There is more to travel than boarding a plane and going somewhere. Travel has the potential to be an exciting and joyous adventure. The variety of places to travel and the resources available for planning your trip is staggering. Are you prepared to work hard in order to plan the trip of a lifetime? Following are some travel tips that can help you to get started.
When going abroad, write down your important information. Keep copies of your travel documents with you, and make sure that you always have all the contact info for the US embassy that is located in the areas you will be traveling. If you find yourself in trouble as you travel, this should be the first place to contact. They can give you assistance with any hiccups along the road.
Keep a photo of your children on you at all times, in case they become lost. Not knowing your child’s whereabouts is frightening. Unfortunately, children get distracted and wander off or something else happens. If you have a picture of your child on you then this can come in handy if they ever end up getting lost.
As you plan your vacation, try and be open minded about the destination. While planning is good, being flexible opens you up to new experiences. You can save some money by picking an alternate destination.
Digital Camera
The type of digital camera you take on your trip should be dependent on the trip you are taking. For example, if you plan to backpack, a rechargeable battery will be of no use. Try to find a digital camera you can turn on and focus quickly. You don’t want to miss anything memorable.
Always research before booking travel. Hunt down websites that feature user reviews of anything you might be personally interested in. Ask your friends and relations about their travel experiences. Research will ensure you don’t end up in over your head.
Always check the website for every airline when looking for deals on flights. You can find cheap air fare at Travelocity and Kayak; however, you may find better prices directly from the airline.
Travel Items
Store your travel items in one place. Try not to waste time when you are packing. Buy a inexpensive plastic bin to keep all of your travel items together. A container that can be hidden under the bed is great since it can be hidden and retrieved quickly when you need the items.
Remember to carry a book of matches or a business card from the hotel your are staying at with you at all times. If you are on the streets in a strange city and become lost, this will be quite useful when getting directions from the locals or a taxi driver. This is especially useful if you don’t speak the language fluently.
If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you know the type of insurance coverage that the credit card companies already offer you. For example, some credit card companies cover their customers for flights that are cancelled, but have been charged to their credit cards. It will be worth it to do this research prior to your trip.
Rush Hour
Avoid driving in rush hour traffic when setting out on your trip. If you are unable to plan a trip that avoids rush hour, use this time to take a break. This may be an opportunity to stop for something to eat and give the kids time to get some exercise.
Although you should try and avoid it, you could possible wind up in an inferior hotel. If you aren’t happy with your hotel, take along a doorstop. It can be wedged under the door overnight, along with the chain and lock. While intruders can easily break the lock or chain, getting into the room is next to impossible with a door stop firmly lodged beneath the door.
If you’re about to embark on a long road trip with your children, pack one or two cookie sheets. Cookie sheets can provide flat surfaces on which kids can use coloring books or even to play card games. For little ones, try bringing magnetic numbers and letters for educational enjoyment.
The newsletters of major airlines are great sources for travel deals. These e-newsletters will give you access to last-minute offers, special discounts and other deals that may not be available to anyone else. Once you have completed your travel, you will probably want to unsubscribe to these e-newsletters as they may clutter you inbox. However, the savings you may receive will far outweigh any clutter.
When taking a road trip with a little kid, taking breaks every couple hours when on the road can help. This will give you a chance to stretch your limbs. Getting a small child out of the car occasionally can also help to prevent motion sickness. While you may not get to your destination as quickly as you’d hoped, you will get there in good spirits.
Write reminders for yourself. You can’t really lose something written on the mirror. The marker will wipe off with toilet paper, so this is a good approach.
If you plan to rent a car during vacation, make sure that you review your auto insurance before leaving home. These rental car agents know how to sell extra insurance to you, but the issue is that you might not need it. Your car insurance could protect you while in the rental. Know how your policy works before you leave.
Bring an extra passport picture with you. If you manage to lose your passport, you will lose time trying to replace it. Be sure to have a spare picture of yourself on hand to make this process go more quickly. Also, keep any extra documentation you would need to get your passport replaced quickly.
It is obvious that traveling is more than just jumping on a airplane and going. You need to plan and enjoy the experience. The previous tips should have provided you with helpful advice.