Traveling allows someone to gain perspectives that they would otherwise not be able to get. Travel can take up a lot of your time and also be very expensive. To make the best of your vacation and not hurt your wallet too much, here is some advice.
Don’t use the public computers in your hotel or anywhere else they offer free internet while you are on vacation. There is something called a keylogger that scammers use to gain access to your bank information as you type the keys on the computer.
If you sit in an aisle seat, you’ll have more options. Being in a middle seat on a long plane trip, or in a noisy room in a hotel can quickly zap any aspect of pleasure in your trip.
If you are a visitor to foreign cities, keep your eyes open for thieves that might be dressed as law enforcement or government personnel. Never give them your original passport as you may never see it again. If they are insistent about detaining you, ask to walk to the office. Always use common sense and never accept a ride from a stranger.
If you are traveling through a small airport, find out from the airport’s website which airlines serve that airport. One of the main reasons for this is charter flights, which often service flights through smaller airports but aren’t listed. You can find some sweet deals this way.
Research before booking. Read reviews online before booking. Ask those who have traveled there before. When you do thorough research you can make good plans and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Stay aware of your belongings all the time while you are traveling. For example, if you have a purse with you, you should ensure it is securely underneath your arm. Avoid choosing a bag that is easy to open, as they will be easier for a thief to open and steal your valuables. Always consider these things before purchasing your travel bags.
Let a family member know your itinerary. This allows a relative at home to know where you are at any point in time. Stay in contact to be safe. They won’t be concerned if they hear from you.
Hotel etiquette calls for tipping the bellhop and housekeeping staff. A good rule of thumb is $1 per bag/luggage and about $2-5 a day for housekeeping. You will have a better relationship with them when you are staying at the hotel.
When traveling by air, wear loose, comfortable shoes that can be removed easily. You are required to take them off when going through security checks. The most important thing is comfort. Most of the time during air travel is spent sitting, not walking, so you don’t need a lot of foot support. Your favorite pair of sandals are probably your best bet in footwear when traveling by air.
Take your hotel’s business card and put it in your wallet or purse. If you get lost, this item will help to show someone where it is you need to get back to. This is very useful if you do not know the language well.
When making coffee in a hotel room, you should use melted hotel ice. The tap water might not be that tasty, so try filling an ice bucket and letting it melt overnight. Upon awakening in the morning, you can use that water to make fresh coffee that does not have an offensive taste.
Your budget may not allow you to stay in a four star hotel. If the area in which you are staying seems a bit seedy, bring along a rubber doorstop. You can slide it under your door for your hotel room all night long (as well as using the chain and lock). A criminal may be able to break the locks, but they will have difficulty getting around the doorstop.
Regardless of where you are planning to go, follow these tips for a great vacation. You can gain knowledge, perspective and understanding by traveling to different countries.