Traveling is a great opportunity for many. Luckily the information below will help you get the most out of your travels.
Try to avoid calling attention to the fact that you are a tourist. There are many people who earn their living by preying on unsuspecting vacationers. To avoid looking like a potential target, consult your maps and itinerary before you leave, avoid conspicuous jewelry and clothing and keep your camera in your bag when you are not using it – not dangling around your neck.
When traveling to a strange city, always be aware of your surroundings. Both, extremely busy and extremely quiet streets, can carry added risk. Tourists who are busy gawking at the sights may turn around to find their wallet gone. Always check to see who is around you and pay attention, if you feel like someone might be following you.
Make use of social media when traveling and when planning your trip. Many blogs and online forums have first-hand reviews of the locations you’d like to visit, plus you can ask people directly about their experiences. In addition, if you use sites that allow you to update your status, your friends might have good suggestions on what to do next.
When traveling by air, there is no longer any reason to carry a separate toiletries bag. All of your liquids and gels will need to fit into a Ziplock bag regardless. That bag will already be sealed, and will be smaller and lighter than any bag designated for the task.
Unfortunately, you cannot depend on an airline to see to your needs, even if your traveling involves a lengthy flight. Make sure you bring along a blanket, pillow and if you will use them, headphones. You may also want to pack along a few snacks so you can have something substantial to eat during your flight.
One decision you need to make when taking a trip is whether to buy travel insurance at all. If you are flying to New York and the ticket only costs $150, it’s not really worth paying another $50 to cover that trip in case of cancellation. However, if you are taking the trip of your dreams to a faraway place, it might be well worth the incremental expense on a $4,000 vacation to know that your money won’t be lost in the event of a cancellation.
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.
Many of the most exotic, romantic travel destinations are in areas susceptible to natural disasters. Certain disasters are seasonal – late summer and fall are hurricane season in the Caribbean, for example. Travelers headed for areas that may be subject to seasonal disasters should be aware of that fact, just in case they find themselves in an evacuation situation.
With a little preparation, any trip can be enjoyable, no matter how far from home you may be heading. So pack the essential, get rested up and have the right attitude.
