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TIP! Planning ahead is important for any trip, but especially important if you are traveling by air. It can take a lot of time to reach an airport that is located in a major city, because of location and traffic.

Travel involves much more than booking some plane tickets and a hotel and hoping for the best. You can really get a great experience out of it. There many things to see and do on a trip, so plan appropriately. Do you have what it takes? No matter how you see yourself traveling, here are some ideas to get you going.

Try and leave important valuables at home. An excess of valuables will make you an obvious target for theft.

TIP! Be wise when traveling to foreign countries if you have or believe you have food allergies. Learn enough about the foreign language to understand if something may be dangerous for you.

Plan ahead if you want to travel by air. Airports are often located near large cities, and reaching them during peak traffic times of the day can take much longer then you might expect. Make sure to have your luggage packed and waiting on the night before you leave. Make all the preparations you need well before your flight. If you miss your flight, you will have to take a later one. This might create problems with your itinerary.

TIP! Take clothespins along the next time you travel. You would be amazed at how useful these will turn out to be.

In the event your child wanders off, make sure to have a recent picture along with you to help locate him or her. It is extremely frightening to become separated from your child. Unfortunately, children get distracted and wander off or something else happens. Having a photo on you to share with authorities could mean the difference in whether or not your child is found quickly.

TIP! Wear simple slip-on shoes for flying. When you go through security checks, you will be required to take them off.

Avoid food allergies when going abroad by not going to places that cannot translate. If you experience severe reactions to certain foods, you must become fluent in the words the natives use when it comes to their food. This helps ensure that the wait staff is clearly informed of your allergies in case of an emergency.

TIP! You can see exotic animal and plant life in the memorable and remarkable vistas of the desert. There is something beautiful about seeing a desert for the first time, and it is something that should be experienced by everyone.

Do not expect an airline to cater to your whims when you are flying. Bringing a blanket, pillow and headphones with you is a good idea. It is also wise to bring some snacks, so you will have food that you enjoy eating if you are hungry.

TIP! One of the first steps you should take is to find out if you need a visa to enter the country you plan on visiting. Getting a visa can take a while, so apply for yours well before your trip.

When taking a cruise, find a good hotel in the port city that provides free or low cost parking and make plans to arrive the day before your departure. Ask the staff at the hotel if they offer any parking discounts even if they don’t have any published.

TIP! Take the time to subscribe to e-newsletters of major airlines. These e-newsletters usually provide you with the opportunity to take advantage of money-saving bargains, such as last-minute offers, select discounts and other exclusive deals.

Keep close track of your belongings while traveling, especially important things like money and identification. Carry your handbag tucked securely under your arm. Don’t carry a bag with a zip that someone could easily open in a crowded area. Keep these things in mind when you choose a bag for your trip.

TIP! In order to get your body to get used to a different time zone, it is recommended that you do not go to bed until 8 P.M.

Use travel to teach your family all kinds of things. You can travel to other countries if you prepare yourself accordingly. This could be a great opportunity to expose your children to other cultures. Spending time abroad is a great way to build an understanding of, and tolerance for, other cultures.

National Parks

TIP! Photocopy all your essential documents before leaving. Keep copies of your passport, your insurance information, and any other important documents in a safe place.

Get yourself a National Parks Pass if you think you will be visiting often. It is relatively inexpensive, $50 total, and it gives you open access to all national parks for a year.

TIP! Do not forget your car seats. When traveling with smaller children, bring your own car seats, and forgo the ones provided by the rental company.

Booking your travel plans online is virtually a one stop shop for your vacation planning. Travel websites require little effort from your part, when it comes to planning your trip. You can book flights, hotels, and rental cars all from your computer! You can research your destination and read reviews of potential lodgings. Some travel web sites will offer deals if you book your trip, such as discounts.

TIP! Contact lenses should be in a case when you going on a trip. These are great for small amounts of liquids.

You do not always have to travel far to experience a great day trip or weekend getaway. Your home state or neighboring ones can offer great getaways at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy your local businesses and enjoy the savings. You might be surprised by the attractions that are hidden so close to home.

TIP! For the best exchange rates on currency, wait to change your money until you arrive on your vacation. You may want to exchange some of your money before you leave on your trip to be sure you have a little cash on hand when you land.

When going to a different country, stay away from exchanging currency. Use a different method, instead. Use a bank ATM whenever possible. They have better exchange rates and are generally cheap than exchanges.

TIP! Make sure you pack an extra pair of glasses or contacts if you need them. This is so you have another pair, should your other ones break.

Ask to be placed in a room on an upper level, if at all possible. As meaningless as this sounds, you don’t want to give thieves easier access by having a room on the ground floor. Also, a room without sliding doors is highly recommended. Rooms such as this can be broken into easier.

TIP! When you travel, it is a smart idea to tuck a tag inside of your suitcases with your address, name and telephone number. If the luggage is lost and the outer tags get removed, the authorities can still figure out that the luggage is yours.

Be sure to take all of your favorite music along to enjoy on your road trip. When you are driving through multiple cities, you will find that there are some spots where your radio will not pick up a signal. If you bring your own music, you can constantly enjoy some good tunes.

Travel Documents

TIP! Make sure to brush your dogs before departing on any long car trips. This will help reduce the amount of hair that flies around.

Making copies of important travel documents is an invaluable safety precaution when travelling; you never know when you may be the victim of theft. Photocopies of your passport, insurance, and other travel documents should be stored separately from those that you are carrying with you. You may want to give a loved one a set in case yours gets stolen or lost.

TIP! Before you arrive, try to learn the local culture and laws. Failure to do so can result in people being angry with you, or even jail time over something you wouldn’t have expected to be a problem.

Contact lens cases are a great place to stow a couple of your favorite cosmetics. You can fill these with a little gel or lotion so you do not have to bring the entire bottle with you.

TIP! Try to rotate drivers often when traveling. This gives all passengers and drivers a chance to rest.

For the best exchange rates on currency, wait to change your money until you arrive on your vacation. If you know there won’t be a place to easily exchange currency once you land in your destination country, exchange a limited amount before you leave and then look for a better exchange rate once you arrive in-country.

TIP! Find out whether you get seasick before you plan a cruise. You can end up having a horrible time.

If you travel with eyeglasses, make sure that an extra pair is in your luggage. This provides with a spare pair if your current pair breaks on the plane. To avoid getting them stolen, avoid placing them in a handbag or in carry-on luggage.

TIP! It is important to remain calm and not panic if your luggage does not make it to your vacation spot with you. Simply head to the nearest airport official and ask where you should report lost luggage.

It should be apparent, at this point, that travel involves much more then jetting off to an exotic location. It takes planning to make the experience enjoyable. The advice provided to you above will help you out.

TIP! Don’t bring any unnecessary valuables with you. The more you take with you, the higher your chances of losing the items.

Whether you are a novice or seasoned traveler, there are undoubtedly many decisions that you have to make in planning your vacation. Luckily, travel planning is simple if you know how to approach it and have the right information. If you are planning on traveling soon, or simply have an interest in travel, this article provides excellent tips and information.

TIP! You should know the tipping conventions for the bellboys and housekeepers. Generally speaking, it is about a dollar for each piece of luggage, and between $2 to $5 for cleaning the room.

Make a list of things you need to pack. You should begin creating the list of things to pack a few days or weeks in advance. If you get in a rush and have to pack right before you leave, this list will ensure that you have everything that you need, and that you do not forget something.

TIP! When traveling by air, wear lightweight, comfortable shoes that can be easily slipped on and off. You are required to take them off when going through security checks.

Be aware of certain food allergies when going to a foreign country in order to avoid bad liaisons. If you experience severe reactions to certain foods, you must become fluent in the words the natives use when it comes to their food. This helps ensure that the wait staff is clearly informed of your allergies in case of an emergency.

TIP! Sleeping pills can get you through a red-eye flight. For many, sleeping on a noisy and uncomfortable airplane can be difficult.

Even if you are taking a long flight, bring your own comfort supplies and don’t rely on airline personnel to provide them. If you think they will come in handy, pack a travel pillow, a light blanket and comfortable headphones. It is also a good idea to pack a few snacks in your carry-on, in case your flight is delayed or they don’t serve food you like.

TIP! Determine if you will need a Visa in order to go to the foreign country you are traveling to. It is a good idea to apply for a visa months before you have to travel, as the processing times for visas can be quite long.

Purchase tickets on the Internet in advance and print them at home when you have a specific destination, like a theme park, in mind. The small fee per ticket for this service is well worth it when you consider the lines that you can avoid. You can also often skip the admissions line altogether.

TIP! Join airline mailing lists. These emails will give you special deals and information regarding the travel they offer.

Always go out of your way to tip any bell station and housekeeper appropriately. People generally recommend a buck per bag for the bellhop and $2-5 per day for the maid. That ensures that the people in charge of your service are happy and helpful.

TIP! If you’re planning on making hotel stays, travel candles are something you’ll want to bring with you. It will freshen the air in your room.

Before traveling, verify that your passport is not going to expire soon. A lot of countries have certain rules concerning passports. Some will not allow you into their country if your passport expires soon within a specific amount of time. These periods usually range anywhere from a year to three months.

TIP! Don’t go to sleep before 8pm local time if you are adjusting to a different time zone. Going to bed too early can keep you set to your natural time zone; that will make jet lag worse.

Make sure you get the latest e-newsletters of the airlines you use. You will be notified of discounts, special deals and last-minute offers. Although these emails can add to the clutter in your inbox, you can always filter them, only opening them when you need to snag a deal on airfare.

TIP! It isn’t necessary to travel hundreds of miles to have a great trip. You can have fun on a day trip or a weekend getaway at a nearby location.

If you want to have a personal touch in your room when traveling, pack scented candles. Candles will make the room smell good. Try a scent like lavender if you have problems sleeping in a strange place. The scent is believed to help people relax. There are many candles on the market that are small and travel sized.

TIP! E-tracking is a great option for checking out travel sites. This will always keep you updated with inexpensive travel options.

You don’t have to wander far from home to enjoy a fun weekend get-away. You can find enjoyable places to visit in your home state or one that’s close by. You will spend less money traveling if you stick close to home and support the local economy. You may be surprised to find a real gem, hiding in your own “backyard”.

TIP! Try to get a room that is on a high floor. Ground floor rooms are easier for thieves to access.

Always pack bottled water when going overseas. The water you find in other countries may not be safe to drink as it can cause different sicknesses. Use bottled water when you brush your teeth. You can also become ill from tap water.

Exchange Rates

TIP! Always take along your children’s own car seats if you are bringing them on a trip and planning to rent a car. Rental cars will probably not come with high quality car seats, so it is better to bring the ones you already own.

Try to avoid exchanging currency when you are in a new country. Check with your bank before you leave, and notify them you are traveling overseas. They will help you find the best way to purchase and also let you know the exchange rates for using your credit card or ATM overseas. Before you travel find out if the area you are traveling to has bank ATM machines available. Besides being more convenient, ATMs tend to have more generous exchange rates than brick-and-mortar exchanges.

TIP! When you travel, don’t forget to pack a plastic contact case. You can put small amounts of gel or lotion in them if you plan to only use a little bit.

Road trips make great excuses for taking along some of your favorite CD, MP3 and cassette mixes to listen to and enjoy during the ride. As you travel further away from your home, you may experience annoying static and poor reception from your favorite radio station; bringing your own music solves this problem.

TIP! Always bring an extra pair of glasses on your trip. If you happen to loose your contacts, or glasses, then you will at least have your backup pair with you.

Taking back-up copies of your vital documents is always a good idea when you travel. Photocopies of your passport, insurance, and other travel documents should be stored separately from those that you are carrying with you. You might also entrust a relative with copies, which you can collect if your originals are stolen or lost.

TIP! Make sure contact information listing your name and telephone number is on a label which can easily be found inside your luggage. This way, even if your luggage gets lost and external tags are detached, your luggage may still find you.

In order to get a cheaper currency exchange rate, make sure to wait until your destination to exchange your money. If you know that where you’re going won’t let you exchange your money for the local currency before you land, make sure to bring exchange it before you go.

TIP! To make your vacation run smoothly, exchange your currency before you arrive in another country. Many countries make it hard to exchange currency after hours, which can be a problem.

Make sure you have the currency ahead of time if you go into a foreign land so you can make purchases right away. Trying to get currency changed on your trip can be difficult, especially if you arrive after business hours. Generally, larger banks have access to all foreign currency and will be happy to exchange with you while you are still in your country. By doing this, you will be able to start buying things and having fun the moment you land.

TIP! Before getting into the car with your dogs, take a few minutes to thoroughly brush their coats. This will help reduce the amount of hair that flies around.

The article shows you some ideas on how to make travel easier. Many people can be confused about all the decisions they have to make when traveling. By utilizing all the resources you have available, trip planning can be much easier. Much of that advice is provided in this article, so apply it to your next trip, and find out for yourself how effortless it can be to arrange an effective travel plan.

You may feel guilty about attempting to take a vacation in this economy. This article is the perfect starting point for the economical traveler.

TIP! You should know that some criminals pose as police officers in dangerous cities. Don’t give anyone your original passport; you will probably never see it again.

When traveling by air it is important you have a plan. Major airports are in big cities much of the time, so getting through traffic and to your gate on time can be a challenge. Have your luggage packed the night before. It is crucial to have everything planned out in advance. By being prepared, you will reduce the risk of missing your flight.

TIP! Do not expect an airline to cater to your whims when you are flying. And items you may need, such as a pillow or blanket, should be packed before your flight.

If traveling with children, keep a recent, color picture of them with you at all times, just case they become lost. It can be terrifying to lose your son or daughter. However, it can occur. Keeping a picture of your child on hand can really help a lot if they ever get lost.

TIP! Take clothespins when you travel. While they may not be something you would normally pack, clothespins can come in very handy.

If you have known food allergies, be very careful about food when traveling in foreign countries. If you have had severe reactions to certain foods, learn all the foreign words for those foods. This will help you ask locals about foods you want to avoid. Also, if the worst happens, you’ll be able to tell a doctor about your allergies.

TIP! Tip the bell boy and housekeeper when staying in a nice place. The bell boy should get a bare minimum of $1/bag, and housekeeping should get at least a couple dollars a day.

If you travel to an amusement park or other specific attraction, find out if online tickets are available, and print them beforehand. There is generally a fee associated with an online ticket purchase. However, it is a small one, and the trade off for skipping long ticket lines is a big advantage. If the park uses a timed entry system, you won’t need to wait in line to enter, either.

TIP! The markup on these small products is ridiculous. Try folding your clothes in innovative ways that will take up less space.

Tip the staff at the hotel appropriately when you are staying at a hotel. An appropriate tip is considered $1 for each piece of luggage you have, and $2-$5 per day for the housekeeping service. Tipping the people who assist you during your stay will help to develop a relationship with the staff, and entice them to provide you with optimum service.

Deserts have great views and interesting plants and animals. Everyone should experience the majesty and austerity of the desert at some point in their life.

TIP! It is not always necessary to travel to far flung places to enjoy a vacation get-away. There are plenty of vacation spots in your state or perhaps one that is close by.

Make sure your passports are up-to-date by checking the expiration date. Many countries have rules in place about passport expiration. Many will not allow you entry into the country if it expires soon. Time frames can run anywhere from three months to a year.

TIP! If the site you are using offers an online tracking feature, use it. Use it to keep up with the least expensive way to travel.

Sort out your desintation’s visa requirements as quickly as possible. Some countries have an extensive process to grant visas. Apply for the appropriate visas long before your departure. Keep in mind that some countries will refuse to allow you into the country without the proper visa in your possession.

You should get the National Parks Pass if you go to these type of parks often. For fifty dollars, you can visit all the parks all year long.

TIP! Road trips are a great excuse for bringing your favorite music along, so you can enjoy the ride. It is frequently difficult to find appropriate or clear local radio stations as you drive from one place to another, so having your own source of music is a good idea.

A vacation does not mean that it has to be far from home. You may enjoy yourself right around your home or in a neighboring state. You can stay close and support the local economy, while you also save money. There are often many undiscovered attractions closer than you think.

Exchange Rates

TIP! When you go on a trip, don’t forget your contact lens case. The lens case is ideal for carrying small amounts of gel or lotion.

When going to a different country, stay away from exchanging currency. Check with your bank before you leave, and notify them you are traveling overseas. They will help you find the best way to purchase and also let you know the exchange rates for using your credit card or ATM overseas. The best way is to use an ATM at a bank to get your foreign currency. ATMs usually offer better exchange rates, and are more convenient than going to a currency exchange anyway.

TIP! One thing you can do on an international trip to make things easier is get your money exchanged before you depart. Exchange rates at airports can come with some hefty fees, or it could be difficult to find an exchange office that is open if you arrive to a country at night.

Do not forget your car seats. When traveling with smaller children, bring your own car seats, and forgo the ones provided by the rental company. Rental cars will probably not come with high quality car seats, so it is better to bring the ones you already own.

Wait until you reach your destination to save money on your currency exchange. Waiting to exchange your money can often times get you a better exchange rate.

TIP! Keep in mind that hotels can accommodate a lot of people. When you are at the hotel, do not slam doors, nor be so loud that you disturb others.

Put your personal information on a label inside your bags. Include your phone number and address along with your name. This way, even if your luggage gets lost and external tags are detached, your luggage may still find you. Placing labels on the interior of your bag can help to ensure that you will get your belongings back, regardless of how long they are out of sight.

TIP! If the hotel that you want to stay at is booked, ask if they have any rooms that are out of service. If a room needs minor changes to be made, a hotel may classify it as not being in service.

Use these types of cables to connect your computer to the T.V. in your hotel room. Instead of paying out the nose for hotel movies, you will be able to enjoy the best that Netflix and other similar services have to offer.

TIP! When traveling by car and have more than one licensed driver on board, it is a good idea to take turns driving. If you drive too much, the other driver will be forced to stay awake alone while you sleep.

Be aware of any visa that you may need if you are flying through multiple countries. Obtain the correct visas for each country you will be visiting. Some visas will not give you access to certain countries. Call the embassy in the country you will be visiting, or simply ask a travel agent.

TIP! Don’t let your cruise be the first place you realize that you get seasick. This can be devastating to your cruise adventure.

If a hotel is full, try asking for an out-of-service room. Peeling paint or a dirty rug are not likely going to turn you off enough to avoid to staying in that room!

TIP! If you’re bringing gifts along on your airplane trip, leave them unwrapped. Security is paramount, and the TSA will not hesitate to unwrap a gift to inspect its contents.

Reduce discomfort on your flight by selecting a specific seat on your plane. Often, you can choose or request a certain seat or seat-type on airplanes, but not always. Make sure to take this option if at all possible. When you choose your seat instead of settling for whatever is available, you can avoid uncomfortable seating assignments, such as the middle seat.

TIP! When you are getting ready to travel, you should attempt to pack as many dark-colored clothes as possible. Darker clothing is better at hiding wrinkles and dirt, and both of those are common when traveling for an extended period of time.

If you will be flying leave the gift wrap home. It is a waste of time to wrap the presents because the TSA may have to open them anyway during inspections. Instead, wait until you get to your destination to wrap the gift.

TIP! Know the current political status of your country’s interaction with a country you may be considering visiting. You can check the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for current updates on any situations developing abroad that may cause problems for travelers.

As discussed in the article, you may feel as though you should pass on your yearly vacation because of the economy. Apply the advice from this article and you will be on your way to budget friendly travels in no time.