While traveling is a very fun activity and causes high anticipation, there’s quite a bit of planning that goes into making vacations a reality.
Most people have to begin their travel plans several months out because poor planning can result in a miserable experience and cause unnecessary stress.
That would defeat the purpose of going on a vacation in the first place whether you’re traveling abroad or going on a quick weekend getaway.
The key to having the best and most memorable vacation is found in the planning process.
This is true for everything in life…
The more prepared you are, the better the results, it’s just that simple.
Today you’re going to learn the Top 10 Best Travel Tips that will help you to plan a better vacation.
Let’s jump right in…
TIP 1: Reach Out To Tourist Information Centers
It’s a great idea to arm yourself with lots of information regarding your destination of choice.
Write to obtain information from a variety of sources like the tourism boards, local chamber of commerce, and tourist information centers.
They all offer and share information gladly with would-be travelers.
Best of all, it costs you only the time and maybe the phone call or postage required on a self-addressed stamped envelope, to access this treasure trove of information.
In today’s high-tech world the information can most likely be found online, right at your fingertips, readily accessible, and without any associated costs.
Knowledge is power! It can save you money.
Avoid being taken advantage of, exploited, or extorted by excessive prices and/or misrepresentation by arming yourself with the facts!
Ensuring that you are familiar with as much background and localized, relevant, up-to-date travel, and general information, will better prepare you for the details of your trip, assist in planning your event schedule more effectively, and being a smart and informed tourist never hurt anyone!
On the contrary, you will maximize your trip, from departure to your safe return.
TIP 2: Consult Travel Guides
Travel resources and destination guides are a great help and a good place to start gathering topical, destination, and relevant information.
Consult many of them and check often for new and helpful resources in print and online that contain destination-like travel information.
You can save money if you are an AAA member and take advantage of their free travel guides.
Avoid costly mistakes and unanticipated costs, for hotels for example, by knowing what is happening in the area at the time you are planning to take your trip.
Are there any conventions, major sports events or concerts, tradeshows, and other happenings in and around where you plan to travel to?
Might any of these factors influence cost and availability?
Ensure the informational detail provided is reliable and current.
Be smart, check, and verify the information provided to ensure that it is up-to-date and accurate.
TIP 3: Research Your Travel Destinations
Be informed and show local interest. Read and do research about your destination, location, and surrounding areas.
Hidden treasures are found this way! Watching travel previews and other multimedia sources can be a good way to prepare for your trip.
If possible, talk to others who have been there and ask them about places to stay and things to see.
TIP 4: Preplan For Animal Care
Remember to budget some additional funds for taking care of those dear ones who cannot do so for themselves.
We are referring to your family pets.
Special arrangements for pets should be made prior to any trip and well in advance.
This applies, whether pets are being cared for at home by a neighbor, family member, or friend, placed in a kennel, or accompanying you on your trip.
Save money by checking your options at your destination.
Some rental vacation homes, apartments, hotels, and resorts are pet-friendly and encourage owners to bring them along.
Avoid unnecessary costs of boarding.
Make it a rule of thumb, however, to verify any details pertaining to animals, prior to departure.
Be smart and get all vet visits, guidelines, travel documents, and other paperwork that applies, done way in advance.
If you do not have any pets, looking after your domicile and belongings should be left to a trusted and responsible party you trust.
TIP 5: Control Your Spending While Traveling
Being practical goes a long way to save you money and unnecessary, self-inflicted ‘pain’ away from home!
Be sure to pack some common sense too.
Save money by not giving in to impulse shopping, especially on those so-called must-have items! Your bank account will thank you.
TIP 6:Assemble A Personal Travel Strategy File
In preparation for making your travel dreams come true, assembling a personal travel file is a great idea.
Include the exotic and far-away lands you are considering, as well as your local visitor’s attractions and destinations in and around where you live, for those shorter trips.
This will assist you in realizing your travel goals and dreams you worked so hard on putting together and are ready for execution!
TIP 7: Keep Important Travel Documents Safe
Travel documents should always be kept safe and taking a photocopy packed somewhere is prudent and smart.
It will help you to prove your citizenship anywhere, anytime, protecting your personal interest.
If it should ever be stolen, contact and share that information with the authorities, embassy, and police right away.
The last thing you want to happen is to be stuck in a different country where you don’t have citizenship because you lost your passport or some other important travel document.
TIP 8: Confirm In Advance That Your Destination Provides Physical Activities
There are many options for the health and price-conscious traveler amongst us.
Physical activities such as biking and walking tours are unique options for the adventurous and active types looking for something a little different and or off the beaten path.
A good investment in your health, fitness, and well-being as well as exploring the different corners of the world you have not seen or considered before might appeal to you too.
If you are the outdoors type, you must research to see if the destinations that you plan on traveling to offer those physical activities, because you don’t want to travel all that distance to be disappointed.
TIP 9: Confirm Required Travel Documents
Checking on all travel document requirements for various areas and countries as well as special documentation requirements, entry fees, duties, and taxes, need to be considered, planned, and budgeted for.
Contacting embassies and getting information on visas and any and all other applicable fees are crucial to minimizing the impact on your pocketbook.
Not to mention the pain that you could experience during your travels to your planned destinations.
TIP 10: Carry Proof Of Purchase For Electronic Equipment
In a time when technology is such a big part of our lives, we barely give it a second thought.
It is however very wise to have handy proof of purchase or receipts for any high-tech equipment you might be transporting.
Shortlist your inventory of smartphones, cameras, radios, tablets, camcorders, laptop computers, etc., you are taking and keep them all in a file.
This could be your redeeming feature when clearing customs and them wanting to charge you duty on these.
It is useful to ensure minimum delay and no additional cost.
Do this even if the items were purchased before traveling.
Spending time on that process way in advance of your planned trip will ensure smooth sailing and savings down the road.
It is definitely worth the effort.
Holding on to receipts for newly purchased items will help you upon your return to consolidate spending and assess cost, as you wrap up your vacation expenditures, budget, and plan for the next trip!
You’ve just discovered the Top 10 Best Travel Tips that can help you plan a successful vacation…
This is by no means an exhaustive list of what’s needed to plan a successful vacation; however, it provides some solid fundamental tips to help get you started.
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