If you have ever had one of those trips where everything went wrong and you were totally scatterbrained, we have a few tips for you. This article is just what you need to get your vacation head on straight and plan the trip of your dreams: one that is hassle free.
When traveling, travel as light as you possibly can. If you can, avoid checking baggage. This will help speed things up when you’re getting on and off planes. The less you take with you, the less chance you have of something getting lost or damaged in transit. If you can, try and travel with only a carry-on bag.
Before heading off on your vacation, make sure to go online and check out the wide variety of travel forums that are available. These sits allow travelers to answer other user’s questions about various destinations. They can provide a wealth of information on restaurants, hotels and attractions.
If you or a travel companion is seriously allergic or sensitive to cigarette smoke, don’t just ask for a non-smoking room. Requesting that your room be located on a non-smoking floor ensures that your neighbors will not be smoking in their rooms when the doors are opened, and that smoke will not carry between windows of rooms on the same floor.
Road trips are fun but at the end of each day of driving you want to just relax so choose a hotel that is near restaurants or has room service. You can call ahead where you plan to stop and ask the hotels what food options are available nearby.
Plan far in advance when booking flights around holidays. Normally you can find the best deal by waiting until the last second to buy a ticket. However, around the holidays airlines know that they will be busy so they start increasing the price early as people panic and decide to buy tickets. If you absolutely want to travel during the holiday season you should purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
Most airlines will overbook their flights during busy times or seasons. In the event that too many people show up for the flight, they will need volunteers to take a different flight at a later time, in exchange for vouchers for travel, food and lodging that can be used at a later date. If you aren’t in a hurry, you can pay for part of your next vacation!
Pet friendly travel can be very rewarding if you plan ahead. Make sure you know if your pet travels well before subjecting him to lengthy car rides. The Internet can help you find pet friendly lodging and destinations that can make vacationing with your pet fun and inexpensive. Gone are the days of leaving your furry friend home.
Travel “green” by traveling by train instead of by plane. Train rides not only offer scenic views, but there will be not long security lines or lost luggage. For example, if you are traveling to Europe or Asia, they offer great rail travel that will allow you to save money and explore multiple places one trip.
If you are traveling with dogs, make sure to brush your pet before getting into the car. This will help to minimize the amount of hair that you have to deal with. Also, try to plan ahead by figuring out a few places to stop for potty breaks. Your dog will need to stretch and relieve himself every couple of hours.
Get a jump on ridding yourself of jet lag. Plan activities that will have you outdoors for your first couple of days while abroad. When you are outside being active the exercise, fresh air and plenty of sunlight (if available) will do wonders for defeating the lethargy of jet lag. Taking a quick power nap upon arrival to the hotel can help as well.
When traveling, in order to avoid being the target of a robbery, do not wear any flashy jewelry or clothing. Also, do not carry excessive amounts of cash on you. Use a debit or credit card whenever you are going to make a purchase. There are even special debit cards that are used when traveling abroad.
Bring back toiletries from the hotels that you stay at while traveling. Things like soap, shampoo and lotion can be some of the best souvenirs of your vacation, and they are completely free. Since your room rate includes the cost of these items, don’t feel bad for taking them home with you. Use them to remember the great time you had while you were away.
When going on a road trip, think ahead and pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks for the trip. You are bound to get hungry along the way, especially if it is a long distance trip. Many people don’t think about doing this and have to stop and waste money at some stores along the way for goodies that could have easily been packed prior to leaving.
If you use a wheelchair, make sure to let the airline know beforehand. This way they will reserve a special seat for you and make any other accommodations that you may need. If you are using a travel agent to make your reservations, make sure they make the special arrangements for you.
If you are traveling with liquids, use pieces from a plastic bag to help you avoid spills. Many people put their liquids in bags, but while this protects your other items, it doesn’t keep you from losing something that you need if it all spills out. Instead, tear off small pieces from plastic bags. Take off the top of your bottle, put the plastic over the opening and replace the cap. You won’t have to worry about leaks any more!
Do you feel calmer now? Hopefully you have found this information to be helpful and informative. Now you can make those travel plans with the confidence that you need to know this will be a great trip. You work hard and deserve to take a break. Go make it happen.
