Traveling is a great joy for many people. Stress can make traveling a real drag. Here, you will discover suggestions to simplify the planning process.
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.
Save on money and calories during all of your travels by packing snacks, meals and beverages ahead of time. You can make healthier choices when you plan ahead of time, and you will be less likely to overspend on a sugar or fat filled snacks that are grossly overpriced.
Whenever you travel for business or pleasure, research your destination before you leave. Arriving in a foreign city without any idea where to go or what to see can be overwhelming and takes away from the experience. Read a guide on your destination and talk to people you know have been there. You can easily learn some insiders tips.
When you are traveling, be careful not to skip meals. If you are out sightseeing or participating in other touristic activities, you are going to need the energy. Plus, stopping and having a meal is a great way to meet locals, sample some local cuisine, and experience elements of the culture you might have otherwise missed out on.
Have your airline contact you in the event of any changes to your flight schedules. Most airlines have free programs where you can receive calls or text messages if your flight changes, which will come in handy if you are running late or experiencing difficulties with travel arrangements. Just call and ask them to set it up!
If you’re going to be going on a road trip, make sure you pack a tire repair kit! You never know where you might be when you get a flat tire and it’s better safe than sorry. If you don’t have one and have to call of tow truck you may be looking at expensive charges and a ruined trip.
When traveling by plane, make sure to wear shoes that are easy to remove. You will be required to remove your shoes to go through security, so wearing slip-on or Velcro shoes will allow you to remove them quickly. Once they come out of the scanner, you will be able to quickly replace them and be on your way.
Make the traveling process a little easier by ensuring that you always reserve your seat when you book your flight. If you aren’t allowed to, keep going back to the airline or booking engine until you can. You may not like your choices but still select a seat and keep going back to see if you can change it. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to get an exit-row seat if you check-in early at the airport, because they are not available online. Following these steps will help you get the seat that you desire for your flight.
After you decide on a travel destination, be sure to check user reviews on local hotels before you secure your reservations. Gather these from multiple sources, including magazines, websites and guidebooks. Also ask the hotel to send you pictures of the type of room that you will be staying in. Doing your research will help you avoid unexpected surprises when you get to your destination.
When it comes to exchanging your currency, it is all about location. Do not be a last minute currency exchanger running through the airport to try and get your foreign money. Airports can be a very costly source of currency exchange, and the rates may not be to your advantage. Exchanging should be one of the early things you do in your planning, as it also secures the money you intend for foreign spending.
If you need a rental car while on vacation consider renting an eco-friendly car. Zipcar and Flexcar are both “green” car-sharing programs which offer travelers low fees and convenient drop off and pick up. You will be able to reduce car emissions by renting the smallest car you can or a hybrid car.
If you need to find a place to eat or want recommendations for a local attraction, stay away from hotel employees. Most of them are given money to advise you to go to certain locations. Visit shops, cafes or restaurants that you like and ask them for advice on where you should go.
If you and a group of family or friends are traveling by car, bring a walkie talkie wherever you go. Cell phones need to have a cell tower in order to work properly. Walkie talkies only need each other, making them more beneficial than the phones when you are traveling in rural areas that might not have cell phone coverage.
When you’re packing your luggage, put anything you might need before you get to your destination, on top. This will help keep you from digging through your entire suitcase to find a hair brush or a book. Not only can it save you some time and frustration, but you won’t have to worry about things falling out while you’re looking and end up getting lost.
In summary, most people like to travel. While many people enjoy traveling, no one really enjoys the stress that can go hand in hand with it. Use this article to eliminate that stress from planning your journey.
