Take a break from your daily routine and plan an amazing vacation by yourself or with your family. These tips contain everything you need to know to be prepared, save money and have a great time. Get ready ahead of time and make sure you enjoy your vacation.
Use plenty of plastic when packing. Putting your clothes, toiletries, and other items in clear plastic bags is always a smart way to pack when traveling. Not only does it help you organize, it also keeps your possessions safe. If the bag should be exposed to the elements on the tarmac, the contents of your bag will stay dry.
When you are traveling to a foreign country, learn something about its customs ahead of time. It will help you avoid embarrassing mistakes in local etiquette. It can also help you understand and appreciate the culture a little better. In a way, you will be representing your country in a foreign land, so you would want to make a good impression.
If you are traveling with too much luggage to carry on an airplane, take a digital photograph of your bag and the baggage tag. These come in handy if your bag is lost. The photos give you something to reference when describing your bag to the airport personnel and the tag confirms that your bag was labeled for the right airport.
Whenever you can, print online tickets in advance of your visit to a special event or attraction. Sometimes you can get a good deal, or even if you don’t, the small fee you pay is worth it, as you will get to skip the long admission lines. Not only that, you may be able to skip the lines for entry as well.
Airlines
Check the airport’s website to see if there are any services they offer. Often, there will be charter airlines, and they might have great prices available.
If you are worried about traveling with a large carry-on bag, plan ahead. Airlines usually board in groups of five or ten rows, so pick a seat in row 11 or 21, not row 19. Also, as soon as the airline calls the seat block ahead of you, go get in line. This way you’re waiting at the front instead of the back.
Know the rules for your airline’s baggage check policy. Some airlines will make you go and claim your baggage and recheck it for connecting flights. Be aware of this so you can schedule flights accordingly. You do not want to get caught running across an airport to catch a flight because of baggage!
To make a long airport layover fly by in a flash, see if you can purchase a day pass for one of the airport’s exclusive lounges. These lounges are meant for the airlines’ best customers, but with a day pass, you will be able to relax in style with free food and drinks, as well as, clean bathrooms, while you wait for your flight.
If you are interested in traveling comfortably on your vacation, don’t be afraid to upgrade your seat. Most airlines are combining traditional business class and coach seats by offering “premium economy” options. They have larger seats and better legroom, but they often do not cost as much. You can also try to upgrade your seat just before boarding, but you won’t know about the availability of the upgrades if you check in to your flight online.
The quality of a vacation is greatly influenced by how well prepared and informed you are. Reading these tips is just the beginning and you still have some work to do. You should still learn as much as possible about where you are going and be sure to make your reservations on time. Enjoy your vacation!
