So you want to go to Greece or maybe Brazil? This article will explain the nitty-gritty details you need to know to get the best deals on airfare, lodging, meals, and attractions in the destination of your choice. You will save tons of money by researching your travel options before you step out the front door.
If you are concerned about theft in the countries you’ll be visiting, set up your wardrobe in advance to ward them off. You can sew passport-sized pockets into the top of your pants; this option might be more comfortable when walking than a moneybelt. Also consider lining the bottom of a cloth bag with chicken wire to deter theives with razor blades.
When traveling to poor countries or countries with high crime rates, keep all of your valuables out of sight. Don’t wear a camera over your shoulder or even a cheap watch on your wrist if you don’t want to attract the attention of thieves and beggars. Carry a shoulder bag for these types of items instead.
Make a portable washing machine with a plastic bag. Save money by skipping expensive coin-operated washers and dryers when you travel by using a do-it-yourself tip. Find or pack a large and sturdy plastic bag, and add a little laundry soap and water. Put your clothes in the bag, and shake. Drain the soapy water and repeat the process with clean water, then hang the clothes to dry.
Consider attaching small bells to your carry-on bag. If you are worried that someone might steal or tamper with your luggage during a flight, attach bells to it. Inexpensive, Christmas jingle bells will do nicely. The noise is likely to deter criminals. If not, the noise will draw your attention.
If you are traveling on an extended vacation, plan on doing laundry as you go. You should not attempt to carry more than a week’s worth of clothing with you at any one time. More than that will become too bulky to easily transport from place to place; doing laundry in the sink is easier.
When traveling by plane, make sure to wear shoes that are easy to remove. You will be required to remove your shoes to go through security, so wearing slip-on or Velcro shoes will allow you to remove them quickly. Once they come out of the scanner, you will be able to quickly replace them and be on your way.
Bring a gift for the flight attendants to gain special treatment. Flight attendants are generally treated very poorly, and if you bring them a treat, like a store-bought pie or something similar, they will recognize your generosity and treat you accordingly. Remember to thank them for doing their jobs. They are working for your safety, not as your maid.
Before you begin thinking about where you would like to travel next, subscribe to get emails from major airlines, hotels and rental companies. It will increase your amount of “junk” mail, but these newsletters often include information about last-minute hotel deals or flights that will allow you to use your frequent-flyer miles. Since these deals go quickly, finding out about them first is essential.
When traveling, many times you will need a rental car. When you arrive to pick up your car, the agent will help you complete the rental process. You will be presented with a car rental agreement, be sure to read it thoroughly before signing it. Assure you know exactly what your liability is and exactly what you are paying for by renting the car. You should look over the car and if you see any defects make sure it is noted on the agreement.
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.
Carry meal replacement bars with you when you travel. You never know when an unexpected delay will prevent you from eating a meal. Meal replacement bars are compact and easy to carry. An additional benefit of these bars, is that it will allow you to keep your typical meal schedule. This can help reduce jet lag, and keep your spirits up when faced with irritating delays.
If you are traveling overseas, search for restaurants that have menus in the local language. These establishments typically have inexpensive food that tastes great, and they provide a glimpse into the culture of the area. These restaurants normally won’t be in the middle of all the tourist traps, so you might have to look around a little.
You never know what may arise when traveling to another country so take the time to find out the location of your country’s embassy or foreign office. If passport issues arise or any other situation that may affect you as a foreign visitor to the country, your embassy can be the best place to resolve them.
This article has shown you how to find great deals on travel. With this advice, you will be able to see more places and spend less money than the other tourists out there. Is it Italy, Australia, or Japan? Go enjoy what the world has to offer!
