Traveling is a popular hobby with huge benefits, from learning about other cultures to creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you visit the next city over or fly to far-flung continents, though, traveling can be a lot more enjoyable if you keep a few things in mind. Read on for some tips to enhance your travel experiences.
There are a lot of options when it comes to travel today. If you are planning a trip to a country you have never been to before, you may want to consult with a professional travel agent. They will be able to alert you to any special information you may need such as customs, weather patters, and needed vaccinations.
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.
If you are traveling on a budget, make use of the in-room amenities to cook your own food. The coffee maker that is usually provided in even the cheapest hotel rooms can double as a hot plate. You can heat plain water in the carafe for ramen or soup, or use the hot plate itself to make bacon.
On your next flight, chew gum to keep your ears from popping on take off. The pressure changes during a flight can pop your ears. This is not particularly painful. It is, however, rather annoying. Before take off, start chewing a stick of gum. This will often prevent your ears from popping or at least, ease the pressure.
Sometimes by choosing multiple means of travel one can get the best of everything. For example by taking a plane somewhere and renting a car when you arrive, one can get the benefits of a quick flight as well as the benefits of having a car to go wherever wanted while traveling.
If the hotel you’re staying in doesn’t offer free wifi, try asking for a room on the first or second floor. Most of the time in cities, there are tons of cafes around that offer free wifi and you can pick those signals up when you’re on the lower floors.
Always check out a visitor’s center near your destination. They often have a lot of pamphlets on different attractions. A lot of these will even have coupons inside to get a discount. So not only will you find things to do, but you can save money while you do them!
Make your travel plans more affordable by tracking airfare with online services. Get an idea of what you would like to pay for your flight, put the location and the dates into the website and then wait until the fare goes down to your pre-selected price. You no longer have to keep checking every few days sincy you will get an email when the fare reaches your ideal price.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, consider departing from a “drive-up port”. This option saves you money, but you might have trouble parking. Get there one day before you leave and keep your car in the hotel’s lot for the length of your trip. Most hotels in these areas advertise this perk, but if you don’t see it, ask about it when you call.
Check to see if your airline offers future flight credit for fare drops. Some airlines will give you credit to use on your next trip, if they post a lower fare for the same flight. This is not an industry-wide offer. Check with your individual airline, if you notice that the fare dropped below what you paid.
Have a green vacation by choosing services that are environmentally friendly. A lot of hotels have a program for reusing linens, have lighting that is energy efficient, put recycling bins out for guests to use, utilize alternative sources for energy, and feature plumbing with low flow. Staying green will help you feel good about your traveling experience.
When going on vacation with younger kids, try to get a room where it would be easy to eat in. This will make it easier on you and the kids. After a long drive to the destination, the last thing they want to do is sit still and eat. It is nice to be a bit free, even during meal time.
Try to get the rate that a hotel gives the “locals”. Many hotels offer local deals in order to fill empty rooms. You could contact anyone you know who lives in that area and ask them to find out if there are any special deals for local people. This will help save money.
Before hitting the road on a road trip, taking a few safety precautions is essential. If you are going a long distance, make sure to get a tune up on the car. Pack an emergency kit including road flares, maps, water, blankets and food. While on the road, make sure to check your fluid levels and tire pressure every time you fuel up to ensure a smooth ride.
If you plan on going backpacking, make sure you pack the proper gear. Even the most experienced backpackers can get lost, so it is important to bring flashlights, food, large amounts of water, matches and first aid supplies. Also, dress appropriately. Wear layers and avoid cotton clothing and jeans.
Make sure to place all of your medication in your carry-on bag. Be sure that they are in their original pharmacy containers with their pharmacy labels, so that the bag can easily travel through airport security. It also helps to know the generic names for all of your medications in case you need to speak with a local pharmacist who doesn’t know them by brand name.
Now you’re ready to hit the road, board the plane, hitch a ride or get on that train to whatever destination it is that tugs at your heartstrings. Using these smart travel tips and a hearty dose of common sense, your future trips will all have a great chance at being dream vacations.