Traveling is a popular hobby with huge benefits, from learning about other cultures to creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you visit the next city over or fly to far-flung continents, though, traveling can be a lot more enjoyable if you keep a few things in mind. Read on for some tips to enhance your travel experiences.
Maintain a happy attitude while traveling. Things can get rather tense at airports. Tempers run high. The people who work there often have a hard time of things. Keeping a positive demeanor about you, at least outwardly, will likely improve your experience. A negative attitude will seldom get you anywhere.
If you have a choice when booking flights for travel, select an airline that uses primarily 767 jets. These larger jets have more legroom, and offer more direct flights because they can stay in the air longer. Also, the 767s have a two-three-two seat configuration, meaning there is only one middle seat per row instead of the usual two.
Long driving trips can be fun and economical, but the cost of stopping for meals every few hours will add up, especially for a family. If you are planning a longish car trip, make sure you have plenty of car food available in advance. You may be able to get away with skipping the hourlong lunch stop, which will not only save you money, but will get you to your destination sooner. If you have a second adult in the car, that person can serve as “lunchmaker,” handing around sandwiches, cutting fruit, and making sure everybody gets their midday meal on the road.
If you’re planning on travelling internationally any time soon, make sure you’re prepared for customs inspections and the forms you’ll have to fill out. Have your social security number memorized and keep your passport handy at all times. Find out before you leave your destination what you aren’t allowed to bring home, as your gifts can easily be confiscated.
To ensure you receive the most personal and high quality service from your chosen hotel, call at night. The night desk clerks are usually much less busy than those working in the daytime, and are therefore, both willing and able to take you through the steps of securing the best deals.
Many people are born, raised, live their entire lives and die in the same place. If one is afforded and allowed the opportunity to travel and explore the world outside of their hometown then the advantage should be taken. Learning about new people, places and things allows one to grow and learn about different lifestyles, ways of living, ways of viewing the world.
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.
Always leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone back at hom,e so that they can keep track of you. Be sure to include phone numbers and addresses so that they will be able to contact you if needed. You never know what sort of emergency might come up while you are away.
Now you’re ready to hit the road, board the plane, hitch a ride or get on that train to whatever destination it is that tugs at your heartstrings. Using these smart travel tips and a hearty dose of common sense, your future trips will all have a great chance at being dream vacations.