Traveling is fun, and many ways exist for making your plans better. Whether you are trying to save money or go all out, it takes careful planning to have an unforgettable trip.
To help you avoid paying excess airline baggage fees on your return trip, when you are more likely to have souvenirs to bring home, pack old clothing and shoes that you might want to give away. Then, when you are packing to come home, you can leave or donate the old clothing and shoes to make room in your luggage if necessary.
Going on a cruise can be an appealing way to travel for those who want to visit many different locations. They can do so without having to drive themselves or have the hassle of different planes and/or trains. Cruises also have the added benefits of having many quality places to eat, and lots of entertainment, ensuring a good trip.
If you want to bring back souvenirs with you, make sure you take an extra empty suitcase. You should also research ahead of time if there are any restrictions on certain products, such as alcohol. You might be allowed to bring home with you only a certain quantity of food and beverages.
Before you arrive at your travel destination, search the internet to find a blogger who posts about what’s happening in this city. Take the time to email the blogger and ask for his or her recommendations about where you should go. This is a great way to get the inside scoop on your vacation spot.
During the winter, in particular, it is smart to keep a couple of blankets, some boots, some matches and a large candle, in the trunk of your vehicle. These could come in very handy if you happen to skid off the road and find yourself lodged in a snow bank with no chance of immediate rescue.
A laptop or an Internet capable smart phone is one of the best travel tools you can take with you. By having the ability to go online you have all the maps and other resources you need right at your fingertips. You can research destinations, motels, and attractions while you are on the road.
Some hotels have video games in them for you to use. If you’re traveling with kids, ask the front desk to disconnect these. Most of the time as soon as they’re turned on they’ll bill you for playing them. So if you take a shower you may not notice your kids have been playing them until you get your bill at checkout.
While many luxury hotels offer free wireless internet service, a few out there charge exorbitant rates for hourly access. Find out which businesses are in the area directly around your hotel; more and more restaurants, coffee houses, and even car dealerships offer free wireless internet service. Book a room on the ground floor of your hotel; chances are you will be able to access the internet through a local business rather than paying for service through your hotel.
Keep your wallet in your front pocket, and wrap a rubber band around it. Both of these tactics will allow you to feel if someone is attempting to steal your wallet. Keeping it in your front pocket is a big deterrence anyway, because it is more difficult for you to be distracted.
Weighing your checked bags before you arrive at the airport can save you money and frustration. Many airlines charge an extra $50 or more for checked bags weighing over 50lbs. This can result in spending more money, or having to leave items behind. Put your luggage on a scale at home before you head to the airport to save yourself a headache!
If you’re packing your laptop for work or recreation while you travel, bring along an A.V. cable as well. Many hotels offer both free high speed Internet and a large HDTV in your room. If you’ve got an A.V. cable, you can plug your computer right into the HDTV and view your online content right on the large screen.
Families traveling with children should consider asking the front desk of their hotel room to take the video games off of the television. You are automatically charged when someone plays the games, and you may not always realize when your children have accessed them. Disconnecting the games will help you avoid any unexpected charges to your bill.
If you are trying to pack lightly but still want to be able to bring some souvenirs home, you can pack clothing that can be thrown away after it has been worn. This tip works especially well for old underwear or socks that are due to be thrown out anyway. It can also apply to shirts or pants.
When traveling by airplane, make sure your kid is seated as far away from the aisles as you can. Make sure there is an adult between the aisle and your child. You don’t want your little one sticking their arms and legs out, because it could be dangerous for the crew. Your child could also get hurt if they get hit by a cart. Plus, if you are sitting on the aisle, your child won’t be able to escape.
A great travel tip is to not leave important things lying around in the room that you’re staying at. A maid or cleaning person can easily snatch your wallet if you leave it lying on your bed or your dresser. Always keep your important things hidden or on your person.
A great travel tip is to be polite at all times when you’re traveling abroad. If you give someone a hard time like you would in your home country, bad things could potentially happen to you. A lot of behaviors that are acceptable at your home, are not so easily accepted in other parts of the world.
Traveling will be a wonderful experience for you and your loved ones. You may already know a thing or two about planning a trip, but there is always room for improvement. Regardless of your particular perspective, this article should have given you some new insights on optimizing your travels.
