If you are completely new to the world of travel, then you are probably thinking that some tips on how to travel smarter and safer will help you immensely so that you can enjoy your trip much sooner. Listed below are some tips to get you started with your traveling plans.
Packing your suitcase smarter will enable you to bring more fun! The best way to maximize space in your luggage is to lay an item flat and roll it up. Roll as many things as you can and fit them closely together. Stuffing socks and underwear into your shoes will save you even more space.
Purchasing tickets online and printing them at home can be a real time saver, so look into this option if you are planning on seeing a specific attraction or amusement park. The often nominal purchase fee is usually well worth the time saved, when you are able to skip the long lines at the ticket office. For big attractions that have timed entry available, you can use that, too, to get you in faster.
When traveling with a dog, brush your dog before putting them into the car, particularly if the car is a rental. This will significantly cut down on the amount of fur that flies around in the car during the drive. It will also reduce the amount of time you have to spend removing the hair from the car.
Scan your passport and email a copy to yourself. It rarely happens, but in the chance that you lose your passport during your travels, this will be a lifesaver. Getting a replacement passport can be a headache and having a copy can make the process much faster and less traumatic.
Use carry-on luggage. Most airlines now charge extra to check a bag. So, to avoid this cost, try to fit everything into a carry-on bag, if possible. Even if your airline is one of the few that doesn’t charge to check a bag, you may still want to avoid checking a bag. In a move to cut costs, many airlines have reduced the number of employees who handle baggage, making for a much longer wait at the baggage claim.
One way of minimizing ice buildup on your windshield is to park your car with the windshield facing away from the prevailing wind. Another way too few of us think about is to cover our windshields with a throw rug when we park our vehicles. Tuck the edge in under your windshield wipers and your car will be as snug as a bug in a rug.
Drive through windows at fast food places almost inevitably give you too much or too little sugar or other sweetener when you order coffee or tea. When traveling, don’t throw the extra away! Tuck into a baggie or maybe a little tin and keep it for the next time you are shorted. It sure beats having to turn around and go back through the drive through!
If you’re going on a cruise, pack a travel mug with you. They’re great for filling up with coffee or tea while you’re wandering the ship in the mornings. They can also keep you from spilling your drink while in the buffet line. And if you’re going to be sitting by the pool, they’ll keep your drinks nice and cool for you.
When you get to your location, check with the locals for things to do. Locals will know all the best places to go for recreation or for food. This can help you avoid going to less than thrilling places or places that are going to be extremely crowded.
Always ask for upgrades. You can’t get it if you don’t ask. No one is going to offer you a free upgrade just because they like your shirt. When you check in with airlines and hotels, even car rental companies, ask if there are any upgrades available. If it is a special occasion like an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday, make sure to make mention of that.
While traveling to a foreign country is an exciting experience, it can also be risky if you aren’t familiar with its laws and customs. For that purpose, the State Department of the United States created a website (travel.state.gov) that you can visit to find out a wealth of information on the country to which you are traveling, including facts on crime, health conditions and popular attractions.
When you’re packing your luggage, put anything you might need before you get to your destination, on top. This will help keep you from digging through your entire suitcase to find a hair brush or a book. Not only can it save you some time and frustration, but you won’t have to worry about things falling out while you’re looking and end up getting lost.
As you can see from the above list of tips, traveling can be very memorable, informative and fun if you know what to do before going on your trip. After following these tips, you will no longer be new to the world of travel, but you will become an traveling expert.
