Traveling can be an amazing, wonderful time.
You may learn new things, see things you’ve
always wanted to see and maybe only thought about in dreams. Perhaps you will even make some new international friends. In this article, you will learn some great tips and get
some advice on the ins and outs of traveling.
Try to avoid calling attention to the fact that you are a tourist. There are many people who earn their living by preying on unsuspecting vacationers. To avoid looking like a potential target, consult your maps and itinerary before you leave, avoid conspicuous jewelry and clothing and keep your camera in your bag when you are not using it – not dangling around your neck.
If you will be driving to your destination, fill a family member or friend in on your destination and planned route to get there. If something were to happen to you while driving, this person would be able to alert officials of your intended destination and the roads you would have been traveling on.
Walk when you can. To keep your ankles from swelling and your joints from getting sore, stand up and walk whenever you get a chance. On the plane, get up and go to the bathroom or walk the aisle, once every hour. If you have a layover, opt to take a few laps of the terminal, rather than just sitting at your gate.
Do not bother packing your entire makeup case. Makeup cases are bulky and often take up a lot of room. Instead, put any makeup you anticipate needing for your trip in a simple ziplock bag. Put it in your suitcase’s side pocket. This will save a lot of room when packing.
Try to work in some physical activity before your flight. Long flights are hard on your body. Remaining in a stationary position can cause stiff muscles and cramps. If you workout or stretch before the flight, the probability of getting cramps is greatly reduced.
As you plan your vacation, consider taking the bus instead of flying, driving or taking a train. This method of travel is relatively inexpensive, and depending on who you book with, the bus fleets often boast newer models that are clean and attractive. They also include wifi access.
Everyone knows that airplane food is not exactly gourmet. A good tip is to take along your favorite spice or hot sauce, and dress up your rather bland meal. It will add that extra kick to your food, and will help it go down a little bit easier.
One way of minimizing ice buildup on your windshield is to park your car with the windshield facing away from the prevailing wind. Another way too few of us think about is to cover our windshields with a throw rug when we park our vehicles. Tuck the edge in under your windshield wipers and your car will be as snug as a bug in a rug.
Anyone who has flown on an airplane multiple times know you can often get stuck seated next to someone who just won’t stop talking. If you’d rather not listen to them, pack some headphones. Even if you’re not listening to anything, people will see the headphones and most of the time won’t bother you.
Don’t miss the bus. If you need to travel a moderate distance to your next destination, use the bus instead of more expensive taxis or rental cars. Many buses, especially in major cities, are quite clean and modern. Not only will you save money, but you will get an excellent chance to people-watch and get to know the locals.
To make a long airport layover fly by in a flash, see if you can purchase a day pass for one of the airport’s exclusive lounges. These lounges are meant for the airlines’ best customers, but with a day pass, you will be able to relax in style with free food and drinks, as well as, clean bathrooms, while you wait for your flight.
Many coffee drinkers have noticed that making coffee with tap water from the hotel produces a less-than-delicious brew. Rather than using tap water, melt some ice from the ice machines. The machines use only filtered water, which makes it far more ideal for brewing coffee and which won’t turn your stomach.
When using traveler’s checks, be sure to cash them prior to eating out or shopping. Many places abroad do readily take traveler’s checks, but it can be a pain to use them as they are. You may discover you get shorted by using them. If so, convert them to local money before shopping.
Travelers without children should not be too quick to judge or get angry with small children on a public mode of transportation. Traveling with children is quite stressful for the parents as well and they are usually highly embarrassed by their child’s behavior. Try to remember that you were once a child as well and if in a plane, recognize that high altitudes are quite hard on a small child’s inner ears.
When traveling abroad, research currency rates in advance of your trip. Clearly knowing what the exchange rates are will save you headaches down the road. This trick will help you max out on fun while minimizing unnecessary spending.
If your schedule allows it, leave yourself one day after your vacation before going back to work. You never know what kind of surprises you will encounter when you get back home. Plus it will also allow you to transition into reality and your daily grind a little bit easier.
Now that you’ve got some of the basics on traveling, tell your boss you are taking a vacation, get your plane ticket, boat ticket or whatever means you plan on taking and go!
Remember to always be safe whether traveling alone or not. Ask for directions and help if you need it. Most people will not bite. Above all,
have an amazing time and always stop to smell the roses.
