When you take a trip, you want to relax and enjoy yourself, not worry about what might go wrong. In this article, you’ll find plenty of excellent tips that can help you any time you travel. Read on to find some great ways to make the most out of your traveling experience.
If you’re going to be staying in a hotel, one of the first things you should do is check the alarm clock. Often either the guest prior or a maid playing a prank will have the alarm clock set and it may wake you up blaring in your ear in the middle of the night.
Double check the alarm when checking into your hotel room. Many people have been awakened up by early hotel alarm clocks because they were still set on the old alarm. Make sure you check the clock and see if it’s set for a time that is good for you; otherwise, you might find yourself off to a terrible start on your vacation.
Plan ahead for your vacation by applying for a credit card that has loyalty points, making sure to always pay off the card in full. This strategy can help you earn a free flight or a free hotel room to use for your vacation. After you’ve earned your reward, save up for your next trip.
If you’re going on a road trip, have your car looked over before you leave. Most things can be replaced if they break while you’re out of town, but if your car breaks down you can be in a lot of trouble. It can be expensive to get it fixed or to find a way to your destination or home, that’s more headaches than you need.
If you’re going to be driving to your destination, especially if it’s a long trip, try to travel at night. There’s a lot less traffic on the roads so you can most likely get their faster. And if you’re traveling with kids, they can curl up in the back seat and sleep the drive away.
To help you lighten your luggage, use sample size cosmetics and toiletries when you pack. If you don’t need a full size bottle of shampoo, there is no reason to carry it across the country. Most drugstores have a travel section where you can purchase travel-size shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and more.
Weekend travel does not have to extend too far from your home. Staying out of your home for a weekend can be just what you need to feel better and rejuvenated. It is also an inexpensive way to get a vacation without taking time off work or spending too much.
When you’re packing your luggage, put anything you might need before you get to your destination, on top. This will help keep you from digging through your entire suitcase to find a hair brush or a book. Not only can it save you some time and frustration, but you won’t have to worry about things falling out while you’re looking and end up getting lost.
When you are traveling on a cruise ship, plan for any theme parties that they might have on board. Contact the ship ahead of time, and find out what they will be doing. Pack a few accessories that will help you enjoy the festivities, and you could even save some money since you won’t be tempted to buy costumes on the boat.
Airport websites may be a great place to get some really cheap tickets. The site will list all of different airlines that offer service there. Watch out for the list of fees that the airlines might charge you. It may end up nickel and diming you with baggage fees and some other fees and end up costing you more than the other airlines.
To save money when booking travel, make sure to search many different sites. There are websites that will search the Internet for you, but it is always a good idea to look around yourself. Compare deals once you get results. Sometimes it is cheaper to book flights directly through the airline instead of through a travel agency, which might have hidden fees.
If you have booked a cruise that has “drive-up ports,” consider booking a hotel for the night before your departure. You may find that the hotel will allow you to leave your car there while you are on your cruise, which will save you a lot of money in parking fees, making it easier to be sure to make your departure on time.
When traveling with young children, try to book an efficiency rather than a traditional hotel room. Having separate sleeping quarters will help to keep your children on their schedules. It will also give Mom and Dad a place to watch television while the children nap. Everyone will enjoy their trip more since they will feel a little more at home.
Depending on your destination, consider purchasing toiletries when you arrive. This lessens the amount you must pack and may save you money if you have fewer bags to check with an airline. It also reduces the time it takes to navigate airport security since you are not carrying as much.
When you are going on a camping trip, make sure you get there early and set up camp before dark. This will help you avoid a lot of trouble, when you are setting up. If you think you won’t make it before dark, do not take the chance. Just wait.
To keep hotel curtains shut tightly, bring clothespins! There’s typically a gap in between hotel curtains that allows light to shine through, but a clothespin is a quick and easy way to block that off. This will let you sleep in in the morning, or block out bright streetlights while you’re trying to go to bed.
Traveling to new places should be fun, not stressful. This advice will help take the worries out of your travel and let you have a great time. No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, these tips will help make your vacation a little easier and a little more fun.
