There is much more to traveling than simply getting on a plane. You can really get a great experience out of it. When it comes to planning your trip, you have lots of different options available. Are you ready to take them on? No matter how you see yourself traveling, here are some ideas to get you going.
Leave any valuable items you don’t need at home when traveling. The more valuables you bring with you, the more chance you have of losing one or more of them or possibly having them stolen.
Keep a picture of your child in your wallet just in case they ever get lost. The idea of losing your child is a terrifying one. Though it certainly feels devastating, it is a reality for many. Having a photo of your child handy in case they get lost in a crowd could end up making a huge difference.
When traveling in strange cities, be alert for criminals posing as police officers or other government officials. Never give someone your passport, because they might not give it back to you. If they state you must go to an office, offer to walk the distance with them. In order to stay safe, never ride in a car with someone you don’t know.
Always keep your most important belongings on hand when travelling. If you have a purse with you, keep it close to your body at all times. Do not purchase bags that have easy open zippers and compartments. The easier the bag is to open, the more likely someone can slip away with something while you are distracted. You should keep these things in mind when trying to find a travel bag that will be reliable for you.
Always go out of your way to tip any bell station and housekeeper appropriately. Tipping the bellhop around $1 per bag and the housekeeping staff around $2 to $5 per day is certainly not excessive. Tipping ensures good service and is sure to make your interactions with hotel staff more pleasurable.
You don’t save much space using travel size toiletries and when you run out, the local stores often charge more for products that you need to replace. Try out some folding techniques which will safe space and allow you to take less baggage along with you. Utilizing some of these methods can leave you with quite a bit more space in your bag.
When preparing for travel abroad, check when your passport will expire. Some countries have certain rules about the expiration. If your passport is expired or close to expiring, some countries won’t allow you to enter. 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.
Find out if you are going to need a visa. Sometimes visas can take a long time to process so it is best to apply for one a long time before you are due to travel. Don’t forget that without the right visa, you will not be able to enter some countries.
Jet Lag
Stay up as late as possible, or at least until around 8 o’clock in the evening, to help adapt to the time change. Though you may be tired, it’s best to not go to bed early so you don’t exacerbate jet lag. The quicker you get used to local time, the quicker jet lag will fade.
Be sure to allow for changes in weather, as it can completely change your plans without notice. Be sure to always check forecasts for any inclement weather that is headed your way. A freezing tropical paradise or a sweltering winter trip can really ruin your vacation.
One thing to remember when traveling to other countries is the quality of water may be lacking; therefore, it is wise to pack some bottled water to take on your trip. The water you find in other countries may not be safe to drink as it can cause different sicknesses. Also used the bottled water when brushing your teeth. The tap water where you are staying is very likely contaminated.
When going to a different country, stay away from exchanging currency. This is not the easiest way to get foreign money. A better way to obtain currency in the new country is by using ATM machines. You will find that ATMs usually offer a better rate of exchange and cost less to use than a brick and mortar exchange.
Make sure the room you get is on a high level of the place you will be staying. This may seem simple, but the security afforded from higher floors is worth it. You should also avoid staying in rooms with sliding doors. The doors make these rooms easier for thieves to enter.
Have copies of any important documents with you when you travel. Keep the copies of your documents in a safe place that can be accessed in the event of an emergency. Check with your hotel for any resources that may be available. Avoid keeping document copies and the originals together. Otherwise, you can lose everything, and your precautions will be futile. You may want to give a loved one a set in case yours gets stolen or lost.
Always exchange into the local currency when you reach your destination; this saves money. Waiting to exchange your money can often times get you a better exchange rate.
If you are planning on leaving the country, buy a voltage converter or electrical adapter. They are generally 3-4 times the price when you purchase them in a tourist area or in an airport gift shop.
Keep in mind that you are not the only one at a hotel, and there are others who want to enjoy their vacation as well. During your stay at hotels try to not slam doors or engage in loud conversations. Even if it is the middle of the day, there may be someone catching a nap or recovering from jet lag. You don’t have to be quiet as a mouse, but you should be reasonable in the noise you make.
Travel can be an adventure that is far more than just visiting a new place. Planning is the biggest part of your whole traveling experience. The tips that you have read should help you out with this.
