You are probably second-guessing your vacation plans this year because of the bad economy. Read on for some great tips for the traveler on a budget.
It is important to document certain information if you are traveling abroad. Among this information should be contact information for the embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting. You will need their assistance should you encounter legal troubles. If you encounter any issues on your trip, they can help with these issues.
Once you know where you are going, put in some time to learn your destination. Choose a good map of the area, and pore over the museums, sightseeing destinations and the general region. It will be easier for you to get around when you know about the area.
When traveling, bring only the essentials and keep your bags light. The less you bring, the fewer things you are likely to lose or have stolen. Try not to carry on too many shoes as these can be a burden.
Stores tend to overcharge for these items, and the space saved is minimal, so save the money. Try folding your clothes in innovative ways that will take up less space. You can have more space in your bags than you thought if you pack properly.
Traveling by motorcycle can often be the best way to experience road trips. It’s easy on gas, maneuverable and fun to ride. Give it a try!
When traveling, it is wise to consider possible emergencies that can occur, such as a lost passport. You can find the information you need at the website for The United States Department of State. Department of State has a site that has info on how to get in touch with the US Embassy in case you need it. Make sure to have this information handy on your trip. A replacement for your passport can take a few days (or less), so be prepared if that will cause a delay.
You will want to cash your traveler’s checks prior to going anywhere to eat or shop. Many places accept them, but they can be hard to work with. You may get shorted when you use them. Instead, have them converted to local currency previous to shopping.
Companies that rent cars typically require renters to be at least 18 years old. However, some require them to be at least 25 years old. Drivers younger than that usually pay higher rates and have to give a credit card number as security. If you are older, you may not be able to rent a car. When you are making your reservation be sure to ask the age restrictions.
Jet Lag
To avoid jet lag, try to stay up until about 8pm local time. You’ll be tired that day, but staying up will force you to adjust to the new time zone. Sleeping when you get tired will just lengthen the adjustment time period. The faster you adjust to the local time, the faster you will get over jet lag.
Plan for stops when traveling by car. On road trips, many times, you will encounter long stretches that may not offer much in the way of service for your vehicle should an issue arise. Try to map out these stops ahead of time. Keep these numbers on you just in case.
Consider using different forms of transportation. The bus system is not as it used to be. You may be able to get great rates and buses are generally clean. There are package deals available, which make the trip easy to plan, too.
As discussed in the article, you may feel as though you should pass on your yearly vacation because of the economy. If you follow the guidelines from this article, you will be one step closer to jet-setting the economical way.