Business traveling and vacations require research and preparation. You want to get the biggest bang for your buck and your time. Ahead are some great ideas on doing just that.
Don’t do anything private on a public computer or WiFi connection. Public computers sometimes have keyloggers in them, so when you access your accounts, the person who installed the keylogger can also access your accout.
After picking your destination, research the area thoroughly. Get yourself a good map and take the time to review key spots. This will give you ideas on the different activities that you can do.
Be flexible when choosing your destination. Though you may have established favorites, it is always fun to mix things up with some new spots. Your choice of destination can often be the money saver when you’re on a tight budget.
If you are traveling in a foreign country, be careful of the taxis you choose to ride. Some “taxis” are not legitimate. Anyone can fool you with a taxi sign.
Provide yourself with what you need to be comfortable on a flight rather than counting on the services of your airline. Because of cutbacks, many airlines do not provide pillows, blankets or headphones, so bring your own if you will use them. It is also wise to bring some snacks, so you will have food that you enjoy eating if you are hungry.
Sign up with a travel price watching site. You can put in your desired location and it keeps an eye on the prices for that area. When the prices of the hotel or airfares drop to the level of your choosing, the website will alert you with an email about the change. This takes the work out of your needing to check the prices everyday.
Be sure a friend or family member has access to your itinerary while you are traveling. That way, a family member will know where you’re supposed to be at all times. You should also contact that person regularly. If they know where you are and hear from you on a regular basis, there will be no need for concern.
Give your bellhop and maid a nice tip. People generally recommend a buck per bag for the bellhop and $2-5 per day for the maid. Doing this will not only show that you appreciated the work they did, but it will also foster a good relationship with them.
When out and about on vacation, bring the hotel’s business card (or something with their name on it) with you. If you are venturing out around town and you get lost, you can show the card to others who can direct you to the right place. This simple precaution goes a long way to make up for whatever you lack in speaking the local language.
Use melted ice for your morning coffee. This water is much better tasting than tap. In the morning when you wake, you will have fresh water for brewing coffee and brushing teeth.
Taking a sleeping pill can make a red-eye flight much easier. It is often hard to get much rest on airplanes, given the cramped seating, machine noise and people milling about. If you feel anxious about flying, think about taking a sleeping pill. You should take the pill after the plane is actually in the air.
Bring along a couple of cookie sheets if you are planning to be on the road for a long time with your kids. You can use them to play cards or color in coloring books since they are flat. They also work great in tandem with bright magnetic numbers and letters.
Your dream trip can turn into a nightmare if you don’t do the proper research beforehand. Read online reviews from others who have stayed there before. Use their information to avoid common pit-falls and less than ideal hotels or attractions.
Give a printout of your itinerary to a trusted family member or friend when you travel. Include names of places you plan to seeing, people you will be visiting or staying with, and any relevant phone numbers and addresses. You should leave copies of your ticket and flight info and your passport ID page.
Don’t be too rigid with your trip time, especially if another person needs a bathroom break. You need not be so rigid that a 10-minute restroom break destroys your itinerary. This will help ease any tension on your trip.
Bring a contact lens case with you when you are traveling. If you are only using a small bit of these products, carry them in one of these containers.
When changing currency, wait until you have arrived at your destination. If you are concerned that you will not be able to immediately locate a currency exchange location, exchange a few dollars before your trip begins and wait until you can locate a bank at your destination to swap out the remaining cash you need.
A useful tip for travelers is to always allow yourself sufficient time for hotel check-outs. Many hotels charge a steep fee if you haven’t checked out by a specific time. Prepare for this ahead of time.
When traveling overseas, try saving cash creatively by inviting your friends. Lots of places have group discounts. Group rates will save you money. Ask your friends and family if anyone wants to join you.
It is easy to apply these concepts to business trips, family vacations, or romantic trips for two. Keep this advice in mind as you put together your travel plans. You’ll spend less time worrying about problems, and will have lots of time to enjoy yourself.
