Traveling should be something to look forward to, shouldn’t it? Of course it should. The problem is, that many of us have had so many stressful trips in the past that a lot of the fun has gone out of it. But what if you could avoid much of the stress associated with traveling? You can; take a look at these suggestions.
If you are planning on flying or riding a long distance with school-age children, consider investing in a small portable DVD player. The least expensive ones can run as low as $75, and the peace of mind it buys you on that nine-hour international flight is more than worth the cost.
Take the first travel photo” of your luggage. If you do end up checking your luggage, take a picture of it before you turn it over to the airline. In case of a problem, this will document what the luggage looks like and its condition when you left it. Also keep your baggage claim ticket in a safe place or snap a picture of it, too, so you have all the information necessary in the event that your luggage is lost.
Ditch the fanny pack. Not only do you look the part of a tourist, a fanny pack is often easy pickings for a thief. If you crave the convenience of the fanny pack, consider getting a multi-pocket travel vest instead. These carry just as much but keep the items close to your body where they are safer.
Try to only bring carry-on bags. If you can travel light, you will not have to face the mess that is the check counter. Just remember the policies about weight, and be ready to buy toiletries upon your arrival to your destination. You can call your airline to clarify any specifics.
If you plan to stay more than one night in a hotel room, bring a cheap over-the-door organizer for shoes or jewelry. Instead of filling it with shoes, you can use the pockets to store your toiletries, room key, camera, phone and any other objects which might easily get lost in the fray. The clear pockets make it easy to find things, in seconds.
If you’re planning to stay in the same city for awhile, you should look into renting an apartment or house instead of staying at a hotel. You can find many websites devoted to short-term rentals. By renting, you will save money, get better accommodations, and have a more authentic local experience.
Consider purchasing a wi-fi detector before you travel on a road trip. Not having access to the internet can make a road trip seem a little lonely. A wi-fi detector can help you find a hotspot even when businesses are not advertising that they have it available. You can find these signal detectors on just about anything, including keychains.
Alright, not every trip is for fun and recreation, and not all of the tips that are mentioned in this article will apply to your plans. Nevertheless, if you make a note to try out some of the aforementioned suggestions, you can be well on your way to having more pleasant traveling experiences, whether your trip is for business, family or pleasure.