Traveling is exciting and can be a great time for you or one of the biggest headaches you will ever encounter if not done right. Read on for some great ideas on how to travel smart and take care of all the little things that if you don’t, will leave you wishing you stayed home.
When traveling, always be prepared to have things stolen. Make advance photocopies of all of your important papers. You can even upload electronic scans of these documents for easy access while traveling. The local American embassy can assist you in contacting those at home who can wire you emergency funds or help in replacing your passport, but not much else.
If you are traveling to another country brush up on that country’s laws. Some foreign countries have laws that you might view as a little strange or not expect. As a precaution, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws specific to the place you are visiting.
Always keep bottled water with you when you travel. In some countries tap water is not suitable for human consumption and may contain bacteria that could make you very ill. Filters alone don’t always remove these harmful microorganisms, so either buy commercial bottle water from a reliable source or boil all water before you drink it.
Did you know that you can use snow to do a quick cleanup on your vehicle while you are traveling? A car wash would work better but snow works quite well in a pinch. It will remove the mud that got all over your rental vehicle when you ventured onto that back road. It also works well to get grime buildup off of your windshield in an emergency.
If vacationing in an area you’ve never visited before, try to find a local to give you some information about the area. Major tourist attractions are always well marked and you’ll have no problem finding them, but learning about some local favorites can make your trip much more memorable and personalized.
You should always stay up to date about the events that are going on in your travel destinations. If extreme circumstances, dangerous events, or natural disasters are going on in the intended travel destination, you should have prior knowledge. This will allow you to make an educated decision on whether you should travel or not.
If you’re going on a cruise, pack a tackle box and keep your valuables in it. Cruises often have a lot of thieves aboard them and you don’t want to risk losing something important to you. Thieves will often ignore something like a tackle box, leaving your valuables safe.
When traveling, always make sure you have money and photo ID with you at all times. In the event of an emergency these two items will allow you to access resources that you need. If you take medication regularly be sure to carry a two-day supply on you as well.
Sometimes the cleanliness of the linens in your hotel room is questionable. Rather than risk it, use your t-shirt as a pillowcase. After a long day of business meetings or sightseeing, turn your shirt inside out and use it over the hotel pillowcase. You can wash your shirt later, and it’s infinitely more appealing than putting your face on suspicious linens.
If you are looking for an adventure, travel is the way to do it. There are ways to travel for relatively cheap, that can end up making your experience so much better and less expensive over time. You simply need to be prepared for your adventure and then you can plan each destination more in-depth, as you go.
Securing travel insurance should be a priority for your upcoming vacation. Unforeseen accidents, travel hiccups or even weather anomalies, can strike at any time during your trip. Protecting yourself with insurance can relieve much of the distress involved with these types of occurrences and give you some peace of mind.
Look for package deals on local attractions that can save you large amounts of money. Many hotels will offer admission to these destinations in special visitor packages. The hotels typically get the tickets at no cost and can then pass them on to their guests with package deals that make choosing the hotel worthwhile.
One concern with traveling is being stuck without personal items if your luggage is lost. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to ease the impact of lost luggage. In your carry-on pack important medications, paperwork and a change of clothes or two. That way if the luggage is delayed you will still have all your proper medications as well as clean clothes. If you are travelling with another person, split clothing for the two people between the suitcases. That way if one suitcase is lost, clothing for both people will still arrive in the other suitcase.
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.
When traveling, bring your pillow and small blanket. No matter how you are traveling, they can help make your trip more comfortable. Sometimes, you may get a free one from the airline. If you have your own, you will also be sure that it is sanitary and clean.
If your flight is long and includes a meal, then be sure to ask for a kosher meal, because you will most likely be served first. Although you might get glances from your neighbors, you won’t have to wait for the entire plane to be served to start enjoying your food.
Hopefully this article has given you some tips and tricks on how to be a wise traveler. In this day and age you really have to keep your eyes open and your wits about you to keep traveling safe and smooth. Check your list before taking off and keep these smart tips in mind.