Even for someone who travels often, going to a new place can be nerve-wracking and exciting all at once. Read this selection of tips for travel advice before starting your next travel adventure.
If you are traveling in another country and your passport is lost or stolen, head to the nearest Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Many times these agencies can issue a replacement in as little as 24 hours, letting you get back to enjoying your vacation quickly and easily.
When traveling in countries with unsafe tap water, remember other ways that you might be exposed. Close your mouth when using the shower and brush your teeth only with treated water. If you make tea or coffee with the water, allow it to boil for several minutes before steeping. Even a small exposure can make you very ill.
If you’re planning on taking a cell phone with you on your trip, make sure to call your cell phone provider to ask them about roaming charges. The familiarity of your cell phone may make you feel better, but it may cost you a lot more to use it on foreign soil. A good alternative is buying a local SIM card and using it while you’re there.
When you go on a trip, make sure to keep a detailed travel journal. Write down where you went, what you did, and how you felt about it. This will allow you to reference back to your previous experiences if you plan a new trip to the same destination. This way you can plan a trip including the best parts of your previous trips while also adding new experiences.
For the inside scoop, join a travel forum months before you decide on a destination or lodging. People who enjoy traveling and discussing their experiences are an excellent source of information and most remain completely objective when making recommendations and offering detailed reviews and information.
Make your travel plans more affordable by tracking airfare with online services. Get an idea of what you would like to pay for your flight, put the location and the dates into the website and then wait until the fare goes down to your pre-selected price. You no longer have to keep checking every few days sincy you will get an email when the fare reaches your ideal price.
When you plan to take an extensive travel time and own a home, it may be in your best interest to rent out your home to make sure it is well kept while you are gone. This will ensure that bills are paid, utilities still on, and not make you lose money while you travel.
A direct flight is not the same as a nonstop flight. Both types of flights mean you do not have to change planes; however a direct flight may stop at other airports before your final destination. This leaves more possible areas for delays, making you late to arrive at your destination.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, always tip the maitre d’ when you get on board. It can be very difficult to secure a table for two in the dining room. Talk to the maitre d’, and let him know that you would love an intimate table one evening. Thank him for listening to you, and give him a tip for his time.
If you have the option to do so, use a business card as your luggage tag to avoid revealing your personal information. Many unscrupulous people out there are looking for opportunities for theft or other devious schemes. Knowing you are going on a trip means that gaining your personal info from luggage offers a potentially empty home.
If you have diabetes and are traveling, plan ahead. Get a doctor’s note explaining that you have diabetes or wear a medical alert bracelet. Take enough insulin with you and even some extra, if possible. Pack snacks, such as juices, peanut butter and sugar cubes or packets, for emergencies. Dress in comfortable and loose clothing and shoes.
When you are buying your tickets for your flight, make sure that you look for all of the aisle or exit seats that are available. This will give you additional leg room so that you are not cramped next to a window. Maximizing your comfort is very important while traveling.
Volunteer to travel. Many charities now offer volunteers the chance to travel abroad for free in-exchange for time and work at the destination. These trips can last from a few weeks to a year or longer, and the work could involve, building local schools, constructing water wells, working in orphanages, fundraisering and much more.
When you are traveling, make sure you have split up some of your money and credit cards. Do not carry all of your available means of getting money with you at one time. Leave some cash or cards at the hotel when you go out. This way, you will always have a back up.
Pack solid shampoo bars and powder toothpaste. Though this might not be what you normally use, it can add to the convenience factor when traveling. Avoiding liquids will make your trip through security easier. It will also speed up any baggage checks. In addition, you can pack larger quantities of these items in your carry on than you can liquid items.
If you implement the tips mentioned here, you will most certainly increase the enjoyment factor of your next vacation. Whether this may be your first or fifteenth trip, it will surely be a lot better than your previous experiences.
