With all that goes into planning a major trip for yourself or your family, it is no wonder that many people find the process overwhelming and extremely stressful at times. Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way. For your consideration, here are the very best travel tips and tricks out there.
Pack all your necessary belongings in a carry-on bag for airline travel. Not having to check luggage means that you can save on checked bag fees, check in for your flight at home or at a kiosk without having to wait in line a the ticket counter, and will avoid the possibility of your luggage being lost.
Purchasing an entertainment package when visiting a city with many attractions can save you time and money. An entertainment package purchased in advance usually includes tickets to several area attractions, often at a discounted rate. This will take much of the stress out of a vacation, allowing you to walk past the long lines at the ticket counter when you arrive and get straight to the fun.
If your cellphone will not cover long distance from the place you intend to travel to, it might be a smart idea to invest in a phone card before leaving. A phone card will make calls much less expensive and ensure that you don’t accidentally make any expensive long distance calls.
Before leaving on a trip, it is vital to make sure that all of your documentation is up to date. This includes identification such as your driver’s license and passport, any necessary immunization or medical records, and credit or bank cards. This way you will not run into any problems when making purchases or during your travels regarding non-matching ID.
Pack dryer sheets into your luggage. If you have ever flown before, you might have noticed that sometimes your luggage can come back smelling just a little odd. To eliminate this problem and keep your clothes and possessions smelling fresh, use dryer sheets. Pack them in between layers of clothing.
Consider attaching small bells to your carry-on bag. If you are worried that someone might steal or tamper with your luggage during a flight, attach bells to it. Inexpensive, Christmas jingle bells will do nicely. The noise is likely to deter criminals. If not, the noise will draw your attention.
Participate in loyalty programs if you are a frequent traveler. You may not anticipate being able to cash in, but these programs often accumulate faster than you realize. Companies are fighting against a sea of competition and want to keep your business. If you typically choose the same company, find out what kind of rewards they have in place for your loyalty.
Make sure you pick a favorable season to enjoy your travels, when possible. You don’t want to travel to somewhere and be stuck in the hotel during your entire stay because of unfavorable weather conditions. If you are unsure when it is best to travel to a given location. ask a friend or look it up online.
When going on a cruise, wear your room key around your neck, on a lanyard or similar item. Losing your room key on a cruise ship can cost you greatly, not only in money, but in lost time. Keeping your key with you wherever you go can insure that you, and your belongings, will be safe.
When traveling on a red eye flight, wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs. If you are prepared to rest, you are much more likely to be able to sleep and arrive at your destination well-rested, even if other passengers make noise or put their reading lights on.
Whether you are traveling abroad or within the United States, you can save a bundle on airfare by employing some simple strategies. Look into flying with smaller airlines. If traveling overseas, you can often save money by choosing a flight that includes your destination as a stop rather than a final destination. If you’re willing to get up early or stay up late, “red-eye”� flights are frequently discounted. Being flexible in your flight plans can free up some cash for additional entertainment or souvenirs.
Don’t hoard your frequent flyer miles. It’s hard to know if those miles will be worth anything in the future, especially since many frequent flyer programs expire miles if they have not been used in eighteen months. If you don’t want to use them on flights, most programs also offer magazine subscriptions and product discounts.
So whether you are planning a getaway for one person or for the whole clan, chances are good that you could use a little help in making arrangements that will go off without a hitch. Remember the advice in this article to keep things going smoothly during the course of your travels.
