Traveling is exciting and can be a great time for you or one of the biggest headaches you will ever encounter if not done right. Read on for some great ideas on how to travel smart and take care of all the little things that if you don’t, will leave you wishing you stayed home.
When traveling, increase your safety and your peace of mind by wearing a money belt. This item is one essential that you cannot go without when traveling, and is barely noticeable to wear. Keep your wallet and your passport safe in your money belt so that no matter what happens, they don’t get lost.
If you sit in an aisle seat, you’ll have more options. While a window seat will give you a nice view, it can also lead to some problems. It’s trickier to get up and use the bathroom or get to your baggage when you’re sitting in a window seat. Aisle seats are also more comfortable.
Before leaving on a trip, it is vital to make sure that all of your documentation is up to date. This includes identification such as your driver’s license and passport, any necessary immunization or medical records, and credit or bank cards. This way you will not run into any problems when making purchases or during your travels regarding non-matching ID.
When packing for your trip, make a list of the essentials and stick to that list. Pack in advance if you can. If you simply throw all of the items you think you’ll need into your bag the night before, you’ll end up with over-sized heavy luggage that will be difficult to transport.
Peruse the blogosphere. Bloggers are everywhere, and there is most likely one, if not many, bloggers blogging about your destination. Their blogs are a great resource for finding information about hidden gems of the city–restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. Don’t be shy. If you contact them, many will be happy to answer your specific questions as well.
Take the first travel photo” of your luggage. If you do end up checking your luggage, take a picture of it before you turn it over to the airline. In case of a problem, this will document what the luggage looks like and its condition when you left it. Also keep your baggage claim ticket in a safe place or snap a picture of it, too, so you have all the information necessary in the event that your luggage is lost.
Do not bother packing your entire makeup case. Makeup cases are bulky and often take up a lot of room. Instead, put any makeup you anticipate needing for your trip in a simple ziplock bag. Put it in your suitcase’s side pocket. This will save a lot of room when packing.
Choosing the right time to leave can make a big impact to how your trip starts out. By choosing a time to travel that will guarantee that the roads will be mostly clear of people one can avoid traffic. This makes a big difference especially when taking a road trip over a long distance.
If you are planning a long cruise, consider selecting a cruise line that offers self-service laundry. This will reduce the amount of laundry you need to bring along when you pack, and is also significantly cheaper than asking the ship’s crew to do your laundry for you. Longer cruises require more clothing, so a laundry is very useful.
Avoid the gate until it is actually time to board the plane. Many passengers will crowd the gate, hoping to be the first to be allowed on. To avoid the major hustle and bustle, hang back until you hear it is your turn. Then you can calmly walk up and get on the plane.
Bring a gift for the flight attendants to gain special treatment. Flight attendants are generally treated very poorly, and if you bring them a treat, like a store-bought pie or something similar, they will recognize your generosity and treat you accordingly. Remember to thank them for doing their jobs. They are working for your safety, not as your maid.
The major airlines all have e-newsletters, and subscribing has its benefits. These newsletters are great if you want to take advantage of special offers, discounts and other exclusive perks. Yes, they will fill your inbox more, but the rewards and savings can be worth it.
When traveling with kids, make sure that you plan a few activities especially for them. It will make it easier for them to make it through their tenth meal at a restaurant if they will know that the next day they will be going to an amusement park to have fun.
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.
When traveling with a baby, bring a whole bunch of extra large ziplock bags with you. You never know when your little one will have a blow out and it is nice to put it into something that will keep it locked away from anything else. Plus you do not want to put wet clothes in with everything else.
No matter what mode of transportation you are taking when travling, try to get an off-hour ticket. Make a reservation for late nights or a weekday, as prices tend to be a lot cheaper during these times. Also, ask about any discounts or promotions they may be offering at the time.
Hopefully this article has given you some tips and tricks on how to be a wise traveler. In this day and age you really have to keep your eyes open and your wits about you to keep traveling safe and smooth. Check your list before taking off and keep these smart tips in mind.