From a city zoo in San Jose to the mountainous regions of Pakistan to the savannahs of Africa, it’s easy to see that traveling leads to very different places. Nonetheless, there are some basic tips that will help ensure a good trip no matter where it is that you are going.
When traveling, it’s important to pack light. Pack items within other items (rolled-up socks and underwear inside your shoes, for example). If possible, bring knitted or microfiber garments that you can roll up tightly in your bag. Always bring clothes you can wash in the hotel sink and hang to dry if necessary. Roll all garments instead of folding.
Travel can be a fun-filled activity, but always remember to learn at least a few words of the native language. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ are a must, but phrases such as ‘I’m lost’ and ‘Where is the train station?’ will prove invaluable in the event you actually need them. It’s much easier than trying to act out complicated activities!
When flying, always have a bottle of water handy. Drinking plenty of fluids will ensure that your body stays hydrated during the flight. The air inside the cabin is extremely dry, playing havoc with your body. Don’t substitute alcohol or caffeine for water, as this can make dehydration worse.
Avoid crowds and save money by visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy your vacation without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go, learn when the popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for the less popular time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations you may have to contend with less than ideal weather.
Pack an extra bag for dirty clothes. No one wants to pack their dirty unmentionables in with all their nice things. Pack a small, collapsible bag to pack dirty clothes in for the return trip. Alternatively, bring a garbage bag. You can wrap dirty clothes in the garbage bag to keep them separate from everything else.
For a stress-free vacation, start preparing yourself one week before leaving. Make sure your friends and family know where you are going, and have someone drive by your house to make sure everything is fine. Install an alarm if necessary. Find someone to take care of your pets and plants.
No matter where you’re traveling, make sure to wear sunscreen. Even if the sun isn’t shining, your exposed skin is still subject to the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing 15+ SPF sunscreen will ensure that you don’t get a painful sunburn and that your trip can be fun without the pain.
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.
For safety, when you are packing to go on a trip you should always include a first aid kit. You should also put a pair of tweezers in your suitcase in case of any splinters that get picked up along the way. You always want to be prepared for any emergency.
Did you know that you can use snow to do a quick cleanup on your vehicle while you are traveling? A car wash would work better but snow works quite well in a pinch. It will remove the mud that got all over your rental vehicle when you ventured onto that back road. It also works well to get grime buildup off of your windshield in an emergency.
Travel can be a very educational experience for every member of the family. As long as you understand what you’re doing and take the precautions necessary, you can find traveling in a developing world a great experience. You get to give your children the chance to see another country and have a different view on the world. The best way to foster tolerance for other cultures in your children is to spend time in other countries with them.
When packing for a long trip, limit yourself to about two colors of clothing. This will help to ensure that everything you bring to wear on your trip will match with everything else. It will also limit the number of shoes and accessories you need to match with your outfits.
While traveling, it is important to keep your home safe while you are away and it will be empty. To reduce the chances of someone thinking your house is empty and easy pickings, you should have a trusted person tend the house. That person can get newspapers, mail and even move the cars around that may be in the driveway. Most importantly, they will mask that the house is empty.
Pack one extra outfit in your carry-on bag. Lost luggage could leave you without a change of clothes until they are located. By having one on hand, you will at least be able to change one clean set of clothes. Make sure your spare outfit does not take up a lot of space – a simple t-shirt and lightweight pants or shorts will suffice.
Research the type of travel insurance you are considering before making the investment. Make sure that it covers things like, baggage loss or delay and emergency medical expenses, so you can recover some of the cost of your trip if your vacation plans are cut short or cancelled due to these things happening.
Be sure to allow for changes in weather, as it can completely change your plans without notice. Before departure, check the forecast for the city you will be visiting. A freezing tropical paradise or a sweltering winter trip can really ruin your vacation.
No matter where it is that you are going, these common tips should help you in your travels. While each country has its own idiosyncrasies, the advice here should be kept in mind no matter where it is that you go. Now that you’ve got the advice, all that’s left is picking the destination!
