Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences that you ever grant yourself. There is so much to see out there and so much to learn. However, it’s smart to be prepared before you embark on any kind of travel adventure. Having the correct documents ready is just the first step.
Study up on the language of the area you are planning to travel to before you leave. Language barriers can be tricky. Obviously, you can manage in a foreign country without speaking the language. Even so, it is always a good idea to brush-up on important words like “police” or “hospital.”
Be sure to confirm your reservation at the establishment you will be lodging in. Hotels are well within their right to give your room to someone else if you do not confirm your reservation. A quick phone call can ensure that you don’t find yourself without a place to stay, when you arrive.
Being careful about purchases while traveling will help you through customs. Remember anything you buy on your trip must pass through customs when you return home so exercise caution when you see street vendors abroad or other sellers who may be offering counterfeit or unsafe souvenirs you will have to surrender later.
When planning a major trip, you should always purchase travel insurance. This protects you against loss on big ticket items like international flights, as well as helping you recover the costs of lost baggage or other emergency expenses. Travel insurance covers you if you have to cancel your trip or if your trip has to be ended early.
One factor that may not come to mind right away when planning travel is weather. By looking up the weather forecast ahead of traveling, or possibly even before deciding when to travel one will know what to expect. If the weather looks bad, it can be prepared for or the trip even rescheduled.
To bring everything you need on your trip, you need to have reliable luggage. If your luggage is old or cannot contain everything you need, you should go buy new luggage. Do not hesitate to buy expensive luggage. The quality guarantees that your belongings will be protected and good luggage should last you for years.
Make sure you are organized well. Avoiding wasting time looking all over for your adapters, travel pillow and toiletry items. Buy a cheap plastic storage bin, and keep all your stuff in there. An under-bed container works well to keep things hidden, but ready for you to quickly jet off on your next adventure.
One way to collect memories of your trip is to do crayon rubbings of architectural features, historical markers or even, just interesting textures. All you need is a crayon and thin, newsprint like, paper. Tear the paper cover off the outside of the crayon. Next, hold the paper flat on the surface you are recording. To complete the rubbing, use the side of the crayon rubbing it back and forth until the image emerges.
If you want to make conversation with the locals, learn a little magic trick. Magic is something that is almost universally understood. If you perform a tiny trick for someone, you will open the door to having an actual conversation with the person. Simple tricks are easy to learn, so look one up!
When you’re packing your luggage, put anything you might need before you get to your destination, on top. This will help keep you from digging through your entire suitcase to find a hair brush or a book. Not only can it save you some time and frustration, but you won’t have to worry about things falling out while you’re looking and end up getting lost.
If you are going to be rock climbing, you will probably need new shoes. Your shoes should fit so tightly that you can stand in them, but it should be uncomfortable to walk in them. Having tight shoes will increase your ability to use your legs and you will have optimal control with your movements.
When renting a car for a trip, try renting one from a location away from the airport. Many times the car rentals at an airline include items like taxes and additional fees that can really jack up their prices. Usually the off-airport car rentals will send a shuttle to pick you up in, which may be faster and more convenient.
Check the web for rentals by owners. You may be able to get a great price on an entire house for what you would pay for a hotel. It will allow you the comforts of home while on vacation. You should even consider getting a couple or two to go along and split the cost of the house.
Brush your teeth with bottled water when traveling in areas with questionable water. Drinking the water is not the only risk when traveling in certain developing nations. Many people assume that as long as they do not swallow the water, they are safe. In reality bacteria in water can enter your body even if you only use it to rinse your mouth when brushing.
Be sure to look over the small print concerning trip cancellations. You are sure to benefit from knowing what you will be covered for. If you get ill or a loved one passes away and you have to cancel your trip, you will likely be covered but read the entire agreement before signing.
A great travel tip is to make sure you leave an itinerary of your trip for anyone that might need to contact you. This is a simple step that only takes a few minutes to complete and it can save you from enduring a lot of heart ache and hassle.
In conclusion, make certain you are armed with the proper information for your trip and your destinations. Travel will be so much more rewarding if you avoid any negative incidents that could crop up along the way. Preparation and knowledge are key ingredients to having a wonderful travel experience.
