With all the available travel guides, sifting though thousands of guidebooks, well-meaning advice and brochures can be difficult. Thankfully this article narrows it down to the must know information allowing you the ability to clear your mind and enjoy every moment of your vacation.
Bring clothing that is suitable for travel. This means items that you can wash and dry in the hotel room, and that won’t wrinkle from being air-dried. Also, remember that you can buy clothing as you go, and it will most likely be more suitable to the climate and culture of the area.
When traveling, it is important to remember to pack only what you need. This rule is most applicable to trips by air, as luggage fees are much higher now than they previously were. Most airports will sell anything you might not have room for and major surrounding cities should as well.
Do not bother wrapping gifts. A lot of people buy small souvenirs when traveling. If you are planning on bringing something back to a loved one, don’t bother wrapping it before you return home. On the off chance that your bag is inspected, it will have to be unwrapped anyway.
Make sure you carry a bottle of water with you. Whether you find yourself out in the wilderness or in a bustling city, having a bottle of water on your person at all times is never a bad idea. These are especially easy to keep handy if you carry a purse.
To avoid any awkward confrontations, do some research if you are traveling to a foreign nation. This includes looking up standard phrases such as “thank you,” “how much” and “how are you.” You should also look around for standard customs of the country, such as gestures, so that you can avoid offending anyone with gestures or body language that seem normal to you.
Take a good book with you to read when traveling. If you always have something interesting to do, you will be less likely to get frustrated or bored during layovers and other time delays that are beyond your control. Buy a new title that you have been wanting to read so that you have something to look forward to.
For any trip, experienced travelers will pack some clothes they can clean themselves with minimum effort. Not only do easily-cleanable clothes reduce the overall amount of clothing a traveler has to take along, they can provide a comfortable safety net in the event of unplanned delays. Clothing that can be rinsed and dried in a hotel sink can be a godsend on an unexpected layover.
When traveling to poor countries or countries with high crime rates, keep all of your valuables out of sight. Don’t wear a camera over your shoulder or even a cheap watch on your wrist if you don’t want to attract the attention of thieves and beggars. Carry a shoulder bag for these types of items instead.
Don’t forget to look up the time zones for where you will be traveling to and staying. Many people don’t realize that there is a significant time difference that will not only play a role in your sleep schedule, but also in your communication efforts to those still at home.
Taking time to travel to new areas while on the way to an intended travel destination can help one find new places to stay at for the next time they want to take a trip. Side trips can often yield new and exciting places for one to explore either on their trip or to book a separate trip to experience fully.
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.
Always ask for upgrades. You can’t get it if you don’t ask. No one is going to offer you a free upgrade just because they like your shirt. When you check in with airlines and hotels, even car rental companies, ask if there are any upgrades available. If it is a special occasion like an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday, make sure to make mention of that.
For the inside scoop, join a travel forum months before you decide on a destination or lodging. People who enjoy traveling and discussing their experiences are an excellent source of information and most remain completely objective when making recommendations and offering detailed reviews and information.
If you are going to be traveling I would highly suggest planning your itinerary ahead of time. Many travel agents agree that doing so prevents you from wasting time when you actually arrive at your destination. This is not to say you cannot improvise, however it can and will maximize your enjoyment.
Join a travel forum before you go anywhere. Select the destination that you are going and join a forum related to the area or service you are using. These people have plenty of experience in their travels and will give you helpful advice on where to go, eat and stay.
One of the best ways to save money on airline travel is to be flexible. If you are willing to fly out a day or so earlier or later than your original plan, or choose another airport other than your first choice, you could save yourself some money. Sometimes airlines offer specials; you just need to be flexible enough to take advantage of them. If you can remain flexible with your travel plans and schedule, you can save some resources.
Seek out “slow food” restaurants when traveling. These establishments combine eating with a commitment to locally grown foods. They only serve dishes that use fresh ingredients from their own farmers and fisherman. There are websites that can help you locate these restaurants all over the United States.
Get ready for a great trip. Pack a passport and bags, rest, and prepare to go on the best trip.
