Traveling has the potential to be a really educational experience. It really opens you up to new ideas. You can learn about other cultures around the world. To experience it yourself instead of watching it on television or seeing it in a book, to take in the smells, live the sights and absorb all the joys of travel makes the hassle of packing well worth it.
If you’re going to be travelling by air, make sure you don’t put any valuables or electronics in your checked luggage. Luggage handlers aren’t known to be gentle and any electronics may end up damaged during transport. Airlines are also known to lose luggage and you don’t want to take a chance of losing something valuable.
If you have plans to travel, the most important preparation you should do is make a checklist of everything you need from toiletries to extra articles of clothing. Before you leave, make sure that all of these items are packed because most likely if you forget something, the gift shops available to you will overcharge for simple things such as toothpaste or shampoo.
When traveling in a strange city by taxi, ask an independent third party such as a front desk clerk or baggage porter what the right rate is for a trip to your destination. Also set up the rate with the driver before you get into the cab. This helps prevent you from getting ripped off.
If you are concerned about the safety of your wallet on your next travel adventure, consider using an alternate form of storage for your vital belongings such as your cash and personal identity cards. Many different types of wallet storage are available that stay conveniently hidden beneath your clothing, from a belted waste pouch to a zippered wristband.
You always want to make sure there is a barf bag accessible to you. People can become nauseous and throw up at the drop of a dime on an airplane. Even if you are not feeling ill, you never know how the person sitting next to you is going to react to the turbulence.
If you are interested in international travel but you can’t afford it, consider volunteering to work at with an international charity. Many charities will allow you to live for free at an overseas location, in exchange for your work at one of their facilities, such as a hospital, school or nursery.
One of the easiest, most effective and affordable ways to offset the unflattering aftermath of jet lag, is to drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated can cause you to feel light-headed, dizzy and fatigued, upon landing. Seasoned travelers report that drinking at least four eight-ounce glasses of water over a five-hour trip, can make a noticeable difference.
As you make your travel arrangements, consider using the bidding features that are available on several websites to secure your hotel accommodations. You can bid on hotel rooms at drastically reduced prices, but you don’t know which hotel you are staying at until they charge your credit card. You can often get at least 50 percent off the regular rate of the room using this method.
When traveling by cruise ship, try to talk with the other passengers at the formal dinners. Many ships will seat you with people you are not familiar with. Have a positive attitude and speak with all the people you come in contact with. You’ll probably see them daily, and you might learn something about the ship when you do.
Remember to bring all necessary paperwork with you when traveling. Other than your passport and identification, it is important that you bring the name, address and phone number of the hotel in which you are staying. Have it readily available in your handbag or or your carry bag, so you can give the taxi driver the appropriate information.
Make sure to buy durable luggage. It is bad enough that you may have a lot of items with you and your bags may already be heavy when you leave for your trip. While you are on the trip, chances are you will purchase souvenirs, and other similar items. You want to have sturdy, durable luggage to hold these items.
It can be difficult to eat healhty while traveling. Skip the roadside restaurants, but instead bring your own food. Pack your cooler with fruits and vegetables, crackers, yogurt, granola bars and cheese. These things are easy to pack, and easy to eat while on the road. Don’t forget the water, it will help you stay hydrated as you drive.
If you are renting a car for your trip and have kids, bring car seats! When you rent your a car, it is unlikely that you will have a good car seat, so bring your own.
A great travel tip is to always take a look at the mini-bar in your hotel room. If there are bottles or beverages in the mini-bar that aren’t sealed you should contact the front desk and tell them about it so that your account isn’t charged. This simple step can save you money.
Most flights that are long and include meals, have options for a kids’ meal if you request for a children’s meal before you get on the flight. This is particularly useful if your kids are picky and would much rather enjoy chicken fingers instead of steamed vegetables for their meals.
Follow your dreams and fish the Alaskan rapids or swim in a tropical paradise. Travel puts you in control of your destiny, and it gives you something to look forward to. It is a great way to get through a boring day, just thinking about where you are travelling to next. Travel will also give your family a lot of unique memories. Get out there! Begin making plans today.
