Before packing, make a list. Anywhere from a week to a few months before you go on your trip, make a list of the things you absolutely need to pack. Having a list will keep you organized and clutter-free, even if you don’t actually pack until the last minute.
Even on an international flight, you should be able to provide your own needs. Provide your own blanket and pillow if you know that you will have a requirement for them, your own headphones too. You should also bring enough snacks to get you to your destination and not have to rely on airport food.
Getting away is great, but too often we bring too much with us to remind us of home. Only take the things you truly need. Write down which toiletries you use religiously and would not want to be without. Pack those that are essential.
Include identification inside your bags in addition to outside of them. Exterior ones may be lost or damaged during travel. In case your luggage is lost and tag-less, be sure to put identification information inside the bag so that it can be identified and returned to you promptly.
The price per unit for these conveniently sized products is disproportionate compared to the amount of space that you save. Instead, try different space folding techniques for efficiently packing clothes. You can have more space in your bags than you thought if you pack properly.
When you make any hotel reservations, make certain you check for potential renovations taking place during your stay. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than being woken up with the noise of loud construction equipment. Since the hotel staff cannot do anything to change the noise, it is best to entirely avoid those dates.
If you have to leave a car at the airport, make sure to book your parking ahead of time. If you wait to book a parking spot on the day you need it, it will generally be way more expensive. If you live nearby, consider taking a taxi to the airport instead.
The major airlines all have e-newsletters, and subscribing has its benefits. Those publications will ensure you are aware of current discounts and deals as well as last-minute offers. E-newsletters can provide you with money-saving discounts that are beneficial to your travel, even though they may also contribute a clogged inbox.
Car rental agencies require renters to be 18 years old. Now there are some companies where the age requirement to rent is 25 or older. You may also need to bring a credit card with you. In some cities, senior citizens are not allowed to rent cars. When you book a car, ask about any age requirements.
Don’t go to sleep before 8pm local time if you are adjusting to a different time zone. Even if you are tired, going to bed too early can prolong jet lag by keeping your body in your home time zone. The quicker you get used to local time, the quicker jet lag will fade.
When traveling via cruise ship, try talking with other passengers at formal dinners. Ships tend to place you at tables with strangers. Chat with new people and enjoy yourself. You are going to see them daily, and you just might learn some stuff about the ship this way.
Because road trips can be quite boring, it is a good idea to plan things to do along the way. Having something to look forward to other than bathroom breaks and meals can make the trip more exciting. Provide children with a list of stops you plan to make.
Earplugs are beneficial if you are awoken easily. Hotel walls can sometimes seem too thin. Good earplugs can help block any excess noise.
When flying, give your child a seat off the aisle, when possible. This will prevent them from getting bumped into. Children are very curious and can hurt themselves by reaching out when there’s a cart coming through. Also, by seating them on the inside, you can keep them from running up the aisle.
Be sure to bring along plenty of snacks if you are taking a road trip with kids. You should consider packing twice as much as you are expecting to need. This helps them stay busy, nourished and happy. Because trips don’t happen often, a few sweet snacks to keep them occupied can’t hurt.
