Most people look forward to taking a relaxing vacation. But, the act of traveling to reach the destination can sometimes involve lots of stress. Booking travel plans and getting on the plane are things that leave plenty of room for error. This article has a handful of tips and ideas you can use for safe journeys.
After you pick your destination, be sure to do sufficient research so that you understand it well. Buy a good map of the place you are going, and then look it over to learn the general area, as well as places to see. Remembering a little about the area will make navigation easier when you get there.
If you are driving to a port city before leaving on a cruise, always find a hotel that offers free parking and arrive the night before. If you cannot find any details about parking, ask the hotel staff what their policy is.
Bring along a door stopper to provide an extra measure of safety when you stay in a hotel. Sometimes, especially in areas of higher crime such as developing countries, you may want a little extra security for your hotel room. If there is no deadbolt or chain on the door, place a doorstop under your door before you go to bed.
Take a couple of clothespins with you when you travel to Occidental Vacation Club. A couple of clothespins can be very handy when traveling.
Try to work in some physical activity before your flight. This will not only help you to work out pre-flight jitters, it will also warm up your muscles to help you avoid cramps during a long flight. You will be sitting in one spot for a long time, and this may cause back and leg cramps. If you get a quick workout before boarding the flight, it can help to reduce the chance of getting leg cramps. If nothing else, try stretching a little.
Sleeping medication can help you get through a rough flight. Many people cannot sleep on a plane because of the unfamiliar surroundings, the uncomfortable seats, and the noise from the plane and passengers. A sleeping tablet may be just what you need, so that you can sleep while the flight is in progress. Don't take any pills until after the plan has taken off. If there is an issue or delay you would be sleeping in the terminal!
Be sure to reserve space for your car if you must store it at the airport while you are away. The cost of parking is higher if you don't pre-book. If you live close to the airport, see if taking a taxi is cheaper that it would be to pay for airport parking.
Sign up for the e-newsletters of all the major airlines. E-newsletters show you any special discounts or last-minute offers they have available. Although these emails can add to the clutter in your inbox, you can always filter them, only opening them when you need to snag a deal on airfare.
It's a good idea to get National Park passes if you often visit National Parks. It costs $50 and can be used at any national park for 12 months.
Jet lag can cause problems during long flights. It cannot be entirely avoided, but getting lots of sleep before your trip can definitely mitigate things. If possible take a nap on the airplane.
The best way to ensure that your plane leaves on time is to take the earliest flight possible. Airports are very busy places. Once one plane is held back, more are sure to follow. The first flights will be your best bet.
Many travel sites offer E-tracking. This is the easiest way to keep an eye on fares and hotel prices. Most sites offer email alerts and mobile alerts if savings are available.
Make sure you tip well. As you enter the cruise, give the steward a $20 tip. There is a good chance the crew you see in the beginning will be the ones taking care of you the entire time, so if you tip them well, you are sure to get good service in return.
Now you know that traveling can be enjoyable. Reread these tips before you plan your next vacation. They will offer some relief in making your plans.