Everyone wants to be a smart traveler who gets more for their books and money the best trips. Traveling seems to be getting more and more expensive and navigating all of the internet travel and sites agencies can get confusing. Here are a few simple tips to help you along.
When packing, make sure you split up your valuables. Spread your more expensive items out between them if you are packing multiple bags for a trip. Always avoid putting all your valuables in one bag in case this bag is lost or stolen. Losing only one bag is still terrible but might not ruin your trip.
Be respectful and patient towards security checkpoints and customs officials. In most cases, these exist for your safety. Being upset still won't help you get through any faster if not. In fact, making a fuss at the security checkpoint is almost always a ticket to the express lane for the extra search.
Family and friends can be very gracious in letting you stay in their home, while you are visiting. By taking a small thank you gift for them, show your appreciation. It will show your gratitude and make them more open to allowing you to stay there again, in the future.
For added security when you are going to stay in a hotel, make sure you bring along a door stopper. This will add to the level of security that you have. Place a doorstop under your door before you go to bed if there is no deadbolt or chain on the door.
Pack a highlighter in your luggage if you're going on a cruise! There are tons of activities that go on during the cruise and most of the time you'll get a nice little newsletter that details what's going on and where. You can use your highlighter to mark which ones you want to do, and save yourself some headaches.
Before leaving on a trip, find out and write down the addresses of the American embassies in the countries you'll be visiting. If your passport is stolen or if you find yourself in some kind of unexpected legal trouble while overseas, while the embassy is not a traveler's aid office, they can help you.
If you are having a problem picking a destination to travel to then make a list. Make a list of the top places you want to visit and then rank them. From that list you can then research how much it would cost to travel and pay for expenses while in that area, this can help narrow your decision in picking places you want to visit in the near future.
Bring a cheap over-the-door organizer for shoes or jewelry if you plan to stay more than one night in a hotel room. Instead of filling it with shoes, you can use the pockets to store your toiletries, room phone, key, camera and any other objects which might easily get lost in the fray. The clear pockets make it easy to find things, in seconds.
During the trip, post to the social media networks all about where you are and the sites you are seeing. These posts not only let friends and family know you are safe, they also can be used to come up with great destination recommendations! You may be surprised how many of your friends have inside information on places to go and important sites to see.
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 Canada and Mexico without such documentation. This is no longer the case, with modern security concerns. If they intend to visit any other country, american travelers should have their passports in order.
Avoid getting an illness while you are traveling. Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose and be sure to bring along some hand sanitizer. Use it after you wash your hands in the lavatory. By drinking bottled water, stay hydrated. Avoid ice from the airline as it is teeming with bacteria.
Weekend travel does not have to extend too far from your home. Staying out of your home for a weekend can be just what you need to feel better and rejuvenated. It is also an inexpensive way to get a vacation without taking time off work or spending too much.
When you are traveling to a new city, join in on a pub crawl. You can experience the downtown area and meet new people. You'll have even more fun by slowly eating dinner across the different restaurants have drinks at one place and then an appetizer at the next. Work your way up to a main course and dessert.
A great traveling tip that can save you a lot of money is to write to people when you're going on a cruise. A lot of cruise ships will charge you an arm and a leg for using their Internet or phone service. You can avoid those high charges charges just by writing to people, and people love getting postcards from afar.
When traveling, always be sure to dress in layers. It is so much easier to take something off or put it back on depending on the temperature, instead of sitting and regretting that you dressed too warmly or not warmly enough. This is especially true on flights where you, most likely, can no longer get a blanket to keep you warm.
When you are traveling, make sure that you always bring a first aid kit in the event of an emergency. If you are going to be traveling into unknown territory, it is always safe to carry Neosporin and ibuprofen, especially. Always exercise caution when you are traveling with a quality first aid kit.
Don't hold on to your frequent flyer miles for too long, since they may well expire before you get around to using them. Miles often expire 18 months after you earn them, so use them while you can. You may be able to trade them in for magazines or other rewards if you don't need to fly.
Travel can be forrelaxation and rejuvenation, adventure or just pure escapism. Whatever your reasons for traveling may be, use the helpful tips outlined in the article to make your journey as stress-free as possible. That way you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride -- just always remember to buckle your seat belt.
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