Monday, February 18, 2013

Going Somewhere? Use These Tips To Help!

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By Anya Hachting


Traveling should be something to look forward to, shouldn't it? Of course it should. The problem is, that many of us have had so many stressful trips in the past that a lot of the fun has gone out of it. But what if you could avoid much of the stress associated with traveling? You can; take a look at these suggestions.

Sometimes staying away from home during travel can be stressful because of new surroundings. Bring along a few comfort items such as your pillow or a favorite family photo. These items will make unfamiliar accommodations seem more friendly. If you need to block out unfamiliar noises, request a fan or set a radio so all it plays is static.

To keep hotel curtains shut tightly, bring clothespins! There's typically a gap in between hotel curtains that allows light to shine through, but a clothespin is a quick and easy way to block that off. This will let you sleep in in the morning, or block out bright streetlights while you're trying to go to bed.

Take a photo of your luggage that you are checking. It will save you a good bit of time and grief if it should get lost during transport. You will be able to present a photo of the bag to the airline and they will have no question as to whether the bag that they have found is yours or not.

Take a look at the online reviews of other travelers to get an idea of what is best to do in the destination you are visiting. Take advantage of the fact that the internet gives you ultimate accessibility to insider information. Especially check out any photographs that have been posted, as they can speak more about a locale than words ever could.

Explore new lands and expand your horizons. Try your best to always explore new places you haven't been to before. You only get one shot at life and you don't want to spend it visiting the same city over and over. So go out into the world and explore new places and live new adventures.

Traveling with any kind of electronics means that you constantly have to charge batteries that you would normally charge at home. One of the most convenient means of doing this while on the road is to buy an inverter and plug it into your vehicle's cigarette lighter. That way you can use the same chargers you normally use at home.

Traveling with groups can be frustrating to say the least. Who wants to miss their flight because one or more member of the group can't be located. One solution is to make everyone wear the same color of brightly colored t-shirts or maybe even visors that can be take off once you are in the air.

When travelling abroad, do your research when it comes to power sources. Just because you've purchased a physical adapter to allow you to plug your hair dryer in when you get to your destination does not mean that you'll actually be able to use the device when you plug it in. Higher voltages in most of Europe will result in a smoking appliance!

It can be difficult to eat healhty while traveling. Skip the roadside restaurants, but instead bring your own food. Pack your cooler with fruits and vegetables, crackers, yogurt, granola bars and cheese. These things are easy to pack, and easy to eat while on the road. Don't forget the water, it will help you stay hydrated as you drive.

If you find yourself traveling for work on a regular basis, make sure that your carry on bag contains all of your toiletries, a change of underwear, and a set of clothing. By having the absolute essentials with you in the cabin, you will be prepared in case your checked luggage goes missing.

If you are traveling with any gifts for others, avoid wrapping them. If your bag is selected for special screening all of your packages will have to be unwrapped, meaning you have wasted your time wrapping them. Even if your bag is not selected, having multiple wrapped packages can make your suitcase look suspicious.

After a long airplane journey, always get outside for some fresh air and exercise. The effects of altitude, inactivity, and dehydration will take a toll on your body if not mitigated with activity. If passing into a different time zone, being outdoors will also aid in acclimating your body's time clock to the new city.

Research currency rates before you travel so you can easily budget your expenditures. Knowing the value of your dollar before you travel gives you a clear picture of what you can spend and create an itinerary that will be conducive to savings. By doing so you will maximize your fun and minimize overspending.

Before going on a road trip, make sure you have your car's fluids checked (oil, coolant, brake fluid, ATF, windshield washer etc.) This not only saves you time by not having to do it sometime during the trip, but it can also help you avoid disastrous stalls along the way. Nothing is worse than being stuck in the middle of the road far from an auto shop during a road trip.

A long car ride is tiring. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going so you are able to make stops as needed. When you need to stop, look for areas where you and your passengers can stretch your legs, like a park or a rest stop.

As stated in the beginning of this article, the Caribbean islands are a very popular travel destination. Bright blue waters and white sandy beaches draw in many tourists all throughout the year.

Educating yourself on the ins and outs of traveling can save you more than just money. Savvy travelers not only get to their destinations for less money, they often get there faster - and almost always less stressed out. The tips in this article are just the start of your travel education; be on the lookout for more ways to save time and money.




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