Traveling can be a fun adventure. If you have made a list, then check it multiple times. Then, relax and watch what pleasant surprises happen that make your trip memorable. The tips below should help you plan your trip before you leave.
When traveling internationally on a budget, consider taking flights rather than trains to your destinations. While trains are perhaps the more traditional mode of transportation for backpackers, many airlines offer discount flights that are much cheaper than train tickets. This way, you can travel to more places without adding to your budget.
When traveling by airplane, try to limit yourself to a single 20 pound carry-on bag. This way, you always know where you luggage is. If you are traveling to multiple destinations in a single trip, there’s nothing worse than having your luggage chasing you around while you go without clean underwear.
A GPS navigation system is absolutely vital for any long-distance car trip. If your car did not come with a factory navigation system, you should seriously consider buying one before hitting the open road. GPS helps you find alternative routes when closures, traffic or accidents close the road ahead. GPS can even keep you out of danger if you encounter emergency conditions.
If you are traveling on a budget, make use of the in-room amenities to cook your own food. The coffee maker that is usually provided in even the cheapest hotel rooms can double as a hot plate. You can heat plain water in the carafe for ramen or soup, or use the hot plate itself to make bacon.
When deciding what to wear on your feet when you go on a plane ride, keep in mind that you will be most comfortable in shoes that slip off easily. Crocs or flip flops are best because they can be taken off or put on in an instant.
A good tip to have filtered water is to melt the ice provided by the hotel and use that for your morning coffee. Rather than drinking bad-tasting tap water, get a bucket, fill it with ice, and let it melt as you sleep. In the morning, you can brew your coffee with filtered water that tastes fresher.
If you’re traveling on a tight schedule, give yourself the advantage of learning the layout of an unfamiliar airport by using your smartphone to download a free application designed to assist travelers. FLYsmart gives you all the information you need on a specific airport, from locating the restroom to checking arrival and departure times.
Winter travel can be quite stressful. Give yourself extra time as you get ready for your winter vacation. Delays are always a possibility. Bring something with you to keep you busy, such as a book, since you may have long waits at the security line or at the departure gate. Be prepared to wait. Cities that get a lot of ice and snow, can have delays of two or three hours or more.
Consider buying a portable shower before you travel on a road trip. You will invariably stop the car to check out a local site, and sometimes you may engage in a physically strenuous activity. Getting back in the car when you feel unclean makes it hard to relax and enjoy your trip. A portable shower allows you to feel refreshed for the next leg of your journey.
Be aware of unlisted space during cruise travel. For security reasons, the ship’s brochure can’t show you where stairwells or other common areas are located. If you want to book a larger room and it is located near one of these places, it will probably mean less space for you. Consider spending the extra money on another amenity instead.
When traveling abroad, keep your medications in their original bottles. Carry copies of prescriptions as well for verification. Ask your doctor for notes pertaining to any narcotics your medicines may have to show your particular need for them. It is also wise to carry a list of generic names for your medications in case the standard is not available at your destination.
Use the online check-in for your flight whenever possible. Airlines continue to cut back on staff and because of this, lines at the airport are getting longer and longer. The online check-in process takes only minutes and often allows you to make seat selections and check baggage as well.
When traveling by air, be aware of emergency exits. Count how many rows away from you these exits are. This way, in the event of an emergency landing or fire, you will know the quickest and easiest way to escape. Make sure to pay attention to any instructions the flight crew may give.
A good traveling tip is to make sure you take sleep aids at an appropriate time. If you take a sleep aid too soon, you could miss an important announcement. You might also be in the way of your fellow passengers so you should always be aware of how taking a sleep aid can affect you and others.
To save money, consider the bus. You can avoid high luggage fees. The baggage allowance on a bus is far higher than it would be on an airline, and the fees for excess weight are comparatively small. Therefore, consider bus travel if you are carrying a lot of cargo with you.
While some tourist hotspots cannot be avoided, you should try to go to the local restaurants as much as possible. The food will often be more traditional as well as cheaper if you can find this kind of place. You should look online for the best chance to locate them as most people will send you to tourist locations.
If you are traveling by car, ensure that you take frequent breaks from driving. Make sure that you stop every two to three hours to stretch your legs, rest your eyes and consume some food and water. Without these stops, fatigue, eye strain and dehydration could result in a serious accident.
While these tips are sure to help you along the way, you are sure to experience the unexpected. Relax and use the tips that you have just learned to your advantage.
