Whether your business takes you away from home or you are looking for a memorable vacation, you can benefit from these handy tips on travel. While travel has tended to become faster and cheaper over time, there is still a big difference between the costs you experience as an unprepared traveler versus being a well-educated one.
When traveling, whether it’s for a day or a month, don’t advertise your absence on social media sites. If you do, this lets people know that you’re going to be away from home and that most likely your house will be empty. This significantly raises your chances of being robbed while you’re out of town.
When traveling, you can avoid hassle and reduce travel dangers by blending in. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or location-specific designer brands that mark you as a tourist. Instead, try to dress like the locals do, and don’t draw attention to yourself. Locally-owned businesses and lodging are less likely to be a target for terrorists and pickpockets alike.
If you’re going on a road trip but don’t have space to keep a cooler, there’s a simple way to make sure you have ice cold water on you trip! The night before you leave, fill some water bottles (but not all the way to the top!) and put them in the freezer over night. Take them on the trip with you the next day and they’ll slowly melt over the course of the day, leaving you with ice cold water.
If you’ve ever traveled with young children you’ve undoubtedly been asked far too many times how much further it is. One way of solving this is to get each of the children a map and instruct them how to read it. They’ll be entertained, and you’ll be teaching them a skill that they will use the rest of their lives!
Travel can be used as a way of educating your family. With the right choices and precautions, there are many places in the world you can go and educate your children by opening the world to them. You can gain a better knowledge and understanding of other cultures if you spend time traveling abroad.
If you are taking a long trip and you’re packing light, pack a rain coat that has a soft lining. You just can’t tell how the weather will be too far out. You may not realize it, but the additional lightweight coat you bring to protect yourself against the rain can also keep you warm in colder weather.
Weekend travel does not have to extend too far from your home. Staying out of your home for a weekend can be just what you need to feel better and rejuvenated. It is also an inexpensive way to get a vacation without taking time off work or spending too much.
Do not ever tell a street vendor where you are traveling from. These vendors are experienced sellers. They know the financial interests of many different cultures and will use yours against you to get you to buy what they are selling. Just tell them, “No, thank you,” and keep walking.
Prior to traveling abroad, take some time to familiarize yourselves with the local laws of the country you are visiting. Laws can be very different from country to country. Consulates cannot step over local laws, so if you do break one, even if you were unaware of it, you will be held accountable.
Joining a travelers club like AAA will help keep money in your pocket through discounts and specials. Many hotels, restaurants and other organizations will offer moderate to steep discounts to members of travelers clubs. With little research and questioning, you can target companies that offer these discounts and save a bundle.
Traveling long distance in a car with children can be challenging. Take along a variety of activities for the kids to play with such as coloring books, crayons, toys, etc. It is also fun to play games with the kids such as trying to find license plates from all the states, or playing I Spy.
Learn local laws and customs. When you visit a foreign country, you become subject to their laws and regulations. Women should be especially careful when traveling, as some areas may have laws concerning head coverings and clothing. Be aware of the local alcohol and drug regulations as well, and avoid reckless behavior.
If you are traveling on a cruise ship, always use the stairs. There is an abundance of food on board the ship, so it can be easy to gain a little weight while you are on your vacation. Try to keep some of it off by using the stairs instead of the elevators. It will give you some exercise and help you feel a little better about all that great food you’ve been eating!
Educating yourself on the ins and outs of traveling can save you more than just money. Savvy travelers not only get to their destinations for less money, they often get there faster – and almost always less stressed out. The tips in this article are just the start of your travel education; be on the lookout for more ways to save time and money.
