Seeing the world, or just a city next door can lead to all sorts of fun and adventure. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice traveler, the following tips are a collaboration of helpful information to make your next journey much safer, easier and a whole lot more fun.
Dealing with airports is an unfortunate necessity of much modern travel. Pack an empty water bottle to fill after you get through security. This will save you from having to buy a $3.00 bottle of water after you get through the checkpoint. It also never hurts to pack granola bars, banana chips, or anything else to snack on between flights.
When staying at a high-end domestic hotel, bring along your own A/V cable for your laptop. Most hotel rooms at nicer hotels offer free in-room WiFi and a large HDTV, but will then charge a premium for in-room movies. Having your own A/V cable gives you access to your own selection of downloaded movies or an online account.
Make sure to pack your vitamins when you travel and remember that vitamin C is a great energy and immune booster. Taking a vitamin supplement can help you prevent or lessen the effects of jet lag on your body, strengthen your immune system against the multitude of germs you will come into contact with, and generally make you feel better. Clear any supplements with your doctor before taking them if you have underlying health issues.
Do your homework before making a booking. Find websites that have reviews of the locations you plan to go. Ask other people that have traveled there. This will help you decide if the location is right for you.
Request samples online. Instead of paying for miniature travel-size versions of all your toiletry items, do an online search for free samples. Companies regularly offer samples of new products that will be mailed right to your home. Request everything from toothpaste to shampoo to cosmetics and keep a small stash in your travel bag so you are ready for your next trip.
Always keep your most important belongings on hand when travelling. When carrying a handbag, hold it securely against your body using your arm. Do not rely on shoulder straps alone. Avoid bags with easy-access zippers that can be easily accessed by someone other than yourself. Remember this when shopping for the ideal travel bag.
Remain vigilant while you are traveling. It is no secret that tourists are often the mark of pickpockets and con artists. Whether you are vacationing or traveling on business, remain vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings. Being cautious and wary of others who might wrong you is the very best defense against them.
Use your GPS for things you did not know it could do. Many GPS units actually have calculators, currency exchange rates, and bilingual dictionaries built in. You can use these to your advantage without having to buy them separately. Check your GPS before you attempt it though, as some less expensive models don’t carry these features.
Bring your own toilet paper! In many countries, toilet paper is either not used, or not provided. Put a small amount of toilet paper in a plastic sandwich bag, and carry it with you, or simply grab a travel pack of facial tissues. You do not want to get stuck without any!
Traveling long distance in a car with children can be challenging. Take along a variety of activities for the kids to play with such as coloring books, crayons, toys, etc. It is also fun to play games with the kids such as trying to find license plates from all the states, or playing I Spy.
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.
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.
If you are trying out a new restaurant during your travels, watch how the other patrons act. They can give you clues as to how to eat unusual dishes or which condiments to use on your food. This is particularly helpful when eating overseas, where the food is probably very different from what you are used to.
Whether traveling to see a family member or as part of an adventurous expedition, everyone needs some planning and preparation for their trip. Hopefully you learned something from reading this article that will help you on your next vacation and maybe something you can pass along to a friend.
