Ten Tips To Make Traveling Easier And Less Stressful
Getting ready to leave on a trip can be stressful, but there are some practical strategies that may alleviate potential travel troubles and make the experience a bit easier. Try to implement some of the following ten tips to make your trip smoother and to avoid potential travel disasters:
1. Reserve your parking space at the airport.
Get your trip off to a good start by reserving your parking space at the airport ahead of time. This will eliminate the endless cruising around parking garages, and potentially missing your flight, while looking for a place to park.
2. Carry-on your bag instead of checking it.
Avoid having your luggage get lost when taking flights or going on quick getaways by only traveling with a carry-on bag. This can also save you the per-bag fee that many airlines charge their customers.
3. Consider an all-inclusive getaway.
Make a vacation a lot easier to budget by taking an all-inclusive trip, such as a cruise or to a resort. This will provide a way to curb incidental costs that can end up sabotaging your allotted travel budget.
4. Board your pets.
Naturally, many travelers want to take their four-legged family members along on the trip, but it is possibly a safer, less stressful time for them when you board them in a reputable, comfortable kennel.
5. Rent a kitchenette.
Whether traveling by yourself or in a group, having kitchen facilities during a trip can be an invaluable amenity. Even a very basic microwave and refrigerator can be a huge convenience and potentially save you money on food costs when traveling.
6. Get a passport.
Go ahead and invest in a passport, even if you don't think you will need one for your trip. Cruise ships and charters often travel in international waters, and if you are hospitalized or miss your boat during a port-of-call, you will need a passport to get back home.
7. Avoid the ATMs whenever possible.
If you figure out the fees for the ATM withdrawals that you take out during a trip, you could be astounded. Instead of giving your money to the bank in ATM charges, use cash or travelers' checks whenever possible.
8. Book your taxi or transfer ahead of time.
Don't end up standing on a curb outside the airport or bus terminal waiting for a cab. Call ahead and book one for the approximate time that you are due to arrive.
9. Map out a secondary route for road trips.
Don't rely on your GPS to get you from point A to point B; plan out the itinerary on a regular map or online travel resource ahead of time. Some areas may have difficulty picking up your GPS satellite signal, which could lead to a lack of directions when you need them the most.
10. Book earlier flights to accommodate any delays, layovers, or cancellations.
Traveling early in the day allows for back-up plans should your flight or transportation get delayed or canceled. This means you get a second chance to get to your destination without interference in your hotel bookings or other plans.
These ten tips may offer travelers some respite from the typical travel conundrums that can occur and sabotage the time away. Use these the next time you are traveling or taking a trip, and enjoy the increased convenience and ease that these suggestions, such as airport parking reservations, will provide.