Traveling can be so much fun. As much fun as traveling can be, there are some things you should know before you go. Here are some handy suggestions and tips to make your trip a little easier.
When traveling overseas, take written documentation of your important information. Include the name and contact information of where you will be staying as well as that of your embassy or consulate in the country you are traveling to. This will let you contact help if you need it. They can help you with problems that occur.
Airplane travels requires that you plan ahead to prevent problems. The trip to the airport requires that you give ample time to deal with traffic, rush hour conditions and other unexpected delays. Do all of your packing the day before. It is crucial to have everything planned out in advance. Missing your flight is something you do not want to experience.
Always write down everything you need to pack in the form of a list. Your list should be made well in advance (7-30 days) and should include all of your necessities. Even if you put off packing until the last minute, you can look at your list to avoid taking too much, or worse, forgetting something vital.
If you need vaccinations in order to travel to a certain country, make sure you bring along your certificate to serve as proof that you have received the treatment. This is important when you attempt to enter or exit a country, and may even be an issue when you are traveling between cities within a country. Without that paperwork, officials have no means of verifying that you’ve actually been vaccinated, and that can cause delays or even a quarantine.
To travel light, only pack essentials. The less you bring, the fewer things you are likely to lose or have stolen. Limit the pairs of shoes you carry, as they are often the largest and heaviest items you will be bringing on your trip.
When you plan a trip, taking a digital camera that fits your trip is a good idea. Rechargeable batteries won’t work on a camping trip, for example. You want a camera you can turn off and on quickly and that focuses fast.
Join travel forums and social networks. On these sites you will learn everything you need to know about the location you are traveling to. Not only might this lead to some wonderful tidbit of information about your destination that you did not know, but you might also make some friends.
United States
If you are planning foreign travel, be prepared for emergencies, like possibly losing your U.S. passport. The United States Department of State maintains a website (usembassy.state.gov) where you can find information on how to contact the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country that you are visiting. Bring the information along as you travel. Most of the time, your passport replacement will be available within a couple of days.
Look at when your passport expires. Many countries have specific rules concerning your passport. Even if it is still valid, if it expires soon, you may have problems. These times can be three or six months, or even eight months to a year.
Airport Parking
If your car has to be left at an airport while you travel, make sure you pre-book airport parking ahead of time. In some places parking booked on the day you fly will cost more. If you live near the airport, find out if taking a cab is cheaper than airport parking.
Consider environmentally friendly services for an ecologically mindful trip. There are many hotels which have implemented a linen reuse program, use energy efficient lighting, place recycling bins for guest use, use low flow plumbing and use alternative energy sources. Rental cars, tours, and many restaurants are also more eco-friendly these days.
Now you have reviewed some essential travel tips and should be prepared to make the most out of every trip you take going forward. Make sure you remember to pack your camera!