Your adventures with travel don’t have to be the horror stories that so many people you know have probably told you. Most people are able to get to their destination, experience their trip and come home without so much as a single negative event. This article will give you more ideas of how you can make sure that this is the way it goes for you as well.
Airplane travels requires that you plan ahead to prevent problems. Airports are often located near large cities, and reaching them during peak traffic times of the day can take much longer then you might expect. You should have your suitcase packed the day before you leave, so on the day of your trip you are totally ready to go. Do not procrastinate preparing for your flight. Missing a flight is one of the worst things that can happen.
When renting a car take the time before you leave the parking garage to acquaint yourself with its most basic features. Make sure an instruction manual for the car model is in the glove box and take time to skim through it. It’s no fun to pull into rush hour traffic just as a thunder storm hits if you don’t know how to turn on the windshield wipers!
If you’re sensitive to the smell of cleaners (or just don’t like them!) try bringing some small candles with you on your trip. This can help mask the scent of the cleaners the maids use and the scents can also help relax you. Some scents can even sooth you and give you a better night’s sleep.
If you are staying at a hotel that offers a mini-bar in your room, consider asking the front desk staff to hold the key instead. This will help you avoid late-night temptations, which given the prices at the minibar can get very expensive. If you feel the need for a drink but don’t want to go far, go to the hotel restaurant instead.
Read the fine print on all travel purchases you make. This ensures you will always get treated fairly. For example, sometimes airlines try to tell you they can not change your flight, but their contract often states that they can. Companies try to hide this information from you because they want more of your money. Be a prepared consumer so that businesses will not be able to take advantage of 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.
Bring a gift for the flight attendants to gain special treatment. Flight attendants are generally treated very poorly, and if you bring them a treat, like a store-bought pie or something similar, they will recognize your generosity and treat you accordingly. Remember to thank them for doing their jobs. They are working for your safety, not as your maid.
Think about travelling in the low season. If you can avoid taking a vacation during summer holidays or over the Christmas period, you should be able to find some good bargains. Travel is nearly always cheaper off-season and lots of airlines offer special deals. Another advantage of travelling off-season is that your destination is likely to be a lot less crowded.
If your travel plans involve visiting various attractions, buy the tickets in advance whenever possible. Although it may be slightly more expensive, you will save a tremendous amount of time and frustration since you won’t have to wait in lines. Particularly pay attention to see if they allow timed entry; you can avoid both the purchasing line and the admission line that way.
If you will be on vacation for a week or longer, double check if there will be a laundry facility on site. If there will be then you can pack a little lighter and be able to throw in a load of laundry instead when you are there. Since airlines do charge for overweight luggage, it is nice to try to pack lighter.
Review the cancellation policy of any hotel or car rental company that you are considering using for your travel needs. If you are able to back out of the reservation, look into other offers when the time to travel gets closer. You may find that you will save a good bit of money or get a better room or car for the same amount.
Making sure that your trip goes off without a hitch and that you have a wonderful time, regardless of if your trip is for business or travel is the point of this article. If you implement what you read here you should have a nice, calm, uneventful trip next time you leave town.
