Taking a step into the great big world of traveling for the very first time might feel a tad bit scary, but by keeping the helpful tips listed below in mind, you will soon find yourself traveling like those more experienced travelers, who go on many trips, every year.
Always know where your luggage is. Airline and bus employees have been known to steal items out of cases when they are checked in. Additionally, other travelers might “accidentally” pick up your bag in hopes of finding expensive items. This also allows you to move between transit options faster, instead of standing around waiting for your luggage.
Write down your travel plans and leave a copy with friends or family. It is always wise to prepare for the unexpected. Should you go go missing, someone is sure to notice much sooner this way. Knowing what your plans were will also be very helpful to the authorities.
Take a good book with you to read when traveling. If you always have something interesting to do, you will be less likely to get frustrated or bored during layovers and other time delays that are beyond your control. Buy a new title that you have been wanting to read so that you have something to look forward to.
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.
If you’re planning on taking a cell phone with you on your trip, make sure to call your cell phone provider to ask them about roaming charges. The familiarity of your cell phone may make you feel better, but it may cost you a lot more to use it on foreign soil. A good alternative is buying a local SIM card and using it while you’re there.
Sign up for forums and social websites that focus on travel. Looking for fellow travelers that you can share your time with and talk to is a great way to prepare for your trip. You can learn what NOT to do on your travels, and you may even pick up a new friend in the process!
Camping is a popular vacation pastime, but with the extensive equipment it requires it is not a cheap one. Before deciding to invest in all the gear necessary for extended camping travel, it is best to “get your feet wet” by making short day hikes at nearby nature attractions to see if the camping lifestyle really appeals to you.
To save money on your vacation, don’t be afraid of last-minute bookings. When airlines or cruise companies still have tickets available a few days before the departure date, they lower prices because they are desperate to sell. With a last-minute booking, you can take the vacation of your dreams at rock-bottom prices.
Always carry extra passport photos of yourself and your family. That way, if someone loses their passport, you can walk straight to the embassy prepared to get another. Make sure these are the high-quality photos of the original, because they will not accept a photo taken for any other reason.
Long flights are notorious for cramped quarters. If you stay cramped in your seat for the entire time, there is the possibility you could develop deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to blood clotting in your legs. Take some time to walk around and stretch your legs at least once every hour.
When you are traveling with your laptop, bring an audio/visual cord with you. Most hotels have high-speed internet access and many also have a nice HDTV in their rooms. If you have an A/V cord, you can hook your laptop up to the TV, allowing you to stream videos or enjoy other online content from a large screen.
Ask the hotel for an electronic air filter when you are traveling. Many rooms have windows that will not open, and they have a tendency to smell a little funny. An air filter does a great job of moving and cleaning the air, allowing you to relax and feel comfortable in your room. It also provides some background noise that could be helpful as well.
Check out different travel blogs that have articles or posts dedicated to your destination. Asking the blogger for some inside tips on the area is a great idea if they’re willing to cooperate with you. Also, let your friends know where you’re going on Facebook, Twitter, or any other networking sites. They might have advice for you too.
Before traveling, program the customer service numbers for your airline, hotel, and car rental agents into your phone. Should you run into an emergency or delay, need to ask a question, or have to make a change the contact information will be readily available to you. This can also save you from waiting in long customer service lines when you arrive.
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.
Look into alternatives to hotels. You may be able to find a beautiful bed and breakfast that just might make your vacation a bit more relaxing than the traditional hotel. They tend to be more quiet and quaint while offering some wonderful perks during your stay. It could be a bit more of a romantic getaway than the hotel.
Apply these tips that you have learned for an enjoyable vacation with your family. Start using the knowledge you’ve gained. Have fun and enjoy your travels.
