Travel can be an amazing source of inspiration, but if things go wrong, it can take on a nightmarish quality, instead. No one wants to go on a vacation that’s more aggravating than relaxing. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against some common travel mistakes and stresses, by following a few easy tips.
Make sure you double or even triple check all of your reservations before you leave for your trip. Just call the hotels you are staying at or make sure none the events you were planning on going to got cancelled. You don’t want to be left stranded with no where to stay or disappointed that your favorite band isn’t going to play in the city you are going to visit just to see them live. There’s nothing wrong with checking your plans for your trip.
To keep your dirty shoes from soiling your clothing on your way back home, place your shoes in a hotel shower cap (or one you brought from home) before packing them in your luggage. The shower cap will protect your leather shoes from scuffs and scratches, while keeping your garments clean.
If you are traveling to another country, make sure to check out their basic laws and regulations. Each country has their own set of laws and rules, and things that may be legal or a small offense in your country may be illegal or a major offense in another.
An easy way to save money on your first day in a new destination is to see if your hotel offers airport pick-ups. In popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas, almost all of the major hotels offer hourly shuttles to and from the airport, saving you significant money on taxi fare.
Pack dryer sheets into your luggage. If you have ever flown before, you might have noticed that sometimes your luggage can come back smelling just a little odd. To eliminate this problem and keep your clothes and possessions smelling fresh, use dryer sheets. Pack them in between layers of clothing.
A useful travel tip for those on a budget is to investigate bed and breakfasts as an alternative to conventional hotels. When traveling abroad, these types of lodgings offer a hearty dose of local culture, often at bargain prices. The savings that can be realized in this way can be used to extend the trip or visit additional attractions.
If you travel with many electronics pack a power strip. Though hotels have electrical outlets available it is not uncommon for each person to have 2 or 3 items that need to be charged every night. A power strip can keep the cords relegated to one area instead of strewn all over the room.
With this array of tips in your arsenal, traveling will be a breeze, not a pain. These are simple ideas, but simple acts can be an extremely effective preventative. Simple sense is all you need to keep a travel experience positive and fun, even when you’re venturing way off the beaten track.