100 General tips for traveling on a budget (26-50)
You will be less stressed and rushed and enjoy your getting there part of your journey, starting the fun-part of your travel endeavor early. A positive travel attitude will focus on the fact that time passes quickly and with most boarding happening early these days due to security concerns it is definitely more crucial to be early rather than risking being refused at the boarding gate due to the new regulations. Plan for and depart in a timely, orderly fashion, in a more relaxed frame of mind and without incident. Be an empowered, action-oriented, pro-active perceptive traveler and you will be rewarded with a trip characterized by smooth sailing and good memories. 27. To avoid having to pay more, incurring unplanned, additional costs and penalties for luggage overages pack S-M-A-R-T! In preparing for your trip, after packing your luggage, lift it up, carry it around a block or two or down the stairs and see how it feels. Remember, you will have to handle these eventually! This is a useful technique to re-evaluate and re-pack the amount you are taking with you. You will not be sorry. Also, leave some room for purchases while on your trip, as you would not like to have to buy additional pieces of luggage you do not really need, want, or incur costly shipping charges and or duties or other fees! 28. If you are in for a long international or domestic flight, there are several suggestions for seeing it through. Enduring long hauls and not getting uncomfortable or bored is the key here. A good night's sleep the night before, wearing comfortable, non-confining, wrinkle resistant clothes, and shoes that are fully broken in are all advisable. Getting up regularly and walking around, making several trips to the washroom to wash your face and brush your teeth will keep you refreshed. Taking a casual stroll up and down the aisles of an airplane is a real lifesaver and keeps the circulation going. Avoid costly in-air, shopping catalogues, costly phone calls and frequent alcoholic drinks from the bar as all are prices at premium and will add up! Take along lots of water, snacks and reading materials. If you are traveling with kids, ensure toys, activities, and a cooled snack-pack for them too. 29. Travel package deals always sound like such a bargain. They mostly are priced better and lower, BUT before congratulating yourself though with a well-deserved pat on the back for a job well done and money saved, check the cancellation and refund policy. You need to know what happens when the inevitable occurs. Say you change your mind or a trip is canceled. Scrutinize the fine print and calculate what the financial impact would be. How much money will you likely lose or forfeit? 30. Worried about the appearance of your luggage? Cannot afford new suitcases? Does your travel-tools and luggage look worn, stained and on its last legs? Inspect your existing luggage, including zippers, wheels, handles and identification tags. Clean the exterior of leather luggage with a good liquid saddle soap and conditioner. All canvas luggage can easily be cleaned using a small amount of detergent, 1 cup of water, and a scrub brush. Nylon and vinyl luggage takes mild detergent and a small amount of water to be wiped down. It is never a good idea to “soak” or immerse your suitcase in water. If this is still not enough and they are not salvageable, watch for retail sales, consider borrowing from a friend or relative or do the outlet, clearance and closeout circuits for bargains. 31. Medical details should be on hand at all times. Having any and all health related questions, information and emergency contacts and logistics, insurance and policy, immunization record (if applicable) and all other relevant documentation handy is key and can not be ignored. Preferably, also check with local providers if traveling alone, with children or special needs situations. Research and inquire in advance, know or check upon arrival where the closest hospital, pharmacy and or clinic is, just for in case. 32. Budgetary concerns and monitoring, fiscal restraint and disciplined spending when traveling will pay off. When you are planning your trip and setting up your travel budget, taking into account things like ground transportation, tips and other incidentals, extras like laundry and mini-bar, room service, lodging and meals. Do the major obligations and essentials first. Then figure in expenses such as shopping, entertainment and foreign exchange fees for example. Not surprisingly at all, it is usually the impulse shopping or spur of the moment expenses that let us over-spend and max-out our travel budget quickly or overspend. 33. Concerned about appearances and wrinkled clothing? Save on laundry costs with ingenuity and innovative solutions. Think practical and be creative. A frequent traveler suggests that if you travel with a small spray bottle, you can fill it with water, lightly spray the clothing, and let it hang for period. This usually helps the wrinkles fall out. Another suggestion is hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower or soak in the tub while the steam ‘irons’ out some of the creases. Hand-washing underwear, nylons etc. and hanging them up overnight is another sure saver and old frequent traveler favorite that has often been passed on by word of mouth! 34. The importance of water or H20!! Just like taking care of fueling the human engine with food, we also need lubrication. By that, we mean lots of fluid and specifically water. Staying hydrated, irrespective of the climate is just common sense. Invest in a good travel water bottle with a secure cap. Always drink bottled water preferably – even when brushing your teeth or ordering your cocktails without ice or water if you are concerned about diseases etc. Drinking lots of water regularly will help prevent dehydration. You will also however have to plan for frequent pit stops for washrooms and remember in some countries you have to pay to use them! In air, on flight, just remember that alcohol can be extremely dehydrating and may increase jet lag on a long flight! So that’s another good reason to drink lots of water. 35. Insurance coverage is essential. Not only travel, medical and cancellation insurance, but for valuables that will be accompanying you on the trip. These will be specified and additional coverage. It is still worth the small expense if weighed against loss or replacement cost without it should they get misplaced, forgotten or stolen. Insure your precious belongings and valuables before you leave home if you absolutely have to take them with you. A great tip offered online at a travel website is to take along only what you are willing to lose. The rule of thumb and general agreement is still that it is much better to leave valuables at home. 36. ‘Cash’ only when you need to! Only cash traveler’s checks when you really need money. Take no risk of carrying too much cash with you for no real apparent reason. Avoid being stuck with too much local currency from a foreign destination that you will lose money on if converting. Use all your small coins before changing notes. They make great tips! Minimize ATM and credit card transactions as they both carry transactional and administration fees – they are convenient but expensive. 37. Guarding your identity, travel documentation and ensuring document accessibility is a travel priority. Proof of identity and citizenship is your most prized travel possession. It is advised that you make at least two copies of your important documents, including your credit cards and passport. Keep one with you at all times and deposit the other in a safe place or leave it with a friend or family member or the hotel’s safe. Have them handy and with you at all times. Never lose sight of your passport if you can help it and in case it is stolen, report it immediately as was stated earlier to avoid any difficulty, affecting your return home etc. 38. Budget for passport and visa costs. If you are planning a trip that requires a passport and or visa, check its expiration date. Be sure the passport is valid for the entire trip and that you have all the necessary entry-requirement documentation for your destination. There is lots of information on the web on what you need where. Check with embassies and foreign offices in your own country and overseas to get the most accurate information. Verify this with a travel professional or travel agent prior to booking and departure. Remember to include this as a category on your budget worksheet. 39. Plan and budget for the un-expected and incidentals. Whether it is as simple as a practical collapsible type umbrella and poncho or a buffer-fund for in case there is a delay, extended stay or other factors where you will incur additional cost. Weather for example, is unpredictable and can ruin a travel experience if you let it. Again, the key to saving money, avoiding expense, caring for details and being a smart traveler will be organization, planning and fiscal preparedness and resourceful fiscal discipline. 40. Maximize the packing space you have in your luggage. While packing and making your checklist, put small items such as spare glasses, dress accessories, socks and other small items inside your shoes. Shoes are usually rigid and can protect items that might otherwise be broken. You will need every inch of your suitcases upon your return to avoid the battle of the ‘bulging’ suitcase that will not close until you go sit on it and struggle with the clasp until it finally closes! 41. Confirm the checkout time to avoid being billed for late checkout. Most hotels post a departure time when guests must vacate their rooms and advising the front desk immediately if there is a problem with this is prudent. Late checkouts are often permitted if approved by the hotel management in advance. Another way to ensure you get what you paid for is, when you are booking and or checking into a hotel, to request approval for late arrival/departure just as a precaution. 42. Save money on traveler’s checks: Avoid paying a hefty or any service fee to purchase your travelers' checks. Some automobile clubs and banks offer them free to members and preferred customers. It is definitely worth your while and travel budget to check this out, before obtaining your checks. 43. Minor emergency tools and practical items in a handy spot in your luggage can prove to be a life and money-saver. A quick stop into the dollar store or local retailer before you leave home for a do-it-yourself kit that contains various small items like rubber bands, small tube of instant glue, paper clips, masking tape, Velcro, tissue-paper, sewing kit et al. could save you embarrassment, time and money! It is wise to toss something like this into your luggage. They take up limited space (will even fit in a shoe, as mentioned earlier), and can come in handy in solving minor emergencies. 44. Sometimes a travel agent, or travel consultant, will charge a booking and administration fee to handle your trip and reservation. This leads to the misconception that they are always expensive and overpriced, always costing more and higher priced. This simply is not the case. Sometimes the opposite can be true. They are indeed also able to provide you with considerable information regarding special offers, limited time package deals and seat sales, as well as significantly reduced and special rates. They also offer advice and information about destination travel, travel advisories, entry requirements and travel documentation needs and costs. Upon request, they will also spend the time to find you the cheapest and discounted options in the marketplace. This is worthwhile considering if you want to maximize your travel dollar and have a dream destination or exotic vacation to remember. 45. Another word to the wise when packing your luggage: All things fluid and liquids in plastic bottles or containers should be placed in sealable plastic bags that will not leak. It is always wise to place the bottle into a well-sealed plastic bag as well. Wrapping a bottle in a towel or clothing will not protect it or keep it from leaking and staining your clothes. The damage could be permanent and lead to unnecessary cost for laundry services and or replacement for clothes you really did not need or want. 46. Avoid the duty-free lure and trap. Typically, all shops in airports and train stations are expensive. It is a myth that you save money! Actually, compare the next time you try to buy liquor or souvenirs against reputable quality department stores. You might find to your surprise that the prices are higher! 47. Staff and employees on location where you are staying are wonderful sources of information. Do not hesitate to strike up a conversation or ask questions. This offers you with yet another avenue to secure valuable travel information and local tips and perspective. Asking for instructions, directions, advise and help will often be met with an eagerness to serve. Staff enjoy being of assistance to their guests and meaningfully contribute in any way, shape or form, that they can. Remember your thoughtfulness for the room attendance, valet and bellhop (if applicable) with appropriate tips and a little note if you so choose to show your appreciation. If they are still there on any repeat visit, they will be sure to remember you! 48. Be creative with meals and do not hesitate to improvise and eat like the locals. For example, a picnic or a quick bite to eat on the beach or in a park is one of the best ways to keep your food costs down and save your travel dollar for the evenings and dinners out 49. Be kind to your body, soul and mind! Get enough sleep to stay alert and make good decisions. Weigh every purchase, outing and cost twice. Avoid spending impulses and impulsive shopping. If you just arrived at your destination, take a quick rest if you can and allow your body to adjust for time changes to come and recharge your batteries before venturing out. 50. Take extreme care with keeping your personal documentation and possessions safe and under-eye. Avoid endless headaches, red tape, delays and costly replacement and administration fees. Not to mention traveling to the nearest police station, long distance telephone calls home and to embassies and dignitaries to advise them of the situation is it is lost or stolen! Never leave money, valuables, or your passport unattended. This is a strict rule, no exception - Not even to go to the beach! Secure them at all times. |
Sponsored Ads:Related Articles:
Italy / Rick Steves Italy Travel Tips Adventure Tours / For Your Adventure Travel Needs, Leave Them To Adventure Tour Guides Sanibel / Sanibel Island 3Br Blind Pass Condominiums Bermuda / Bermuda Culture Vacation In Mexico / Mexico Honeymoon Vacations Fiji / Fiji Beaches Caribbean / Cheap Caribbean Travel Key West / Key West Ferry How To Budget A Family Vacation / Transportation Seattle / Seattle Cosmetic Dentist Private Jet Charters / What To Look For In A Private Jet Chartering Company International Airports / Flying Internationally With Kids Grand Cayman / Enjoying A Surf In Grand Cayman Niagara Falls / Great Gorge Adventure Pass Information In Niagara Falls Summer Vacations / Incorporating Education Into Your Summer Vacation Also In This Category:
Travel Cheap - Travel dynamics and process - Travel logistics: trips, bookings and travel details - 100 General tips for traveling on a budget (76-100) - The travel phenomenon - INTRODUCTION - 100 General tips for traveling on a budget (51-75) - Travel-enablers - 100 General tips for traveling on a budget (1-25) - The travel dilemma and decision - A final word - Addendum - Travel wrap-up Currently Online :7 member(s), 25 guest(s): Carnivour, FireInTheSky, JunkFoodAddict, PumpkinPie, Salinger, SecretHoarder, WinterWonderland, Baiduspider+, Google, Slurp Search : |
No comments yet
center secretarial waskoll golfers places estates indonesia attorney mexico ceremony familiarize inclusive offshore sprin japan hook local smart snorkeling falls eiffel airfare years options america staying ritz disney suit party sept bora gombey house yosemite hardy website books powerboat watersports trees colon courses allison show islands passports save trail lane planning
Categories: Travel Cheap China Shanghai Tahitian Island Sydney Island of Kauai Japan Top Backpacking Destinations Beach Vacations Travel Maps How To Budget A Family Vacation Last Minute Travel Deals International Airports Universal Studio Tours Travel Summer Vacations Skiing Locations Ski Vacations Private Jet Charters New Air Travel Rules La Jolla Cruises Beach Vacations Mexico Vacations New York San Francisco Disneyland Beach Vacations Las Vegas Aspen Nightlife Budget Travel Traveling For Singles Yosemite Virgin Islands Trinidad Tokyo Tibet Switzerland St. Maarten Spain Ski Vacations Seattle Sarasota Sanibel San Antonio Rome Reno Peru Paris Panama Palm Springs Niagara Falls Nashville Naples Vacation In Mexico Maui Key West Jamaica Italy Indonesia Hilton Head Island Greece Grand Cayman Grand Canyon Fiji Dubai Dominican Republic Cyprus Curacao Costa Rica Copenhagen Caribbean Budapest Bora Bora Bermuda Baton Rouge Barbados Bahamas Australia Aruba Antigua Anchorage Adventure Tours Acapulco San Diego Newport Beach Europe Travel Tips London Travel Maps