If you’re planning a trip, you may be wrapped up in thinking about how much fun you will have when you arrive. However, there are a lot of other things to think about to make sure that your trip is safe and goes well. Here’s a list of things to think about when planning a trip.
When taking a road trip to an unfamiliar area, be sure that your car is serviced and you have a full tank of gas. The last thing you need is to break down, unaware of where the nearest gas station is. Keep an empty gas can in the trunk of your car in the event that you run out of gas. You will be able to make your way to the nearest service station and fill up the can, rather than calling someone out to do that for you.
Luggage is often a large problem when people travel. While it might seem like a good idea to buy your children small size luggage, remember that they are entitled to a full size carry-on on most major air carriers. This extra luggage space can often save you from checking an extra piece of baggage. This will save you from $25 to $50 on most airlines!
If you are planning a trip abroad, it is important to make sure you obtain the necessary vaccinations beforehand. When you are in the planning stages of your trip, take note of any vaccinations that are required or recommended. Failing to do so could leave you open for dangerous exotic diseases that could ruin your trip, or worse, ruin your health.
Before departing on a trip, the wise traveler makes sure at least one person back home knows where he will be. This “home base” contact should also be updated with any unplanned changes the traveler encounters on the way. Someone who knows where a traveler is – and where they should be – can be a great help in the case of trouble on the road.
If you’re purchasing souvenirs as gifts while traveling, be creative. You can use a local newspaper as gift wrap to give it a special touch. This works especially well if the newspaper is in a foreign language or has photographs. Other low-cost souvenir gifts, include matchbooks, coasters and clean napkins.
To simplify the packing process, try to pack clothing in only one or two colors. For example, you could pack only blue and khaki skirts and pants and only shirts that are shades of blue and khaki. This technique ensures that everything you pack coordinates with everything else, so you will never have a problem finding something to wear on your trip.
If you need to find a travel destination, you should watch some documentaries about foreign countries and perhaps look at some travel guides. This should give you a better idea of what kind of landscapes and monuments you can see in different parts of the world. Choose what interests you the most.
If you are having a problem picking a destination to travel to then make a list. Make a list of the top places you want to visit and then rank them. From that list you can then research how much it would cost to travel and pay for expenses while in that area, this can help narrow your decision in picking places you want to visit in the near future.
Label everything with your information. If you have chargers, power strips, keys, or anything other small items that tend to get lost, put your contact information on it. An easy way to do this is to make a tag out of masking tape, and write your name and phone number on it. Or, you can use a Sharpie.
When you plan to take an extensive travel time and own a home, it may be in your best interest to rent out your home to make sure it is well kept while you are gone. This will ensure that bills are paid, utilities still on, and not make you lose money while you travel.
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.
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.
When staying at a hotel, be sure you have travel candles. It can help your room smell better. Besides, candles are great to create a relaxing or a romantic atmosphere. These candles are dripless and are available in travel sizes.
Language is the key to making your trip easier and getting better service. Foreign travel is great fun until you need to ask for something in a location where you are confronted with only native speakers. Learning a few phrases about general things and some specific to service related needs can save you from playing charades when you really need help.
Now that you know what to look out for when planning your trip, you can start thinking about the fun you’ll have when you get there. The first step to having a great time on any trip is to plan right. Keep these tips in mind to make sure you don’t forget anything!
