Traveling is a ton of fun. The world is literally full of destinations to explore and experience. It is exciting to discover new cultures and visit new places. But, there are also easier trips out there. You can even find interesting things to see and do close to home, if you are familiar with where to look.
Leave what valuables you can at home and don’t take them on your trip. The more valuables you bring with you, the more chance you have of losing one or more of them or possibly having them stolen.
When putting a trip together, choose the right digital camera for the particulars of your trip. You likely don’t want a camera with a rechargeable battery if you’re backpacking. In most situations, you want a camera that activates and focuses fast so that you never miss a shot.
As you travel abroad, be conscious of the taxi services you use. Some “taxis” are not legitimate. Anybody can add a taxi sign to their car, but they might not be legitimate.
It is not uncommon to provide the housekeeper and bell hop with a tip. Generally, you will give one dollar per piece of luggage, and anywhere between two and five dollars a day for housekeeping. Tipping ensures good service and is sure to make your interactions with hotel staff more pleasurable.
Rush Hour
Work to stay out of rush hour when driving on a long trip. If you can’t plan your trip where you won’t be driving during rush hour, use that time to stop for a break. The kids can stretch their legs or you can all eat something.
When traveling abroad, prepare in advance for emergencies, including the possibility of losing your passport. The US State Department is one place that can help you prepare ahead of time for traveling abroad. You can find this at the United States Department of State which has useful information in case you need to know what to do for a lost passport or some other emergency. Carry this information while traveling. You will get a replacement in a few days.
Always check expiration dates on of all of your passports. Most countries have explicit rules regarding your passport. If your passport expires within a specified time frame, you may not be able to enter the country. As long as the passport is not set to expire within the next six months, you should be fine for most countries; however, certain countries require eight months, or even up to one year.
If you understand local currency value before you make the trip, then you’ll be able to budget your funds much easier. That way, you don’t have to worry about spending more money than you realize. You will have more fun this way.
Try to take breaks every so often when traveling, especially if a child is on the trip. Breaks can offer the opportunity to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. Getting a small child out of the car occasionally can also help to prevent motion sickness. Your trip may become a little longer, but the reduced stress will be worth any delay.
When traveling abroad, bring an extra passport photo. If you manage to lose your passport, you will lose time trying to replace it. When you carry a spare photo of yourself, you will quicken the process. You should also be carrying photocopies of the paperwork that will be asked for on the passport application.
Allow for extra stops on your trip, such as bathroom breaks. An extra 10 minutes will not destroy your trip or completely ruin your plans. This also allows people to feel better and not so annoyed while travelling.
Do not forget a case for your contact lenses when you travel. These items are great for carrying gels and lotions if you only need a small amount of the product.
For the best exchange rates on currency, wait to change your money until you arrive on your vacation. Waiting to exchange your money can often times get you a better exchange rate.
Avoid those pricey baggage fees and travel by bus. This can help you to avoid the fees of airlines. So, if you must bring along a lot of packages, use the bus.
Do not fall into any traps in emails that concern travel. Avoid opening traveling emails unless they are from a business you are using.
If you are planning on leaving the country, buy a voltage converter or electrical adapter. It’s best to purchase one before you leave, because you will pay much more if you wait until you reach your hotel.
If you’re traveling to another country, take some local currency. Some countries have difficulty changing currency past business hours. The bank is your best bet for a safe exchange for another country’s currency.
Cord Goes
Label all of your cords when traveling. It is easy to become confused about which cord goes with which device. Labeling your cords clearly makes it easy for you to know which cord goes with which item. Write down all the different color cords so you can easily keep track of them all.
Bring an expandable file on your trip. These files are easy to carry and are light weight; they can organize all of your travel brochures and documents. You can also keep receipts and maps in them.
If you have taken a flight and your checked luggage has not made it to your destination, do not panic. Ask for the airport’s lost luggage office and file a claim. Make sure you have ID and flight documents handy. Most of the time you will find that your luggage turns up and is given to you as soon as they find it.
The Earth is truly gigantic. No matter how mundane or exotic your interests are, you can find a place that is waiting just for you to explore it. Regardless of where you want to travel, a new destination is always waiting to be explored.