If you've got a trip coming up, then you've come to the right place. Preparing for a trip can be one of the most stressful things you do. But below we have some advice for stressed out trip goers that can help things run much smoother and not leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.
Travel can be a good way to get away from it all, but sometimes it is necessary to get in touch with the rest of the world. For this purpose, make sure your cell phone works wherever you are going or purchase a prepaid phone in your destination country. You will be glad you did if you lose your credit cards or passport and need to contact your bank - or embassy! - right away.
If you are traveling to an area that has a liquid-restriction on all liquids you might be packing, invest in bar shampoos and tooth powder. Believe it or not, you can actually find bar shampoo and toothpaste available in powder form online. These items are a great way to get around liquid-restrictions.
When selecting luggage, pay attention to the ease of carrying it over long distances. A rugged metal rolling suitcase is usually ideal. Some rolling bags even have straps that allow them to be worn as a backpack through areas where you can't roll them. You and your luggage will be walking longer distances than you think.
Use vacuum bags to pack more into your carry-on luggage. Trying to fit everything you'll need for your trip into a carry-on-sized bag can be challenging. To maximize the space, try using travel vacuum bags for your clothes. You insert your clothes, zip the bag, and roll it to remove the air. Just be sure to unpack as soon as you arrive at your destination so that your clothes have time to return to their normal shape.
If you're planning on taking a cell phone with you on your trip, make sure to call your cell phone provider to ask them about roaming charges. The familiarity of your cell phone may make you feel better, but it may cost you a lot more to use it on foreign soil. A good alternative is buying a local SIM card and using it while you're there.
Before you travel it is a good idea to join some online travel forums like TripAdvisor, Fodors, Frommers and LonelyPlanet. These forums are great places to pick up tips and advice from people who have already visited your chosen travel destination. You can also use these forums to find a travelling partner.
National Parks are usually open all year, but it is best to check with the park you are wanting to visit to confirm that it will be open when you are planning on going. During the summer and winter the parks are generally more popular. If you want to avoid crowds, go in spring or fall.
If you are taking a small child in a long car ride, plan on taking breaks every few hours. Breaks can offer the opportunity to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. Getting little kids out of cars here and there can help them avoid motion sickness. It may take a bit longer to get there, but the trip will be a lot less stressful.
A very common problem people have when traveling through different times zones is jet lag. There is no way to completely avoid it, but if you can get more sleep for several days before the flight it should help lessen the effects. Also, you should try to sleep during your flight as much as possible.
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.
Staying longer can equal bigger savings. Airlines will offer better rates on round trip tickets based on the amount of time between flights. Hotels as well may offer discounted room rates for three or more days with them. Hotels can offer these rates since a booked room is generating more income than an empty room.
If you are going to travel to a destination that involves scuba diving or snorkeling, be sure to invest in an underwater camera. There are many great underwater digital cameras on the market nowadays. Most digital cameras also include a video setting, so you can capture your whole underwater adventure.
When you arrive at your hotel, especially if you have children, check for fire exit routes. Take a couple of minutes with your children to walk the route with them as a mock fire drill and help them prepare in the case of an emergency. They will be understanding of this since they do this in school on a regular basis.
Keep your valuables and identity secure when traveling. Do not overlook the fact that most hotels offer a safe. Ask the hotel to use it. Pay a small fee, if any, and you can avoid any potential complication that could arise from lost or stolen items. You will usually have constant access if you should need to get in the safe.
Don't make plans with the airlines the day you go or later. Instead, try calling them the night before to reconfirm your flight is still scheduled or to see if it's overbooked. Give yourself at least a half hour to get to the airport. Also save time by checking in at home and pre-printing your boarding passes.
Hopefully at least some of these tips will be helpful for you on your upcoming vacation. While each tip may not work for every person and every vacation, you should now be armed with some extra knowledge to make things run a lot smoother and help you avoid any problems.
Orignal From: Some Great Advice You Need To Know About Travel
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