New worlds await you, whether near or far, and travel is the way to open the door to unexpected sights, sounds and experiences. Though it can be intimidating on some levels, travel need not be stressful if you take some tips beforehand from those who have tread the paths before you. A few bits of knowledge will go a long way in preparing you for an unforgettable trip.
As an important safety measure before leaving on a trip one should always tell a close friend or family member when they plan on returning and any other key information about the trip. By doing this one is guaranteeing that someone will know something is wrong when nobody shows up on the expected date.
If you travel by air frequently, it’s a good idea to learn the rules of the TSA. Every airport has a security checkpoint that you need yo pass before you can get too your plane and not knowing the security rules can make your time at the checkpoint frustrating for you and the people around you.
Label your things. You know all of those return address labels you have accumulated over the years? Put them to good use as labels for your items. Stick them on everything from luggage and handbags to cameras and umbrellas. In case you lose an item, it will be much easier to get it returned to you.
When thinking of the items you are going to take with you on your trip, think about what the weather will be like. You can check how the weather has been in the region for the past week and also look at the forecast. Just make sure you take precautions if necessary, so you won’t be caught off guard, if the weather decides to change.
Airport food can be pricey and not all flights provide snacks while in flight. Its handy to keep a couple of sticks of jerky, a candy bar, or maybe a pack of peanuts in your pocket or purse so that you can get that quick energy boost you need without having to pay an arm and a leg or take the time to buy food at a shop.
To save money on baggage fees, you should weigh your baggage before leaving home. You can buy a good luggage scale for less than twenty dollars, and it could help you save big on airline baggage fees. If your bag is over the weight limit at home, it is easy to move things around or take something out, but it is much harder to fix a weight problem once you are already at the airport.
Learn the tipping culture for whatever countries you plan to visit. In some cultures, tipping is automatic, while in others, it does not exist. There are still a few cultures in which tipping is considered a great insult, so mind your manners by checking the customs. You do not want to insult your server.
A direct flight is not the same as a nonstop flight. Both types of flights mean you do not have to change planes; however a direct flight may stop at other airports before your final destination. This leaves more possible areas for delays, making you late to arrive at your destination.
Pack one extra outfit in your carry-on bag. Lost luggage could leave you without a change of clothes until they are located. By having one on hand, you will at least be able to change one clean set of clothes. Make sure your spare outfit does not take up a lot of space – a simple t-shirt and lightweight pants or shorts will suffice.
Keep your valuables and identity secure when traveling. Do not overlook the fact that most hotels offer a safe. Ask the hotel to use it. Pay a small fee, if any, and you can avoid any potential complication that could arise from lost or stolen items. You will usually have constant access if you should need to get in the safe.
There are many places when traveling where you can sample local food and not break the bank. Try locating restaurants and eateries in central markets and areas. It is recommended that you arrive fairly early as this is generally for breakfast and lunch. Most of the buildings these are in are very charming and indicative of local culture.
Take a photo of your luggage that you are checking. It will save you a good bit of time and grief if it should get lost during transport. You will be able to present a photo of the bag to the airline and they will have no question as to whether the bag that they have found is yours or not.
If you are on a special diet, call your hotel or other accommodation and tell them so. These days, many businesses aim to keep their customers happy. If you let them know in advance that you require certain foods, chances are they will make sure they have the food available for you when you arrive.
When traveling, it’s not always necessary to stay together. Let Mom take the kids one day while Dad enjoys a round of golf. The next day Mom should relax in the spa while Dad and the kids enjoy some pool time. Splitting up allows each parent to enjoy a much needed break during travel time.
For smokers who are looking at long travel times, you can chew nicotine gum or wear a nicotine patch. Although it may not be the same as actually having a cigarette, it should help to curb the urge to smoke. You can also bring lots of gum, and every time you crave a cigarette, pop a piece of gum into your mouth.
Now that you’re wiser about the ways of the world, you can pack your bags and be on your way. Remember the suggestions you’ve read here, then relax and go with the flow. The world is an open book and it’s time for you to add a few pages of your own. What are you waiting for?