Being thrown into a new, exotic place brings a sense of excitement. But, it can also bring anxiety on how to deal with the unfamiliar, even if you are accustomed to foreign travel. Reviewing the handy advice below before setting off on your next trip can make your travel more enjoyable, less stressful, and maybe even cheaper.
Learn about your destination. Buy a map and check out the attractions. Memorizing a few facts about where you will be visiting will make navigating much easier once you get there.
Make a list of things you need to pack. Your list should be made well in advance (7-30 days) and should include all of your necessities. This way, even if you pack the day before you leave, it will be easier and you won’t forget any essential items.
Aisle Seat
Choosing an aisle seat is a good idea. The window seat provides a view, while the aisle seat lets you have access that is unrestricted to overhead baggage and bathroom access.
Watch out for faux cops or faux government officials in foreign countries, as they may be criminals. You should never give anyone your original passport no matter who they purport to be, or you could end up stranded in a strange land. Walk or drive your own car to a police station if you are asked to. Do not get into a vehicle with someone that you do not know.
When you travel, do not overpack. This will help you avoid having anything lost. Pay attention to the number of shoes you bring, they tend to be large and heavy.
The type of digital camera you take on your trip should be dependent on the trip you are taking. For example, if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you probably don’t want a camera that has a rechargeable battery. This will save you a lot of time and hassle on your trip.
Never panic during the packing stage as this will simply lead to forgetfulness and important items left behind. You can waste a lot of time looking for items scattered about your house, like your shampoo and conditioner, power cords and pillow. Purchase a plastic bin and keep everything you need for travel in one spot. Under-the-bed containers help keep your things hidden, but prepared when you need to keep going on your adventure.
Visiting the desert is surprisingly enjoyable due to gorgeous views and interesting flora and fauna. Visiting the desert for the first time can be an especially exciting adventure; it’s something you should do at least once during your lifetime, just to experience the awe and wonder of the desert.
One of the first things you should do before traveling to a foreign country is to determine whether or not you must have a visa. Some countries have an extensive process to grant visas. Apply for the appropriate visas long before your departure. If you don’t have the correct visa, you won’t be allowed to enter some countries.
It is easy to get bored on a road trip; this is why you ought to plan out some activities. You need to do more than just eat or go to the washroom. Giving your children a route itinerary will allow them to focus on the destination.
Extra Passport
Pack extra passport photos when traveling. If your passport winds up stolen or missing, it can take a while for you to get a replacement. You can make the process go more quickly by having an extra passport photo available. You can get on your way faster when you have the documents needed for passport application forms with you.
Whenever you enter a new country, avoid changing your currency. You can get that country’s currency easily. You can simply get foreign currency from an ATM at a bank. If you are able to use a bank ATM machine, you will be able to find a more affordable exchange rate and less fees.
Do remember to tip generously. Give the steward a $20 tip when boarding the ship. You’ll probably have the same crew members for the entire cruise, and if they get the feeling that you’re going to be kind to them, they will likely make sure you’re well cared for.
Try to get a hotel room on one of the upper floors. This may seem simple, but the security afforded from higher floors is worth it. Request a room without sliding doors. Rooms with these are much easier for thieves to break into.
Have someone in your family hold the itinerary. Make a list of all people and places you expect to visit, including contact information for them. You should also leave information about your flights and a copy of the identification page of your passport.
When traveling overseas, try saving cash creatively by inviting your friends. You may get a discount for bringing a large group. You can save tons of cash on everything from dining to airfare when using group rates. Find out if any of your friends are interested in a similar trip.
Your luggage should have your name, phone number, and address on a visible label in your suitcase when you are traveling. If your luggage happens to get lost and there are no external tags, you will have ones inside. Having your luggage out of sight can result in it getting lost.
If you book flights with connecting flights, you may be able to save some money. However, be sure to be realistic when thinking about how much time you’ll spend on layover. You could miss your connecting flight if the time is too short. If the layover lats more than a couple hours, you may get stuck in an airport a long time.
Remember the advice you read in this article, and you will have some new and exciting discoveries on your next trip. Whether this may be your first or fifteenth trip, it will surely be a lot better than your previous experiences.