When you travel, you can enjoy one of the best experiences of your life. Travel is very relaxing. To get away from your home and dive into a world you’ve never seen. It is one thing to see the world on TV and it is another to see it in person, smell fresh air, and visit the wonders of the world.
Make sure you have all essential information in written form when traveling far afield. This should include the address, phone number and website of your consulate or embassy in the country in which you are traveling. If issues arise, you could need this information. This will be handy should you have difficulties.
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.
While savvy travelers know that buying tickets directly from airlines saves them money, they also know that package deals from online travel agencies are an opportunity to save. By getting a single deal that includes airfare, hotel stay and car rental, a traveler can save money overall, even if certain portions of the package could be bought more cheaply on their own.
If you’re traveling to a country where you’re likely to want to enjoy a bottle of wine, bring along your own corkscrew. If you don’t know the area or speak the language, tracking down a corkscrew just for that impromptu picnic can turn a relaxing afternoon into a harried scavenger hunt.
Don’t let the bedbugs bite. Bedbugs have become prevalent at hotels and motels. When you arrive at your hotel room, instead of tossing it onto the bed or sofa, put your luggage on a hard surface like a dresser, table, or luggage stand. This will prevent bedbugs from crawling into your suitcase and traveling home with you. Also, before you tuck yourself in, do a thorough check of your sheets for signs of bedbugs.
If you are traveling road-trip style and you have a smart phone, try downloading apps such as GasBuddy so you can look up what gas stations have the cheaper prices before you get into town. Spending 10-11 cents more per gallon can add up to quite a lot of extra cash that you could be spending elsewhere.
Before leaving on an overseas vacation, ensure that there are at least six months from your planned date of travel and when your passport expires. Many airlines will refuse to allow you to board unless you meet this minimum requirement. In other cases, you will not be able to enter your destination country. In any case, it is easier to ‘be safe than sorry.’
If you really do not like packing, have a toiletry bag ready. Put all your needed bathroom items in it and just keep it prepared for travel. This way you can can cut down on time spent packing.
Try to stay cool while traveling. Bodies may naturally heat up due to closed quarters, limited airflow and just being nervous about visiting a new place. Make use of overhead vents on airplanes, standing on the deck, if on a ship, or opening a window in a car. Sometimes you may be able to crack a window open on a bus as well, if you are unable to do so sit towards the front of the bus rather than at the back to avoid stale air.
As you make your travel arrangements, negotiate with the front desk at the hotel you would like to stay at. Do not necessarily request a lower rate because managers do not often change the price of their rooms. Instead, try to arrange for other perks, including a free breakfast or an upgraded room. You can also ask if they have any other packages or special offers.
Look into all kinds of transportation. Bus systems are not how they once were. Most of these forms of travel are now updated with small perks like WiFi and other amenities for comfort. Some bus lines offer passes or discounts that can take the pain out of getting around your destination, so be sure to inquire about these discounts before you leave home.
Look into getting a hand-held satellite phone. Because a lot of cell phones do not work in many countries, you want to make sure you have some form of communication at all times. If you cannot get a hand-held satellite phone, it would be wise to purchase an international calling card.
Try to avoid jet lag during your trips by following these simple things. Start by resetting your watch before boarding your plane. Make sure that you stay incredibly hydrated before, during and after the flight. Try exercising and sleeping well days before your trip. Fly on morning flights if you cannot sleep on a plane. Seek and avoid light as you need it until your body adjust to the time differences.
When packing a backpack for your trip, try to pack it smartly and securely. Try placing lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones at the top. This will cause your backpack to feel lighter on your back and shoulders. It is also a good idea to place things that you will use or need on the top. Dirty clothes can be easily placed on the bottom too.
The dream of going to Alaska to fish for salmon or diving under a waterfall can be had. Taking a trip puts the world in your hands and gives you something to look forward to. It can help you see that the future will be great and you can plan for when things are slow. Traveling can make memories that fill your life with warmth and smiles for many years. Start planning now. Begin traveling right away!