Travel is one of those things that everyone can get into, but in which not everyone really excels. Making travel arrangements can be a fast, painless thought-free process. However, getting the best deals and making the best plans, takes a little more effort. Here are a few tips for maximizing the benefits that good travel planning can bring.
When flying, always have a bottle of water handy. Drinking plenty of fluids will ensure that your body stays hydrated during the flight. The air inside the cabin is extremely dry, playing havoc with your body. Don’t substitute alcohol or caffeine for water, as this can make dehydration worse.
When traveling to a new city, try your best to look as if you belong there: Never let anyone see that you are lost. Checking your map in the middle of the sidewalk is a sure-fire giveaway, as is asking for directions. Remember, new arrivals are good targets for pickpockets and muggers.
If you’re traveling to a country where you’re likely to want to enjoy a bottle of wine, bring along your own corkscrew. If you don’t know the area or speak the language, tracking down a corkscrew just for that impromptu picnic can turn a relaxing afternoon into a harried scavenger hunt.
International travel can be quite fun. On the plane flight to your destination, bring along a phrase book and try to learn a few phrases in the language of the culture where you will be spending time. You do not have to be fluent in the language and many locals will be delighted that you tried to learn a little bit of their language. Do not be shy about mistakes. Most people will appreciate you tried to learn a little bit about their culture.
Have you ever thought of traveling overseas? You might want to hold on to your traveling plans for awhile and go to farther and distant lands. Instead of taking two trips a year you can manage go on one trip for a year. Just make sure you keep an eye out for deals because you might get a really good deal on hotel and flight tickets.
When traveling by airplane, look for shops in the airport that have swap shelves. These shelves are for travelers to brings books and exchange them for other books. So if your flight is delayed and you finished your book already, head over to a swap shelf and exchange it for one you’ve been wanting to read!
A car’s tires should be checked before any major road travel. This includes, not only a visual inspection for leaks and flatness, but a full pressure check. Tires that are not fully inflated to their recommended PSI will hurt highway performance and reduce gas mileage. By ensuring the tires are up to snuff, the wise motorist can save real money on a long car trip.
Make sure to drink plenty of water when travelling, especially when travelling by air. During busy, hectic days of travel, many people neglect to stay adequately hydrated, leading to feelings of nausea compounded by the stress you feel when travelling. Always have a bottle of water on hand.
Avoid the gate until it is actually time to board the plane. Many passengers will crowd the gate, hoping to be the first to be allowed on. To avoid the major hustle and bustle, hang back until you hear it is your turn. Then you can calmly walk up and get on the plane.
A travel budget can be worked out so that you can save for a vacation each year. You will simply take a specified amount out of your pay each paycheck and place it into an account designated for travel. This money will allow you to pay for travel related expenses each year, including your stay, gas or airfare, and spending money.
Social networking sites can serve as wonderful resources while you’re traveling. A quick Tweet or Facebook status update asking such questions as: Where’s a great place for ice cream in New York? or Which coffee shop should I check out in Rome? can provide you with a wealth of instant information.
When traveling with a baby, use the hotel’s coffee machine to sterilize your bottles. Wash all the different parts to the bottles using soap and hot water. Plug up the sink and place all the bottle items in it. Allow the coffee machine to fill with water and then turn it on. Wait for the water to heat up and then pour the hot water over the bottles, nipples and rings. Repeat as necessary, completely covering the items with the water. Let them soak for at least five minutes, and your baby will have a sanitary bottle to drink from.
When travelling, one important concern is keeping valuables and personal information safe. Before you depart, scan copies of your passport and other IDs and save them digitally somewhere, such as an email account. That way if any important documents disappear, you can access copies in emergency situations. To protect valuables, such as, money or credit cards, split them up between bags or people in the party. That way, if one bag gets stolen, not every valuable disappears with it.
Put your name and phone number on both the inside and outside of your luggage. This way, if your luggage happens to get lost and your information is faded away on the outside, at least your contact information will still be available on the inside. Make sure to do this for all of your luggage.
Before you pack, it is wise to make a checklist. This helps so that once you put away each item, you can check it off the list and not have to worry if you forgot something. It will also help the packing process go quicker, leaving time to do other last minute things.
Everyone on board a plane, train or ship, has something in common, they have all paid for the privilege of being there. Some passengers seem happier than others, though. These are the wise travelers, who have made an effort to arrange their travel plans for maximum convenience and economy. A little education can help you to join their ranks and travel with a smile.
