Even if you are taking a long flight, bring your own comfort supplies and don’t rely on airline personnel to provide them. If you really need headphones, a blanket and a pillow to be comfortable while flying, you should bring your own on board with you. You may also want to purchase a snack before boarding the plane.
Always carry an updated color photo of your child with you. This will come in handy if they are ever lost. Losing your child sounds absolutely horrifying and you probably do not even want to think about it. However, it can occur. If you have a picture of your child on hand, it can really help to locate him or her in a crowd more quickly.
Weather can be a huge factor in your travel plans. Be sure to check the weather for your planned destination as your trip date approaches. It will be a real disappointment if you end up on a chilly Florida beach or a Colorado ski slope with melting snow.
Don’t exchange your currency until you get to your destination if you want the cheapest conversion rate. If you know that where you’re going won’t let you exchange your money for the local currency before you land, make sure to bring exchange it before you go.
When packing for a trip, think about what can be worn more than once. Items like shoes and blazers are worn over and over, so you can just bring one or two of each. Doing so can allow you to pack less things for your trip.
Make sure that you are aware of any political or social situations for any destination that you are planning to visit. Check the BCA website if you want to see updates on things that are happening abroad. This can be a significant aid in preventing complications on your trip that could put you in harm’s way.
Keep track of all of your valuables at all time when traveling. Carry your handbag tucked securely under your arm. In addition, try to avoid bags that have an easy-access zipper that someone might be able to unzip easily on a subway or crowded public transit area. These are all points to be considered when selecting the bag you wish to take on your travels.
Bottled water is a necessity if you are visiting a foreign country. You can contract a variety of illnesses by drinking the unpurified water of other countries. Even when you brush your teeth, do it with bottled water. It is possible to get sick from using the water when brushing your teeth.
Take clothespins along the next time you travel. While not on your typical travel list, a handful of clothespins can prove very useful.
Make sure your passport hasn’t expired. You may find that different countries have different rules and regulations regarding your passport. A country may decide to not let you enter if your passport is expiring within a certain amount of time. The range is typically between three and six months, but sometimes can be up to a year.
If you are leaving for your trip from a port city, stay at a hotel with free parking and get there the night before you are to leave. Ask the hotel’s staff about any parking deals they may offer.
Be wary of travel deal emails. Be wary of any email that you receive, unless you are familiar with the company.
Create a pre-flight plan with your children. Give them a heads up of what to expect when they go through check points at the airport. Keep your children close to you when going through security. If you can manage it, an adult they know can go through first, so they see what it is all about.
Apply these tips to your trip and you will find it a lot less stressful. No matter where you are going, you will always have more fun when you know that you got a good travel deal.