Traveling is a great way to expand ones horizons. It introduces one to new cultures and ideas, expands ones understanding of the world, and can be extremely fun to boot. However, proper precautions should be taken when traveling. Prior planning and research are important, to minimize sticky situations and unexpected snafu’s. This article will cover some of the required information you should gather before embarking on your journey.
Make sure the digital camera you have fits your needs. Rechargeable batteries won’t work on a camping trip, for example. In most situations, you want a camera that activates and focuses fast so that you never miss a shot.
Look beyond the touristy souvenir shops. To find a souvenir that will remind you of your travels and actually comes from the place you visited, shop with the locals. In grocery stores, markets, and other stores that are off the beaten (tourist) track, you’ll find things that locals actually use instead of the mass-produced trinkets.
If you need to find a travel destination, you should watch some documentaries about foreign countries and perhaps look at some travel guides. This should give you a better idea of what kind of landscapes and monuments you can see in different parts of the world. Choose what interests you the most.
Don’t miss the bus. If you need to travel a moderate distance to your next destination, use the bus instead of more expensive taxis or rental cars. Many buses, especially in major cities, are quite clean and modern. Not only will you save money, but you will get an excellent chance to people-watch and get to know the locals.
Bring several clothespins! One of the notorious issues with hotels is the fact that their curtains never close all the way. To prevent that beam of light from hitting you in the wee hours of the morning, simply pin the curtains shut before you head to bed. It’s a cheap and effective way to better your sleep.
If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you print a copy of the directions. GPSs and cell phones are great help for navigating, but they can break easily. And you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of no where without any directions! It’s better to print the directions and not use them than to be lost.
When packing for a cruise, be sure to bring along a pair of slip-resistant rubber soled shoes. These will work when you are walking across wet, slippery decks, as well as for most of your shore excursions. The fewer pairs of shoes you can bring, the easier your luggage will be to store.
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.
Beware of high cell phone charges when travelling overseas. Cell phones are usually the most expensive way to contact someone at home when you are abroad. E-mail or Skype are the cheapest options, but if you prefer to use a telephone, buying a phone card and using a local payphone can also be relatively cheap.
If you are traveling by cruise ship, make your arrangements as close to the time of your trip as possible. Although the cruise industry used to advertise that you could only get exceptional savings if you booked in advance, things have changed and last-minute deals are usually better than advanced reservations. There is even a web site that shows cruises with up to 75% savings if you book at the last minute.
When dining out during your travels, take the opportunity to choose one meal completely at random. You may wind up having the best meal of your vacation and you are sure to have a little fun in the process. If you are worried about this technique, try it on a day that you will be visiting multiple restaurants, so you can fill up somewhere else if you don’t like your dish.
If you are leaving the country, make a copy of your passport to take with you. If you happen to misplace your original passport, it will make getting a new one a much simpler process. The two minutes that it will take for you to make the copy will likely save you hours when getting it replaced during your travels.
When traveling aboard, make sure your passport is not expired. In the chaos of preparing for a trip, you may not realize your passport has expired. You can renew your passport by mail as far in advance as one year before it is set to expire and up to two years after it has already expired.
Prepare a personal hygiene kit and put it in your carry on bag. This is especially important if your luggage happens to get lost. At least you will be equipped with necessary, everyday items. In this bag, include razors, soap, travel sized shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, a toothbrush and whatever else you may need.
Try to look into getting a suitcase alarm for your personal belongings. This way, if anyone tries to steal your luggage or bags when you are not looking, an alarm with go off, alerting you of the potential theft. These alarms are not expensive and are easy to find.
Traveling is one of the greatest experiences one can have in life. The ability to meet new people, explore new places, and learn about new cultures is unprecedented. The tips in this article should serve you well on your exciting adventures.