2018 is here ~ Happy New Year! What is your New Year’s Resolution? Join a gym? Lose weight? Or better yet ~ save money for an amazing vacation for 2019? Saving money might be the easiest one. Putting a minimum of $100 a paycheck into an evelope is like dropping your loose change into a jar. It grows quickly and soon you’re off traveling somewhere fun! Easier than sticking to the gym routine, that’s for sure.
Good news! You already booked your 2018 vacation. Awesome ~ let’s talk about some Travel Tips you can use while planning, packing and traveling on your well deserved vacation.
Planning:
1 ~ Make a list. Or several if you are like me. What do you want to do or see on your trip? What will you need to take with you? Lists are my number one friends.
2 ~ If you are traveling to a foreign land where English is a secondary language, learn a few common phrases in the local language. Please, thank you and where is the bathroom are always good ones.
3 ~ This should be #1. Always buy travel insurance. You are protected enroute to your destination should you encounter delays. And in the case of an unforseen medical emergency you have help. Getting hurt or sick can wipe you out. Be prepared!
4 ~ Contact your bank and credit card companies a few days before your depart. They will document that you are traveling and won’t lock your accounts. This will help you avoid embarassing situations if you don’t have loads of cash when your credit card is declined.
5 ~ Let someone you trust at home know your travel plans. Give them your itinerary and photo copies of your passport and travel documents. A nice backup if needed.
6 ~ Pre-plan your outfits. Mix and match tops and bottoms and take only a couple pairs of generic colored shoes. Remember to pack light because you will schlep less.
7 ~ Put your hotel phone number and address in your phone. This will help you in case you get lost.
Packing:
1 ~ Always pack travel sizes of your personal items – deoderant, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hair styling products, lotion, eye glass cleaner. If you are taking a cruise or staying at a resort, unless you are really picky, you can leave shower products home as they will be provided.
2 ~ A first aid or emergency kit is a good idea – small sizes of aspirin or ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, bandages, ointment, nail clippers or file, lip balm.
3 ~ Split up your cash and credit cards. While these need to be on your person or in your carry-on, different pockets or locations are a must. Once at your destination, put extra in a locked safe, too.
4 ~ Separate your personal items between your suitcase and carry-on. Remember only 4 oz or smaller in the carry-on. A small bottle of lotion, toothbrush and an extra pair of undies are a good idea…just in case.
5 ~ Your carry-on should also contain any electronics and charging cables, medications, travel documents, passports and visas, glasses, cameras, money, credit cards and jewelry. Never pack any of these items in checked luggage.
6 ~ Photo copies of your passports and travel documents should also be placed in a hidden spot in your carry-on. Just in case you misplace the originals you have an at-hand backup.
7 ~ Don’t forget to pack an extra camera battery or 2 and keep all of them charged and ready to use. This will help ensure you will not miss ‘the shot’.
8 ~ Think about a sarong or wrap that can be used as a beach cover up or shawl. An extra pair or 2 of quick dry undies could also come in handy.
Traveling:
1 ~ Be flexible. Plan for delays and don’t get upset if they happen. Have patience. You will be a lot less stressed.
2 ~ Stay hydrated on the airplane. This will help you get over jetlag faster.
3 ~ Inquire about the price of public transportation before you take it. You don’t want to be surprised with a high tab at the end of your ride.
4 ~ Ask the locals for recommendations. They live there and will know the good restaurants, coffee shops, sightseeing spots and hangouts. Got a food craving – ask a local.
5 ~ Be aware of public Wi-Fi. Just like at home, never log into bank accounts or any site that you will have to enter passwords. Most hotels will provide Wi-Fi, maybe for a charge, but it should be more secure, so use that instead.
6 ~ Take plenty of photos! Thank goodness for digital pictures that you can see and delete right away. Back in the day, we had to wait for our film to be developed to learn that we got only 1 or 2 good shots. Today you can take tons of pictures with no waiting. These will be your best souvenirs and make great memories!
7 ~ Keep an open mind. Respect the culture and customs of where you are visiting. Be a gracious visitor and you will feel welcomed.
8 ~ Be spontaneous. Don’t plan every minute of your day. Leave some time for ‘unplanned’ moments.
I hope you can find 1 or 2 useful tips to make your time away more precious. You work hard most of the year and certainly deserve to have a wonderful and memorable vacation. Enjoy your travels and make amazing memories you will have for the rest of your life. And don’t forget my Money Saving Tip! Having a Vacation Stash is AWESOME!!
Need some help deciding where to go next? Or what cruise to book? Infinity Travelaz is ready to help you confirm your next amazing travel experience.
The possibilities are endless!
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