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Traveling is a blast, but there’s always something you can do to make your trip even better. No matter what you need to get your travels in order, the following information is going to assist you.
When you travel in different countries, use ATM machines to withdraw pocket money instead of exchanging your currency with local currency. Banks normally get an exchange rate that is much higher than an individual would be able to get. You may find significant savings through the course of your trip.
Document important info when planning to travel abroad. Include the name and contact information of where you will be staying as well as that of your embassy or consulate in the country you are traveling to. If trouble finds you while you are traveling, this is the place to call. If you have any issues, they can help you out.
Check the airport’s website to see if there are any services they offer. A lot of these airports have charters which won’t come up in searches, and you could end up with a much cheaper fare.
When you go overseas, be careful of the taxis you take. Ascertain the taxi you’re taking is actually legitimate before stepping inside it. Sometimes, people will try to defraud you with their credentials.
Even if you are taking a long flight, bring your own comfort supplies and don’t rely on airline personnel to provide them. Consider packing your own pillow or blanket, as well as headphones. The airline versions are not very comfortable. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring something to snack on.
Always go out of your way to tip any bell station and housekeeper appropriately. Standard tipping rates are a dollar per bag carried, and around $2-5 per day to the maid. Tipping will show your appreciation for their work, and will help you maintain a good relationship with hotel staff.
A luggage tag isn’t always enough. You also should place ID inside the bags. Tags can fall off en route. If that happens, the identification inside the luggage will help ensure that you get your things back.
Carry a match book or business card from the hotel you’re staying wherever you go. If you get lost in a strange city, this small thing can be extremely useful when asking a local or taxi driver for directions. This simple precaution goes a long way to make up for whatever you lack in speaking the local language.
Use melted hotel ice to get filtered water for your morning coffee. The tap water might not be that tasty, so try filling an ice bucket and letting it melt overnight. Upon waking in the morning, your water will be ready to go.
Not everyone can afford to stay at the Ritz, and sometimes you get stuck at a less than one-star hotel. If you feel a bit nervous about where you will be, bring a doorstop with you. You can put this under the door so no one comes in. While intruders may be able to pick a lock or break a chain, it will be next to impossible to open a door that has a door stop wedged beneath it.
Bring along a couple of cookie sheets if you are planning to be on the road for a long time with your kids. Your children can use them to play games or color. Bring magnetic letters for more fun.
If you are visiting a country in a different time zone, you may experience fatigue. This is something that is very hard to avoid. In addition, do your best to get some sleep during the flight.
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 sooner you adjust to your local time, the sooner your jet lag will leave you.
Make sure that you have an extra passport photo. If your passport somehow winds up stolen or missing, it may take a while to get it replaced. You can speed things up with a spare photo. Also, keep any documentation you will need.
When you travel, bring along a pillow and blanket. Whether you travel via rail, air, bus or car, a pillow and blanket can provide you with an additional measure of comfort. Airlines usually have some to hand out, but they might also run out. If you have your own, you know it’s clean.
Before your trip, ensure that you have photocopied each of your most important travel documents. Keep the copies of your insurance, passport, and other documents in a safe location while you carry the originals along with you. Leave a set at home with friends or relatives as well, just in case the worst should happen.
If you have children traveling with you, it is important to always have snacks packed. Pack more than you think you should. These things are important to make sure that they are happy and fed during the trip so that you don’t need to make unnecessary stops that will slow you down. Junk food is even good for a road trip.
Make sure you have plenty of time for checking out of the hotel. Some hotels charge hefty fees if you do not vacate your room on time. This is why it is so important to give yourself plenty of time.
If you travel with eyeglasses, make sure that an extra pair is in your luggage. Do not take the chance of going on a trip with only one pair. Put them in your luggage in case your purse or carry on bags were lost or got stolen.
Traveling is a very exciting way to experience new places and learn more about the world. You might have some trip planning knowledge, but there is always more to learn. Regardless of your reasons, these tips will help make your trip more enjoyable.