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.
Consider mailing souvenirs home. Everyone loves souvenirs, but sometimes you can wind up with one too many while traveling. If all the things you have accumulated on your vacation won’t fit in your suitcase for the return trip, you can always mail them home. Usually, you will make it home before your trinkets do.
If you plan to go shopping for clothes while abroad, research that area’s measurement system. Garment measurements vary greatly from country to country. They also vary greatly from brand to brand. However, a basic knowledge of their clothes sizes will help you get in the ballpark as far as finding a size that fits you goes.
When traveling in countries with unsafe tap water, remember other ways that you might be exposed. Close your mouth when using the shower and brush your teeth only with treated water. If you make tea or coffee with the water, allow it to boil for several minutes before steeping. Even a small exposure can make you very ill.
If you are packing shoes for your next trip, it may be a hassle trying to keep everything odor- free and clean. A great way to ensure that your shoes won’t be trouble, place each pair into a grocery bag. Wrap your grocery bag around the shoes and it will keep your other items safe from picking up dirt and odor.
You should put your identifying information inside luggage, instead of just the luggage tag. External luggage tags can accidentally be removed during transit. Make sure that your identifications are on your bag so that you do not lose it.
When you go on a trip, make sure to keep a detailed travel journal. Write down where you went, what you did, and how you felt about it. This will allow you to reference back to your previous experiences if you plan a new trip to the same destination. This way you can plan a trip including the best parts of your previous trips while also adding new experiences.
When you first arrive at your hotel room, check the mini-bar. Some guests are known for refilling bottles with water, so make sure each and every bottle is fully sealed. If any of them are not, you should immediately phone the front desk and tell them what you have found. You do not want to be charged for someone else’s dishonesty.
If you are in a country where it is recommended to drink bottled water, do not forget to use that same bottled water for everything. Brushing your teeth with the tap water could inadvertently allow the bacteria to get into your system, which can make you sick. Use the bottled!
Travel “green” by traveling by train instead of by plane. Train rides not only offer scenic views, but there will be not long security lines or lost luggage. For example, if you are traveling to Europe or Asia, they offer great rail travel that will allow you to save money and explore multiple places one trip.
Make your vacation more green by discovering new places by foot. You will find a lot of the most enticing sights are set off from the main thoroughfares, hidden away and only accessible by foot. Hiking offers many unforgettable views and up close experiences, as does biking and canoeing.
Take advantage of the hotel ice maker when making your next pot of in-room coffee. The ice makers in most hotels are filled with filtered water, while your room only offers tap water. A cup of coffee will taste better if the water is filtered. Fill your ice bucket at night and use the melted ice for your coffee the next morning.
There’s a reason every diet program and nutritionist out there tells you to drink water and lots of it. Keeping yourself hydrated with water, rather than coffee, tea or soda, can prevent you from experiencing fatigue and excessive tiredness. These feelings are notorious triggers for emotional eaters. Drinking water before a meal also helps you to feel fuller faster.
If you want to bring your pet with you on your trip, make sure to call and ask the hotel where you are staying beforehand if pets are allowed. Although there are many more pet friendly hotels now than there were in the past, there are still some hotels that do not allow any animals.
Find out which vaccinations are needed in order to go to the country in which you are traveling to. Without these vaccinations, you may not be allowed to enter. Also, try to get these vaccinations far in advance of your trip, just in case you happen to have a reaction to it.
Always carry a small notebook and pen when you travel. There are many times when you may need to jot something down, whether they are directions, a new friend’s contact information or reservation confirmation number. By carrying a small pad of paper or notebook and a pencil or pen, you can ensure you are always prepared.
Prepare for any communication needs you may have on your trip. Purchase any connectivity devices you will require for mobile computing, and take the time to call your cell phone provider and evaluate potential costs associated with traveling. You may find that you will have to adjust your plan temporarily to accommodate the trip. Save yourself the shock of a large bill by planning properly.
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.