A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, it is our hope that this article will be of help to you as you plan your next trip!
If you are a woman traveling overnight on business, be sure that the blouses and underthings you wear and bring can be washed in the sink and hung up or blow-dried. Missed luggage and/or connections can mean you arrive at a hotel late at night, with only the clothes on your back to wear the next day. Lightweight, wrinkle-free polyester or microfiber blouses and tops can be washed and hung up, and will be dry in the morning, as will all your lingerie.
When traveling, it is important to make sure your airline will suit your needs. Different airlines maintain different niches. Some are inexpensive, some provide superior service, and some cater to far more destinations than others. Before you book any trip by airplane, research different airlines first. It will save you a headache.
Before leaving on a trip, it is vital to make sure that all of your documentation is up to date. This includes identification such as your driver’s license and passport, any necessary immunization or medical records, and credit or bank cards. This way you will not run into any problems when making purchases or during your travels regarding non-matching ID.
Look beyond the touristy souvenir shops. To find a souvenir that will remind you of your travels and actually comes from the place you visited, shop with the locals. In grocery stores, markets, and other stores that are off the beaten (tourist) track, you’ll find things that locals actually use instead of the mass-produced trinkets.
Having a good set of maps or road atlas can save one from a possible disaster if they get lost or electronic map devices such as GPS or smart phones run out of battery. Many things can cause electronics to malfunction and stop working. Having backup option can save one’s trip.
No matter where you’re traveling, make sure to wear sunscreen. Even if the sun isn’t shining, your exposed skin is still subject to the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing 15+ SPF sunscreen will ensure that you don’t get a painful sunburn and that your trip can be fun without the pain.
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.
If you’re going on a cruise, pack a highlighter in your luggage! There are tons of activities that go on during the cruise and most of the time you’ll get a nice little newsletter that details what’s going on and where. You can use your highlighter to mark which ones you want to do, and save yourself some headaches.
Tired of the same boring road trip? Next time you have to pack up and go to an out-of-town event, try something different. After you map your main driving route, pick a few random places off the beaten path to stop at along the way. It could be a small mom-and-pop diner, a state park or maybe your first visit to a comic book store. Not only will this break up your drive, you will have added memories to keep forever.
If you plan to travel and have animals, you will need to decide whether they are staying behind or coming with you. Pets can make travel hard if they will need a care giver while you’re gone or the places you plan to travel are not pet friendly. Searching for inexpensive care or pet friendly destinations in advance will help you tremendously.
In an attempt to childproof everything, make sure to lock up poisonous items that your child is able to reach. Items such as medicine, cleaning supplies or perfumes, should be put away in a hard to reach cabinet or locked up. Make sure that you also organize your furniture, such as stools, in order to keep them out of your child’s reach.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, consider departing from a “drive-up port”. This option saves you money, but you might have trouble parking. Get there one day before you leave and keep your car in the hotel’s lot for the length of your trip. Most hotels in these areas advertise this perk, but if you don’t see it, ask about it when you call.
When traveling by car there are many ways to save money. First, pack your car as lightly as possible, this will help save on gas. Next, if you are renting a car for a large group, rent one SUV and it will save on gas and the cost of renting two vehicles. Also, assure your tire pressure is adequate, as this will help to save on gas, too. Last, use your cars cruise control function as it will run the engine efficiently and is yet another way to save on gas.
Making a photocopy of your passport before your trip can save you from trouble on your travels. If you happen to lose your passport while traveling internationally, take the copy to your embassy. Having a copy handy will help expedite getting a replacement.
Great deals that are available are in many cases limited. You can sign up to receive emails from different companies to find out as soon as the deal is offered so you can get first dibs on these deals. Sign up for these emails for your favorite hotels, rental cars, airlines and many other activities that can be done on vacation.
The travel tips and suggestions that have been presented in this article will help you as you are planning your next vacation. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip!
