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.
While travelling with friends and family is a great way to make memories, try travelling alone sometimes. You will find that all the activities you experience will seem just as vivid and memorable when you travel solo, and the freedom to do whatever YOU want do will seem incredibly liberating!
Make sure you keep your receipts. Saving receipts and keeping them organized while traveling is always a smart idea, especially if your trip is business related. Not only is it a good idea for financial reasons, they can also serve as a journal of sorts and can even make nice mementos from your trip.
If you are traveling with any kind of prescription medication, including birth control pills, you need to keep them in their original containers with labels. It can also be helpful to get a letter from your doctor stating that you have a medical need for the items. This way, you cannot be accused of drug smuggling.
If you need vaccinations in order to travel to a certain country, make sure you bring along your certificate to serve as proof that you have received the treatment. You may not be able to enter a country if you do not provide this documentation. Without the certificate, authorities have no way of knowing that you’ve had the vaccination and may have to detain you for quarantine.
To receive the best service when traveling, tip generously at the beginning of the trip. If the bellboy or steward knows that you tip well, they will be more likely to tend to your needs. Especially on cruises, you’ll receive more personal attention and better service from the staff if you’re seen as generous.
Ditch the fanny pack. Not only do you look the part of a tourist, a fanny pack is often easy pickings for a thief. If you crave the convenience of the fanny pack, consider getting a multi-pocket travel vest instead. These carry just as much but keep the items close to your body where they are safer.
If you know you have to fly, do yourself a favor and wear shoes requiring minimal effort to take off. Don’t pick that day to wear your eyelet wingtips with hard-to-tie laces. Women can wear clogs or slip-ons; men should choose a casual shoe style that can be easily slipped on and off with one hand.
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.
Try using a racing belt to thwart pickpockets. Getting robbed can ruin your entire vacation. To lessen the chances of this happening, consider investing in the storage belts racers use to store their keys, money, and such. This will keep your valuables close to your body where they are less likely to be stolen.
Traveling is a memorable experience but not one you want to recall by bringing bedbugs home in your luggage. Not even four-star hotels are exempt from the presence of these invasive insects, so give your room a thorough investigation before bringing your luggage into it. Search the entire room for signs of the bugs, their fecal matter and tiny rust-colored stains. If a bedbug infestation appears likely, it is wise to move to another hotel.
You can find a great deal on a hotel room. You can get the best deal on a great hotel by booking early through your travel agent with flexible dates. Also, look into hotels that cater to business people as they will have low weekend rates. Travel agents are a great resource to finding the best hotel rates and packages.
Want to relax early in the morning when you travel? Check the alarm clock as soon as you check in. Often the alarm was set by a previous guest, or possibly even the hotel staff. Not checking it can mean a six a.m. wake-up when you’re hoping to sleep until eight.
Before your road trip begins, look into how much money fuel will cost you over the course of your travels. Websites are available that can help you figure out the numbers based on which city you are leaving from, which city you are arriving at and the type of car that you drive. Getting a ballpark figure of the cost involved will help you avoid unexpected costs and make your trip more enjoyable.
Apply these tips that you have learned for an enjoyable vacation with your family. The knowledge has been given, so now you need to put it into practice. You are now equipped with more of the knowledge and confidence that you need to begin your journey.