From a city zoo in San Jose to the mountainous regions of Pakistan to the savannahs of Africa, it’s easy to see that traveling leads to very different places. Nonetheless, there are some basic tips that will help ensure a good trip no matter where it is that you are going.
If you plan to go shopping for clothes while abroad, research that area’s measurement system. Garment measurements vary greatly from country to country. They also vary greatly from brand to brand. However, a basic knowledge of their clothes sizes will help you get in the ballpark as far as finding a size that fits you goes.
If you are traveling with a companion but you do not normally share funds, consider having a joint wallet, for expenses like meals, travel and lodging. You and your companion can add the same amount of money to the joint wallet each day. This way, you aren’t constantly splitting bills or exchanging money.
When traveling to a different area, make sure that you’re open to different local customs. Some ideas might be strange, but be respectful of other cultures. Not showing respect and not paying attention to local customs can be a real downer for your trip causing you to not feel welcomed in a city.
When traveling and sleeping in hotels, considering bringing along a small portable fan. This will allow you to create white noise, should you have a noisy neighbor. It can also help circulate the air in a stuffy room without needing to chill the room to uncomfortable levels using the air conditioner.
If you’re going on a long road trip, try breaking it up into a few segments. Mark a few cities on the way to your final destination where you can stop for a bit. You can get out a stretch, get some food, and otherwise regenerate. You’d be surprised how much faster the trip goes if you break it up.
Weekend travel does not have to extend too far from your home. Staying out of your home for a weekend can be just what you need to feel better and rejuvenated. It is also an inexpensive way to get a vacation without taking time off work or spending too much.
When you are traveling, you can do a few things to save money at home. First of all, turn the air conditioner off or just down. Next, turn off the sprinklers. It will also help to put your lights on timers. And last, but not least, unplug your major appliances.
If you enjoy backpacking on your travels, there are a few packing tips that can make your adventures much easier. Try packing lighter items towards the bottom of the bag so that it feel lighter as it rests on your back. It is also smart to pack commonly used items at the top of the bag so they can be easily reached. To lighten the load make sure you only pack the essentials you will need for the duration of the trip. And be sure to have a properly fitted backpack to prevent strain or injury.
If you know you are going to be travelling, purchase tickets for your flight at least two months before your dates of travel. The closer to a departure date that you buy, the more expensive the tickets will be. Waiting to purchase tickets close to a flight will only cost you more money.
Before traveling, program the customer service numbers for your airline, hotel, and car rental agents into your phone. Should you run into an emergency or delay, need to ask a question, or have to make a change the contact information will be readily available to you. This can also save you from waiting in long customer service lines when you arrive.
Try not to exchange currency when you visit a different country. There are safer and easier options to procure foreign currency. Get foreign money from an ATM of a bank. A lot of times these machines offer better exchanges rates, and are cheaper than using an exchange.
You can easily use your trip as an opportunity to teach your children about financial responsibility by allowing them a souvenir budget if they are old enough. They can then pick things that they want and learn about spending and saving. When it’s all gone, avoid caving in and giving them more.
Traveling is not only an enriching experience, but a frustrating one sometimes as well. Whether for business or pleasure, you have to come prepared. Making a list before you go can be very beneficial. Make sure you know the weather of the place you’re going and pack accordingly. Also read up on the prohibited items list at the airport of your choice as it can be a bummer to have to leave something behind.
When you are buying your tickets for your flight, make sure that you look for all of the aisle or exit seats that are available. This will give you additional leg room so that you are not cramped next to a window. Maximizing your comfort is very important while traveling.
Update your friends on any social networking sites you use as to the city or cities you plan on visiting during your vacation or business trip. You might get some helpful advice on the best places to eat, the best nightclubs or family entertainment in the area. See if the area you are visiting has its own page on your favorite networking site and read the comments for advice.
A great low-cost alternative to flying, or driving cross-country, is to take the bus. The bus allows you to really experience the country. You will pass through areas you would never see otherwise, and since you are riding, you can really take in the experience. Bus travel is available in rural or city areas.
No matter where it is that you are going, these common tips should help you in your travels. While each country has its own idiosyncrasies, the advice here should be kept in mind no matter where it is that you go. Now that you’ve got the advice, all that’s left is picking the destination!
