Fourteen Must Read Travel Tips

[Ryan Anderson]

Hi Every Body,
How are you all? We live in an age of unprecedented travel opportunities. Every day millions of people are on the move whether it is for business or for pleasure.

For some people travel is a tedious necessity, whilst for most of us it is an exciting adventure, but either way you can ensure it is a much more enjoyable experience by taking the time to plan your trip adequately and to look out for the pitfalls that befall some travelers.

Here are fourteen top tips to help with your next journey.

1. Try to be selective about what you pack in your suitcase, and make sure each item is appropriate for the journey you are taking - no point taking your favorite skiing outfit to the Bahamas for example.

2. Try to pack coordinated tops and skirts, or trousers then you can mix and match and ring the changes. Just check the local weather forecast before you go and make sure that your clothing is suitable for the local conditions.

3. Instead of folding their clothes, seasoned travelers tend to roll them up. This really works and prevents a lot of creasing.

4. Check and double check that you have all the appropriate travel documents for each member of your party. If possible try to keep all the documents in one folder or holdall, and treat that holdall as your most precious possession. It is!

5. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

6. For members of EU countries, apply for, and carry a European Health Insurance Card if you are traveling within the EU. If you do not know how to apply for one in your country just "Google" it and you should find all the information you need.

7. If you plan to use any of your credit, or debit cards abroad, find out beforehand if any additional charges will be levied. If so, try to find a card that will not apply charges on overseas usage. In the UK, the Post Office can provide you with a suitable card as can other providers.

8. If you plan to use your mobile/cell phone abroad, contact your network to find out if you can, and how to, use your phone in the countries you designate. Also make absolutely certain you know what charges they will apply to calls made from, and received abroad.

9. Don't ever agree to carry anything abroad, or even on a train, a coach, or domestic flight, for someone you do not know very, very well.

10. In stations, airport lounges, and any crowded spaces be very much on the alert for pickpockets who might; bump into you; engage you in conversation; spill something on you, or generally try to distract your attention. Keep a tight hold on your valuables!

11. Also in busy airports keep a sharp eye on your luggage. Don't give anyone any opportunity to tamper with it. The consequences could be dire!

12. Be very aware that if you are approached by people who ask you to exchange currency when you are abroad, it almost certainly will not work in your favor.

13. Tipping can always be a bit of a problem. Where possible consult your travel agency beforehand, or your travel rep, to get some idea of who you should tip, how much, and when.

14. If you are hiring a car at your destination, check before leaving home if there are any additional costs to pay when you collect the car, and if there are, make sure you budget for them otherwise they could create a big hole in your spending money.

This list could go on forever, but these are some of the more important things to consider before traveling.

So, so much for the boring stuff! Now go and plan, and enjoy your journey!

Best Regards....................

[Rapunzel]

Originally Posted by Ryan Anderson

1. Try to be selective about what you pack in your suitcase, and make sure each item is appropriate for the journey you are taking - no point taking your favorite skiing outfit to the Bahamas for example.

DAYUM! I would never have thought of that! Fabulous advice! I must quickly untangle my favourite skiing outfit from my grass skirt and leave it home!

Someone had better tell AussiePammie, our global roving reporter, so that she doesn't make this mistake too!

[minks]

Originally Posted by Rapunzel

DAYUM! I would never have thought of that! Fabulous advice! I must quickly untangle my favourite skiing outfit from my grass skirt and leave it home!

Someone had better tell AussiePammie, our global roving reporter, so that she doesn't make this mistake too!

Rap you crazy girl, if you ever come here to the wild wild west be sure to pack that ski suit and your cowboy hat

[YZGI]

Originally Posted by Rapunzel

DAYUM! I would never have thought of that! Fabulous advice! I must quickly untangle my favourite skiing outfit from my grass skirt and leave it home!

Someone had better tell AussiePammie, our global roving reporter, so that she doesn't make this mistake too!

Everything goes with Hawaiian shirts. Duh!!

[AussiePam]

Thanks Rappy.... this guy is winding us up, right??!!! He was trying to help me get an American passport yesterday. Maybe if he just mailed me a blank to my Cayman Island office, that would save time.. I'll fill in the details later.


(OOOOOOOH - the Smileys are back on the job)

But Ryan - if you are a genuine newbie, and not a travel industry rep, or a student doing an assignment, or someone testing copy and paste abilities... welcome to Forum Garden. Do walk amongst us in good health. But check your vaccinations first of course - there's a lot of foreign nationals* in this forum.


*And probably not too many of them will be wanting to exchange currency right now.


YZGI - Do you have a Hawaiian shirt???


Minksy - I hope you rolled up coordinated Lederhosen to wear with your cowboy hat in Munich!!

[minks]

Originally Posted by AussiePam

Thanks Rappy.... this guy is winding us up, right??!!! He was trying to help me get an American passport yesterday. Maybe if he just mailed me a blank to my Cayman Island office, that would save time.. I'll fill in the details later.


(OOOOOOOH - the Smileys are back on the job)

But Ryan - if you are a genuine newbie, and not a travel industry rep, or a student doing an assignment, or someone testing copy and paste abilities... welcome to Forum Garden. Do walk amongst us in good health. But check your vaccinations first of course - there's a lot of foreign nationals* in this forum.


*And probably not too many of them will be wanting to exchange currency right now.


YZGI - Do you have a Hawaiian shirt???


Minksy - I hope you rolled up coordinated Lederhosen to wear with your cowboy hat in Munich!!

Oh AP AP AP, you know a cowgirl like myself showed up to the party in my Chaps. hahahaha

[oscar]

My Father had some very good travel advice. He told us always to sit at the back of a plane as you never hear of one backing into a mountain.

He also told us never to look a queer squirrel in the eye. I Ignored his advice once and stared at one. I don't know If the said squirrel was indeed queer but he did attack my foot and bit me In Regents Park. My Doctor asked me 'Did your Father ever warn you not to look a queer Squirrel in the eye'? I was too embaressed to admit he had.

[Patsy Warnick]

When traveling abroad & your passport & documents are keept together - always make copies of your passport & keep copies elsewhere safe with you.

when traveling in your vehicle for a road trip
spray cooking oil ( PAM ) on the front of your vehicle/grill area - this will make it easier to remove all bugs

I have Hawaiian shirts - I collect them
they go with everything...

Aloha & Welcome Ryan
Patsy

[AussiePam]

Originally Posted by Patsy Warnick

When traveling abroad & your passport & documents are keept together - always make copies of your passport & keep copies elsewhere safe with you.

when traveling in your vehicle for a road trip
spray cooking oil ( PAM ) on the front of your vehicle/grill area - this will make it easier to remove all bugs

I have Hawaiian shirts - I collect them
they go with everything...

Aloha & Welcome Ryan
Patsy

Listen up Patsy - Pam rides in the back seat of chauffeur driven white stretch limos - not smeared on the grill area.... !!!!!

[joey2000]

Originally Posted by Patsy Warnick

When traveling abroad & your passport & documents are keept together - always make copies of your passport & keep copies elsewhere safe with you.

To add to this:

NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER leave your passport (or anything else you really need/care about a lot, eg credit cards, ID) anywhere other than on your person or at worst in the room (preferably in a vault if they provide). This includes leaving in a rental car. We did and ours was broken into - passports, etc etc - all gone. Fortunately I had my debit card on me at the time or we'd have really been up a creek.