When you’re about to leave the safety of your familiar home for parts unknown, the last things you need to worry about are causing yourself problems that could have been easily avoided or missing out on opportunities. Check out this collection of tips and become as travel-savvy as you possibly can.
To really get a feel for where you are vacationing, follow the locals. Many top vacation spots start to feel very generic and touristy. By asking around and finding where the people who live there hang out, you will get a more authentic feel for the area, and as a bonus, avoid the price markups that plague tourist hot spots.
Study up on the language of the area you are planning to travel to before you leave. Language barriers can be tricky. Obviously, you can manage in a foreign country without speaking the language. Even so, it is always a good idea to brush-up on important words like “police” or “hospital.”
If you want to save money on travel, be flexible when you are booking your airfare. Many times, lower prices can be found if you are not committed to a specific departure and arrival date. In addition, sometimes prices are cheaper if you fly into a nearby city instead of the major one in the area.
If your travel budget is somewhat elastic, consider splurging in ways you normally wouldn’t. Pamper yourself a little. An uncharacteristically lavish expenditure can form the memorable core of your vacation. It is simply a fact that some of the finest services, most exciting experiences and most memorable sights cost a good bit of money. On a vacation, indulge yourself by taking advantage of some of them.
Make sure that the packing list for your next trip include clothespins. A couple of clothespins can be very handy when traveling.
If you plan to travel for more than a weekend, inform your bosses two weeks prior to leaving so that they can find someone to cover your responsibilities before hand. This way, you are not relying on someone who merely says they will cover for you and you have respectfully informed them the reasons of your absence.
Planning your travel in advance is always good advice to follow. Make sure to plan your trip at least a month or a few weeks in advance to ensure you have enough time to make changes. Planning ahead leaves more room for error and gives you more time to get the best deals on travel packages.
When traveling to a different area, make sure that you’re open to different local customs. Some ideas might be strange, but be respectful of other cultures. Not showing respect and not paying attention to local customs can be a real downer for your trip causing you to not feel welcomed in a city.
Don’t rely on ribbons and bows to make your luggage stand out from the rest of the pack. These adornments can very easily be torn off in transit. Instead, opt for luggage in a bright, unusual color or vivid pattern that stands out on its own and can’t be removed.
Get to know the names of the hotel employees. These are the people that will be taking care of you during your stay, and if you make an effort to get to know them, they will go out of their way to make your stay better. Tipping these people never hurts!
Although the idea of adding more clutter to your inbox may seem less than ideal, most major airlines do offer incentives for people who subscribe to their emails. People who can tolerate a few extra emails per week are often rewarded with first-come, first-served access to special promotions and information on upcoming sales.
Get to know the generic names of common pain relievers before travel. If you find that you need to purchase something at a drugstore it is helpful to know that Acetaminophen is the same thing as your favorite headache reliever, even if the drugstore does not carry the same brand. Ibuprofen and Naproxen are also common drugs.
Pack multiple memory cards to take with you. This is a safety net to be sure that you will not run out of room on your camera to capture as many photos of your trip as possible. Change the memory card often so you can tuck away the one that you used so that if you happen to lose your camera, you will not lose the photos as well.
Make certain to pack your medicines. When packing for a trip, it is common for folks to forget important things like prescription pills. You may not have access to this medicine in another country.
If you are traveling with your pet make a vet visit before you leave. Get a full check-up with your vet. Also make sure your pet is fully vaccinated. It is a good idea to ask your vet if they can refer to someone in the area you going in case you end up needing medical attention for your pet.
Avoid getting an illness while you are traveling. Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose and be sure to bring along some hand sanitizer. Use it after you wash your hands in the lavatory. Stay hydrated by drinking bottled water. Avoid ice from the airline as it is teeming with bacteria.
Following these quick and easy tips means investing energy in having the best travel experiences of your life. Being a more resourceful, more prepared traveler will decrease your worries, increase your happiness, and leave you more energy and time to enjoy all the experiences and opportunities you encounter in your future travels.
