Planning your trip ahead of time is crucial, no matter your reason for traveling. Ahead, are some great ways to do just that.
As an important safety measure before leaving on a trip one should always tell a close friend or family member when they plan on returning and any other key information about the trip. By doing this one is guaranteeing that someone will know something is wrong when nobody shows up on the expected date.
In most parts of the world, it is considered good etiquette to ask someone for permission when taking their picture. Many people will become very offended if you take their photograph without asking, and this could even lead to violence. It is better to simply get their permission first than risk offense.
Travelling by plane can be a way to greatly reduce traveling time, while increasing time that can be spent enjoying the trip. Also, you are free to entertain yourself while the pilots and other staff take care of everything. You can sit back and enjoy the flight, while traveling in comfort.
When packing for a long trip, limit yourself to about two colors of clothing. This will help to ensure that everything you bring to wear on your trip will match with everything else. It will also limit the number of shoes and accessories you need to match with your outfits.
Take work with you. If you spend a small amount of time performing work tasks on your trip, be it for business or pleasure, you can then deduct the expenses of that trip on your income taxes. Check with your tax professional for details about what you can and can’t do, but make sure you save those receipts.
When you’re visiting an unfamiliar city, make sure to spend a few minutes chatting with your hotel concierge. The concierge is an expert on the area and it is his or her job to ensure that you enjoy your stay. Ask your concierge to make restaurant reservations or reserve show tickets for you. Your concierge can often get you in to in-demand places.
If you have a laundry list of questions to ask about the hotel that you’ll be staying in, call the front desk in the late evening or overnight. Hotels are significantly less busy during these times, and you are more likely to speak with someone who isn’t especially rushed or trying to check five people in all at once.
Weighing your checked bags before you arrive at the airport can save you money and frustration. Many airlines charge an extra $50 or more for checked bags weighing over 50lbs. This can result in spending more money, or having to leave items behind. Put your luggage on a scale at home before you head to the airport to save yourself a headache!
When you return home from your travels, make a photo album of your adventures. Particularly if you were on a road trip, you probably encountered a lot of interesting sights on your journey. A photo album allows your family and friends to see everything that you did and helps to preserve your memories.
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.
Always make sure to book your flight as far in advance as possible. That way, you can be certain that the flight of your choice won’t be sold out. Also, if you book a flight far enough in advance, you can pick your own seat. The pickings are better if you book your flight earlier.
Avoid taking ignorant risks, by thinking that it is okay to speed when on a road trip. It’s not fun to get pulled over, arrested or to have to cancel or severely stall your trip, in order to pay a speeding ticket. Your trip is supposed to be fun, but you’re not above the laws of the road, especially when they can endanger the lives of other people.
When traveling, avoid crowded places where pickpockets might frequent. This includes subways, elevators, train stations, tourism attractions, market festivals, and poor neighborhoods. If you are forced to visit one of these places, make sure your valuables are secured in inside pockets or a bag with a shoulder strap, and check them frequently.
Check the government website before you travel. Even if you have checked travel warnings and travel alerts in the past, check again. This information is important and can change at a moments notice. The government website is the most reliable and current to check for updated information.
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.
Pack only what you know you will use when you are going on vacation. Make a list and be realistic of what you are going to be doing. Check weather reports when you are packing for the days ahead where you are traveling to.
Take some A/V cables so you can hook up your computer to the TV when you are in the hotel. Instead of paying out the nose for hotel movies, you will be able to enjoy the best that Netflix and other similar services have to offer.
Proper preparation and packing is essential! You’ll leave feeling good, and you’ll get to your destination in great spirits.