Leave any valuable items you don’t need at home when traveling. An excess of valuables will make you an obvious target for theft.
Always write down everything you need to pack in the form of a list. Start as soon as you can before your trip, that way you can add your must-have items to the list as you think of them. 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 are traveling to a specific attraction, such as an amusement park, see if you can purchase tickets online, and print them in advance. You will generally pay a nominal fee for this service, but you won’t have to wait in ticket lines when you arrive. Also, if the park offers timed entry, you can use it to skip the admission line.
If you want to be with your pet, find a travel destination where you can take it! Vacations that are pet friendly are becoming quite popular, and many hotels even offer special deals for those traveling with their furry companions. These can include pet-friendly cruises, cat spas, and doggy-day cares. Always call first before bringing you pet with you on a trip.
Make sure there is someone close to who you can get hold of your itinerary. This will let them know your whereabouts at all times. Talk to this person occasionally and tell them that you are okay. As long as they receive regular contact from you, they will not worry.
Pack a raincoat when traveling. Many times it is very difficult to predict how the weather will turn out. A raincoat can be used as a windbreaker if it is chilly or as a robe while in your hotel.
There are many travel related forums for you to become a member of. A great way to get ready for a trip is to talk to others who enjoy traveling. You can learn what NOT to do on your travels, and you may even pick up a new friend in the process!
Cash in traveler’s checks before shopping or eating. Although many locations take traveler’s checks, they aren’t easy to use. If you use them, you may find that you get shorted, so convert them to local currency before you shop.
Major airlines have e-newsletters you may be able to subscribe to and find deals. You will be the first to hear about discounts, special deals and last-minute offers through these e-newsletters. When you’re not looking to travel anytime soon, simply delete those emails without reading them.
Car Insurance
If you plan to rent a car during vacation, make sure that you review your auto insurance before leaving home. Many times, people think they need rental car insurance when they actually don’t. Many times the car insurance policy will have added coverage that includes liability for a third party. Look into your own policy before leaving, as it can be very important later.
When you travel, try to obtain the “local” rate at a hotel. Sometimes, hotels have a special rate for local residents just to help increase their occupancy. You could contact anyone you know who lives in that area and ask them to find out if there are any special deals for local people. This will help reduce the costs on your trip.
Remember to bring an extra passport picture with you when traveling. If your passport gets lost or stolen, it may take time to replace it. When you carry photos with you, you will quicken the process. You should also be carrying photocopies of the paperwork that will be asked for on the passport application.