Are you planning a trip? Though you might see it as a major hassle, it does not need to be. This piece can offer a few tips and tricks that can relieve much of your travel stress.
Pack your luggage in such a way that it can be easily carried, even for fairly long distances. You’ll be walking with your luggage more often than you might think. A lighter bag will make your trip easier, safer and much more fun for you than if you are lugging a heavy case.
While planning for your vacation, be flexible with your destination choice. Travel to places outside your norm. Going somewhere different can help you save money while traveling.
The advice “don’t drink the water” if you travel to a foreign country is, unfortunately, accurate. However, you can also have intestinal upsets any time you drink water from a place other than where you live, even in the U.S. That’s because the bacterial flora that live in your gut (intestinal tract) are very sensitive to the composition of your own water, in your own area. It takes them a while to get used to water from elsewhere, and in the meantime, they want to push that unfamiliar water right through. So until you get used to the local water, wherever you are, sip slowly or stick with bottled H20.
One of the easiest, most effective and affordable ways to offset the unflattering aftermath of jet lag, is to drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated can cause you to feel light-headed, dizzy and fatigued, upon landing. Seasoned travelers report that drinking at least four eight-ounce glasses of water over a five-hour trip, can make a noticeable difference.
You can find a great deal on a hotel room. You can get the best deal on a great hotel by booking early through your travel agent with flexible dates. Also, look into hotels that cater to business people as they will have low weekend rates. Travel agents are a great resource to finding the best hotel rates and packages.
To avoid having to talk to your seatmate on a long flight, wear headphones, even if you don’t feel like listening to music. The headphones will indicate to your seatmate that you are busy and unavailable to chat, which will allow you to relax or get some work done without being bothered.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, always tip the maitre d’ when you get on board. It can be very difficult to secure a table for two in the dining room. Talk to the maitre d’, and let him know that you would love an intimate table one evening. Thank him for listening to you, and give him a tip for his time.
To get the most relaxation while you travel, make sure to bring things to do in your down time. People often think that a vacation means they will be on the go the entire time. In reality, there is time to unwind at night, waiting in lines, and during travel time. Bring a book you have been dying to read and see how much you can accomplish.
Find out which vaccinations are needed in order to go to the country in which you are traveling to. Without these vaccinations, you may not be allowed to enter. Also, try to get these vaccinations far in advance of your trip, just in case you happen to have a reaction to it.
If you’re flying with a lap baby, ask if there is an empty seat before you board. If an empty seat is available, airline staff will often let you bring your car seat on board. This can provide a safer and more comfortable trip for you and your child.
One way to makes sure that you don’t get ill from eating and drinking during your travels is to pay attention to how your food is prepared. Try to avoid undercooked or raw meats. Generally anything boiled or fruits and veggies that require peeling are fairly safe things to eat.
If traveling with young children, place a card somewhere in their possession. This way, if they were to ever get separated from you, whoever finds them will know where to bring them. Also, on this card, put your phone number so this person can reach you. Tell your children if they get lost to try and find a police officer.
A great tip when you’re traveling to a third world country is to be aware of what transportation to take once you’re there. Sometimes taking a taxi might be your best option because it might not be safe to walk. Getting on the bus is also a viable option in these countries.
Plan out your budget prior to your trip and do your best to stick to it. Don’t bring extra cash with you “just in case” because that just in case will become an extra added souvenir that you just couldn’t leave without. Have some safety money set aside in case of an emergency, but keep in mind that it is just for emergencies!
If you are traveling a long distance, take an iPod or other portable video player with you and load it with some of your favorite TV shows. Series TV shows usually span several hours, so they can be great forms of escapism for long journeys. Make sure that you charge your portable video player up fully before you leave.
Iron your clothes before putting them in your suitcase. If they go in nice and crisp, chances are good they will come out that way. You will also find that you can pack more by packing ironed clothes. Ironing takes more time if the clothes are badly wrinkled, and clothes that are packed with wrinkles will only get worse before you unpack.
After reading this, you should see that traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. Put the information you’ve learned here to use and watch the stress evaporate around you. Don’t agonize over the unknowns; instead, expect them and plan on how to deal with them.
