Expand Your Horizons: Follow These Travel Tips

If you find the idea of travel daunting, focus on a destination that interests you, and gather information that focuses on that place specifically. There are so many places to see, that one can get lost in the sea of information. Once you decide on a target destination, limit your research and lower your stress.

Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carry on bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. If traveling to cold weather, bring smaller clothes to create layers rather than big, space-consuming coats and sweaters. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags.

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.

If the hotel chain you will be staying at offers a loyalty program, join up. Even if you’re only planning on staying one or two nights, there are many perks to these programs. On the top of the list, is the fact that loyalty members are less likely to get bumped, if the hotel overbooks.

A great tip to keep in mind when you’re looking to book airline tickets, is to compare airline rates online. By comparing airline rates online, you can find the cheapest deal available, and save yourself a lot of money.

Carry a doorstop with you to give your hotel stay a little bit of extra security. Sometimes, you may need a tad more security at night when in your room. If your door doesn’t contain a chain or deadbolt, place a doorstop under the door.

On your next flight, chew gum to keep your ears from popping on take off. The pressure changes during a flight can pop your ears. This is not particularly painful. It is, however, rather annoying. Before take off, start chewing a stick of gum. This will often prevent your ears from popping or at least, ease the pressure.

Airport food can be pricey and not all flights provide snacks while in flight. Its handy to keep a couple of sticks of jerky, a candy bar, or maybe a pack of peanuts in your pocket or purse so that you can get that quick energy boost you need without having to pay an arm and a leg or take the time to buy food at a shop.

Travel can be extremely rewarding. All people, of different ages, races and creeds can learn and grow from a travel experience. There are many resources out there to help the unseasoned traveler. A little preparation can go a long way and travel will be a joy, not a source of anxiety.

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