Travel can be an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons and refresh your world-view. It can also backfire on you if you don’t take the time to prepare for the inevitable culture shock, whether your journey is domestic or international. Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel experience.
When traveling to tropical areas, always keep your dirty laundry in a closed bag. Hotels and homes in tropical parts of the world aren’t as bug-proof as most American homes. Dirty laundry will attract insects, especially ants, meaning that clothing that was simply dirty, is now completely unwearable for the rest of the trip.
Unfortunately, you cannot depend on an airline to see to your needs, even if your traveling involves a lengthy flight. Provide your own blanket and pillow if you know that you will have a requirement for them, your own headphones too. Don’t forget to pack a few snacks to make sure you have some food that you enjoy during the flight.
When traveling with more than one child, consider pre-packing each child’s clothing into a large freezer bag. These bags can be labeled with each day, so the kids can easily find the clothing they’re going to wear. This prevents them from needing to unpack the whole suitcase each morning, and also reduces the chance of items being forgotten at home.
If you travel a great deal for work, the constant change of venue and planes can be exhausting. Make it a bit easier on yourself by always requesting the same seat when you book a flight (“9A, please, or right over the wing.”) Actually, over the wing is a good spot because the plane tends to be most solidly anchored and less susceptible to vibration. That way, you will feel as though you’re sitting in “your” seat on the same plane back and forth, and you’ll also be accustomed to working in that particular position (window at your left, etc.)
If you are traveling with kids, have them bring toys and games for the ride. When kids are bored, not only will they bother you with constant questions about when you will get to the desired location, but you will also find yourself making more stops for bathroom breaks and fast-food, as they try to find ways to entertain themselves.
If you’re planning on taking a cell phone with you on your trip, make sure to call your cell phone provider to ask them about roaming charges. The familiarity of your cell phone may make you feel better, but it may cost you a lot more to use it on foreign soil. A good alternative is buying a local SIM card and using it while you’re there.
Every traveler should know by now that joking around isn’t the smartest thing to do while waiting in check in and security lines any more. Airport personnel are simply too concerned about terrorism to take jokes lightly. Progress through these lines politely and in a businesslike manner. You’re more likely to be treated accordingly.
Bring several clothespins! One of the notorious issues with hotels is the fact that their curtains never close all the way. To prevent that beam of light from hitting you in the wee hours of the morning, simply pin the curtains shut before you head to bed. It’s a cheap and effective way to better your sleep.
Carefully check out any travel package deals before you book them. Many airlines and websites put together flights, hotel accommodations, meals and activities and offer them at one price. This is designed to benefit the companies, because they can book flights and rooms without mentioning their bottom line. Some of these packages can be steals, but you should always look into the cost of each piece of the deal to make sure you are saving money.
Travel can really help a marriage. It does not have to be an expensive vacation to an island resort. A simple weekend travel adventure to another state or even in your own city can be just what you need to feel reconnected. Spending time alone with just one another can help couples feel good again.
In an attempt to childproof everything, make sure to lock up poisonous items that your child is able to reach. Items such as medicine, cleaning supplies or perfumes, should be put away in a hard to reach cabinet or locked up. Make sure that you also organize your furniture, such as stools, in order to keep them out of your child’s reach.
If you are traveling to a foreign country and are not fluent in the language, make sure you can always arrive safely back at your lodging by carrying its name, phone number and address with you. Use a piece of hotel stationery or a business card or matchbook labeled with the appropriate information, or write it on a piece of paper. If you get lost, simply show the information to a taxi driver, and, before you know it, you’ll be back at home base.
Now the choice is yours, so get out there and enjoy finding new places and people to challenge your preconceptions. Armed with a little extra knowledge now about the experience of traveling, you can expect a few less bumps on the road to your destination. Share this article with friends and family, who may be heading out with you or on journeys of their own.
