In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. This article contains some of the best tips for helping a new traveler become a smart traveler.
Get local menus online while you are traveling. There are often countless restaurants located around hotels. If you have an internet connection where you are staying, use it to look them up online. Often you can find menus on their websites. You can also find directions and relevant reviews.
Packing your suitcase smarter will enable you to bring more fun! The best way to maximize space in your luggage is to lay an item flat and roll it up. Roll as many things as you can and fit them closely together. Stuffing socks and underwear into your shoes will save you even more space.
When traveling to tropical areas, always keep your dirty laundry in a closed bag. Hotels and homes in tropical parts of the world aren’t as bug-proof as most American homes. Dirty laundry will attract insects, especially ants, meaning that clothing that was simply dirty, is now completely unwearable for the rest of the trip.
If you’re staying in a hotel and you like coffee, don’t use the tap water to make it. Instead, get some ice from the ice machine and put it in the coffee maker the night before to melt. The ice machines use filtered water so you’ll get better tasting coffee!
If you are staying in hotels, especially in countries that are less developed and you worry about a break-in at night in your room, take a doorstop along. They are small and easy to pack. They also do a great job keeping a door closed.
If the hotel chain you will be staying at offers a loyalty program, join up. Even if you’re only planning on staying one or two nights, there are many perks to these programs. On the top of the list, is the fact that loyalty members are less likely to get bumped, if the hotel overbooks.
If you’re far away from home and find that you’ve left your phone charger at home, call the front desk of your hotel and explain the situation. Most hotels save the abandoned or forgotten chargers that are left in hotel rooms; if your phone is a fairly common model, it might save you from paying fifty dollars for a charger that you only use for one or two days.
Try to stay cool while traveling. Bodies may naturally heat up due to closed quarters, limited airflow and just being nervous about visiting a new place. Make use of overhead vents on airplanes, standing on the deck, if on a ship, or opening a window in a car. Sometimes you may be able to crack a window open on a bus as well, if you are unable to do so sit towards the front of the bus rather than at the back to avoid stale air.
Packing for a trip means keeping it light. Fuel costs are driving fees for overweight baggage and causing fliers to readjust their travel budget on the fly. Pack only what is necessary for your trip and leave extraneous items out. Sometimes it might be in your best interest to purchase small ticket items at your destination, as opposed to paying for the weight.
If you are someone who loves to travel frequently, a timeshare may be a good investment. Many timeshares offer a points system and exchange weeks. If your timeshare is in Maine and you would like to go to Aruba, you can exchange or trade your timeshare week with someone else. Although there is an initial investment, the money you will save on hotel stays, will be well worth the expense.
Knowing what is and is not allowed on an airplane can save you a hassle at the airport. Many people do not realize that simple everyday items such as hand lotion, sunscreen, etc., are considered spreads and either need to be in a clear plastic bag, or in your checked luggage. It is best to check with the TSA website before you leave for your trip to ensure smooth sailing at the airport.
To pack light while traveling, make time to plan ahead. Lay articles of clothing out before you pack, and make sure that each top can go with more than one bottom. Bring clothes that are comfortable and easy to wash, in case you need to do laundry on the road. Think carefully about the shoes you bring. It is best to wear your bulkiest items on the flight, to make more room in your luggage.
Review the cancellation policy of any hotel or car rental company that you are considering using for your travel needs. If you are able to back out of the reservation, look into other offers when the time to travel gets closer. You may find that you will save a good bit of money or get a better room or car for the same amount.
If you’re flying with a toddler and bringing a car seat, purchase a wheeled device that attaches directly to the car seat. It can be incredible difficult to tote your luggage, car seat, and a stroller through the airport. Turning your car seat into a stroller might give you a free hand, which is much needed when you have a baby in tow.
If you are traveling with your pet make a vet visit before you leave. Get a full check-up with your vet. Also make sure your pet is fully vaccinated. It is a good idea to ask your vet if they can refer to someone in the area you going in case you end up needing medical attention for your pet.
After reading these tips, you can begin to understand what it takes to become a smarter traveler. There is a lot of information and you need to know how to use it. Keeping that in mind, you can refine your own traveling plans so that you can relax and enjoy your next trip.
