From a city zoo in San Jose to the mountainous regions of Pakistan to the savannahs of Africa, it’s easy to see that traveling leads to very different places. Nonetheless, there are some basic tips that will help ensure a good trip no matter where it is that you are going.
Although you can buy most first aid tools on your various travels, it is still a good idea to have a first aid kit in your bag. You will be well-served to pack some essentials like bandages, soap, aspirin or other pain relievers, cold medicine, prescription medicine, etc. You never know where or when you will need these items, so it’s a safe bet to keep them with you just in case.
If you travel often, invest in small reusable plastic bottles. You can find reusable bottles at most large supermarkets. Putting your regular shampoos and conditioners in these small, reusable bottles is more cost efficient in the long run. Travel sized toiletries are often very overpriced for the small amount of product inside them.
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.”
Autumn is a great time to travel through New England. This is when the leaves begin to change into their beautiful golden color. The weather cools down, making the air feel refreshingly crisp. You no longer have to compete with summer tourists. This is the time when you can slow down your pace of travel and just enjoy the beauty around you.
If you are planning on flying or riding a long distance with school-age children, consider investing in a small portable DVD player. The least expensive ones can run as low as $75, and the peace of mind it buys you on that nine-hour international flight is more than worth the cost.
Look beyond the touristy souvenir shops. To find a souvenir that will remind you of your travels and actually comes from the place you visited, shop with the locals. In grocery stores, markets, and other stores that are off the beaten (tourist) track, you’ll find things that locals actually use instead of the mass-produced trinkets.
Make sure you understand all the laws of the destination you are traveling to. Some laws may seem very odd to you, however in that region, that is the way it is. Disobeying laws in a certain area can cause some extreme consequences and you may get more of a punishment than you are prepared for.
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 insurance might be worth considering for a big ticket, non-refundable trip. The small price you will pay for insurance will be well worth it if an emergency medical situation comes up, or your baggage is lost, damaged, or even delayed. You will recoup at least some of the cost of your trip and feel some piece of mind as well.
Avoid getting bumped when you are using an airplane to travel. First, be sure you get an advanced seat assignment. With seat assignments, you only get bumped if you are late. Next, you can check-in online. You can do this twenty-four hours before your departure and this will help save you a seat. Last, do not be late.
Write reminders for yourself. A paper note can easily get lost, but a note written on a mirror is hard to ignore. You can do this because dry-erase markers will easily wipe off of mirrors with just a little bit of tissue paper.
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.
Make sure to read plenty of reviews from different sources about your travel destination. Don’t book any vacations before checking different websites and travel books and making sure that other travelers had positive experiences with your airline, hotel, cruise line, or any other service that you use when you travel.
There is nothing that can derail your travel fun like a nasty sunburn. Sunscreen is a small expense that can help you avoid a painful vacation experience. You should also consider hats and protective clothing if you are going to spend any time in the sun. Outside temperature should be irrelevant in your consideration.
Try to be flexible about your travel dates. If you can search for a day before and a day after a particular date, you will likely see that prices can vary. You may save some money by flying out a day earlier or later. These savings could easily add up to well over, a hundred dollars.
If you plan on going backpacking, make sure you pack the proper gear. Even the most experienced backpackers can get lost, so it is important to bring flashlights, food, large amounts of water, matches and first aid supplies. Also, dress appropriately. Wear layers and avoid cotton clothing and jeans.
Use the online check-in for your flight whenever possible. Airlines continue to cut back on staff and because of this, lines at the airport are getting longer and longer. The online check-in process takes only minutes and often allows you to make seat selections and check baggage as well.
No matter where it is that you are going, these common tips should help you in your travels. While each country has its own idiosyncrasies, the advice here should be kept in mind no matter where it is that you go. Now that you’ve got the advice, all that’s left is picking the destination!
