Whether you’re going to see those annoying in-laws or are taking an Alaskan cruise, you want to enjoy the ride. Traveling by trains, boats, cars or planes all share some of the same basic tips.
Aisle Seat
It is often wise to choose an aisle seat. Though the window seat offers a view, there are few benefits to it. The aisle seat lets you have access to bathrooms easily, overhead compartments and airline personnel. It also gives you one side free of confinement.
Be aware of certain food allergies when going to a foreign country in order to avoid bad liaisons. If your food allergy is particularly bad, make sure to express this in their language. You’ll be able to tell waitstaff in restaurants about your allergies before there’s a problem and you have to explain to medical professionals.
Making travel arrangements well ahead of time will help you save money. All of the things that can be purchased on a trip share one thing in common, and that is that they cost less when purchased in advance. Minimizing last-minute expenses can help your trip stretch further.
If you have to have a vaccination in order to get into a particular country, carry your paperwork with you. This comes into play whenever you are attempting to enter or leave a country, and can even be a problem when traveling between cities in the same country. Authorities cannot know if you have actually had the vaccinations, meaning they could quarantine you.
When you travel to foreign countries, watch the taxis you enter. Make sure the taxi actually is legitimate before getting in. Anyone can put the word “taxi” on their vehicle, and you would never be the wiser.
Provide yourself with what you need to be comfortable on a flight rather than counting on the services of your airline. Bringing a blanket, pillow and headphones with you is a good idea. It is also wise to bring some snacks, so you will have food that you enjoy eating if you are hungry.
If you drive to any port city prior to going on your cruise, you can find hotels that offer free parking upon arriving the night before. Inquire about reduced-rate parking at the hotel, regardless of whether you have seen any advertisements.
Do your research before you book. Find websites that contain reviews of potential destinations. Ask your friends and relations about their travel experiences. Doing some research will make you more aware of what can be expected, and will also help you decide what activities to do once you are there.
When traveling with a small child, you need to have activities and things planned out to keep them occupied. Try to bring some of your child’s favorite toys. You may even consider purchasing a few new toys to grab his attention.
Try to go to the gym prior to getting on a flight. Long airplane trips can be tiring to your body. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can cause leg and back cramps. Taking the time to workout before you fly will reduce or even eliminate those cramps.
Taking a trip no matter how far from home may cause you to want to bring pieces of your home along for the vacation. Just bring the toiletry items that you really need. Make a short list of toiletries you use daily and are truly needed. Pack those that are most valuable to you.
Carry matches or a business card from the hotel with you. If you are out on the streets of a foreign city and find yourself lost, this small item will be very useful when trying to get directions from a taxi driver or a local on the street. This simple precaution goes a long way to make up for whatever you lack in speaking the local language.
Clearly, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your experience with travel is enjoyable and relaxing, rather than a nuisance. Why not create your list of essential things to do while you have some time?
