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No matter how experienced of a traveler you are, there are many things you have to decide on when planning a trip. However, experience and some basic knowledge will make it much easier to map out your travel plans and itinerary. The guidelines in this article are perfect for anyone who is interested in traveling.
Always write down everything you need to pack in the form of a list. Make your packing list weeks before you leave for your trip. Even if you end up packing at the last minute, this will help you remain organized and avoid unnecessary clutter.
You want to be very careful when catching a taxi in another country when traveling. Make sure the taxi actually is legitimate before getting in. Anyone can throw a “taxi” sign up and you won’t know who they are or where they will take you.
Alarm Clock
Check your hotel alarm clock. Whether by simple accident or obnoxious prank, many a traveler has been awakened early in the morning or worse, in the middle of the night, by the alarm clock at their bedside. In order to start your vacation in a relaxing fashion, make sure to shut the alarm off or is set to a time when you actually want to get up.
Try to go to the gym prior to getting on a flight. Being on a long flight can be incredibly boring. Sitting for a long time can cause cramps in your legs and back. Having a quick workout or, at the very least, stretching before a flight can reduce or eliminate leg cramps and soreness.
Provide someone in your family with your travel itinerary. This will allow someone else to see where you are. Also, make sure to keep in constant contact with that person to ensure safety. If they hear from you regularly and know your location at all times, there won’t be any reason to worry.
Always remember to tip any hotel staff. You should give about a dollar per bag and 2 to 5 dollars per day of housekeeping. This will increase the quality of service in your hotel and make your stay more enjoyable.
Never panic during the packing stage as this will simply lead to forgetfulness and important items left behind. Avoid wasting time looking all over the house for plug adapters, travel-size toiletries, and travel pillows. Buy a small plastic container and store everything you’ll that is a travel essential. A container that you can keep under your bed can keep thing stored away but ready to be take out for your next trip.
When making hotel reservations, inquire about any type of renovations that may be going on. You do not want to awake to the sounds of construction while on vacation. Since there’s nothing the hotel staff can do about the noise, it’s better to just avoid those dates entirely.
You may end up at a hotel that is far inferior to the Ritz. If you are uncomfortable with where you are staying, bring a rubber doorstop. You can place it underneath your door at night to add security beyond the main chain and lock. Burglars will be able to break the door’s lock, but entry will be extremely hard if you have such a doorstop engaged.
Rase Marker
If you need reminders during a trip, use a dry-erase marker on a mirror. You can also write on the mirror using a dry-erase marker because it’s hard to overlook. You can use dry-erase markers and easily erase them from your hotel mirror.
Before renting a car on your vacation, be sure you are familiar with the terms of your own vehicle insurance. The agents at the car rental booths are trained to sell you additional insurance that may not be necessary for you to purchase. In many cases, insurance policies on vehicles also include basic coverage in the case of a third party liability. Look into your own policy before leaving, as it can be very important later.
When taking a long plane trip, bring some edible snacks in your bag. Something fresh, such as sweet fruits or crunchy veggies, can really break the monotony of the flight. You’ll save a lot by staying away from the pricey airport food, and you’ll have something to talk about with your seatmates when you pull out your awesome snacks.
If you are planning to travel to another country, prepare a few cards that state what foods you are allergic to in the native language of your destination. Use this to let servers know your specific dietary needs. These cards will increase the chances of you having great dining experiences while you are gone.
Bring a pillow and blanket with you. Whether traveling by plane, train, car or bus, a pillow and blanket will make your trip a lot more comfortable. Usually airlines have them, but could run out. If you have your own, you know it’s clean.
Tip generously to those who deserve it. When you board a cruise ship, tip the steward $20. You may have the same staff waiting on you during the cruise, so generosity will likely ensure better care and service.
As you know after reading this article, the number of decisions a traveler must make before his or her trip is staggering. If you take the time to learn a little bit about how to plan a vacation, you will find that it doesn’t have to be difficult. Use the tips listed in this guide and you will surely be able to make great travel plans.