Not much excites us more than traveling. But, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you need to know some things. So prepare yourself to learn with these tips and make any trip easier.
When traveling abroad, keep a note of all important information. Keep copies of your travel documents with you, and make sure that you always have all the contact info for the US embassy that is located in the areas you will be traveling. If trouble finds you while you are traveling, this is the place to call. If you encounter any issues on your trip, they can help with these issues.
Go for the aisle seat. A window seat has a view, but a seat at the aisle allows you more freedom in accessing your overhead bags, restrooms, getting attention of the service staff, and free space on one side of you.
If you aren’t comfortable leaving your furry friends at home, then research vacations that allow pets! Allowing patrons to bring their pets is becoming quite popular with vacation spots and many offer special deals and discounts for pet parents. These can include pet-friendly cruises, cat spas, and doggy-day cares. Always call first before bringing you pet with you on a trip.
If you are driving of flying with a toddler, be sure to bring along “busy” toys for him. Remember to bring favorite toys. You may want to consider buying a new toy or two as well, so that they have something exciting to occupy their time.
Let a family member know your itinerary. This will let them know your whereabouts at all times. Stay in touch with that contact to maximize your own safety. They won’t be concerned if they hear from you.
While you should use a traditional luggage tag, you should also put your info somewhere inside the luggage. It is easy for a baggage tag to come off the exterior of your suitcases while they are en route. Just in case your bag ends up lost and without its tag, place identification information inside, so it can still be returned to you quickly.
Make sure you keep a matchbook, business card or some other small item from the hotel when you’re going out. Should you be in a foreign location and get lost, this item can be perfect for getting directions or telling a taxi where you need to get to. This is helpful, especially for those in unfamiliar places.
Prior to booking a hotel, ask if renovations will be taking place during that time. The last thing you want is to have your peaceful trip interrupted by construction noise. Because the resort staff will not be able to remedy the problem for you, it is smarter to just stay away during those times.
Prebook your parking at the airport if you plan to leave your car there. It will be more expensive to book a space on your departure day. If you live near the airport, consider taking a taxi instead. It could be cheaper than airport parking.
If you are prone to leaving things behind in a hotel room, jot down notes and stick them on the mirror to remind yourself. You may be likely to lose notes jotted down on paper, but notes written on a mirror with a dry erase pen are easy to see. Dry-erase markers come off easily with toilet paper, making this approach simple and convenient.
If you’re going to a foreign country, bring some cards in that country’s language that describes your food allergies. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, this can be a way to help your servers understand what your restrictions are. This will help your dining experience to be a positive one.
Email Alerts
Make use of email alerts such as e-tracking when you book travel through online travel sites. It updates you on the cheapest travel rates. You will be sent email alerts if a flight you have shown interest in lowers it price and can now be purchased at a lower rate. If you have already booked a flight, you will also receive an email alert if the price of the ticket has dropped.
Always bring a pillow and small blanket when traveling. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going by train, plane or car, a pillow and blanket will help your trip to be comfortable. Sometimes airlines provide these, but they frequently run short. To carry your own, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it is clean.
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 naturally curious and could harm themselves if they reach out while a cart is coming through. They won’t run away if you are near the aisle.
Try going luggage-free when traveling by air. You stand to save time and travel by doing this. Have the things you would pack shipped to your destination by FedEx of UPS. While this may be a bit more expensive, it is worthwhile in the end.
Do not schedule your trip down to the minute. An extra 10 minutes will not destroy your trip or completely ruin your plans. This will keep your travelers happy and feeling refreshed.
Now that you understand the basics of travel, all that is left is to start making your plans to see a new place and experience new sights and sounds. Pack your camera, though.