By traveling, you get to see exciting places, while learning about other cultures. However, traveling can also be expensive and time consuming. To make the best of your vacation and not hurt your wallet too much, here is some advice.
Don’t bring extra valuables that you don’t need. You don’t want to have to keep track of these valuables at all times, and even worse, they could get stolen.
Make a list of things you need to pack. You can start your list anytime before you travel. By having a detailed list of what you need, you will take the stress out of packing. Even if you put off packing until the last minute, you can look at your list to avoid taking too much, or worse, forgetting something vital.
You should know that some criminals pose as police officers in dangerous cities. Don’t give anyone your original passport, because this could set you up for theft. Walk or drive your own car to a police station if you are asked to. In order to stay safe, never ride in a car with someone you don’t know.
Do not hope that an airline will make you as comfortable as necessary on a flight. If you feel like it, bring sleeping items like a pillow or headphones. You should also plan to bring a few airline approved snacks along in case the airline meals are a flop.
If you travel to an amusement park or other specific attraction, find out if online tickets are available, and print them beforehand. There is generally a fee associated with an online ticket purchase. However, it is a small one, and the trade off for skipping long ticket lines is a big advantage. Some places have time blocks that you can enter. This is another good way to avoid lines.
Take some clothespins along with you on your trips. These are not typical travel items, but they can come in handy.
Tip the staff at the hotel appropriately when you are staying at a hotel. The typical tip is a dollar per bag of luggage and anywhere from two to five dollars per day for housekeeping. Tipping will show your appreciation for their work, and will help you maintain a good relationship with hotel staff.
Check the dates on when your passport expires. Most countries have passport regulations with which you must comply. You may not be allowed into their country if your passport is expiring in a certain amount of time. The lead time might be as little as three months, but it can go as high as a year in some cases.
Determine if you will need a visa to visit your destination. Make sure to get your applications in early, since paperwork can take awhile to process. This will help your trip go more smoothly, since without the right visas, you’ll have trouble getting into some countries.
Getting a pass to the National Parks is a good idea if you frequently visit the parks. They only cost $50 and remain good for use that year at any national park.
Candles are a nice touch to help a cheap hotel room look nicer. This will make both the room and your luggage smell better. In addition to promoting romantic relaxation, you might even sleep easier. Most companies create these candles in conveniently smaller sizes without waxy drips.
Jet Lag
No matter what the time is in your home-land, make sure you stay out of bed until 8pm local time. This will help you assimilate to the new time zone much quicker, and help to ward off jet lag. Stay up even if you feel tired, or you will never adapt to the new time zone and remain jet lagged. Do your best to adjust to the new time as quickly as you can, so your jet lag will fade and you can enjoy your vacation.
When you are going to another country, take bottled water with you. Unfortunately drinking water in most countries will cause you to get sick because it is not purified. Also, when you are brushing your teeth, use the bottled water. You may get ill from using the tap water.
When you enter a new country, avoid exchanging currency. There are better ways to get your hands on foreign currency. Bank ATMs are a great place to get your foreign currency from. ATM machines usually have better exchange rates and are actually cheaper than currency exchanges.
These tips will provide you with the information you need to make your trip as enjoyable as possible whether you are going far, or just on a local road trip. Exploring new places and new cultures can be a great experience, so it’s time to get out and start traveling!