When you're traveling, if you're going to use a public computer, make sure you don't use it for anything sensitive like banking or checking your credit card balance. People may have put keyloggers to track your info.
Before packing, make a list. You should make this list around a week to a couple months in advance so that you absolutely know what needs to be packed. That way, even if you wait to pack until you're in a time crunch, the list can help you avoid clutter and to stay organized.
Are you heading to a small airport? Look at the website to understand which airlines operate there. Some smaller ones have charter airlines that don't pop up when you research online, so they may have better prices than the larger companies.
Before booking, do some research. Find websites that contain reviews of potential destinations. Ask your friends or family if they have traveled there before. Doing all the research you can will help you learn what to expect and what things to do after you arrive.
Allow a family member access to your travel itinerary. Someone is sure to know your whereabouts at all times. Stay in contact to be safe. By letting them know how your trip is going and where you are, it gives them peace of mind that you are safe.
Most people can't afford a nice hotel. Often, you may find yourself stuck at thoroughly unpleasant places to rest your head for the night. Bring a doorstop with you when staying in a hotel that makes you uneasy. You can place it underneath your door at night to add security beyond the main chain and lock. It is more difficult to get past these than locks.
Get yourself a National Parks Pass if you think you will be visiting often. They are only $50 and can be used for one year at all of the parks.
To avoid jet lag, try to stay up until about 8pm local time. You'll be tired that day, but staying up will force you to adjust to the new time zone. Sleeping when you get tired will just lengthen the adjustment time period. If you can quickly adjust to the new time, you will beat jet lag.
You may get angry if travel plans fall through. You may end up with a cancelled flight or a non-existent rental car. During such times, you and the agent are the only folks who can handle things. One of you two might lose your cool quickly. Stay both polite and calm. This will make for an easier resolution and less stressful trip.
Bottled water is a necessity if you are visiting a foreign country. Drinking water in foreign countries is usually not purified and can make you very ill. Use bottled water any time you need water such as when you brush your teeth. You can get sick from the tap water this way, as well.
Make sure you tip well on your vacation. Tip your steward $20. For the time you are on the ship, it's likely you'll continue having the same crew. By being generous, they should take good care of you.
Try not to bring luggage on the plane. The idea here is to save money, lessen your efforts and reduce the worry we experience when our luggage gets lost. Ship your items to your hotel using a parcel service. While this might be more expensive, it's most likely worth it for you in the end.
If you are going off the grid on your trip, into a remote area, think about getting special insurance. You want something that will cover the cost of a search and rescue, if necessary. The more remote your location, the more this insurance may be necessary.
Always take a look at your hotel room's alarm clock before retiring at night. The previous occupant may have set it for an odd time.
Write your contact information including name, telephone number and home address on a label visible inside your luggage when traveling. This is helpful if the tags on your luggage gets detached. This way, when your luggage is found, it can be returned to you. If your luggage ever escapes your sight and gets lost, this can identify your property and provide information on where to return your luggage.
See what the policies for carry-on luggage are for any airline you intend to do business with. You may be allowed a small suitcase and personal bags. Take advantage of that policy and ensure you have everything you may need with you at all times.
Taking vacations can be an absolute blast, and it's a joy to discover new places. You may have some trip planning knowledge already, but there's always room for improvement. Whatever your reasons for traveling, these tips are here to make any trip more enjoyable.
