Planning a trip or vacation can often feel like a chore rather than a pleasure. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.
When traveling, pack light. When traveling, people tend to bring more than they need and end up using about half of what they pack. You should only pack a few items you can wear several times and coordinate them all. You will likely find the right item at your destination if you forget it.
Consider purchasing travel insurance if you plan to spend a lot on your vacation or trip. You will be protected in case your trip is cancelled due to illness, natural disaster or other uncontrollable circumstances.
Avoid touching animals in less developed areas or those living in poverty. This includes farm animals but also stray animals such as cats or dogs, as well as draft and pack animals. It’s impossible to know which diseases these animals may be carrying and you might not have the same immunity as the locals.
When you are going on a long trip, make sure to bring some plastic bags. Plastic bags are great for storing toiletries, dirty laundry and spillage. Some places offer laundry facilities, so you can always keep your dirty laundry in a plastic bag.
Security does not permit you to lock your luggage. This means that your belongings could be left behind in the country or around baggage claim. Zip ties can be used to prevent this. They hold the zipper in place but can be easily removed by security (at minimal cost).
You should be prepared for customs inspections as well as the forms required to travel internationally. Keep your social security number and passport close at hand. Before you leave for your destination, find out what you are allowed to bring back. Gifts can be easily confiscated.
When you travel, it is important to ensure that your pet has access to fresh water. This is especially important when you are traveling in hot environments. You can ensure cool, fresh water by rinsing out a two-liter bottle and then freezing it before you go. It will melt and provide the water your pet needs to survive.
If you are staying in a hotel, take the comforter or top quilt off the bed. The comforter may be contaminated by dirt, bedbugs or other remnants from other guests. Housekeeping will not wash it. Use the spare blanket from your closet instead.
Book your cruise as soon as possible to secure the best cruise price. You can get the best accommodations and save up to 50% on the published price per person by booking early. You may not get the best selection of cabins, but you could save up to 50% on the published cabin price.
Fanny packs are back! These 80’s trademarks were quickly discarded after they had their time in the sun. These have come back in style, as so many things do. These are great for traveling as you can have a lot of essential items at your fingertips, including passports, money and snacks.
For a non-refundable, big ticket trip, travel insurance may be worth looking into. If you have to pay a small amount for insurance, it will be worth it. You’ll be able to recoup some of your travel costs and have some peace of mind.
Before you travel, exchange your money at your bank. Large financial institutions usually have the best exchange rates. This allows you to avoid waiting in long lines at airport currency exchanges or worse, being at the mercy less-scrupulous currency exchanges that prey on travelers who urgently need local currency.
Always bring an extra passport picture with you when traveling overseas. It can take a while to replace a lost or stolen passport. A second passport photo can speed up the process. You will be able to complete the passport application process faster if you have all necessary documents.
You have now learned some tips and tricks to make traveling easier. It’s time for you to start planning your next trip. You need to be informed about any trip, no matter if you are flying across the country or visiting distant lands.
