If you have ever had one of those trips where everything went wrong and you were totally scatterbrained, we have a few tips for you. This article is just what you need to get your vacation head on straight and plan the trip of your dreams: one that is hassle free.
If you have plans to travel, the most important preparation you should do is make a checklist of everything you need from toiletries to extra articles of clothing. Before you leave, make sure that all of these items are packed because most likely if you forget something, the gift shops available to you will overcharge for simple things such as toothpaste or shampoo.
Tip your hotel service personnel. A small tip can make the greatest difference in your stay. If you do not tip, the maid who services your room may feel slighted by the lack of financial gratitude and this could lead to the neglect of your room as well as supply of soaps and shampoos. Your luggage carrier, when properly paid, could suggest the great spots around town.
When traveling by air, conceal a store of emergency money in your carry-on luggage. This stash will be useful if you run into a worst-case scenario, like a mugging or pick-pocketing. Make your stash as large as you feel comfortable with, but remember you may need it to purchase food, transportation or even an overnight room.
Keep your money discreetly tucked away while traveling. It would be terrible to be stuck in a foreign place with no way to pay for necessities. Put cash on a money clip and hide it in a secret place. Try to carry the minimum amount of money with you so that you do not risk losing much.
If you’re going to be driving to your destination, especially if it’s a long trip, try to travel at night. There’s a lot less traffic on the roads so you can most likely get their faster. And if you’re traveling with kids, they can curl up in the back seat and sleep the drive away.
Many of the most exotic, romantic travel destinations are in areas susceptible to natural disasters. Certain disasters are seasonal – late summer and fall are hurricane season in the Caribbean, for example. Travelers headed for areas that may be subject to seasonal disasters should be aware of that fact, just in case they find themselves in an evacuation situation.
Even if you don’t have a digital music player, bring headphones on your flight. Many airlines have in-flight entertainment systems that are free to use but require headphones. Instead of paying $5 for the crummy airline headphones, bring your own and enjoy your flight in comfort and style.
Pay special attention to the holidays of the countries you are traveling to. Different countries celebrate different holidays, and if you do not know when these are, you can give yourself a headache. Many restaurants and businesses will close on holidays, so look them up before you travel to save yourself the trouble.
If you are traveling by air, select your row carefully to ensure that your carry-on bag can fit in the overhead compartment. Planes are usually boarded in a group of five or ten rows, so a row with a higher number may get on first. Also try to get in the boarding line as quickly as possible; once the group in front of you has stopped joining the line, go ahead and stand behind them. Your group will probably be announced before you get to the front. The faster you are able to get on the plane, the more likely it is that there will still be room for your bag.
As you make your travel arrangements, negotiate with the front desk at the hotel you would like to stay at. Do not necessarily request a lower rate because managers do not often change the price of their rooms. Instead, try to arrange for other perks, including a free breakfast or an upgraded room. You can also ask if they have any other packages or special offers.
No matter where you’re going, buying insurance when you fly is a good idea. Insurance will let you cancel your travel plans last minute with a full (or partial, depending on the insurance) refund. Last minute emergencies happen and you don’t want to be out several hundred dollars for missing your flight.
Renting a car for that trip? Try renting the smallest model of car you find. You can always upgrade when you are at the counter at a smaller amount, than if you do it in advance. They also get rented out quicker than the luxury models, which could mean that you might be able to get a free upgrade regardless.
Sometimes it is hard to stay on track with a healhty diet while traveling. There are times you may have to stop at a fast food restaurant. If so, there are a few things you can do to cut calories. First, order your burger with no cheese or condiments. Also, if possible, choose grilled meats and the salad bar.
When packing toiletries for your flight, try using small bottles to pack them in. These handy little containers are durable, mostly clear or see-through, sturdy and even include waterproof varieties that makes them easier to pass through airport security. They are also great for packing shampoo and lotions, so that you can avoid needing to carry your big bottles.
Do you feel calmer now? Hopefully you have found this information to be helpful and informative. Now you can make those travel plans with the confidence that you need to know this will be a great trip. You work hard and deserve to take a break. Go make it happen.
