Whether traveling for work or traveling for play, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and pleasantly. An inexperienced traveler may not know how to find the cheapest flight, the best hotel rates or those off-the-beaten-track vacation spots that are a must for anyone with children. All the do’s and don’ts, ins and outs, and ups and downs of traveling are outlined for you in the following article, so you can have a safe, economical and exciting trip from start to finish.
Before traveling make sure you get enough sleep. For many people, the few days before their vacation are filled with either stress or excitement, sometimes leading to a lack of sleep. When this happens, you tend to ‘crash’ when you reach your destination, meaning that you waste vacation time because you are already exhausted. A good night’s sleep before traveling will mean that you arrive invigorated and upbeat.
As an important safety measure before leaving on a trip one should always tell a close friend or family member when they plan on returning and any other key information about the trip. By doing this one is guaranteeing that someone will know something is wrong when nobody shows up on the expected date.
The airport is often the most stressful part of the travel experience. Travelers and airline employees alike are tense, worried and feel alone. The frequent traveler keeps these facts in mind and makes allowances for the stressful surroundings. Remember that everyone in an airport shares a common goal: To get to their destination safely and as quickly as practically possible.
If you have a fear of flying and need a drink to help you relax on the plane, always make sure that you add two drinks of water to that one alcoholic beverage. The worst thing you can do is drink too much on a plane and get sick or dehydrated.
Avoid wearing loud or particularly noticeable clothing when traveling. Try your best to blend in with your surroundings. Avoid wearing unusual clothing or acting in a way that marks you as a tourist. Pickpockets and con artists are often on the lookout for tourists. Looking too much like one could make you a victim.
If you’re going on a long road trip, try breaking it up into a few segments. Mark a few cities on the way to your final destination where you can stop for a bit. You can get out a stretch, get some food, and otherwise regenerate. You’d be surprised how much faster the trip goes if you break it up.
When traveling with children, make sure to pack each child their own bag of snacks and quiet toys. The toys and snacks will keep them occupied and satisfied, whether in the backseat of the car or on an airplane. Happy kids mean less stress for mom and dad, which means a better vacation for everyone.
Pet friendly travel can be very rewarding if you plan ahead. Make sure you know if your pet travels well before subjecting him to lengthy car rides. The Internet can help you find pet friendly lodging and destinations that can make vacationing with your pet fun and inexpensive. Gone are the days of leaving your furry friend home.
Find out if you need any vaccinations before travelling to your chosen destination. You should visit your local health professionals and ask them to recommend vaccinations and also ask them about any other precautions you should take while away. You don’t want to risk getting infected with a preventable, dangerous disease while on vacation.
You can travel internationally and save money. Travel to destinations where the U.S. dollar is the closest to the local currency in value. All inclusive packages are also a great way to save money when traveling. Last, talk to your travel agent and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
A great spot for budget travelers is Sarajevo. Completely affordable and so much to do, see, and eat here! Heavily influenced by Bosnian culture, experience sights and sounds of a foreign land and a lovely history. To fully experience Bosnian culture here, try to see if you could possibly stay with a local Bosnian family.
When flying, if possible, do not sit your child near the aisle. Make sure you have a responsible adult, or you, between the aisle and your child. Children are always wondering what is going on, and they could get injured if they step out without paying attention. They will be less prone to running, also, if you are there to block their way.
Make sure that a friend or family member has a copy of your travel itinerary. Make a list of all people and places you expect to visit, including contact information for them. Additionally, provide a passport ID copy and flight numbers.
When on a road trip with a toddler, try to start your trips nearer to the afternoon. Many times, young children will give you problems if you head out too early. Most toddlers will be ready for their nap in the afternoon and will be less likely to act up on any trip, when they are fast asleep.
A great travel tip is to wear your backpack in front of you when you’re traveling abroad and feeling a bit unsafe. Wearing your backpack in front of you will deter thieves and pickpockets. You’ll also be able to keep track of your backpack at all times this way.
When taking a cruise it is a good idea to arrive near the port a day before the cruise is actually set to take off. This will allow you to arrive at the cruise line a little early. This way you can avoid worrying about your luggage, getting on-board or missing the ship all together.
From driving to the next state to flying overseas, traveling is fraught with potential perils. Preparing yourself for the unexpected is one of the key elements of having a successful trip. The tips and advice presented above can teach you all the tricks of a well-seasoned traveler, whether you’re going on your first family vacation or your 100th business trip.
