If you are a novice traveler, some tips on where to begin would be helpful. Read on to learn tips to assist you in your decision making, so you can begin to plan for trips properly. Planning ahead will leave you more time to have fun, so read on for some tips to help you do just that.
When traveling, always be prepared to have things stolen. Make advance photocopies of all of your important papers. You can even upload electronic scans of these documents for easy access while traveling. The local American embassy can assist you in contacting those at home who can wire you emergency funds or help in replacing your passport, but not much else.
If you’re staying in a hotel and you like coffee, don’t use the tap water to make it. Instead, get some ice from the ice machine and put it in the coffee maker the night before to melt. The ice machines use filtered water so you’ll get better tasting coffee!
Sanitize your area. You may get a few sideways glances, but in the confined space of a crowded aircraft, you are just asking to get sick. Bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer or some sanitizing wipes and wipe off your tray table, armrests and any buttons, as soon as you sit down. Be sure to also use it on your hands and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Remember to pack liquids in plastic bags. Packing liquids in your luggage can lead to disaster. No one wants to open their luggage and find it filled with spilled shampoo and mouthwash. To prevent such a calamity entirely, remember to pack all liquids in ziplock bags. Make sure to seal the bags properly.
If you will be traveling to a foreign country where English is not the primary language, please make the effort to learn at least a few basic phrases, and make sure your pronunciation is as close as possible to the real thing. If you start out in THEIR language, most non-English speakers will quickly realize that you don’t actually speak their tongue, and will meet you more than halfway in a helpful attempt to communicate. Starting out in English, on the other hand, sends the message that they need to communicate on your terms, which is impolite.
Furthermore, taking the time to learn the basics of the local language can greatly enhance your travel experience, allowing you to connect with locals, navigate more easily, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. Consider taking language classes for travelers before your trip, or even immersing yourself in the language and culture through a homestay or language exchange program. Remember, making an effort to communicate in the local language shows respect for the culture and people of the country you are visiting, and can lead to more meaningful and memorable experiences.
When traveling by air, wear lightweight, comfortable shoes that can be easily slipped on and off. You are going to have to take them off at the security checks. It is important to be comfortable. Traveling by plane results in a lot of sitting and very little walking, so heavy- duty footwear is not needed or recommended. Canvas mules or other comfortable sandals are ideal wear during travel.
A car’s tires should be checked before any major road travel. This includes, not only a visual inspection for leaks and flatness, but a full pressure check. Tires that are not fully inflated to their recommended PSI will hurt highway performance and reduce gas mileage. By ensuring the tires are up to snuff, the wise motorist can save real money on a long car trip.
Learn to take it easy. You do not have to follow a strict schedule when you are traveling. If you feel like you must schedule out your vacation, at least pen in a little “nothing” time, where you are free to follow up on anything that has interested you, or just lay by the pool with a drink.
These tips were designed to give you good insight on getting started with your own traveling adventure. These tips are great for new or seasoned travelers, and offer basic ideas, as well as cool techniques they can use to plan their next trip.