Travel Guide 101

By Arianna Biskup


Although traveling nationally or internationally gives you the opportunity to see the world and interact with people of all backgrounds, it can also be a hassle, an expense or even a danger. However, there are ways to make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable, whether it's for business or pleasure. All you need to do is follow these simple tips.

When you are going to be on the road for a long period of time, it is best to bring a trash bag for the car. During your travels, trash can build up from people eating, drinking, and doing activities in the car. It is best to have a place to put your trash instead of letting it gather on the floor of your car.

After you drop off your items in your hotel room, step back outside. To prepare for an emergency, count the number of doors between your room and the emergency exits. You want to be able to get out safely and if you are unable to see, you will need that number. You may want to have a flashlight handy, as well.

It is important that you always review your e-ticket to ensure that it matches your government form of identification exactly. Given the recent state of security in airports, it is quite common for security agents to deny boarding if your identification does not match your ticket exactly. You don't want to be left off your flight because your name is spelled incorrectly.

If your family is traveling on a road trip, create a scavenger hunt to do in the car. Make a list of things that you could see on the road; try to write down about a hundred, focusing on landmarks, vehicles and attractions. Challenge your children to be the first person to see everything on the list.

One simple tip for hotel safety is to carry a small rubber door stop with you. It can pack easily inside a shoe or even be carried in a jacket pocket if you're short on space. This door stop can be wedged under the door at night, to prevent midnight visitors.

If you are staying at a hotel that offers a mini-bar in your room, consider asking the front desk staff to hold the key instead. This will help you avoid late-night temptations, which given the prices at the minibar can get very expensive. If you feel the need for a drink but don't want to go far, go to the hotel restaurant instead.

If you are staying at a hotel on your next trip, use the complimentary toiletry products. Most hotels will offer you a travel size bottle of shampoo and conditioner. Some even offer facial products and toothpaste. If you avoid packing these products you are saving room in your suitcase. You will also avoid the possibility of spills.

A great travel tip if you're planning on taking a cruise it to book a room with a balcony. Even though a room with a balcony is a bit more expensive, it's definitely worth it. There's nothing more romantic than gazing at the open sea from your own balcony.

Taking photos of your luggage can be a lifesaver if you lose any of it. In the event that you lose your luggage at an airport, it can be very difficult to describe how it looks and how it is different from all of the other luggage bags! Also, if you are traveling to a foreign country with a language you do not speak, it can be downright impossible to describe your luggage without a picture.

Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. While it is impractical to attempt to learn the entire language of every country you visit, you should focus on memorizing some key phrases to make your journey easier. This is especially true if you have dietary restrictions, so you can inform your waiter properly and avoid potential allergies.

Traveling with a small group can be a great experience, but be sure to give one another freedom. If you are all trying to do all of the same things you may start to get on each others nerves. If you find this happening, take one day where you each go to a different location and then meet up for dinner to talk about it!

If you've got a long flight coming up, it may be tempting to take a sleep aide to make the travel time go faster. But wait until your plane is up in the air before you take it. If you doze off before it's in the air, you may miss important announcements or worse, be asked to disembark to switch planes.

Bring everything you need when you travel. An airline might not provide you with a good pillow or a warm blanket. Make sure you bring these items, as well as something to entertain yourself. Bring your music player or even a DVD player in case the entertainment provided by the company is not that interesting.

When you are traveling, be careful not to skip meals. If you are out sightseeing or participating in other touristic activities, you are going to need the energy. Plus, stopping and having a meal is a great way to meet locals, sample some local cuisine, and experience elements of the culture you might have otherwise missed out on.

If you can choose between different flights, look for a 767. These planes do not have their seats configured like other planes: there are fewer middle seats, which are extremely uncomfortable. This could increase your chances of getting a more comfortable seat without spending too much money on your fare.

Although the idea of adding more clutter to your inbox may seem less than ideal, most major airlines do offer incentives for people who subscribe to their emails. People who can tolerate a few extra emails per week are often rewarded with first-come, first-served access to special promotions and information on upcoming sales.

By following the simple tips given above, you will find that your travel adventures become far easier. With these tips you can fully relax and enjoy your vacations knowing that your travel plans will go off without a hitch. This advice will help you enjoy stress-free travel, leaving you free to appreciate the locations you're visiting.




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