Because of all the steps involved in planning and executing a trip, opportunities for setbacks and frustration abound. However, by planning ahead, you can eliminate your frustrations and sail through your next trip with ease. Just follow the smart travel tips given in this article for a headache-free trip.
When traveling to a country outside of North America and Western Europe, carry cash or pre-purchased traveler’s checks. You cannot count on your credit or debit card to work the same way it does at home, nor is there any guarantee of access to ATMs. Converting your money or buying traveler’s checks before you leave also protects you against unscrupulous money changers.
When planning to fly for a trip, don’t forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you’ve already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don’t have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles.
If you have a choice when booking flights for travel, select an airline that uses primarily 767 jets. These larger jets have more legroom, and offer more direct flights because they can stay in the air longer. Also, the 767s have a two-three-two seat configuration, meaning there is only one middle seat per row instead of the usual two.
When traveling on an airplane, always be sure to have everything you would need for the next day in your carry on. Since your carry on is always with you, you can be sure that if they will loose your luggage that you will be able to get by on the next day. In most cases, airlines should have your luggage to you by then.
You should always arrive early to the airport when you are flying. It is so much less stressful knowing that you are checked in and through security with time to spare. It will give you time to use the restroom or grab a snack before the flight starts boarding.
Make sure to drink plenty of water when travelling, especially when travelling by air. During busy, hectic days of travel, many people neglect to stay adequately hydrated, leading to feelings of nausea compounded by the stress you feel when travelling. Always have a bottle of water on hand.
If you’re going on a cruise, you should arrive a day in advance. This will stop those close calls of getting stuck in traffic or having your flight delayed and causing you to miss your trip. The stress of almost missing the ship is not how you want to start your trip.
Learn to take it easy. You do not have to follow a strict schedule when you are traveling. If you feel like you must schedule out your vacation, at least pen in a little “nothing” time, where you are free to follow up on anything that has interested you, or just lay by the pool with a drink.
If you are planning a trip with young children, pack a cookie sheet or two. They can use these sheets as a flat surface to color or play cards. Bring numbers and letters if you have small children.
When deciding on which National Park you would like to visit, keep in mind some parks see bigger crowds than others. There are National Parks that see millions of visitors every year. If you don’t mind crowds, then this will not be a consideration you have to take. In most parks, even though there are lots of people, there is usually plenty of room.
If you are traveling to a hotel that requires payment for internet access, get a room on the first floor. Hotels are located around many establishments that offer free wifi, like cafes or book stores. While a room on a higher floor can not pick up their signals, a first or second floor room should be able to access them.
Taking your credit cards with you on a trip is a great way to have access to any money you may need. In addition, they will help to provide a list of your expenses, and generally offer good exchange rates. However, before you leave for your trip, you should notify the credit card provider about your trip, this is so they won’t block any transactions from the new location.
Before traveling on a road trip, come up with two different routes; one should include a variety of landmarks while the other should give you a direct path to your destination. By having two routes planned, you can be flexible depending on your needs. If you start to run out of time, take the faster route. Otherwise, go on the scenic route and enjoy seeing some of the local landmarks.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, travel can be frustrating, but whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, the travel tips given in this article will help you get through your next trip with minimal stress. By planning ahead and keeping these tips in mind, you will have all the tools for frustration-free travel.