Seeing the world, or just a city next door can lead to all sorts of fun and adventure. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice traveler, the following tips are a collaboration of helpful information to make your next journey much safer, easier and a whole lot more fun.
When traveling abroad, keep a note of all important information. Know where your embassy or consulate is and how they can be reached should you need to get into contact with them. You may find yourself needing this info. Your embassy can assist you with any issues you may encounter.
Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carry on bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. If traveling to cold weather, bring smaller clothes to create layers rather than big, space-consuming coats and sweaters. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags.
If you are a woman traveling overnight on business, be sure that the blouses and underthings you wear and bring can be washed in the sink and hung up or blow-dried. Missed luggage and/or connections can mean you arrive at a hotel late at night, with only the clothes on your back to wear the next day. Lightweight, wrinkle-free polyester or microfiber blouses and tops can be washed and hung up, and will be dry in the morning, as will all your lingerie.
Sometimes by choosing multiple means of travel one can get the best of everything. For example by taking a plane somewhere and renting a car when you arrive, one can get the benefits of a quick flight as well as the benefits of having a car to go wherever wanted while traveling.
One way to deal with the tedium of being away from your family due to work-related travel is to take advantage of the time for yourself. Typically, meetings end at 5 and you’ll have until the next morning. Take the world’s longest bath, and use up all the toiletries. Watch three movies in a row. Write those couple of actual snail-mail letters you always said you would, but haven’t had time. Knit a hat. Read a book. In short, do all the nice things for yourself that you wouldn’t take the time to do if you were surrounded by your family. You’ll feel better knowing you took the time, and you’ll be that much happier and more relaxed when you see your family again.
Select a hotel in an older, more central part of town if your travel budget will possibly allow it. While these centrally-located hotels are usually more expensive, they are also much more vibrant and memorable. They are right in the middle of the action. Suburban hotels can be cheaper, but the hassle of their isolated locations often offsets your savings.
Are you traveling with your pet? Make sure their immunizations are up to date and you have the papers proving it! Also, don’t forget the essentials like food, water, leash and bedding. Tucking in a favorite toy or two always helps ease the boredom and helps keep them quite when you really don’t want them disturbing the occupants in the next room.
If you’re flying to your destination, be careful when you recline the seat. It’s always advisable to check with the person behind you before you recline you seat. If you don’t, you’re liable to break a laptop screen, spill someones drink, or just bang their legs into your seat. Better safe than sorry!
Always check out a visitor’s center near your destination. They often have a lot of pamphlets on different attractions. A lot of these will even have coupons inside to get a discount. So not only will you find things to do, but you can save money while you do them!
When you get back from a trip with a baby or toddler, do not expect them to be back to their schedule as usual the very next day. Children this age like to follow schedules and theirs was disrupted for some time. By realizing this, it will help you understand them better and make this transition period a little easier for all.
Always leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone back at hom,e so that they can keep track of you. Be sure to include phone numbers and addresses so that they will be able to contact you if needed. You never know what sort of emergency might come up while you are away.
If you are going to be rock climbing, you will probably need new shoes. Your shoes should fit so tightly that you can stand in them, but it should be uncomfortable to walk in them. Having tight shoes will increase your ability to use your legs and you will have optimal control with your movements.
Fly early in the day to avoid delays. A flight delayed earlier in the day could cause other flights throughout the day to become late too. The very first morning flight should not have many reasons to delay.
When traveling aboard, make sure your passport is not expired. In the chaos of preparing for a trip, you may not realize your passport has expired. You can renew your passport by mail as far in advance as one year before it is set to expire and up to two years after it has already expired.
When traveling, and sitting for long periods of time, get up about once every hour to stretch out your legs. If on a plane, go to the restroom even if you don’t need to. Sitting in one position too long can be a health hazard, causing muscle pains and spasms, and contributing to potential blood clots.
Whether traveling to see a family member or as part of an adventurous expedition, everyone needs some planning and preparation for their trip. Hopefully you learned something from reading this article that will help you on your next vacation and maybe something you can pass along to a friend.
