Travel presents so many options, so many opportunities for fun and memorable experiences, and very many possibilities for trouble and disappointment too. Here’s a few facts and astute tips that will help you to make your next trip a wonderful one.
When taking a road trip to an unfamiliar area, be sure that your car is serviced and you have a full tank of gas. The last thing you need is to break down, unaware of where the nearest gas station is. Keep an empty gas can in the trunk of your car in the event that you run out of gas. You will be able to make your way to the nearest service station and fill up the can, rather than calling someone out to do that for you.
Always bring a personal set of earplugs. Whether it is a child crying two rows ahead of you or an annoying person sitting next to you who wants to discuss his dream from last night of the plane crashing, it always helps to have a way to drown out that extraneous noise.
When traveling it can make a big difference to travel when it is not a holiday or popular vacation time. If one goes on a time that is unlikely to be a popular vacation time they can avoid many hassles. There will be less crowds and waits for attractions. One can have a much more relaxed time.
Before departing on a trip, the wise traveler makes sure at least one person back home knows where he will be. This “home base” contact should also be updated with any unplanned changes the traveler encounters on the way. Someone who knows where a traveler is – and where they should be – can be a great help in the case of trouble on the road.
Check prices directly with your hotel or airline company to save money on your trip. Although it is often small, some search engine sites add a fee to their rates. To avoid the fee, check the airline website directly or give the hotel a call for their rates. You will typically find that the rates are lower when you book directly.
A great way to get some sleep on an airplane is by bringing an eye mask. Even when you close your eyes, you can still see the different colors and shapes in front of you. With an eye mask, that will allow it to be completely blacked out, allowing much better chance of sleep.
If the hotel you’re staying in doesn’t offer free wifi, try asking for a room on the first or second floor. Most of the time in cities, there are tons of cafes around that offer free wifi and you can pick those signals up when you’re on the lower floors.
If you make as much preparation as you can for a trip, and you follow sensible advice (and a few notes or a task list can be indispensible) there’s no reason why you can’t avoid most of the stress that many people bring upon themselves when traveling. Be determined to enjoy your next traveling experience, and act on the advice you’ve read here.