Many people dream of taking a trip alone, but it’s important to keep in mind that you can become a crime victim if you aren’t aware. You can make sure you stay safe by using a variety of tips. This article has some great ideas to make you seem less vulnerable when you travel.
If the country to which you’re traveling requires certain vaccinations, make sure you carry with you the certificate stating you got the treatment. Without this certification, you may have a difficult time entering or living a country. Authorities cannot know if you have actually had the vaccinations, meaning they could quarantine you.
Be aware of certain food allergies when going to a foreign country in order to avoid bad liaisons. The more severe your food allergies are, the more important it is to learn key food terms in the local language. Then at least you can warn the staff and possibly get a quicker response for medical professionals.
When traveling, bring only the essentials and keep your bags light. The less things you have with you, the less chance you will have of losing valuables or risking having them stolen. Limit the pairs of shoes you carry, as they are often the largest and heaviest items you will be bringing on your trip.
If you are traveling in a foreign country, be careful of the taxis you choose to ride. Be sure that you choose legitimate operators. Anyone can just put a taxi label on his car, and you would not know where this person would take you.
If you are traveling to a small airport, do some research on which carriers use it. Many smaller airports will have charter airlines; they may not show up when searching for rates, and they may be able to offer better deals than the big companies.
A fine safety idea is to pack a door stopper in your luggage for hotel stays. When you are on the road in countries with little or no development, you want some more security with you in the room while sleeping. Put a doorstop in your door to prevent it from being opened.
Double check the alarm when checking into your hotel room. The worst thing that could happen is to be startled by an alarm clock when you’re fast asleep that a previous guest had set to early. To be sure you can rest, check that the alarm is either off or set to the time in which you want to wake up.
When driving or taking a plane with a toddler, it is important to have enough interesting things with you to occupy your toddler during the long trip. Bring along anything your child loves to play with. You can also buy a couple of new toys for the travel because this will offer him enough distraction to keep him busy.
Always go out of your way to tip any bell station and housekeeper appropriately. Generally speaking, it is about a dollar for each piece of luggage, and between $2 to $5 for cleaning the room. Tipping ensures good service and is sure to make your interactions with hotel staff more pleasurable.
Try to go to the gym prior to getting on a flight. A long flight can be extremely boring. Remaining in a stationary position can cause stiff muscles and cramps. Stretching or doing a quick workout prior to flying can eliminate or lower your risk of getting soreness or leg cramps.
If you’re planning a long car trip with kids, pack a few cookie sheets. Their flat surface is great under playing cards or coloring books. You can also bring along magnetic numbers and letters if you want to have a bit of educational fun.
Keep track of all of your valuables at all time when traveling. If you have a purse, keep it close to your body with your arm on it at all times. Avoid the use bags with zippers that will provide easy access to nearby theives that could easily take your valuables. When buying a travel bag, keep this in mind.
Have a green vacation by choosing services that are environmentally friendly. Lots of hotels offer linen reuse options, use energy-saving lights and take part in recycling programs. Tour operators, car rental companies, restaurants and many other travel service providers are also finding and implementing new ways to allow travelers to travel green.
Travel Items
If you’re prone to forgetting things in the hotel room every time you travel, use dry erase markers to write reminders on a mirror. This prevents you from losing a piece of paper, and the information will be readily available. You can use dry-erase markers and easily erase them from your hotel mirror.
Keep everything organized. Don’t spend too much time searching for common travel items. Get a bin and keep all of your travel items in one place. The storage boxes designed to slide under a bed will work, and they will keep you ready to go on a moment’s notice.
One way to do vacation planning is by utilizing the power of the Internet. Booking travel has never been easier. The site you book your travel through should offer sample itineraries for your convenience. Many of these sites enable you to simultaneously book your flight, lodgings and a rental car. You can easily access reviews and photos of hotels for quick comparison. Travel websites also offer good deals in planning your trip, as well as discounts on last minute travel.
A motorcycle is a good mode of transportation for day trips. Motorcycles are gas efficient, and enjoying the ride can put you on the right track. You can have a real adventure when you travel by motorcycle.
Travel candles are a great thing to pack if you’ll be visiting a hotel. This can make the scent of your room more appealing. Besides, candles are great to create a relaxing or a romantic atmosphere. You can buy these candles in miniature sizes, and they are usually drip free.
Melt the ice that you get in a hotel for better quality water. The tap water might not be that tasty, so try filling an ice bucket and letting it melt overnight. Upon waking in the morning, your water will be ready to go.
Enjoy the company on the cruise ship and use formal dinners as an opportunity to engage with the other guests. You never know who you might meet on your next cruise. Most ships seat you at large tables that include guests with whom you are not acquainted. Have a positive attitude and speak with all the people you come in contact with. You will see them daily and you might learn something.
Deserts offer remarkable and memorable vistas and exotic plant and animal life. Most people find themselves struck by the quiet majesty of a desert, even though visiting a desert does not sound like much fun.
Tip generously to anyone who gives great service. When you board the boat, give the steward twenty dollars. There is a good chance the crew you see in the beginning will be the ones taking care of you the entire time, so if you tip them well, you are sure to get good service in return.
When using traveler’s checks, be sure to cash them prior to eating out or shopping. Many places do, of course, accept these checks, but they are really a pain to deal with. You may be in a strapped situation financially if you rely on them.
When you are traveling abroad, it is often best not to use the airport currency exchange location at your destination airport. Because it is so convenient to exchange your money right at the airport, the rates tend to be much higher. Before you leave for your destination, find banks nearby that offer currency exchanges because you will be able to get much better rates there.
A great way to stay green while traveling is to take advantage of eco-friendly services. Lots of hotels offer linen reuse options, use energy-saving lights and take part in recycling programs. Lots of tourism companies and local service providers emphasize green living in their offerings.
Long international flights are always strenuous and accompanied by jet lag. Try to time your flight so that it arrives around the time when you would usually wake up in the morning. Take an over-the-counter sleeping medication after dinner. ) and easily rest until your flight lands. You should awaken refresh and ready to begin you day!
Consider purchasing a yearly National Park Pass if you plan to visit more than a couple times a year. Each pass costs only 50 dollars and is valid for an entire year at any national park.
Be sure to carry valuables with you during bus layovers. You don’t want your items stolen.
Auto rental companies usually require renters to be at least 25 years old, although some rent to drivers as young as 18. If you aren’t 25, the rate you pay may be higher, and you may be required to use a credit card. There are certain areas where seniors are not permitted to rent cars. Find out about any age restrictions when reserving a rental car.
If you aren’t restricted to specific dates, look around for deals. Try and look for travel accommodations withing a two-week window of your trip. You may discover a special rate that is only available on specific dates, saving you money if you can be flexible.
For a fun day trip or a last-minute weekend getaway, don’t assume you need to hop on a plane. Your home state or neighboring ones can offer great getaways at a fraction of the cost. Travel expenses can be greatly reduced by staying in your home state with the added benefit that you will be supporting local merchants, restaurants and attractions. You may be surprised to find a real gem, hiding in your own “backyard”.
Plan for comfort by choosing seats you’ll enjoy on your plane flights. Frequently, but not always, you can choose a certain seat or area of the plane that you prefer. Check the booking site for information about this option as it becomes available. By doing this, you will not be stuck with whichever seats are available.
When traveling by yourself is often peaceful and enjoyable, it may make you a target for criminals. Safety certainly does come in numbers, though if you do plan to go it alone, there are tips you can use to keep criminals away. Follow the suggestions you’ve read to make sure you stay safe on your trip.
Plan your travel in advance, so you can book ahead of time. You may find that your hotel offers a meal and entertainment package deal. You may take advantage of these amenities or you may prefer to be more self-sufficient. Consider your needs and what will make the trip most enjoyable for you, including the type of lodging you will need. If you happen to be a light sleeper, you definitely don’t want your room near an elevator. Ask a lot of questions when booking your hotel.
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