If you’ve got a trip coming up, then you’ve come to the right place. Preparing for a trip can be one of the most stressful things you do. But below we have some advice for stressed out trip goers that can help things run much smoother and not leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.
Scout out coupons and deals. Before you set off for your destination, do a thorough Internet search for attraction and restaurant discounts. A month or two before you leave, sign up for a local deals flash site for your destination to score some great discounts. You can also look into purchasing a coupon book for your destination. Browse the coupons it contains and determine if the cost of the book will be more than made back in the money you’ll save.
For a stress-free vacation, make sure people can get in touch with you. Take your cell phone with you and keep it charged. Bring your laptop with you if you know you will have an internet connection where you are staying. In case of emergency, people can let you know what is going on and you won’t have any bad surprises when you come back.
Keep your money, travel tickets, and other important papers tucked into a special pocket in your clothing. It would be worth it to pay someone to sew in a custom pocket for this purpose. There are too many instances of purses and luggage being stolen, or simply misplaced, and the consequence can be disastrous when you are traveling.
During the winter, in particular, it is smart to keep a couple of blankets, some boots, some matches and a large candle, in the trunk of your vehicle. These could come in very handy if you happen to skid off the road and find yourself lodged in a snow bank with no chance of immediate rescue.
You don’t save much space using travel size toiletries and when you run out, the local stores often charge more for products that you need to replace. Try rolling shirts instead of folding them to save room and lessen the chance of wrinkles. This can give you the extra space you need for other things.
When booking a cruise, opt for a balcony room. They are only slightly more expensive, but tend to offer much more space and a gorgeous view. Just remember to securely lock your balcony door when you are finished using it, as thieves are known to jump from balcony to balcony to find an unlocked door.
When traveling by car in the winter, it is best to pack a safety kit. Make sure you have the essentials for a safe road trip. You should have a cell phone and charger, tow rope, jumper cables, ice scraper, first aid kit, sand or cat litter, which can be used to help with traction, flashlights, matches, blankets, emergency candles and a portable radio, in your safety kit.
Social networking sites can serve as wonderful resources while you’re traveling. A quick Tweet or Facebook status update asking such questions as: Where’s a great place for ice cream in New York? or Which coffee shop should I check out in Rome? can provide you with a wealth of instant information.
Staying longer can equal bigger savings. Airlines will offer better rates on round trip tickets based on the amount of time between flights. Hotels as well may offer discounted room rates for three or more days with them. Hotels can offer these rates since a booked room is generating more income than an empty room.
One of the best ways to save money on airline travel is to be flexible. If you are willing to fly out a day or so earlier or later than your original plan, or choose another airport other than your first choice, you could save yourself some money. Sometimes airlines offer specials; you just need to be flexible enough to take advantage of them. If you can remain flexible with your travel plans and schedule, you can save some resources.
If you are a heavy reader it may be useful for you to purchase an e-reader before leaving home. E-readers are lightweight and small but can hold hundreds or even thousands of books. If you download many books before your trip you will never find yourself with nothing to read on your travel downtime.
When on a plane with a child, give them a lollipop at takeoff and landing. The child will love the treat, however the main thing is that it will help with the ear pressure and will help keep them from getting too cranky during this time. Once the child is older you can use gum.
If you have a baby or toddler that sleeps in the car, plan your drive around nap time. This will keep the drive a lot quieter and will take care of quite a chunk of time that you do not have to find things to occupy your child. This, in turn, will help ease some of the restlessness that comes with a long car ride.
To best plan your travel, do research ahead of time. People often read guidebooks, but there is a new spin thanks to the Internet. Check out feedback of local establishments on review sites, search for blog posts on the city you are visiting and read information on travel forums.
When traveling by air, shipping your baggage ahead of you might be worth considering. Many airlines charge baggage fees of $25 or more per piece. Often, you will find that FEDEX and UPS offer less expensive rates for shipping your bags. The front desk at many hotels will hold your luggage if it arrives ahead of you.
Hopefully at least some of these tips will be helpful for you on your upcoming vacation. While each tip may not work for every person and every vacation, you should now be armed with some extra knowledge to make things run a lot smoother and help you avoid any problems.
