Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Use These Travel Tips Whether You Are Going Near Or Far

0 comments
By Myron Sortland


Whether making arrangements to travel by car, plane, or train, planning a recreational getaway can be very overwhelming to even the most seasoned traveler. Fortunately, there are millions of seasoned travelers who are willing to share their best travel tips and tricks to make the process more manageable and enjoyable for everyone.

If you carry a smartphone, turn off the cellular and data services and simply make use of the Wi-Fi. If you were to accidentally use your data services while traveling internationally, you could be hit with hefty roaming charges. Wi-Fi services at free hotspots, however, won't cost you anything from your cell company.

In most parts of the world, it is considered good etiquette to ask someone for permission when taking their picture. Many people will become very offended if you take their photograph without asking, and this could even lead to violence. It is better to simply get their permission first than risk offense.

To avoid crowds and high prices, you should try to plan your vacation for the off-season of your destination. For example, you should avoid visiting Europe in the summer because during the summer you will face crowds, booked hotels, and tons of tourists. Visit during the off-season for an authentic experience.

If you're looking to traveling to a foreign country, try not to exchange your currency at the airport. Because it is often the easiest currency exchange to get to, the exchange rates are typically very high. Before you travel, look up nearby banks that do currency exchanges, as you will typically be able to find much better rates.

Dining out while traveling can become expensive. Save the hit to your wallet by visiting a local grocery store and stocking up on groceries. Make as much food as you can at your hotel, and take snacks along on day trips. Even raid your own cabinets before you leave and take food with you. When you do decide to dine out you will appreciate the dinner that much more!

When packing your luggage, use your extra shoes to hold small items such as socks, jewelry, toiletries, or electronics chargers. The space inside the shoes would otherwise be wasted space. This can also help to keep you more organized if you know, for example, that all of your prescriptions medications are in your shoes.

If you're going on a cruise, pack a snorkle with you. Then when you stop at one of the locations, hit the beach and do a bit of snorkling. You'll be amazed at what you can see while snorking, especially if your cruise is in the Caribbean. And buying a snorkle is a lot cheaper than paying for a snorkle tour!

Luggage comes in a variety of forms and materials. When deciding upon new luggage, keep in mind your car's trunk space to determine what to purchase. You must be able to fit the luggage in the trunk of your car and think of other things that may need space besides your luggage when you travel. Soft-sided luggage, such as duffel bags, are easier to pack in the car. Hard-sided cases are a good choice when traveling by air because this type of luggage will help protect your belongings in flight.

Creature comforts can make the difference when you are traveling. Bringing your preferred brand of tea or coffee can help with relaxation and help you decompress. Detergents, shampoos and soaps can also be of benefit to avoid using products that will leave you wishing for the feel of home.

Bring your own toilet paper! In many countries, toilet paper is either not used, or not provided. Put a small amount of toilet paper in a plastic sandwich bag, and carry it with you, or simply grab a travel pack of facial tissues. You do not want to get stuck without any!

When traveling with your pet you should find a hotel that allows pets. Some hotels limit the types of animals that they allow and some do not allow pets at all. If you go to an area with no pet friendly hotels, you could have to cut your vacation short.

Using a canoe can be a great means of travel for those who want to see waterways and national park areas. Apart from being quiet so it won't disturb any animals or people around the paddling required to power the canoe is a good way to get exercise. Canoes make one feel more in touch with their surroundings.

When traveling overseas, hang on to your reciepts for credit card purchases. When you file them, date them and note the purpose of the purchase. When you get home, you have an easy way to reconcile your statement with the money you spent. This will make it much easier to spot any fraudulent charges.

If you or a travel companion is seriously allergic or sensitive to cigarette smoke, don't just ask for a non-smoking room. Requesting that your room be located on a non-smoking floor ensures that your neighbors will not be smoking in their rooms when the doors are opened, and that smoke will not carry between windows of rooms on the same floor.

Protect your children when traveling by making sure they are prepared in case they get lost. For older children, arrange a convenient meeting place where your family can regroup if separated. Younger children should carry a card with their name, the names of their parents and a contact number. Additional information regarding medications and allergies is also helpful. Instruct your children to give the card to a police officer if they get lost.

If you have to wear a suit on an overnight trip make sure it's the right one. A wool suit will arrive fresher than one made of any other fiber. Hang it up in the bathroom when you arrive, turn the shower on hot, and close the door; let it steam for a while and all the wrinkles will drop out. It will look as good as new. When you're going on your next trip, make sure that you are fully prepared and loaded with the tips in this article. Maybe you won't end up utilizing all of these ideas, but they can be a great start for a better trip, next time.




About the Author:



Leave a Reply