Learning about traveling can be pretty overwhelming, but just like anything else, it can also be very quickly researched and applied. Now that you have found this list of tips, hopefully, you can come out a little more informed when it comes to traveling. This way, you can refine your plans and become a smarter and safer traveler.
Jump Ahead To:
Best
Try your best to pack all your belongings in an as little amount of luggage as possible. You don’t want to bring five bags of luggage with you on the plane and overwhelm yourself. Try and fold and tuck stuff into areas where you can make more space without harming any of your belongings.
Planning your travel is always good advice to follow. Make sure to plan your trip at least a month or a few weeks to ensure you have enough time to make changes. Planning leaves more room for error and gives you more time to get the best deals on travel packages.
Where
For added security, bring a doorstop with you to your hotel room. Some hotel locks are flimsy and not exactly secure, but if you jam a doorstop under the door before you go to bed, you will feel safer. This also works for shower rooms and bathroom doors, where the locks may not be secure enough.
If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you print a copy of the directions. GPSs and cell phones are a great help for navigating, but they can break easily. And you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any directions! It’s better to print the instructions and not use them than to be lost.
Honeymoon
Always ask for upgrades. You can’t get it if you don’t ask. No one is going to offer you a free upgrade just because they like your shirt. When you check in with airlines and hotels, even car rental companies, ask if there are any upgrades available. If it is a special occasion like an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday, make sure to make mention of that.
Party
When traveling in a strange city by taxi, ask an independent third party such as a front desk clerk or baggage porter what the right rate is for a trip to your destination. Also, set up the price with the driver before you get into the cab. This helps prevent you from getting ripped off.
If you are traveling for a wedding or special event, do not book your hotel room under the block of rooms reserved for the party. Hotels usually give these events the corporate rate, which is higher than other discounts that they offer. Try making reservations with your AAA membership or hotel rewards program.
Flight
If you plan to opt for a night flight or just a very long trip in general, it may be best to bring some sleeping aid. It’s quite difficult to sleep on airplanes anyway, but if you take a sleeping aid right before takeoff, you can arrive at your destination fresh and ready to take on the world!
Know the rules for your airline’s baggage check policy. Some airlines will make you go and claim your baggage and recheck it for connecting flights. Be aware of this so you can schedule trips accordingly. You do not want to get caught running across an airport to catch a flight because of baggage!
Hotel
When traveling, it’s essential to pack light. Pack items within other items (rolled-up socks and underwear inside your shoes, for example). If possible, bring knitted or microfiber garments that you can roll up tightly in your bag. Always bring clothes you can wash in the hotel sink and hang to dry if necessary. Roll all garments instead of folding.
When traveling by air, if you find that you need to check your bags, make sure you keep at least a change of clothing with you in your carry-on bag. Then if your luggage accidentally gets lost and the airline has to track it down, you’ll at the very least have a clean change of clothes. Even if it takes a day or two to find your luggage and get it for you, you can most likely wash your clothing at your hotel.
Tips
Use social media as a tool to help you discover all the hidden gems in the city that you are traveling to. Asking your friends and family members questions about your destination can be useful not only before you go, but also while you are there. You’ll be amazed at the great tips you receive, ranging from hotel recommendations to great shopping opportunities.
Whenever you travel for business or pleasure, research your destination before you leave—arriving in a foreign city without any idea where to go or what to see can be overwhelming and takes away from experience. Read a guide on your destination and talk to people you know have been there. You can quickly learn some insider tips.
Like anything else, the world of traveling is vast and has so much information available. Sometimes, you need a little hint as to where, to begin with, it so that you can start your own experience. Hopefully, you received that from the above tips.