Travel, no matter where and when or for what purpose, is very exciting, but you can’t forget about all the things you must consider, as you are preparing for a trip. If you are going abroad, there are cultural issues to consider, including culture shock and others. With tips like these, you can will be better prepared for successful and fun travel.
If you are traveling into a malaria-prone area, in addition to anti-malaria pills, bring a mosquito net or find a room with a large ventilation fan. The net is best as it can almost completely stop mosquitoes from getting to you at night. The fan works because mosquitoes cannot fly as well into the wind, but it is not fool-proof.
Peruse the blogosphere. Bloggers are everywhere, and there is most likely one, if not many, bloggers blogging about your destination. Their blogs are a great resource for finding information about hidden gems of the city–restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. Don’t be shy. If you contact them, many will be happy to answer your specific questions as well.
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.
To avoid high exchange rates in foreign countries, stop at an ATM for your bank when you disembark from your flight. Large banks get much better exchange rates than an individual, so pulling money out once you get there is a hassle-free and inexpensive way to get the currency you need.
While traveling, request peppermint tea or bring some along for your own use. Pack along some peppermint lozenges or candies. Peppermint is soothing and can help settle an upset stomach due to new culinary delights or motion sickness. In a pinch, it can also act as a breath freshener if you are caught out in the wild without a toothbrush or run out of toothpaste.
If you’re packing your laptop for work or recreation while you travel, bring along an A.V. cable as well. Many hotels offer both free high speed Internet and a large HDTV in your room. If you’ve got an A.V. cable, you can plug your computer right into the HDTV and view your online content right on the large screen.
Consider purchasing a wi-fi detector before you travel on a road trip. Not having access to the internet can make a road trip seem a little lonely. A wi-fi detector can help you find a hotspot even when businesses are not advertising that they have it available. You can find these signal detectors on just about anything, including keychains.
Consider using a variety of transportation options. The bus system is not as it used to be. It is relatively inexpensive, and many buses offer free Wi-Fi and other nice amenities. You can sometimes find packaged deals on lines that will make planning your trip much easier.
When dining out during your travels, take the opportunity to choose one meal completely at random. You may wind up having the best meal of your vacation and you are sure to have a little fun in the process. If you are worried about this technique, try it on a day that you will be visiting multiple restaurants, so you can fill up somewhere else if you don’t like your dish.
When traveling, always keep a few snacks in your bag. Airline food can be expensive. Having to stop for snacks when you’re in the car can take time. A few small granola bars or crackers won’t take up much space and can save you both time and money.
For smokers who are looking at long travel times, you can chew nicotine gum or wear a nicotine patch. Although it may not be the same as actually having a cigarette, it should help to curb the urge to smoke. You can also bring lots of gum, and every time you crave a cigarette, pop a piece of gum into your mouth.
If you need a cheap place to stay while vacationing in Europe, consider sleeping in a hostel. Hostels are basically rooms that are shared by several people and are a lot more affordable than hotels. They may be small rooms with bunk-beds or large auditoriums with cots. If you can sleep through the noise, it is a great way to meet other travelers.
Use a good quality suitcase or bag when traveling. Cheap suitcases or bags can be flimsy, easily damaged and difficult to maneuver. When you are traveling on public transportation, the last thing you want is for your suitcase or bag to split open and have all your personal belongings fly everywhere.
If you are traveling by car, ensure that you take frequent breaks from driving. Make sure that you stop every two to three hours to stretch your legs, rest your eyes and consume some food and water. Without these stops, fatigue, eye strain and dehydration could result in a serious accident.
If you are traveling to a country that may have people hostel to American citizens try to blend in. Do not draw attention to yourself by wearing clothing that may give away the fact that you are an American. It is much safer for people to think you are a Canadian or European.
To have a happy ending to your travels, clean your house before you go. When you arrive home, you are likely to be tired and have a bag full of dirty laundry. Coming home to fresh sheets, a clutter-free bedroom, and a sparkling clean bath will keep your happy-vacation-feeling going a little bit longer.
Traveling safely and with all the considerations that are important, in mind, relies on your ability to prepare the right way, even for those cultural differences you will encounter. As you prepare for a trip, no matter where you plan to go, make sure that you read these tips to start.
