With all the available travel guides, sifting though thousands of guidebooks, well-meaning advice and brochures can be difficult. Fortunately, the information found in this handpicked and carefully selected batch of travel tips and tricks, is sure to help you make the absolute most of your time abroad.
Use an ATM instead of a currency exchange when traveling abroad. Typically, banking institutions can get lower exchange rates than individuals can. As a result, you will save money and have more to spend on other things.
Make sure you leave extra valuables at home. You are taking the risks of having everything stolen from you if you do bring valuables with you.
If you’re staying in a hotel, especially in a less developed country, and you’re worried about someone possibly coming into your room in the night, bring a doorstop with you. A doorstop can ensure your door stays closed.
Arriving the night before is essential. Staying over at a hotel that customarily allows their patrons to leave their vehicles there during their cruise is a smart move. Ask the hotel’s staff about any parking deals they may offer.
Before booking any hotel, do your research. Use websites that allow users to review destinations. Ask other people that have traveled there. Doing a little homework will let you know what you can expect, and can help you make smart choices on activities and places to visit at your destination.
Put in a good workout before boarding your flight. Being on a long flight can be incredibly boring. Your muscles can easily cramp from maintaining the same position for extended periods. This is why hitting the gym or at least stretching before boarding a flight can lessen or completely eliminate any cramps.
Traveling afar sometimes makes you want to bring parts of your home along. To avoid taking too much, just take the necessary toiletries. Write down which toiletries you use religiously and would not want to be without. Only take along the necessities and what’s important.
If you plan to hit the road with a small child, take breaks every two or three hours on the road. Breaks can offer the opportunity to use the bathroom and stretch your legs. This will also help prevent motion sickness in children. While you may not get to your destination as quickly as you’d hoped, you will get there in good spirits.
If you tend to forget things in your hotel room when you are traveling, try writing down reminders to yourself on the mirror with a dry erase marker. You can easily lose a note on a slip of paper, but it’s hard to ignore writing on a mirror. You can use toilet paper to remove your note from the mirror. How easy is that?
For sheer time savings, making your travel arrangements on the Internet beats the competition hands down. Using travel sites will greatly assist you in planning your travel destinations without using a lot of unwanted effort on your part. Booking flights, hotels or rental cars can all be done on the Internet. You will be able to see reviews and pictures of hotels without having to go anywhere. You’ll also find great discounts while planning your trip, and deals are often offered for last-minute arrangements.
If taking a plane trip, bring snacks. Fruit makes a great snack. You can avoid spending a lot on airport food, and that nice-looking neighbor may start a conversation.
If you are traveling by car, plan ahead for fill ups. You never know when you are going to hit a long, isolated stretch of highway. When planning your route, look for possible service stations that will be able to service your vehicle. Keep the numbers handy in case you need to use them.
Once you’re finished with the planning, you’re going to be able to relax, knowing you have everything handled. Pack up your bags, get your rest and prepare yourself to travel.