Travel can be fun, even when you are traveling for business purposes. However, spending too much money on charges and fees can quickly take the enjoyment out of traveling. In this article, we will share strategies to get you to your desired location without spending too much cash.
If you are planning a trip abroad, make sure you get your passport well in advance. Many people underestimate how long it takes to get a passport for the first time and are left scrambling and paying extra fees to get it expedited. Plan for your passport to take six to eight weeks to arrive, especially in peak travel season.
Calling a family or friend when you leave and arrive on a trip isn’t just for kids. It is a good way to put them at ease, and also to make sure that if something goes wrong on your trip, someone will know about it quicker. If you have not called by a certain time, and they cannot reach you, this person will be able to take appropriate actions to find you or find out what happened.
Invest in a waterproof wallet. You no doubt need your wallet and its contents safe. While traveling, it can be easy to forget about what you have in your pockets. Having a waterproof wallet is a great idea for anyone who plans on going to the ocean or sitting poolside.
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.
Make a portable washing machine with a plastic bag. Save money by skipping expensive coin-operated washers and dryers when you travel by using a do-it-yourself tip. Find or pack a large and sturdy plastic bag, and add a little laundry soap and water. Put your clothes in the bag, and shake. Drain the soapy water and repeat the process with clean water, then hang the clothes to dry.
Call the airport ahead of time to receive your seat assignment. Without a seat assignment there is a chance that you might be bumped from a flight. If this happens, you could find yourself stuck in the terminal waiting for the next flight. This could take several hours.
Look for “nonstop” rather than just “direct” flights. Nonstop flights, as their name implies, make no stops before arriving at the destination, whereas direct flights may stop at other airports on the way to the final destination. Although you are not changing planes, the stops you make on a direct flight can lead to many unexpected delays.
Whenever you are flying to your travel spot, make sure to use the airport limo or a possible airport pick-up service. This ensures that you do not have to wait in line for a taxi and that you can promptly arrive at your hotel with the least possible frustration.
Lost luggage is common when traveling, so prepare beforehand by packing some essentials in your carry-on luggage. A change of underclothes, one outfit and a bathing suit enable you to carry on with most of your plans while you wait for your luggage to be located. To cover all bases, buy travel insurance that covers your luggage whether it is lost, stolen or damaged.
Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. While it is impractical to attempt to learn the entire language of every country you visit, you should focus on memorizing some key phrases to make your journey easier. This is especially true if you have dietary restrictions, so you can inform your waiter properly and avoid potential allergies.
Never be satisfied with the rate you are given when making reservations at hotels or rental vehicles. Many times there are discounts that you may not have thought of and it is not the responsibility of the service provider to list those for every transaction. By asking you can prompt them to check, which they should be happy to do.
If you are traveling on an airplane, bring a set of headphones with you. When you would like to get some rest or just need a little peace and quiet, put the headphones on. This will discourage the people around you from talking, although you may need to also avoid eye contact with them.
For smokers who are looking at long travel times, you can chew nicotine gum or wear a nicotine patch. Although it may not be the same as actually having a cigarette, it should help to curb the urge to smoke. You can also bring lots of gum, and every time you crave a cigarette, pop a piece of gum into your mouth.
Using advice like what is offered in this article will help you travel smarter and help you travel more easily. You should be able to truly enjoy your vacation if you relax and forget about your troubles by saving money.
