If you are like many pet owners, you hate leaving your four-legged friend behind when you travel. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to, as many airlines, hotels, etc., are pet friendly. This article will give you tips for making the most of your travels with your four-legged friend.
When traveling, increase your safety and your peace of mind by wearing a money belt. This item is one essential that you cannot go without when traveling, and is barely noticeable to wear. Keep your wallet and your passport safe in your money belt so that no matter what happens, they don’t get lost.
If you plan to go shopping for clothes while abroad, research that area’s measurement system. Garment measurements vary greatly from country to country. They also vary greatly from brand to brand. However, a basic knowledge of their clothes sizes will help you get in the ballpark as far as finding a size that fits you goes.
Planning to keep children happy and occupied while traveling will prevent a lot of headaches for everyone. Set aside special back-packs for any child accompanying you on your venture and fill it with goodies that will hold their attention, amuse them, and even feed them, if necessary. Small things that help pass time like books and notepads or travel games should suffice and will go a long way in easing hassles and boredom.
When traveling to a country outside of North America and Western Europe, carry cash or pre-purchased traveler’s checks. You cannot count on your credit or debit card to work the same way it does at home, nor is there any guarantee of access to ATMs. Converting your money or buying traveler’s checks before you leave also protects you against unscrupulous money changers.
If you are traveling with any kind of prescription medication, including birth control pills, you need to keep them in their original containers with labels. It can also be helpful to get a letter from your doctor stating that you have a medical need for the items. This way, you cannot be accused of drug smuggling.
Walk when you can. To keep your ankles from swelling and your joints from getting sore, stand up and walk whenever you get a chance. On the plane, get up and go to the bathroom or walk the aisle, once every hour. If you have a layover, opt to take a few laps of the terminal, rather than just sitting at your gate.
Make sure you understand all the laws of the destination you are traveling to. Some laws may seem very odd to you, however in that region, that is the way it is. Disobeying laws in a certain area can cause some extreme consequences and you may get more of a punishment than you are prepared for.
Traveling with a suitcase that has no dividers or compartments you can split your clothes up in can be tough. A great way to get around this problem is by placing a piece of cardboard between different clothing selections or items. Not only will you be able to separate your items, but you will come out looking more organized.
Count doors before you count sheep. When you arrive at your hotel, count the number of doors between your room and the stairs. In case of a fire with heavy smoke, you will be able to feel along the wall and know when you’ve reached the exit. This most likely will not happen, but, as always, you’re better safe than sorry.
Whenever you travel for business or pleasure, research your destination before you leave. Arriving in a foreign city without any idea where to go or what to see can be overwhelming and takes away from the experience. Read a guide on your destination and talk to people you know have been there. You can easily learn some insiders tips.
Try and get as much knowledge of the destination you’re going to travel to before you arrive there. You want to have an idea of the things you want to do rather than finally getting to the hotel and feeling lost and bored. You can also ask hotel employees and locals where good places to check out are.
Make your trip green by using eco-friendly services. Lots of hotels have a reusable linen program, use alternative energy, use lighting that’s energy efficient, have guest recycling receptacles, and use low-flow plumbing. Rental cars, tours, and many restaurants are also more eco-friendly these days.
When traveling internationally with disabilities it is best to check which countries best accommodate disabled citizens. Many countries are well equipped to offer travelers with wheel chair ramps, scooter ramps and have hotels that are equipped to deal with disabilities. Unfortunately, every country is not so well equipped to support travelers with disabilities.
When traveling on a cruise ship, it is important to tip the staff members even before they have performed a service. You will come into contact with these employees many times throughout your stay on board, so give your cabin steward an immediate tip once you arrive. The quality of the service you receive is likely to be even better than it would have been otherwise.
Adjust to a new time zone faster by spending time in the sun. When you arrive at your destination, try to get plenty of sun exposure on your first and second days. This will help “set” your circadian rhythm to be in line with the local time zone and help you get over jet lag faster.
As stated at the beginning of this article, it is hard for pet owners to leave their animals behind while they travel. Many hotels and airlines are very accommodating when it comes to traveling with your pet. Hopefully, this article has given you some great tips for making the most of your pet-friendly travel plans.
