Travel Tips: Planning A Vacation That Works For You
No matter how far you may be going, a trip can be both exciting and stressful. The tips within this article can provide the kind of insight to make your trip much better.
Be sure to create a list for packing. You should make this list around a week to a couple months in advance so that you absolutely know what needs to be packed. This will keep you away from chaos no matter how late you pack.
Be cautious when traveling to foreign destinations. Criminals may pose as government or police officials. Never hand over your original passport, as you might not get it back. If you are asked to travel to any offices, insist on walking. Always use common sense and never accept a ride from a stranger.
If you drive to any port city prior to going on your cruise, you can find hotels that offer free parking upon arriving the night before. Ask the staff about deals for parking even if you haven’t been able to locate any.
Whenever possible, purchase tickets for admission to attractions online, then print them instantly or opt for will-call. Even if there’s a fee, it is very much worth it to be able to skip the long lines for purchasing tickets at the venue. Some parks offer things, such as timed entry, which will allow you to skip the long lines at the admission gates.
If you want a little extra safety in your hotel room, bring along a door stopper. Occasionally, particularly when you travel in countries that are less developed, it’s important to stay in a hotel room that has more security. If the hotel room door does not have a chain or deadbolt, use the doorstop by wedging it under the door and leaving it there while you sleep.
Take a couple of clothespins with you when you travel. While not on your typical travel list, a handful of clothespins can prove very useful.
Always remember to tip any hotel staff. Generally speaking, it is about a dollar for each piece of luggage, and between $2 to $5 for cleaning the room. Tipping the people who assist you during your stay will help to develop a relationship with the staff, and entice them to provide you with optimum service.
Travel is a great teaching tool, especially for children and young adults. You should not fear traveling if you take the right precautions. It will be a great opportunity for your children to see how different parts of the world operate. Viewing the lives of others is an amazing way to build an understanding and tolerance of different cultures.
If you are getting a hotel room, inquire as to whether there are any upcoming renovations or not. You do not want to wake up to the sound of construction when vacationing. Avoid this to reduce the noise that you hear on vacation.
Join forums and social websites that are travel-centric. You will pick up some great tips from other travelers that way. You can meet friends, learn about great travel destinations, and find out where to avoid.
Rush Hour
Steer clear of rush hour when traveling by car. If you can’t avoid being in a busy area during rush hour, plan a stop and take a break for a while there. It’s a great time to grab something to eat and let the kids run off some energy for a bit.
Find out if you are going to need a visa. If a visa will be required, apply for it early. Sometimes visas take weeks or even months to process, so it’s best to be prepared ahead of time. If you do not have a visa and your destination requires it, then you will not be able to enter.
If you have to leave a car at the airport, make sure to book your parking ahead of time. The cost of parking is higher if you don’t pre-book. If you live near the airport, find out if taking a cab is cheaper than airport parking.
Bring along an extra passport photo. It can take quite awhile to replace a passport if it is lost. If you have a spare photo, this is one step than can speed up the process. It would also be a good idea to have copies of all of your relevant paperwork.
Try to avoid exchanging currency when you are in a new country. Try getting foreign currency at a bank ATM. You can use your debit card at foreign ATM machines for cash without the conversion charge. These machines generally have a better exchange rate, and many times are much cheaper than going to an exchange.
Road trips are great for listening to some of the music you have stored over the years. When traveling long distances, the radio will often cut in and out; carrying your own music eliminates this problem.
Whether you are traveling to another city or another country, there are endless possibilities. Use what you’ve just learned, and have a safe and memorable trip.