On travel forums, tales of woe are very common. However, most of them could have been avoided simply through solid planning. This shouldn’t be a problem. This article will give you tips so you have an enjoyable vacation.

Leave most of your items of value at home. With a lot of different activities in unfamiliar surroundings, losing things is very common on vacation. Even worse, you could be the victim of a theft.

Try exercising prior to flying. Long flights are found to be hard to sit through. Sitting for an excessive amount of time can cause your back and legs to cramp. You will be more relaxed during your flight and can help avoid body aches by stretching before your flight.

When you are traveling, it is important to remember to be aware of your vital belongings at all times. When carrying a purse, make sure you keep it tucked under your arm. Do not purchase bags that have easy open zippers and compartments. The easier the bag is to open, the more likely someone can slip away with something while you are distracted. Security should be one of your top considerations when buying a new bag for travel.

Always tip the housekeeper and bell station. A good rule of thumb is $1 per bag/luggage and about $2-5 a day for housekeeping. If you can tip these people appropriately, you will find that you will have a better relationship with the hotel staff during your stay.

When you are traveling in an airplane, it’s a good idea to wear slip on shoes that are light and comfortable. This makes security checks easier since you can easily slip them off. Your comfort should be a priority. When you are in the airport or on the airplane, you will sit more than you will walk, so having good arch supports is not the most important thing. Therefore, it is smart to wear sandals or flip-flops when flying.

If you are going to be a frequent visitor to the national parks, it only makes sense to get a yearly pass. They only cost $50 and remain good for use that year at any national park.

Jet Lag

Stay awake until 8 PM in the time zone you are in if you want to adjust to the time zone you are in. Even if you are tired, going to bed too early can prolong jet lag by keeping your body in your home time zone. If you can adjust to the local time zone, then your jet lag will be gone.

For a fun day trip or a last-minute weekend getaway, don’t assume you need to hop on a plane. You can find a lot of great trips in your specific state or one adjoining it. Do your local businesses good by supporting them and staying near home when vacationing. Many great places to visit are right in your own ‘backyard’.

When you make travel plans, thinking ahead is important, so do not forget about the weather. You should always check the weather forecast for your destination. This way, you can prepare for unpleasant surprises and plan alternate activities if the beach is too frigid or the ski slope is sweltering.

Long trips provide a great reason to pack up your music collection, load it in the car and enjoy your favorite songs along the way. Since you can never count on radio reception when you are traveling, this is a great way to ensure that you have music to listen to.

Car Seats

If your plans include renting an automobile with young ones in tow, always bring along their car seats. You may not be able to get quality car seats at the rental office, so plan to bring your own just in case.

In summary, most people who have bad vacation experiences didn’t prepare for their vacations properly. The advice from this article will help you plan a safe, relaxing vacation.