smoother.
