Whether for business or pleasure, traveling can be a fun experience. However, spending a considerable amount of money can ruin your sense of fun and adventure. This article should help you cut out excess expenses and still have a great time.
After picking your destination, research the area thoroughly. Purchase a decent map of the city or region where you plan to travel, and spend time looking over the environs, major sightseeing areas and museums. Having a good understanding of how the area you’re going to is laid out, will make it much easier to get around when you arrive.
Plan ahead if you want to travel by air. Since major airports are usually in big cities, getting there might take forever when you get caught in heavy traffic congestion. Have your luggage packed the night before. Do not procrastinate preparing for your flight. You want to do everything possible to avoid arriving late for your flight.
When traveling abroad, be on the lookout for criminals who may be posing as law or government officials. Never give someone your passport, because they might not give it back to you. Walk with them if they want to transport you to a nearby office. Do not ever agree to go somewhere with someone you don’t know.
If you are driving to a port city before leaving on a cruise, always find a hotel that offers free parking and arrive the night before. You can check with staff at the hotel for unpublished parking deals.
Check the websites of your airline to get the best deal. Travelocity and similar websites aren’t the only place to find deals on airfares.
If you are getting a hotel room, inquire as to whether there are any upcoming renovations or not. Hammering or drilling could ruin your stay. Avoid any time periods in which remodeling will occur.
Visit websites and forums that are related to travel. On these sites you will learn everything you need to know about the location you are traveling to. You will meet new people, share experiences and keep from making the mistakes others have made.
Rush Hour
If traveling by car, it is important to avoid a city’s rush hour traffic. If that is absolutely unavoidable, use rush hour time to take a break. It’s a great time to grab something to eat and let the kids run off some energy for a bit.
Not a lot of people can afford the Ritz Hotel, and sometimes have to stay at a less desirable hotel. If you aren’t happy with your hotel, take along a doorstop. This will increase your security. Intruders can break a lock or chain, but the doorstop will make is much harder to get into the room.
Think about packing a pair of cookie sheets if you are going on the road with kids. These sheets will be for the kids to play cards on or color in coloring books. Bring numbers and letters if you have small children.
Getting a pass to the National Parks is a good idea if you frequently visit the parks. Each pass costs $50. They are good all year and can be used at any national park.
By using these tips, you can travel smarter and have a smooth journey. No matter where you are going, you will always have more fun when you know that you got a good travel deal.