Travel can be one of the most stressful parts of life, but also one of the most rewarding. Being prepared and knowing what to expect on the road, at sea or in the air is essential to having a good trip. Read on to discover some knowledge that you can use to make good memories away from home.
If you are traveling overseas or even to a part of the country you’ve never visited before, it’s a good idea to let your bank and credit card company know. Many credit cards are equipped with fraud protection, which could block transactions that the company isn’t sure the card holder authorized. Travelling far from home is an almost certain way to trip these sensors.
If you are arriving in a new city and don’t yet feel comfortable there, consider asking if your hotel provides an airport pickup service. This will allow you to avoid the pitfalls of baggage porters and taxi lines which trap many first time travelers. It also ensures you don’t get lost in the city and go straight to your hotel.
Take precautions when traveling on holidays. Always remember to call and confirm your flight in advance. Holidays are always a busy time of year, especially at the airport. If you are bringing gifts, make sure you leave them unwrapped. They will likely be unwrapped and checked by security anyway.
Did you know that you can use snow to do a quick cleanup on your vehicle while you are traveling? A car wash would work better but snow works quite well in a pinch. It will remove the mud that got all over your rental vehicle when you ventured onto that back road. It also works well to get grime buildup off of your windshield in an emergency.
Try not to broadcast the location of your wallet. Be secretive about where you are keeping your money and precious information. Knowing where it is could give pickpockets an edge. Never put your wallet in your back pocket. If you are in a habit of doing so break it. Your back pocket is very easy to steal from.
If you’re traveling to a foreign country and have any allergies or medical conditions, plan ahead. While most modernized countries can provide anything you might need, some specialty items that are available in the United States aren’t available elsewhere. Planning ahead will make you’re trip much less stressful and will allow you to enjoy yourself more.
When traveling, always make sure you have money and photo ID with you at all times. In the event of an emergency these two items will allow you to access resources that you need. If you take medication regularly be sure to carry a two-day supply on you as well.
If you’re going on a cruise, pack a snorkle with you. Then when you stop at one of the locations, hit the beach and do a bit of snorkling. You’ll be amazed at what you can see while snorking, especially if your cruise is in the Caribbean. And buying a snorkle is a lot cheaper than paying for a snorkle tour!
Inexpensive travel can seem nearly impossible today. Gas prices are astronomical, and airlines are too expensive for many people. You can still travel cheap if you are willing to take a bus or travel in a car pool with other people. You can search in advance for inexpensive destinations that will make your travel expenses less.
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.
No matter where you travel, weather watching is key. Take time when planning your trip to examine the normal weather conditions for the time you are visiting. Knowing this allows you to pack properly and plan accordingly. Checking constantly will allow you to alter your plans, if necessary, due to sudden changes in forecast.
If you use electronics while you travel, carry a power strip. Many hotels have only one available outlet, and if you travel with multiple devices, you are out of luck. Bringing a power strip ensures you are able to charge your laptop, phone, mp3 player or any other device that makes travel more enjoyable.
Attend educational seminars while traveling on board a cruise ship. Most ships offer these lectures for free, and they are often entertaining and interesting. Many talk about something related to your cruise, such as the wildlife that you might see when you port. This activity can make your entire trip more enjoyable.
If you are traveling to a country where you do not know the local language, make sure to bring a translator. This is especially important when ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, or trying to have a conversation with the locals. If you can, try to learn basic words before you leave on your trip.
Try to find and wear clothing that has hidden pockets. Not only is this convenient for you because you have room to carry more items, but it is helpful for keeping things from thieves and pickpockets. They will never find your valuables in a hidden shirt, pants or jacket pocket.
When traveling, and sitting for long periods of time, get up about once every hour to stretch out your legs. If on a plane, go to the restroom even if you don’t need to. If you sit for too long, your muscles will cramp up, and in serious cases, could put you at risk for blood clots.
Ninety percent of any good trip is preparation and knowledge. Having read this article, hopefully, you are now full of ideas on getting ready for and surviving your next adventure away from home. Apply what you have learned and you are sure to come home with good memories of visited destinations.
