Just about everyone has to travel somewhere at some point in their lives. While some business or pleasure traveling can be enjoyable, some journeys can be boring, dangerous, expensive and full of hassle. This article contains some tips to make your travel experience better, and help you avoid some of the common pit falls.
When traveling, it’s important 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.
Make sure you carry a bottle of water with you. Whether you find yourself out in the wilderness or in a bustling city, having a bottle of water on your person at all times is never a bad idea. These are especially easy to keep handy if you carry a purse.
A great tip for traveling is to go shopping for snacks and drinks for your lodging place in your hometown. This saves hundreds of dollars over the course of your travels because every time you stop to sleep in a hotel, the multiple trips to vending machines and the store located in the hotel that has frozen dinners and soups will leave you with a lighter wallet.
Replace the lock on your luggage with a combination lock. Many pieces of luggage come with locks and keys. Keys get lost. Not that it matters. The locks are so cheaply made, they can be broken right off. It would not be a bad idea to discard them entirely and replace them with a sturdier combination lock.
When travelling on a road trip, make sure you bring a bag with you for trash. Even people who don’t normally eat in the car will during long road trips, especially if you don’t want to stop to eat and add more time to your trip. A trash bag can help you keep the mess and clutter to a minimum.
Rental cars come in all colors and all models. The problem is that they all look basically the same! Make sure you note your car’s precise location before you leave it in a parking lot to go into a large discount store or anywhere else where it could be lost in the sea of other cars.
When you first arrive at your hotel room, check the mini-bar. Some guests are known for refilling bottles with water, so make sure each and every bottle is fully sealed. If any of them are not, you should immediately phone the front desk and tell them what you have found. You do not want to be charged for someone else’s dishonesty.
Travelers are a common target of theft, but you can protect your luggage with a few simple tactics. Put Christmas bells on your suitcases and carry-on luggage, to alert you if someone tries to take them. Insert your foot through the strap or handle of your luggage when sitting in an airport lounge during a layover. Be aware that a distraction around you may be a deliberate attempt to divert your attention from your belongings.
Your vacation can turn into a nightmare if not carefully planned. Check online for reviews from real customers who’ve already visited the places you intend to stay and play at. Their experience could help in avoiding a seedy hotel or a dangerous town to stay in.
The next time you need to travel somewhere, be it a quick local trip with your family, a business trip or a long distance journey abroad, consider referring back to the tips in this article. By utilising some of the ideas and advice mentioned, your travelling adventure could be cheaper, easier and safer.
