Traveling away from home can be, equally scary or delightful. On the one hand, it can mean leaving the comforts of home and security of knowing the area you are in. On the other hand, travel means getting to see new places and do new things. The outcome of a trip is often determined by the preparation and knowledge going in. This article has tips to help you sway the outcome of your pending travel before you set one foot out the door.
If you are traveling in another country and your passport is lost or stolen, head to the nearest Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Many times these agencies can issue a replacement in as little as 24 hours, letting you get back to enjoying your vacation quickly and easily.
Scan your passport and email a copy to yourself. It rarely happens, but in the chance that you lose your passport during your travels, this will be a lifesaver. Getting a replacement passport can be a headache and having a copy can make the process much faster and less traumatic.
If you want to bring back souvenirs with you, make sure you take an extra empty suitcase. You should also research ahead of time if there are any restrictions on certain products, such as alcohol. You might be allowed to bring home with you only a certain quantity of food and beverages.
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 travelling by air, make sure you research your airline thoroughly. A cheap ticket can lead to a lousy flight experience. Tall individuals can find themselves subject to extremely uncomfortable conditions if the airline provides little leg room. So, research your airline ahead of time, and learn about all the ticket and service options they provide.
If you’re traveling with a baby and need to sterilize bottles or teething toys, wash them in hot soapy water, then stop up the sink. Heat some water in the hotel’s coffee maker (without any coffee or tea in it!) and then pour the water over the bottles or teething toys until they’re submerged. Let them sit for about five minutes and you’ll have sterilized them!
Pick up a few newspapers while you are traveling overseas. A newspaper makes a great souvenir. If you are able to read the language, it will remind you of what was happening in that locale on the days you were there. If you can’t read it, consider using it as wrapping paper for the gifts that you bring home to your friends and family. It will add another unique touch to your presents.
Invest in a good pair of earplugs. It is often difficult to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings, away from the comforts of your own bed. Add to this unfamiliar noise and you could spend your vacation in a sleep deprived state. Earplugs help you block out noises that might keep you up, or can help you concentrate when in a noisy location such as an airplane or busy terminal.
When you’re searching online for the best deals on flights, don’t go straight to the airline’s web site or even to a booking site. Instead, start with one of the numerous search sites that will scan multiple airline and booking sites and find the best deal for you. You may want to make use of more than one of these sites, to make sure you don’t miss out on the lowest fare.
A great travel tip is to wear your backpack in front of you when you’re traveling abroad and feeling a bit unsafe. Wearing your backpack in front of you will deter thieves and pickpockets. You’ll also be able to keep track of your backpack at all times this way.
If you would like a quiet flight, try to sit as close to the front of the plane as you can. This is wear the noise is not so loud. Avoid the restroom and galley areas, as this is where the most noise tends to be. If you desire leg room, the seats in front of emergency exits are the best.
Make sure you arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your flight. Long gone are the days of quick and easy travel. Plan on long lines and complicated procedures. If you arrive at least two hours for domestic, and four hours for international, you should have no issues.
Save money by doing your own tour of your destination. Head to the local tourist information center and pick up a few brochures for the tours offered. These can clue you into the areas of interest and then explore on your own. You will find yourself having more fun, as you are free to alter your “tour” in an instant if you see something unexpected or interesting that you want to check out.
When planning your next vacation, make sure you take advantage of all your available resources. Whether looking up online reviews, talking with friends or coworkers about their travel experiences, or calling up area hotels to discover local activities not commonly highlighted in the typical brochures, taking the time to research all your alternatives, is sure to enhance your travel experience.
Many of us read the book “Blue Highways” by William Least Heat Moon. It gave a fascinating look at the back roads of America, and is worth remembering when you are planning a trip abroad. Finding those charming out-of-the-way places can give you rich experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. (But be sure to keep safety in mind, also.)
As was mentioned earlier in this article, the success of a trip is often determined before you even leave. Keep the helpful hints you read here, in mind, as you prepare for your next journey. With this advice at your disposal, you’re likely to create trips that you return from, with smiles.
