Whether you’re heading to a nearby state or traveling across the world, vacations hold potential for great fun and for great stress. This article has the tips you need to perfect your time away.
You should always have a good photo of your child on you when you travel with him or her, just in case the two of you get separated. Being away from home and losing a child is a very scary prospect. Even so, it does sometimes happen. Having a photo on you to share with authorities could mean the difference in whether or not your child is found quickly.
Build a travel bin. Avoid wasted time spent getting all your travel necessities together. Get a bin and keep all of your travel items in one place. Even a tote kept in a specific place can be a great place to store travel essentials.
Rush Hour
Do your best to avoid traveling during rush hour when you are driving. If you can’t plan your trip where you won’t be driving during rush hour, use that time to stop for a break. Use this time to get a snack or allow the children to get some exercise.
Make sure your passports are up-to-date by checking the expiration date. A lot of countries have certain rules concerning passports. Most countries will not permit you to enter with an expired passport if it is within a given time frame. The range is typically between three and six months, but sometimes can be up to a year.
When taking a trip and using traveler’s checks, it is important that you cash them before eating or shopping. While many places accept the checks, sometimes they are hard to deal with. If you use such checks, it may be that you end up getting shorted, so try to get some local money prior to spending anything.
Airport Parking
If you plan on leaving your car at the airport parking lot, it is smart to book it before the day you travel. Parking on your first vacation day may cost a lot. If you live near the airport, consider taking a taxi instead. It could be cheaper than airport parking.
If you plan to hit the road with a small child, take breaks every two or three hours on the road. Breaks may offer you time to stretch and use the restroom. You’ll also prevent kids from getting motion sickness this way. It may be a longer trip, but it won’t be as stressful.
Jet lag is an all too common complaint for travelers who cross time zones. To help prepare for this try to get a few extra hours sleep before leaving on your trip. You should also make an effort to sleep during the flight.
If you experience difficulties, it is easy to become frustrated. The right car might be unavailable or your flight could be delayed. If these things occur, you and the agent must come to a mutually acceptable resolution of the problem. In the beginning you both want to resolve the issue, but it may be easy for an argument to develop. Stay both polite and calm. This will generate the best results for you.
Bringing your own bottled water to countries with dubious water supplies is recommended. The water you find in other countries may not be safe to drink as it can cause different sicknesses. Even when you brush your teeth, do it with bottled water. Avoid putting the local water in your mouth at all.
Remember your medications. It is very easy to forget about packing important things, and medications are often overlooked. It can be almost impossible to get a prescription filled in a foreign country.
Stretch your legs at least once every hour if you are going on a long trip. You can hurt your muscles and perhaps get a blood clot if you sit in the same position for too long.
Be up front when you buy travel insurance. Let the insurance provider know if you are sick. If you have an illness-related emergency while you are abroad, the insurer may deny the claim. You’ll be stuck with all of the bills to settle for yourself.
Planning your trip well makes your travel smoother, whether you’re headed across the Atlantic or just down the interstate. The above tips will help make your trip one that you will always remember.