If you have to buy a camera for your trip, think carefully before you buy. You likely don’t want a camera with a rechargeable battery if you’re backpacking. Many people find point and shoot cameras are best to use while traveling.
When embarking on a cruise, find a hotel nearby that has free parking, and spend the night before the departure. You can check with staff at the hotel for unpublished parking deals.
Try melting hotel ice to make coffee the next morning using filtered water. If you are worried about the taste of tap water, melt a bucketful of ice overnight. In the morning, you’ll be able to make good coffee with filtered water that tastes good.
If you will be using traveler’s checks, try to cash them before heading out to go shopping or to dine. Many places abroad do readily take traveler’s checks, but it can be a pain to use them as they are. You might get short-changed when you use them, thus it pays to be smart about it and get your hands on the actual currency before you use them.
Consider environmentally friendly services for an ecologically mindful trip. Lots of hotels have a reusable linen program, use alternative energy, use lighting that’s energy efficient, have guest recycling receptacles, and use low-flow plumbing. Tour operators, car rental companies, restaurants and many other travel service providers are also finding and implementing new ways to allow travelers to travel green.
When you travel, try to obtain the “local” rate at a hotel. There are often deals available for individuals living in the general vicinity of the hotel. If you know anyone who lives where you are going, ask them if they can help you get a discount. This could save you a significant amount of cash.
To make sure your flight won’t be delayed, take a flight early in the day. Airports are typically filled to capacity; if the first plane is delayed there is a domino effect, because each plane must wait for the last one to fly out and make room at the gate. An early flight has less of a change of getting backed up.
If you’re going to another country, make up some cards that state any food allergies that you have in the language of the country you are visiting. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, let servers know what you’re able to eat and not eat. The cards can be quite helpful when it comes to dining.
Foreign Currency
When going to a different country, stay away from exchanging currency. There are better ways to get your hands on foreign currency. Try getting foreign currency at an ATM using your debit card. Often you will find that these machines have a better rate and will be cheaper overall than going to a currency exchange.
When you drive by car with smaller children, always bring plenty of snacks along. You might want to pack twice as much as what you were originally thinking. This will help keep them happy and busy, ensuring they don’t cause any trouble on the trip. Some junk food is okay for the trip.
If you are going somewhere remote, buy travel insurance that covers any emergency situation. The farther you are from civilization, the better off you are to have insurance of this kind.
Prior to falling asleep in your hotel room, examine the alarm clock. It is possible that the alarm is set, and you do not want to be awakened at some ungodly hour.