Because of the poor economy, you may want to reduce your expenses and skip vacations. Some of the ideas you are about to pick up may guide you to a more enjoyable, less expensive travel experience.
Be sure to pre-plan your trip if an airport is involved in your travels. Airports located in large, unfamiliar cities can be difficult to find. The traffic around airports can also create serious delays. Have your luggage packed the night before. You need to make all of your travel plans far before you plan to fly. By being prepared, you will reduce the risk of missing your flight.
Be wise when traveling to foreign countries if you have or believe you have food allergies. If you have food allergies that tend to be severe, it is important for you to learn terminology for words pertaining to foods and their preparation so that you can prevent an allergic reaction. You can use this fluency to inform people of your allergies, and, if needed, describe them to medical personnel.
When embarking on a cruise, find a hotel nearby that has free parking, and spend the night before the departure. Ask the staff about deals for parking even if you haven’t been able to locate any.
Make sure you take clothespins with you when travelling. They can be very useful.
Start by subscribing to e-newsletters from the major airlines. The airlines use these newsletters to give you opportunities for deals that are not available elsewhere. The savings you get from these newsletters make the extra email worth it.
National Park
If you plan on visiting the National Parks often, it would be best to invest in a National Park Pass. Each pass costs $50. They are good all year and can be used at any national park.
To adjust to a new time zone faster, stay awake until at least 8pm local time. You’ll be tired that day, but staying up will force you to adjust to the new time zone. Sleeping when you get tired will just lengthen the adjustment time period. So adjust as fast as you can to the new time zone, so you’ll get over being jet lagged faster.
When traveling to other countries, pack bottled water. Drinking water in a foreign country can lead to stomach problems. Use bottled water when you brush your teeth. You can also become ill from tap water.
The E-tracking option is available on some travel sites, and can be very helpful. This option keeps you informed about the cheapest ways to travel. You are able to receive alert via email whenever something has changed with regards to your travel arrangements.
Foreign Currency
Try not to exchange currency when you visit a different country. There are better ways to get your hands on foreign currency. You can obtain foreign currency through a bank ATM. ATMs usually offer better exchange rates, and are more convenient than going to a currency exchange anyway.
If there is one available, request a room on a higher floor. This may seem simple, but the security afforded from higher floors is worth it. Sliding doors are another thing to avoid when possible. Glass or sliding doors are easier to damage.
It’s important to get up once in a while to stretch your muscles and get your blood circulating. Sitting for too long could cause blood clots and actually harm your muscles.
Any time you plan a trip in a rental car, with children that are under eight years old, be sure to plan to bring their car seats. When renting a car, you should always pack bring your own car seats for your children.
Pick up a cheap contact lens case. These cases can double as pockets for carrying lotions and gels if you don’t need full-size bottles of them for your trip.
Be cautious about emails that cover travel deals. If you never joined the company’s email list or don’t recognize the company, delete the email without opening it.
Whenever you go camping, but most importantly when you go hiking, you must carry local maps along with you. You will also want to have a compass or a GPS that you can use just in case you should get lost in the wilderness.
Take an voltage converter or electrical adapter with you when you travel to areas with different electric systems. You can get one inexpensively from an electronics store. If you wait and then end up purchasing an adapter from the airport or hotel, you can expect to pay double or even triple the normal price.
Currency Exchange
If you’re traveling to another country, take some local currency. Some countries can make it difficult to exchange currency outside of normal business hours. Many banks can offer currency exchange before you depart or most airports have a currency exchange that you can use prior to getting on the plane. That way you can enjoy yourself and not worry upon arrival.
If you’re going abroad, be sure to read on the types of visas that you’ll need. Getting a visa doesn’t mean that you can just enter a country as there are various visas; it is important to do your research. To figure out which visa you need, consult your travel agent or even the country’s embassy website.
To avoid any unnecessary issues when travelling by plane, make sure any gifts you bring are unwrapped. The TSA may have to open the present, which will be very disappointing. Instead, pack sheets of wrapping paper, or buy paper at your destination.
Make sure that you are aware of any political or social situations for any destination that you are planning to visit. Be sure that the country you are from has an embassy in the country you plan to visit and that affairs have been positive for some time. This will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Due to the downturn in the economy, you may feel like you should skip this year’s vacation. Follow this advice and you will be able to travel without breaking your bank.