You may be traveling on business, going to visit relatives, or taking a much-needed vacation for yourself. However you travel, you might do it better after reading this article. The tips contained here can help you make the most out of traveling, whether you do it on the road, the ocean, the rails, or in the sky.
Watch out for faux cops or faux government officials in foreign countries, as they may be criminals. Be sure your passport is in your possession at all times, and never give it to anyone. Also, if you have to go somewhere with this person, be sure to walk along with them. Avoid getting into a vehicle with anyone you don’t know.
Before booking your next trip, do your research. Look at different websites with reviews about the place you want to travel to. Chat with those who have previously visited the destination. Doing a little homework will let you know what you can expect, and can help you make smart choices on activities and places to visit at your destination.
When you get into your hotel room, check your alarm. You don’t want to be woke up too early because of an alarm that was set by the person that stayed there before you. To be sure you can rest, check that the alarm is either off or set to the time in which you want to wake up.
To enhance your personal safety in hotels, bring along a doorstopper. If you are travelling in a country less developed, it is important that the hotel have added security, especially at night. Put a doorstop under your door if there isn’t a deadbolt.
Make sure you take clothespins with you when travelling. While not on your typical travel list, a handful of clothespins can prove very useful.
If you want to get the best prices available for a flight you’re taking, go to the official web page for each individual airline that flies to the place where you’re going. Yes, Booking Buddy and Expedia claim to have cheap flights, but by ignoring the official airline’s websites, you can miss out on some better deals.
What types of insurance coverage does your credit card offer? For example, will they cover a cancelled flight? It’s worth doing a little research before you depart.
If you are planning foreign travel, be prepared for emergencies, like possibly losing your U.S. passport. The US Department of State uses the site (usembassy.state.gov)and affords you contact and location information for the US Embassy and Consulate within the country you are visiting. Keep this information handy while on your trip. Most of the time, your passport replacement will be available within a couple of days.
If you are using traveler’s checks, cash them in before you go to shop or eat. Even though many places do accept these checks, often times it can be a complicated mess. You may get shorted when you use them; so, have them converted to local money prior to shopping.
Before heading off on a lengthy road trip, know where to stop to have your vehicle serviced. During these long road trips you may go for an extended period of time before encountering a service station if your car should need one. If this is how you decide you wish to travel, ensure that your directions are planned early, you flag locations where repairs can be made and you give a copy to someone not going on the trip. Also, you will want to have the numbers of these stations if you are stranded.
Road trips can get very boring which is a great reason to plan activities along the route. When you split up the boredom of a long drive with anything other than meal and restroom breaks, you add a little fun to the trip. Play “games” with your kids, like giving them the route itinerary and allowing them to trace your travels.
As presented to you, there are options available that will allow you to take the hassle out of the trip, and instead make it a nice time for you. Why not make a list and start preparing for your next trip right now?