20/10/2011
15 Best Travel Tips Ever
1. Travelling in off- season can be a great way to save, as many hotels and restaurants offer specials.
2. Last- minute bookings can also yield great savings if a traveler is prepared to take the gamble.
3. Use taxis, tours and other transportation services with official markings. Only select transportation from official pick- up points.
4. Always make a list when packing – this will help you pack fewer unnecessary things. Remember, items such as toiletries can be bought in most destinations, so don’t over pack ‘just in case’.
5. If you’re going on a skiing holiday, remember to take sunscreen and sunglasses because the glare from the snow can cause sunburn. Also consider a pre- holiday exercise routine to avoid stiffness on the trip.
6. Bear in mind that SPF is not consistent around the world, so the level of protection a sun block bought in another country offers may be different to what you’re used to.
7. Check the terms and conditions of international roaming with your cell phone service provider beforehand- data charges can make for a particularly nasty surprise. SMS roaming is a good option for cost- conscious travelers.
8. Research any religious or cultural festivities taking place at your destination as they may affect your travel plans. For example, during Ramadaan it’s often difficult to find a restaurant or store open during the day in Muslim countries such as Egypt.
9. Refrain from drinking alcohol on long- distance flights as it causes dehydration and can hamper sleep. Instead, drink plenty of water.
10. If you have children, take some sweets for them to suck or a bottle of juice to drink during take- off and landing. This will help ease the pressure in their ears. Also keep babies upright to keep fluid out of their ear passages.
11. A cash passport is the best option for accessing forex while travelling- it offers all the benefits of travellers’ cheques with the convenience and security of a debit card.
12. Invest in good luggage brand.
13. Don’t rely purely on GPS when driving in a foreign country- chat to the locals. Ask the car- hire desk for advice on which areas to avoid. GPS units may not legally advise someone against going into a dodgy area, so it’ll always choose the most direct route.
14. Research the tipping customs in your destination country beforehand and be sure to get small denominations of cash at the airport so you are prepared.
15. Always take out travel insurance and tell your broker what kind of activities you’re going to be participating in to ensure you’re sufficiently covered.
