If you want to become an expert traveler, or even just make sure your future trips all go smoothly and efficiently, there are plenty of ways to transform any travel experience from a merely acceptable one to a great one. Read the below tips to find out how to make your trips effortless and enjoyable.
In countries that you travel to, be aware of the cultural view of how questions are answered. In some places, especially India and Asia, it can be considered very rude to tell someone that you don’t know the answer to their question. Others may simply answer “yes” to any question asked in English. Pay attention to doubtful body language.
Pay attention to hidden fees when booking airline travel. It is becoming commonplace to charge fees for checked baggage, especially overweight baggage. In addition, airlines now charge fees for checking in at the terminal instead of online, and may even charge extra to select a more coveted seat on the airplane, such as exit row seating.
When you’re taking a trip that requires a passport or any type of paperwork for that matter, make sure that you have a second copy available. Go to your local photocopy shop and make a copy of all of your documents. This is a great way to stay safe, even if you lose your original documents or if they are stolen.
Road trips are fun but at the end of each day of driving you want to just relax so choose a hotel that is near restaurants or has room service. You can call ahead where you plan to stop and ask the hotels what food options are available nearby.
Before you leave home, make multiple copies of your travel documents. Store these in separate bags. It may also be a good idea to scan them onto a flash drive, and carry it with you. Emailing them to yourself can be another method. Make sure you have several backups. You do not want to get stuck in a foreign country!
If you’re going to be going on a road trip, bring a power inverter with you. A power inverter is a handy device that you plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and then lets you plug anything into it. It’s great if you’re traveling with kids since you can plug video games or a laptop in.
Want to take a trip with some friends, but nobody has a car big enough for everyone to fit in? Traveling with children and want to minimize the food and bathroom breaks? Try renting an RV; and then you can pack everyone in, even the family dog. Look online for rental companies in your area.
People who travel for a living learn to use a lot of little tips and tricks, like the ones above, to make sure all their trips are simple, pleasant experiences, whether they’re leaving home for a day or a month. With these insider tips, you’re well on your way to being an expert traveler, too.