Climbing/horseplay on railings– Although this should be a no-brainer, we occasionally hear accounts of passengers sitting on the ship’s railings or climbing over balcony partitions.
Stiffing the crew– While most cruise lines automatically charge a daily gratuity or service surcharge to your stateroom, you can have them removed by going to guest services. However, just because you are allowed to have them taken off doesn’t mean that you should. You wouldn’t go to a restaurant without tipping and you shouldn’t go on a cruise without tipping.
Getting too drunk– No one enjoys having an obnoxious drunk by them on the lido deck or at their dinner table
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Getting left behind in port– When the captain says that the ship is leaving port at 5:00, he means it. He isn’t going to wait around for those that lost track of time. If you get left behind in port, you are responsible for your own transportation to the next port or back home. The costs can be several thousand dollars each and will be even more complicated if you are traveling without a passport. Our advice? Plan on arriving back near the ship 1 1/2 to 2 hours before you are scheduled to leave. This not only gives you some time to shop in the port area, but also gives you plenty of leeway if you run into traffic or your taxi or bus has a breakdown on the way back.
Going by port time instead of ship time– Going by port time instead of ship time is a great way to miss your ship. Also, never trust the time on your cell phone. Bring a watch and if you don’t have one, pick up a cheap $10 watch and you will never have to worry about getting port/ship times mixed up.
Eating only at the buffet– While newer ships like Regal Princess have great buffets, the best food on a cruise is almost always in the main dining room. By eating only at the buffet, you miss out on the great food and service that is offered in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
Line cutting– We all hate waiting in lines while on vacation, but its part of life.
Booking late flights on embarkation day– Booking late flights on embarkation day is a great way to miss your cruise. While it is not always possible for everyone to fly in the day before due to work commitments, you should always plan on arriving the day before if you are able to.
Booking early flights on disembarkation day– Cruise lines recommend not booking flights before noon on disembarkation day. Just because your arrival time says 7:00 a.m., there is almost no chance of catching an 8:30 flight. There have been times I walked right through customs, and other times it took over an hour to get through the line.
Leaving balcony doors open– Leaving your balcony door propped open will create a wind tunnel when your stateroom door is opened. It’s a great way to get your fingers smashed in the door when it slams shut on you.
Leaving your curtains open when pulling into port– More often than not, you will be docked directly across the pier from another cruise ship. Those on the ship next to you will be able to see into your cabin if your curtains are open.
Forgetting to turn data roaming off– Before stepping foot on the ship, you should go to the settings on your phone. Also make sure that data roaming is turned off. This will keep your cell phone from racking up huge charges and using data even when it is in your pocket. Putting your phone in airplane mode will also keep you from racking up additional charges.
Piling into elevators without letting other passengers out first– This is about having respect for your fellow passengers.
Treating the crew like 2nd class citizens– We all have bad days, but how many you would have if you worked 7 days a week and were away from your family for 6-9 months at a time? Kind words to the crew will go a long way, treat them with the same respect that you give to your spouse.
Cruising without travel insurance– Cruising without travel insurance is like playing with fire. There are a wide range of policies offered that include coverage for medical (your medical insurance most likely won’t cover you out of the country), travel delays and interruptions, and cancellations.
Lying on your medical form– Before you board your cruise, you have to fill out a medical form where you check boxes of certain symptoms that you have had over the past 48-72 hours. Lying on this form is a great way of spreading an illness to other passengers. Lying on your form is one of the biggest mistakes you can make on a cruise.
Use a travel agent- Not to mention price and service, but if something goes wrong, you need an advocate.
Pack a USB/power strip, but NOT a surge protector. Look for hidden outlets, like behind the TV for extra outlets. ALSO: look for USB ports to use for charging phones and such.
Ziplock baggies: take a few lunch sized ones/quart/freezer as they are great to have in case of rain, sandy beaches, etc., for your phone, ipod, etc. Also good to use for ice for sore joints.
Use old pill containers/weekly pill sorter for smaller Jewelry items and thread one side of your necklace thru a straw so it doesn’t tangle.
Pack undies, socks, etc. into shoes to save space. Two words:Wrinkle Spray. It’s a life saver.
Place your belt in collar of dress shirts if you don’t roll them, fold so collar stands up and belt will help keep its shape.
Roll clothes to pack. Makes it easier to fit more. Also, think about packing some rolls in gallon sized bags for use later for wet clothes, dirty shoes, etc.
Put a dryer sheet in suitcase. Keeps your clothes and stuff smelling good and helps in case of moisture.
Duct tape: just pack it. You can use it for childproofing, for sealing bags that have ripped, and for putting back together suitcases that suffer from post-travel damage.
Pack anything that could leak in Ziplock bags when packing.
Carry a portable USB charger, such as “Jockery”, so your camera or phone doesn’t die half way thru your day.
Take a portable travel clock as rooms do not have clocks or radios.
Take magnetic (heavy duty) hooks for bathing suits and such, or commando hooks (extra strong). Can also bring clothes pins to hang wet items in the shower. Most showers have a small string with a hook opposite to pull the string across to hang stuff.
Take some magnets to put notes, schedules, appts, etc. on the walls or on your door for others. A good idea is to bring a familiar magnetic sign or name plaque or something to put on your door. It helps you to find it quickly. A small magnetic dry erase board is good too!
Bring a small bottle (or 2) of flavor dropsMio Water Enhancementto add flavor to water instead of paying for sodas. Can also bring your own to-go cup, coffee mug, or water bottle and fill it at the drink stations (using a glass) with ice/water for the day.
Take a hanging shoe rack for stuff and hang it over your bathroom door. Use it for all those little things like sunglasses, id’s for while you sleep, sunscreen, headbands, hats, etc. But with cruise lines instituting more stringent policies on what passengers are and aren’t allowed to hang on doors, and with newer ships offering more storage space than ever, we question whether it makes sense to pack a bulky organizer when you can simply use the drawers and cupboards already provided.
Bring some post-its to leave notes for your travel buddies or cruise staff. Take photos of your luggage before you drop it off with the stevedores. Makes it easier to find when you disembark and there are hundreds or even just a few others like yours.
Put your wine in your shoes to help protect it. Best if you have it in a bag too, just in case.
Put a business card in your luggage tag or just inside in case something happens to the other tags.
Bring your own lanyard, with an ID pouch, or with a hole punch to punch a hole in your room card **do not put hole near the strip on back, put it in the opposite corners. Many cruise lines are now putting in the hole for you!!
If you bring a bottle of wine onboard, be sure to bring your own opener so you can drink it in your room.
If traveling light, bring a few laundry pods to do laundry.
Bring hi-liters of differing colors to mark each person’s activities for the day.
Bring battery operated tea lites for night lights, esp for inside rooms.
Leave an open suitcase under the bed for dirty laundry. Makes it easier to pack when you are ready to leave!
Go to the shop talks on the ship and sit near the front to catch free stuff!
Check the Bible in your room, others in the know leave unused drink cards, or other items someone may want.
Need cash on board or for next port? Instead of waiting in line at the main desk, go to the casino, sit at a slot machine, insert your room card into machine and deposit the amount of money you want. Once it is loaded “cash out” and go to the counter for the money.
If you need more hangers in your room, ask the room steward. They can usually get some or carry some wire ones with you as they can be reshaped if needed.
Room stewards will also get extra pillows, blankets, etc. if needed.
Can get the full week (cruise) menu from the main desk if you want to plan ahead. Also, if you want to eat in the specialty restaurants and save money, go the first night, or if in a port all day, that night. Or go for lunch, may be cheaper.
Spa offerings are cheaper the first day and port days.
Get there before noon and plan to eat on the ship. It is nicer to eat in the dining room than up on the pool deck as that is where everyone is going and it gets very confusing and crowded. Rooms are usually not open until around 1pm.
All ships have to do an abandon ship drill so go to your room and find out your muster station. Ask a crew member if the lifejacket will be required. It is not required as often anymore. Then find your station about 15 minutes before and hang out nearby until just before it starts. Especially if you don’t want to walk up stairs.
If you wish to swim as soon as you get onboard, pack your suit in carryon or wear it under your clothes. No towels needed, they are provided onboard.
Do not purchase items on the ship unless it is something you just have to have. Ships have recommended stores, which are great for high cost items, but for souveniers and such, go to the out of the way stores, if you have time. Most Caribbean countries will haggle with you so don’t pay first price at any store unless it says that prices are fixed.
If you see a “captain’s toast” listed as an activity, do not miss it! This means there is a server with a tray of champagne or wine.
Download any apps the cruise line offers. It usually means you can have access to all of the best activities at your fingertips.
Make a free cafe mocha by adding half a hot chocolate mix to your american coffee at the buffet line.
Some ships require a card in a slot for lights in the room. Use a business card instead of your room card.
Consider tipping your head stewards (both table and room) in advance and you will get better service.
Cruise Ship TRAVEL TIPS Here’s what you need to know before you board your cruise:
Research your destinations at travel.state.gov/destination.
Always bring your passport in case of an emergency, even if your cruise says you won’t need it.
Make sure you have the right foreign visas for all of your stops, even if you do not plan to disembark.
Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to get important travel and safety updates.
Get insurance coverage for medical, emergency evacuation, and other unexpected expenses while abroad.
Check with your doctor to see if you should travel. If you take any prescription/OTC medications, get written prescriptions and bring extra medication in case of delays.
Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. Check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. For more information, go to travel.state.gov/destination.
Follow local laws and customs. If you break the law, you will be subject to the justice system of the host country.
Be sure to write down the phone numbers of the U.S. embassy or consulate in every country you plan to dock in, even if you don’t plan to disembark. For more information, visit our page at travel.state.gov/cruise. TravelGov @TravelGov @TravelGov
Before traveling, look up your destination at travel.state.gov/destination and write the address/phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say ‘travel’ – Vacation? Meeting new people? Or maybe, Instagrammable sunsets? While traveling can be exciting and exhilarating, it’s so much more than sipping margaritas on a sun-soaked beach.
It’s no news that travel is good for your physical wellbeing, but a significant amount of scientific research suggests that exploring a new place can do wonders for your mental and emotional health as well.
Here are five evidence-backed ways traveling makes your mind happy and healthy:
1. It’s a great stress buster. “The stress of work and daily demands can distract us from what we find to be actually meaningful and interesting,” says Dr. Tamara McClintock Greenberg, a San Francisco-based clinical psychologist and author of Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness. Thus, taking a break from the daily hustle and bustle is essential for your mind to relax, recharge and rejuvenate.
And what better way to do so than to pack your bags and cross wanderlust-worthy destinations off your bucket list? Traveling promotes happiness and helps you take your mind off stressful situations. This leads to lower cortisol levels, making you feel more calm and content. “It also helps us reflect on our personal goals and interests,” adds Greenberg. According to a 2013 study, more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. “Even though I’m always busy when I travel, whether it’s sightseeing, taking photos or just exploring a destination on foot, I know I’m the calmest and most relaxed when I travel,” says Jacintha Verdegaal, an avid traveler and founder of travel and lifestyle blog,
Moreover, the valuable lessons that you learn along the way broaden your perspective, making you more aware and open to new things. “I love traveling to places with different cultures because it forces you to think about your own,” says Verdegaal. “Different is not better or worse, it’s just different. But being confronted with these differences helps me to re-evaluate my own principles and values and, sometimes, change them,” adds the professional globetrotter.
Exploring new places can also give you a fresh start if you’re recovering from a major transition in your life. “When I had Lyme disease, for several years, my world shrunk. I lost friends who didn’t know how to deal with a sick friend. I was quite alone and lost a lot of my self-confidence,” says Wilson, who began to travel “out of fear of relapsing.” “By traveling and interacting with the world around me, I found a new passion for life. I convinced myself to travel even when I wasn’t feeling well. It has brought me happiness, given me a purpose, and has made me a strong, independent woman,” she explains.
3. It boosts happiness and satisfaction. Apart from the obvious fact that you don’t have to go to work (and can legit eat pizza for breakfast), traveling gives you the opportunity to step away from the daily grind. The new events and experiences help rewire your brain, hence boosting your mood and self-confidence. “I think people, in general, are not meant to be tied down to just one place their entire lives. I especially feel “trapped” when I have to stay in the same place for too much time, without being able to really move about and explore,” says travel aficionado and co-founder of The Passport Memorandum, Marta Estevez. “My life feels most fulfilling when I’m outside, living through new experiences and learning,” adds the travel expert who has been to more than ten countries.
“Travel definitely makes me happy,” agrees Wilson. “Even the act of planning a trip gives me something to look forward to and brings me happiness,” says Wilson. Turns out, she’s not the only one who feels that way. According to a Cornell University study, the anticipation of a trip can increase your happiness substantially, even more than the anticipation of acquiring something tangible, like a new car.
4. It makes you mentally resilient. Going and living somewhere where you feel excited and intimidated at the same time can help you toughen up mentally and emotionally. “When I was younger, I couldn’t see myself traveling the world on my own. But now, I travel by myself most of the time. And I love it! It’s never as scary or dangerous as you make it in your head,” says Verdegaal of Urban Pixxels.
Also, facing difficulties in an unfamiliar environment, among new people, forces you to learn and adapt to a life that’s out of your comfort zone. This makes you more flexible, patient and emotionally strong. “Travel has taught me patience, to surrender control to the uncontrollable, and effectively problem solve,” says Wilson who describes herself as a “naturally anxious and impatient person.”
It can also help you deal with “larger issues in life with more grace and patience,” adds the travel expert. “One of the worst experiences I had, early on in my travel life, was being mugged of loads of cash and my passport just a day before I was due to fly home. It taught me to accept situations like this more calmly and to attach less emotion to belongings. Now, I can get over similar stressful situations very quickly, without having the issue get me down for long,” tells Allan Hinton, a London-based photographer who quit his job to become a full-time traveler.
Similarly, when travel blogger Marta Estevez injured her ankle during the famous Loi Krathong festival (Lantern festival) in Thailand, “the roads were partially closed off that night and the streets were filled with hundreds upon hundreds of people that made it incredibly difficult for us to move,” she explains. “I had to learn to accept the situation and adapt our travels accordingly, without breaking down. I’m not sure I would’ve had the same composure a few years ago in this situation.” Bottom line is, the more challenges you’re faced with, the better you’ll get at overcoming them, eventually becoming more resilient, mentally and emotionally.
5. It enhances creativity. According to Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School, visiting a foreign place and immersing yourself in their local environment (for instance, attending a ‘snake boat’ race in southern India or feasting on crispy tarantulas in Cambodia), increases your cognitive flexibility. It also enhances “depth and integrativeness of thought,” consequently giving a boost to your creativity. Galinsky is the author of multiple studies that look into the connection between creativity and international travel. Although, it’s important to note that traveling stimulates creativity only when you engage with the local culture of that place. Merely visiting a new city or a country isn’t going to cut it.
Additionally, extended traveling also improves your productivity, problem-solving skills and can even increase your chances of getting promoted at work!
However, “it’s important to remember that vacation can be very stressful for some,” notes Greenberg. If that’s the case with you, try taking “short, structured vacations in order to get used to the experience of having time off,” she suggests. Also, plan your trip properly, in advance, to avoid last-minute panic and chaos.
Lastly, how can you reap the benefits after returning from the trip?
“As a clinician, I encourage people to hold on to aspects of a travel experience or vacation that was pleasurable,” says Greenberg. For example, “if you liked the food in Paris, learn how to cook French food in order to re-create some of the feelings you had while you were on vacation,” she explains. “Another behavioral intervention is to remember peaceful moments you had on vacation and try to remember what was different from your present life. Maybe you took the time to eat breakfast, maybe you exercised. Those things are crucial reminders of what we should do every day,” adds the clinical psychologist.
Now that you’ve finished reading about all the wonderful things travel does to your brain, it’s time to pack your bags and get going!
There are quite a few ways to book a cruise vacation. You can book directly through the cruise line, you can book through a third party website like Expedia, or you can book through a travel agent. A travel agent doesn’t charge for booking your cruise. They earn a commission by the cruise line.
Here are seven things you should know about your travel agent.
1. Respect his time
If you call a travel agent, be kind enough to give him your business. Most likely, your travel agent has sailed on the ship you are considering going on, and if not that specific ship, most likely the cruise line. A travel agent will spend a large amount of time trying to identify what cruise is best for you, so respect his time and knowledge.
2. Don’t expect miracles
Your travel agent can do lots of things to make your vacation great, but don’t expect miracles! If you choose to book at the last minute to save a few bucks, don’t expect your travel agent to get you the “perfect cabin”. You know the one, not too close to the elevator but not too far away from the main dining room! Trust me. The so called “perfect cabin” was sold a year ago! Your travel agent will do everything he can so he earns your repeat business (and word of mouth referrals), but he isn’t a superhero!
3) Share your expectations and needs
Tell your travel agent all the “variables” up front. Do you want early dining? Do you want to take shore excursions? Is the ship “family friendly?” Do you want a true double cabin, or are you okay with a pull down bed in your cabin? Your travel agent needs to know all the details upfront so that he can craft a great cruise vacation for you.
4) Need a room?
Ask for recommendations from your travel agent about pre- and post-cruise lodging and things to do in port before and after your cruise. If you are flying to your cruise, be sure to fly in the day before! If you fly in the day of, lots of things can go wrong. Your travel agent will let you know the best hotel for your pre-cruise stay and what attractions are in the area.
5) Travel insurance – don’t leave home without it
Unforeseen problems happen all the time! Someone in the family gets sick at the last minute. Your luggage is lost. You misplace your passport. Your plane arrives late and you miss the cruise. You name it, anything can and will happen.Travel insurancecosts pennies on the dollar and it gives you peace of mind. Ask your travel agent which travel insurance is best for your vacation.
6) Super Secret Tips
Your travel agent will have lots of tips that those online travel websites won’t tell you. When is the best time to board? Can I bring bottled water? What is the tipping policy? What special events are on the ship that I can’t miss? What are the best shore excursions? Those are just a few tips that your travel agent can share with you to put you heads and shoulders above your fellow cruisers!
7) Tell your friends about me
If your travel agent gave you a great vacation, tell your friends on Facebook, at church, and at work that they are awesome. Travel agents work hard everyday and they are able to continue serving cruisers by word of mouth referrals. Be a supporter of a small business by giving them his name, phone number and website. Be sure to let your travel agent know you are referring people to him. Chances are he will hook you up with something nice in your cabin on your next cruise for all the business you have given him.
Everyone keeps saying how important it is to travel. So what’s all this fuss about?
The benefits of traveling are not just a one-time thing: traveling changes you physically and psychologically. Having little time or money isn’t a valid excuse.You can fly for cheap . If you have a full-time job and a family, you can still travel on the weekends or holidays, even with a baby.
Here are some of the main benefits of traveling. And I’m sure that once you get started, you’ll find some more yourself!
1. Traveling Improves Your Health
From cutting down on stress, to lowering your chances of developing a heart disease, the health benefits of traveling are huge. You may stay sitting on a chair all day long at the workplace: including some walking to your trip is sure to make your body feel better. For some people, wandering abroad is even a cure for depression and anxiety. Of course, it’s not a foolproof cure, but it might help you feel better, both physically and psychologically.
Traveling more is likely to have a tremendous impact on your mental well-being, especially if you’re no used to going out of your comfort zone. Trust me: travel more and your doctor will be happy. Be sure to get in touch with your physician, they might recommend some medication to accompany you in your travels, especially if you’re heading to regions of the globe with potentially dangerous diseases.
2. Traveling Disconnects You From Your Daily Life
This is extremely related to my previous point. We tend to be so caught up in our daily lives that sometimes by simply sticking around we may cause more harm than good. Your boss is taking over your life? Kids are driving you mad? Your parents are trying to make you live the life they want? How long do you think you can handle this pressure before you burst and everything falls apart?
Sometimes it is best to take a step back, take a deep breath and take go that Tower Bridge selfie. In all seriousness, travel is not a bad option – it is the most natural way of inducing the feeling you miss someone or that you are missed. The trick is to leave with a bit of preparation to avoid making a mistake during your journey. Plus, if you’re flying, you better start thinking about booking your tickets sooner than later.
3. Traveling Makes You Smarter
Get used to picking up new words in a different language every time you travel and you will see improvements in your brain capacities, as Dan Roitman wrote in the Huffington Post. If only this, start getting familiar with travel jargon.
Even more than “just” languages, traveling helps you learn about yourself. You might run into challenging situations where you need to be resourceful and think differently. I’m sure that you will develop a new set of skills that you didn’t suspect you had within you.
4. Traveling Improves Your Understanding Of Other Cultures
Being more understanding and tolerant about a culture different than ours is part of being smarter, but I consider it as a benefits of traveling in itself. There is a quote by Saint Augustine, which goes “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page”. You could think of it this way: if you read what’s in the news or watch the news on TV and don’t question it, you’re missing on a ton of information. You might think that it makes you smarter and more aware of the world, but it’s the exact opposite: it narrows your mind to a unique and biased perspective.
Sure, you probably feel comfortable where you are, but that is just a fraction of the world! If you are a student, take advantage of programs such as Erasmus to get to know more people, experience and understand their culture. Dare traveling to regions you have a skeptical opinion about. I bet that you will change your mind and realize that everything is not so bad abroad.
5. Traveling Makes You More Interesting
I have no doubt that you’re quite the conversationalist. That being said, including a few stories from abroad is likely to grant you even more attention. Mentioning something that most people aren’t familiar with or bring a new perspective is always a good way to shine in a social situation.
Who do you think people want to listen to: the guy who spent his vacations at home doing some gardening and reading the newspaper, or the one who spent a week in Cuba, driving an old American car, swimming with dolphins and tasting deliciously spicy food? I know which story I want to hear about…
6. Traveling Allows You To Try Amazing Food
Speaking of food, I bet you’re one hell of a chef and your home meals are delicious. But there is no such thing as trying a typical local dish from another country. Don’t trick yourself into going to the Sushi shop next door: you don’t know what sushi tastes like until you’ve been to Japan.
Eating local food in a new country is an entirely new experience. All the flavors are different. Here me out: I’m French and I love our local recipes. You do to. But let’s not kid ourselves: some change would be more than welcome in our daily diet. If only because we’re naturally curious.Some food bloggers travel thousands of kilometers for a specific dish! The least you can do is travel to the next region and try something new.
7. Traveling Makes You Feel Like An Adventurer
Despite the fact that the world has never been as well connected as today, there are still places that are little known to the average tourist. Setting up a list of places you want to visit is extremely motivating. You have something tangible to go after.
The benefit of traveling to a new place is that it forces you to face the unknown and think differently. You don’t need to go spend a month in the jungle! If you live in a large city, just going on a hike over the weekend will make you feel different. Adventures require novelty, so get out of your comfort zone. It might be scary, but in retrospect, you’ll see it as the best decision you ever made!
8. Traveling Expands Your (Real) Social Network
Believe it or not, social networks was once like a real thing – in real life. Crazy, I know. Establishing connections and building a network abroad is one of the smartest things you can do in today’s world. It is sometimes hard to build long-lasting relationship with the people you meet abroad, but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth meeting new people!
9. Traveling Creates Lifetime Memories
My grandfather was an amazing story-teller and he used to tell me stories of the trips he made when he was younger. One of my favorites is how he tried eating with chopsticks in China for the first time. He regretted not traveling more as a young man. Years later, he still remembered everything in details: because traveling made a real impression on him. And it probably will on you too.
No matter how insignificant it may seem, the fact that you’ve had an experience abroad, something that was out of the ordinary, creates a memory that you will remember for a long time.
10. Traveling Makes You Love Your Home Even More
“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back”. You will truly understand the meaning of those words by Wendy Wunder, only upon your return home. On the one hand, it would seem that you’re back where you started, same setting, same people, same problems. Yet you’re not the same – you’re new, full of new knowledge and ideas!
I know that I was getting bored after living my whole life in the same place. I needed to get out, I need a change of scene. I was focusing only the negative: how there isn’t much to do around, how you always meet the same people, how nothing changes. Now, when I come home, I’m glad about all of this and I see only the positive.
Final Words On the Benefits of Traveling
Traveling Doesn’t Make You Feel (As) Bad For Spending Money
There is (yet) another one by Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Cliché as this may sound, the money you spend on travel, is an investment in yourself.
The flying traveller Sculpture at Vancouver airport
Travel is full of major decisions — like which country to visit, how much to spend, and when to stop waiting and finally make that all-important airfare purchase. But beyond the big picture, it’s the little things that can make a trip easier and less stressful. Following are 10 simple but clever tips to smooth the way on your next vacation.
1. Park with your car nose out.
In the rush to catch the parking lot bus, it’s easy to leave an interior light on; I’d guess that more travelers I know have had dead batteries at an airport than in any other situation.
If you return to your car to find a dead battery, broken windows due to thievery or any other potential problem, you’ll want your car to be parked nose out for easier access to the battery, or for an easier hook-up to a tow truck.
2. Leave time to get to economy lots.
As airports expand, they need more parking spaces; those spaces are ever more frequently found in parking lots that are off-airport in every respect but name.
You’ll also find that these lots are often significantly lower-priced than other lots. As a result, they’re the best place for economy-minded travelers, especially for longer trips where you’re racking up several days’ worth of parking fees. Also, these are the last lots to fill up; if you’re flying during peak travel periods, you may have no choice but to use these distant lots.
I’ve found that buses and monorails run regularly to these lots, but I invariably need up to 20 to 30 minutes more than I might in less remote parking lots. If you’re looking to save money, or are traveling over a major holiday weekend, leave extra time to get from the lot to the terminal.
3. Pack essentials in your carry-on.
Recent stats indicate that, on average, at least one bag on every flight is lost or delayed. If there’s anything you can’t live without, pack it in your carry-on. This is especially true of items that are not easily or inexpensively replaced, such as running shoes or a lightweight raincoat.
And you’ll get through airport security faster if you pack your carry-on more efficiently. For example, have your quart-size plastic bag with liquids and gels packed in an outside pouch or right near the top of your bag so that you can easily pull it out for screening.
4. Know your hotel information.
If a) your baggage is lost or delayed; b) you miss your connection and will be late checking in; or c) you are going to a destination you’ve never visited before, you’ll want to have complete contact information for your hotel on your person. Before you leave home, print out the hotel’s name, address and phone number, and program the latter into your cell phone. It’s also a good idea to print out a map of the hotel’s neighborhood, whether for your own use or to show to a confused cab driver.
5. Take old currency with you.
Exchanging foreign currency after you’ve returned home is a hassle, especially since almost no one spends any time in an actual bank these days. Why else do so many travelers have so much funny money lying around?
If you travel abroad with any frequency, and have any stray foreign currency laying around, take it with you the next time you cross international borders. Then, when you get some local currency, you can exchange the money from any other country at the same time.
6. Save your boarding pass.
Do you usually toss your boarding pass as soon as you step off the plane? You might want to reconsider. Your boarding pass can serve as proof of travel if your airline fails to give you the proper credit for frequent flier miles; this type of problem is particularly common if you’re flying on a codeshare partner of the airline in question. Your boarding pass can also be useful as a receipt for tax purposes, particularly if you’re self-employed.
7. Know when to use — and when to skip — the skycaps.
Skycap upside: You check-in at the curb, lose the bulky luggage and head straight to your gate.
Skycap downside: They don’t give you a seat assignment, and they cost a few bucks. (Don’t forget to tip; skycaps often aren’t paid a full wage and depend on tips to make their living.)
So when is it best to use the skycaps, and when can you skip them?
First off, if you’re running late, the skycaps could get you onto a plane you’d miss otherwise. If it’s really tight, there’s no guarantee that your bags will make it onto the plane, but I’ve seen some skycaps work near-miracles in this department.
I do it this way: I walk inside the terminal and take a look at both the length of the line for check-in, and the clock. If the line isn’t too long, and I have enough time, I head for the check-in; I get your seat assignments, can make any special requests, get credit for frequent flier miles, and can best address any problems with the flight such as delays or cancellations.
If the line is long and time is tight, I walk back out to the skycaps, tip them well and sprint for the gate. As I mention above, your bags may not move as quickly as you do, but the skycaps will make the effort.
One other scenario: you have plenty of time, but know that your flight is nearly full, and the line is long. Every minute you spend in line is another minute that the window and aisle seats are given away. If you check in with the skycap, then sprint to the gate for your seat assignment, you’ll often find that the line at the gate is much shorter than at check-in, and you’ll actually get your seat assignment more quickly.
8. Get your seat assignments ASAP.
As I mention above, every minute you pass without a seat assignment is another minute that your aisle or window seat is given to someone else. Your best bet is to check in online, which can typically be done up to 24 hours before your flight. But note that not all flights, airlines or classes of travel permit advance check-in (or seating assignments).
9. Mark your bags with an easily recognizable item.
The days of flower-pattern steamer trunks are long gone; now we all buy our bags at the same stores from the same manufacturers.
The result: an endless stream of nearly identical bags on the baggage carousel. The solution: mark your bags by tying a colorful ribbon, stitching a unique patch or putting a large sticker on your bags. You won’t see other passengers pulling your bags off the carousel to check for their tiny name tags, and you’ll be able to see your suitcases come out the door from miles away.
10. Remember your flight number.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but knowing your flight number can make your life easier in small or foreign airports that do not list the full names of destination airports, or list by flight number alone.
Passport? Check. Toothbrush? Check. Sunscreen? Doh! For peace of mind that you’ve got the essentials covered, download our holiday packing list.
How to pack clothes:
2. Avoid stains
Ever packed light clothes and found a stain on them when you arrived? Never have this problem again. Firstly you should always make sure your light coloured clothes are packed inside out, and secondly, hold on to hotel disposable shower caps and use them to cover the base of your shoes.
3. Roll and vacuum pack
Don’t arrive at your holiday destination and be faced with a pile of ironing. To save space and stop creasing, roll your clothes instead of folding them, then place them in vacuum compression bags. To use these bags, put your clothes in, seal the bag, then squeeze the air out. This will leave you with lots more space in your suitcase and will prevent creases.
4. Cube your clothes
Another good packing solution is packing cubes – these help separate your items and find things more quickly once you get there.
5. Fill dead space
When it comes to packing, make use of every little inch of suitcase space that you can. Roll tops, underwear, socks and other small items and stuff them into your shoes to make sure every possible space is filled.
6. Stay fresh
It’s important to keep your clothes smelling fresh, especially if you’re on a long trip. By taking a small bag of potpourri, fabric conditioner sheets or scented drawer liners, you’ll keep your clothes smelling sweet throughout the trip.
How to pack gadgets:
7. Ziplock bags
How do you usually organise all of your electronics, cables, those fiddly bits that take you ages to dig out at security? Stuff them in like the rest of us? Well, if you want to organise your packing then get yourself a stash of ziplock bags. Phone charger, camera charger, adaptors, headphones – take extra plastic bags (the same ones you’d use for hand luggage liquids) and use them to store electrical items, things for the journey home (house keys, parking ticket and car keys), medication and other loose accessories. And if you do love a gadget, then you should check out our top travel accessories.
How to pack make-up:
8. Cotton wool
To prevent your pressed powder or eye shadow from cracking during your travels, place a flat cotton wool pad in between the pressed powder and the lid.
How to pack books:
9. Don’t
Whether it’s that steamy romance novel, thrilling sci-fi, or a dog-eared travel guide, download it before your trip. Even if at home you’re a paper-til-I-die sort, save the space and weight for your holiday. And don’t count on wi-fi to jump back into the story from your perfectly positioned beach chair. Make sure it’s on a water-resistent covered device (check out Otterbox for some serious protection for your cherished e-reader, phone or tablet).
How to keep valuables safe:
10. Empty bottles and tubes
To avoid the worst case scenario of being robbed, it’s best to be inconspicuous: don’t flash cash or expensive jewellery. If you’re worried about valuable stuff in your hotel room, hide it in an empty sun tan lotion container. You could also use empty lip balm containers to hide rolled up notes.
How to avoid extra baggage fees:
11. Weigh your luggage
Invest in some luggage scales and make sure you weigh your bags on both legs of the journey to see how close you are to reaching the weight limit. If you’re close to the limit, consider wearing some of the heavier items or cutting down on what you pack in the first place.
12. Buy a lightweight suitcase
Don’t assume that buying the most expensive designer suitcase will get you an upgrade – instead, it’s more likely to attract thieves at the airport and on your travels. It’s better to be inconspicuous and go for a lightweight option. If you’re using a hardshell suitcase, this can add up to four kilos of weight before you’ve even started packing, so expensive isn’t always best.
13. Know your limits
Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline. Make sure you’re aware of your limits before you reach the airport. Some carriers will allow you to check in two bags, but not all, and the weight allowance can vary (see point 12). Make sure you understand the hand luggage allowance and avoid costly charges at the gate. You might also want to read our hand luggage guide.
How not to lose your luggage:
14. Spruce up your suitcase
Don’t be faced with an airport baggage carousel crisis where you’re searching for your luggage amidst its identical neighbours. Label your suitcase with luggage tags and give it a bit of a makeover to help spot it in the crowd. Decorate it with ribbons, stickers or even colourful shoelaces so it’s instantly recognisable.
How to cope with lost luggage:
15. Pack good hand luggage
No matter how well we decorate our suitcase, sometimes the unthinkable happens. Sometimes bags go missing. Make sure all your valuables are in your hand luggage and always pack a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage too, just in case the worst happens and your checked bag is lost/delayed. That way you won’t have to rush to the shops as soon as you arrive to buy replacement clothing. But before you go shoving everything in your hand luggage, you might be surprised by some of these unusual items not allowed in your cabin bag.
Everyone looks forward to a nice, relaxing vacation. It’s understandable to feel stressed out thinking about planning a trip. Travel agents help many people create the perfect vacation. In this post, you will learn five benefits of hiring a travel agent.
1. Not Having to Spend Time Planning a Vacation
The internet has helped to make certain aspects of planning a vacation easier. You will still find that there are many aspects that go into trip planning. You will need to find information about which locations are interesting. Booking a hotel online is enough to make any traveler want to stop the whole process. You’ll need to determine which method of travel works best for you. A travel agent takes care of all planning aspects of a vacation.
2. Professional Planning Around What you Want
Travel agents have immense knowledge of the most popular destinations in the world. You only need to provide details of what you look for in a vacation. For example, people interested in exploring the outdoors will have assistance finding outdoor destinations. Not everyone is sure of what they want from a vacation. A travel agent can meet with you to discuss what you want to experience during your vacation. Couples may have differing needs in what they want when vacationing. A travel agent works to find a vacation that provides everyone with a perfect trip.
3. Continued Help During Trip
Frequent travelers know that not all aspects of a trip will go as planned. Unfortunately, flights and bookings can end up needing to change. A travel agent will be aware of any weather hampering travel. Your agent will help to find alternate plans in case of an emergency. A travel agent is like having a safety net for the entire duration of your trip.
4. Insider Knowledge of Many Locations
It’s common for someone to visit a travel agent because they don’t know where to go. Travel agents can provide information about unknown locations that may be perfect for you to visit. These professionals will have experience in sending people to different locations. They will continue to get information about what their clients enjoyed. Your busy life likely doesn’t leave time for researching travel locations and attractions. Many people have agents help book their vacations for the immense time and cost savings.
5. Great for Cost Savings
A travel agent will have access to vacation deals that might not otherwise be available. You never want to take a vacation and later found out you could have gotten it much cheaper. A travel agent can help find vacation packages and deals to work with any budget. The only thing better than a vacation is saving money at the same time. A travel agent service can easily pay for itself when considering the deals they can find.
In closing, there are several benefits to working with travel agents. These agents will plan an entire trip around your preferences. Many people continue to work with agents for the massive cost and time savings they provide.
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