Traveling to a new place can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous! There are a lot of things that can go wrong, and you need to keep them all in mind when planning your trip. Read on for some tips on traveling safely.
If you will be driving to your destination, fill a family member or friend in on your destination and planned route to get there. If something were to happen to you while driving, this person would be able to alert officials of your intended destination and the roads you would have been traveling on.
Do some research ahead of time and look for dining credits and coupons for your destination. You can also save a lot of money by getting advice about where to eat before you depart. This is better than asking for recommendations when you are already hungry and in a strange place.
When traveling to tropical areas, always keep your dirty laundry in a closed bag. Hotels and homes in tropical parts of the world aren’t as bug-proof as most American homes. Dirty laundry will attract insects, especially ants, meaning that clothing that was simply dirty, is now completely unwearable for the rest of the trip.
When staying at a high-end domestic hotel, bring along your own A/V cable for your laptop. Most hotel rooms at nicer hotels offer free in-room WiFi and a large HDTV, but will then charge a premium for in-room movies. Having your own A/V cable gives you access to your own selection of downloaded movies or an online account.
This travel tip goes out to all those who are proud to be Americans. You know who you are and you’re terrific. The only thing is, if you travel globally, you embarrass our country if you engage in loud, flag-waving, obnoxious behavior. You will make a far better ambassador for the U.S., if you make an effort to observe the cultural and behavioral norms around you and adjust your volume and actions, accordingly.
When you travel, you always need to keep up with your belongings. Don’t let your purse dangle off your shoulder. Do not use bags with zippers that provide easy access to people near you that could easily take your stuff. Select a travel bag that will help you keep your belongings safe.
When you are planning to fly and have a disability, make sure that you call the airline before you order your tickets to verify that they have the requirements that you need. They won’t know if you don’t tell them, call ahead so they are best able to accommodate you.
American travelers who have not left the country in several years should be aware that they definitely need an up-to-date passport. For a long time it was possible for US citizens to visit Mexico and Canada without such documentation. This is no longer the case, with modern security concerns. American travelers should have their passports in order if they intend to visit any other country.
Camping is a great way to see the country, or even the world, on a budget. Instead of springing for expensive hotels, look for camping sites along the way of your trip. Many of them have amenities like plumbed bathrooms and showers. You can even avoid having to cook by continuing to eat out, as you would if staying in a hotel.
Inexpensive travel can seem nearly impossible today. Gas prices are astronomical, and airlines are too expensive for many people. You can still travel cheap if you are willing to take a bus or travel in a car pool with other people. You can search in advance for inexpensive destinations that will make your travel expenses less.
When traveling with a baby or toddler, be sure to bring a couple of your loved one’s favorite toys as well as its favorite sleeping toy. This will help your loved one have a few comforts of home in completely unfamiliar territory. It will help a little with the distress that he or she will be feeling.
Avert flight delays by taking the earliest flight possible. A flight delayed earlier in the day could cause other flights throughout the day to become late too. The earliest flights have less chance of being late.
Make sure that you take enough prescription medication to last for the entire trip anytime you travel. You should always take some extra meds with you, just in case you are delayed or get stranded somewhere, for a long period of time. Bring your medication information along with you, as well, in case you need to get more from a pharmacy.
When you are traveling for work purposes than you will have an even greater reason to travel lightly. If you are able to fit everything you need into one bag it will make your entire trip much easier and more relaxed. Be sure to wear your blazed on the airplane to avoid wrinkles.
When traveling, be cautious of any strangers who approach you. Thieves often target travelers, as they are easy prey. Travelers also often carry more cash and valuables. Only deal with people who are known employees of your airline, car rental location, or hotel to avoid any problems. Report individuals that you are concerned about to local authorities.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to think about to stay safe when traveling, whether you’re planning a trip or are already at the destination. Make sure to keep this article as a checklist so you can be sure not to forget anything you need to stay safe.