Traveling is easier today than ever before, but most people do not plan their trips effectively. You will need to have quality information at your disposal though.
Prepare ahead of time if you’ll be traveling by airplane. It can take a lot of time to reach an airport that is located in a major city, because of location and traffic. Have your luggage packed the night before. You need to make all of your travel plans far before you plan to fly. Missing a flight is a horrible experience that you never want to go through.
When your travels bring you to a local airport, look at their website to see which airlines offer flight service to the airport. Smaller airports will often feature charter airlines. These airlines may not show on the travel sites, but can often offer great deals versus the big airlines.
Always research before booking travel. Find reviews online about the places you want to go. If you know anyone who has already been there, talk them up. Doing some research will make you more aware of what can be expected, and will also help you decide what activities to do once you are there.
Look at your alarm when you get to a hotel. 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. Be sure to set this for whatever time you feel is comfortable to wake up at.
Rush Hour
If you are traveling by vehicle, plan your road travel to miss rush hour in any city you will be in. If it’s not possible to avoid rush hour, stop for a restaurant break during rush hour. These breaks are good for having a meal or just getting out and stretching your legs for a few minutes.
If you travel abroad, it is a good idea to be ready in case the worst occurs, including the possible loss of your passport. The U.S. Department of State maintains a website (usembassy.state.gov) where you can find information on how to contact the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country that you are visiting. Keep this information handy while on your trip. In the majority of cases, a passport replacement is ready within a couple of days.
If you use traveler’s checks, try cashing them before eating or shopping. Many places accept them, but they can be hard to work with. You may discover you get shorted by using them. If so, convert them to local money before shopping.
Sign up for online newsletters from the major airlines you like to use to fly. They contain discounts not found elsewhere, including last-minute fare reductions. The savings you get from these newsletters make the extra email worth it.
Use environmentally responsible services if you would like to take an eco-friendly trip. Lots of hotels have a reusable linen program, use alternative energy, use lighting that’s energy efficient, have guest recycling receptacles, and use low-flow plumbing. Even restaurants and transportation can be green.
If you want to experience a fun weekend getaway or a great day trip, it’s not always necessary to travel far afield. Enjoy a staycation by visiting attractions in your local area. You can stay close and support the local economy, while you also save money. There can be some really amazing trips just a quick drive away.
With ideas of the burden of travel under your belt, it’s time to start planning your trip! There is always more to learn about traveling, so keep an eye out for more great advice and useful tips that you can use.
