You are probably second-guessing your vacation plans this year because of the bad economy. Follow these tips if you are a money conscious traveler.
Don’t do anything private on a public computer or WiFi connection. There is a keylogger that takes your information as you type.
When you travel in different countries, use ATM machines to withdraw pocket money instead of exchanging your currency with local currency. Banks get better exchange rates that you may get. As a result, you will save money and have more to spend on other things.
If you have to buy a camera for your trip, think carefully before you buy. If you are going backpacking, you shouldn’t have one with a rechargeable battery. In any event, you want a camera that turns on and focuses quickly so you can capture shots as they happen.
When traveling through smaller airports, check their websites to discover every airline that offers service there. Some of them will offer charter flights that you can’t see when searching for deals, and they might be able to get you a good price.
If you have children traveling with you, make sure you have a current, color photo of them with you, in the event they become lost. Being away from home and losing a child is a very scary prospect. Even so, it does sometimes happen. Carrying a picture of your child with you, so that you can identify them if you become separated, can make a difference in terms of a speedy reunion.
Give a trusted family member or friend access to the itinerary you will be following while you travel. This person should always know your location. Give that person a call regularly to let them know you are safe. If they know where you are and hear from you on a regular basis, there will be no need for concern.
Use hotel ice for having filtered water for your coffee in the morning. Tap water rarely tastes good, so place ice in the bucket for overnight melting. When you wake up in the morning you will be able to brew fresh coffee with decent tasting filtered water.
In some countries, criminals will pose as the authorities to get the jump on you. You must not give anyone your original passport; it may be gone for good if you do. If they state you must go to an office, offer to walk the distance with them. In order to stay safe, never ride in a car with someone you don’t know.
Join travel websites to help you get the most out of your next trip. Getting involved with others that travel is a great way to get prepared for your trip. You can make new friends, while avoiding costly mistakes many travellers make on vacation, but most importantly you can find information that will make your trip pleasurable.
Check the expiration dates on your passports. Passport rules can vary among different countries. Many will not allow you entry into the country if it expires soon. These periods usually range anywhere from a year to three months.
When you get to your hotel room, check the alarm clock. Whether the previous occupant was a very early riser, or the kids thought it would be a fun prank to set the alarm to scare the next occupant, you don’t want to be rudely awakened. If you want to ensure a relaxing start to your vacation, make sure the alarm is off, or at least, set to when you would like to awaken.
Jet Lag
When traveling from one time zone to another, it is not uncommon to experience jet lag. If you get a lot of sleep leading up to the trip, you’ll experience less jet lag. Also try and get a bit of shut eye on the plane.
Make sure you are organized well. Avoiding wasting time looking all over for your adapters, travel pillow and toiletry items. Store all the travel essentials in a plastic bin. A container for under the bed storage is great for keeping your items out of the way, yet handy when it is time to prepare for your next journey.
If you can be forgetful when traveling, consider writing yourself some reminder notes. This prevents you from losing a piece of paper, and the information will be readily available. Dry-erase markers are great things to use when doing this.
What you thought would be a dream vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare if not planned for properly. Find travel reviews on the web from travelers who have traveled to those places. This will give you a good idea of what you are up against.
You can survive a red-eye flight using sleeping pills. Sleeping on a plane can be difficult due to the uncomfortable seats, the strange atmosphere and the sounds of the aircraft and other passengers. You may want to consider bringing sleeping pills with you on your flight, in order to rest comfortably. Don’t take these prior to takeoff, as there may be a delay or problem that requires a return.
Are you going overseas? Get together a few cards, written in the country’s language, that note your allergies. This can also help you if you’re vegan or a vegetarian, as serves will know what you’re able to eat and what you cannot. The cards will make it more likely that you will have a pleasurable dining experience while you are away.
Foreign Currency
If you use traveler’s checks, make sure the cash them prior to dining or shopping. Traveler’s checks may be something that you will want to avoid. You may be in a strapped situation financially if you rely on them.
Try to avoid exchanging currency when you are in a new country. There is an easier way to obtain your 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.
Family or friends should have a full itinerary for your trip. Include where you will stay, phone numbers and other information. Be sure to leave copies of your flight, ticket, and passport information.
If you enjoy visiting the gorgeous National Parks and plan to do so often, consider investing in an affordable National Park Pass. They cost around $50 and will get you into any national park for a whole year.
Bring a contact lens case with you when you are traveling. They are great for packing small amounts of lotions or hair gel.
No matter the state of your finances or the economy, you don’t need to stay at home this year. Use these ideas to take a vacation without breaking the bank.
Companies that rent cars typically require renters to be at least 18 years old. However, some require them to be at least 25 years old. If you’re under that age, you may need to pay a higher rate with a credit card. Some cities do not allow senior citizens to rent cars. Be sure you ask what the age requirements are before making reservations.
