SEATTLE - December 28, 2019 - (Newswire.com)
Good travel planning is the foundation of many successful trips. Whether it’s an international flight or a short road trip with friends, having an idea of how things should play out is important. It helps inexperienced travelers prevent costly mishaps and keeps experienced globetrotters sharp.
FlightHub and JustFly have put together a concise list filled with travel planning advice to help take the stress out of travel.
Backup Important Data:
Devices get damaged, lost and compromised too often. Save videos, photos, documents and other important information in several places. Email, removable hard drives and cloud storage are the best options.
Pack Light:
Travel with as little as possible. Mix and match neutral-colored clothing. Leave room for electronics. Pack solid, travel-size toiletries and extra underwear in carry-on luggage. Unsure about packing something? Forget it. Pack in advance, especially for early departures.
Check Local Tourism Boards:
Visit a tourism office upon arrival. Check their website beforehand. It’s a great way to plan pre-emptively. Find information on free activities, addresses, schedules and more.
Ask for Information:
At airports, hotels, restaurants, gas stations—ask for directions or other forms of help. Most locals are thrilled to be of assistance. Politely asking questions never hurts.
Due Diligence:
Research. Read articles and books to learn about customs and culture. Ask for prices before doing things. IE: boarding a bus, eating street food etc. Be in the know.
Know When to Book Flights:
Book 1.5 to 3 months before the departure date. Keep in mind, prices may vary based on seasonality and major events (holidays, sports, festivals etc).
Know How to Get Around:
Know the best transportation options in advance and plan a more seamless trip. Buses, subways, rideshares, ferries and more.
Photograph Luggage:
Tag luggage in an easily recognizable way. Take pictures of carry-ons and checked baggage, as well as their respective contents. If they get lost, it’s easier to help airport workers find them, especially with language barriers. It’s good for insurance purposes as well. Travel tips like this one can save travelers from unnecessary stress.
Dress the Part:
Different climates and customs call for different clothes. Hiking boots, raincoats, mittens, religious dress and more. Apart from formal events, clothing should generally be cheap, plain and functional.
Consider a City Pass:
Staying in one city for more than a few days? City passes are great. Save on transportation, attractions and sometimes shopping. Many major cities have one-day, three-day and week-long passes. This is one of the most budget-friendly travel tips on this list.
Book Online and Save:
After selecting activities, book online whenever possible. It’s a simple way to sometimes skip lines, get credit card rewards, and get online-only discounts. Insurance from credit card companies sometimes covers these types of expenses as well.
Make a Packing List:
Get organized with packing lists. They can be reused, reduce chances of forgetting items and give travelers an idea of the potential weight of their luggage.
Make a Vision Board:
Forget the logistics for now. Get creative. Have fun. Write and find images for everything and anything that would make for an enjoyable trip. It’s all fair game—what to wear, eat, do. Go wild. Who says arts and crafts are for kids?
Write Down Addresses:
Whether staying at a hotel or campsite, this is key. Save addresses on a phone, tablet or laptop. The cloud and emails are also good options. Text it to a friend. Write it on a napkin if need be. This makes it easier to ask for directions, plan activities, and avoid getting lost.
Notify Your Bank:
Do it in person, by phone, or online. Financial institutions have sophisticated technology to detect changes in spending habits. Skip the hassle and embarrassment of having bank and credit cards suspended. Let them know in advance.
Share Luggage:
When traveling as a couple or group, leave some clothing and other items in a partner’s or someone else’s luggage in exchange for some of theirs. In the event of lost or delayed luggage, all hope won’t be lost.
Unlock Smartphones:
There are a few travel tips that everyone should know. This is one of them: service providers typically unlock smartphones upon purchase, but not all. Always make sure a mobile device is unlocked. To use a device outside of Wi-Fi networks overseas, a local SIM card is needed. International SIM cards only work in unlocked phones.
Know Passport Expiry Dates:
This is important for long-term travelers. Know passport expiry dates. Don’t waste time looking for an embassy. Avoid losing money on fees that could’ve been put to better use. Get this done at home.
Double-Check Before Leaving:
Do a final check: between the sheets, in drawers, beneath beds—anywhere valuable belongings can be forgotten. Make a habit of this.
Know How to Find Free Wi-Fi:
Rule of thumb: International fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and hotels typically have free Wi-Fi. When in a predicament, these are good starting points.
Being well-prepared for travel helps reduce the chances of difficult circumstances. Use these travel planning tips from FlightHub and JustFly as a foundation for short and long-term trips.
This article was syndicated from: https://www.justfly.com/blog
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: FlightHub and JustFly on Travel Planning
