Travel can be one of the most stressful parts of life, but also one of the most rewarding. Being prepared and knowing what to expect on the road, at sea or in the air is essential to having a good trip. Read on to discover some knowledge that you can use to make good memories away from home.
To prevent injury or illness from ruining your trip, check that your medical insurance policy applies when you are away from home – especially if you are planning a trip abroad. If you find out that you are not covered, don’t worry. Check with your travel agent or online for vacation insurance.
Print out directions and confirmation numbers ahead of time when you are traveling. If you have a smart phone, you can save these important pieces of information in a file in your phone for easy access later. You will be much more at ease if you know ahead of time how and where to find your important information when you need it.
If you have the time, travel by car instead of flying. Driving through the states is a wonderful way to see the country. You will pass by quaint towns and attractions that are often overlooked by tourists. Traveling by car offers you more flexibility in case you need to change your itinerary at the last minute.
When you plan your next trip, pick a digital camera that will suit you on that particular trip. If you will be backpacking, for instance, a rechargeable battery wouldn’t be ideal. In any case, take a digital camera that is quick to turn on and focus so you won’t miss the shot you want.
Use carry-on luggage. Most airlines now charge extra to check a bag. So, to avoid this cost, try to fit everything into a carry-on bag, if possible. Even if your airline is one of the few that doesn’t charge to check a bag, you may still want to avoid checking a bag. In a move to cut costs, many airlines have reduced the number of employees who handle baggage, making for a much longer wait at the baggage claim.
Instead of putting your liquids in a plastic bag to prevent them from leaking, try unscrewing the lid and putting a piece of plastic from a grocery bag over the top and screwing the lid on over it. While a zip-lock bag will prevent spills from ruining things, this method will prevent things from spilling in the first place.
When considering travel insurance for an upcoming trip, be sure to have a number of questions and anticipated answers ready for your provider. Keep good records for when comparing rates. Ask such things such as how payment would be processed for reimbursements, and if there are any conditions that would nullify the agreement.
When traveling by air, conceal a store of emergency money in your carry-on luggage. This stash will be useful if you run into a worst-case scenario, like a mugging or pick-pocketing. Make your stash as large as you feel comfortable with, but remember you may need it to purchase food, transportation or even an overnight room.
If you plan to travel more than a few weeks, you will want to make sure you have paid up all your obligations prior to leaving. This will ensure that you do not come home to discontinued services. Travel lasting longer periods of time can result in reconnection fees when you return if not planned in advance.
Join a travel forum before you go anywhere. Select the destination that you are going and join a forum related to the area or service you are using. These people have plenty of experience in their travels and will give you helpful advice on where to go, eat and stay.
If you need to find a place to eat or want recommendations for a local attraction, stay away from hotel employees. Most of them are given money to advise you to go to certain locations. Visit shops, cafes or restaurants that you like and ask them for advice on where you should go.
While traveling, it is important to keep your home safe while you are away and it will be empty. To reduce the chances of someone thinking your house is empty and easy pickings, you should have a trusted person tend the house. That person can get newspapers, mail and even move the cars around that may be in the driveway. Most importantly, they will mask that the house is empty.
When you travel by air, pack a few items in your carry on that you will be able to use if your luggage is lost or sent to the wrong location. These items should include a change of underwear, a pair of socks and an easy to pack outfit such as yoga pants and a shirt. This way you will have a back up supply of clothing in the event of mishaps with your luggage.
When you enter your hotel room, check for bed bugs. Even though this is probably the last thing on your mind, it is an important factor. These pesky bugs can get into your luggage and attach themselves to your belongings, meaning you can end up bringing them home with you.
When preparing to pack for your vacation, make sure to check the weather forecast for your destination. Try to check the forecast the day before you leave, for the best accuracy. Even though weather forecasts are never 100 percent correct, you can get a general idea of what type of clothing and shoes to bring.
Ninety percent of any good trip is preparation and knowledge. Having read this article, hopefully, you are now full of ideas on getting ready for and surviving your next adventure away from home. Apply what you have learned and you are sure to come home with good memories of visited destinations.
