Vacations are enjoyable, relaxing and an experience that just about all people look forward to. Traveling is very stressful when you do not plan right. Packing, finding appropriate transportation, and figuring out where to go and what to do can cause a lot of anxiety. Keep reading for some great tips on how to avoid traveling pitfalls.
Always know where your luggage is. Airline and bus employees have been known to steal items out of cases when they are checked in. Additionally, other travelers might “accidentally” pick up your bag in hopes of finding expensive items. This also allows you to move between transit options faster, instead of standing around waiting for your luggage.
If you are staying at a hostel or camping while traveling, you may want to scout out other locations to use the restroom. Bathroom facilities at may hostels may be unclean to the point of disgusting, while the bathroom at the fast food joint down the street at least has to maintain a minimum level of sanitation.
Request samples online. Instead of paying for miniature travel-size versions of all your toiletry items, do an online search for free samples. Companies regularly offer samples of new products that will be mailed right to your home. Request everything from toothpaste to shampoo to cosmetics and keep a small stash in your travel bag so you are ready for your next trip.
If you are traveling overseas, you may want to consult a health practitioner about what vaccinations are recommended. Different areas of the world have different diseases and you always want to be prepared for what you are walking into. There are plenty of vaccinations out there that can keep you safe.
Another good way to get some sleep on an airplane is by using headphones or ear plugs. This will drown out the constant engine noise and also the little kids and talkative adults on the plane. You will be able to relax and get some much needed rest.
To prevent yourself from becoming sick after a long flight, you may want to consider using a saline spray in your nose. This is proven to help fight any bacteria that may be dormant in the air. It’s a great way to get one up on the passengers beside you if they are sick.
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.
If you’re flying to your destination, be careful when you recline the seat. It’s always advisable to check with the person behind you before you recline you seat. If you don’t, you’re liable to break a laptop screen, spill someones drink, or just bang their legs into your seat. Better safe than sorry!
When traveling long distances by airplane, make sure to get up and walk around every hour or two to stretch your legs. Staying seated for too long can lead to medical issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so take a stroll up and down the aisle every once in a while.
Whether you are traveling within your own country or going overseas, it is a good idea to follow some basic safety precautions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime. Wearing expensive clothes and jewelry can set you up as a prime target for theft. Carry credit cards or traveler’s checks instead of large amounts of cash. Keep an eye on your luggage, and do not allow strangers to leave packages with you under any circumstances, even momentarily.
Travel insurance might be worth considering for a big ticket, non-refundable trip. The small price you will pay for insurance will be well worth it if an emergency medical situation comes up, or your baggage is lost, damaged, or even delayed. You will recoup at least some of the cost of your trip and feel some piece of mind as well.
Kids need something to do during down time at the hotel. Kids will always have more energy than you and time in the hotel can create cabin fever very quickly. Bring a bag that has toys, books or any other activities that can keep your children occupied and having fun while you relax.
Avoid getting lost in a new city and country by going to one very important spot when you land. That spot would be the tourism bureau. This place is packed with helpful people, guides, maps, all kinds of money-saving deals, and find out about free events that you can attend.
A great traveling tip that can help you save a lot of money is to limit the amount of gambling you do when you go for a cruise. The cruise ship casino may be tempting, but you won’t want to return home after losing tons of money from gambling.
A great travel tip, if you’re interested in doing something spontaneous, is to randomly pick a place on the map to go. Another way of doing this is to simply take an exit you’ve never taken before just to see where it takes you. Spontaneous road trips can be really fun.
A great travel tip is to be polite at all times when you’re traveling abroad. If you give someone a hard time like you would in your home country, bad things could potentially happen to you. A lot of behaviors that are acceptable at your home, are not so easily accepted in other parts of the world.
What you just learned will make a big difference on your next trip. As you plan your next trip, remember to take another look at these tips. They can help make traveling easy and less stressful.