Whether you’re camping across the state or venturing for business, traveling is the perfect time to try foreign foods, experience new cultures, and see the rest of the world. For many people, traveling is an exciting adventure—but it can be a daunting one as well. Luckily, there are several things you can do prior to and during your trip to help things go as smoothly as possible.
Travel during slow seasons
Busier times for travel, such as long weekends or around the holidays, mean longer lines at the airport, higher demand for vacation homes or hotels, and higher prices for flights and other transportation. If you can avoid travel during holidays and weekends, you’ll spend less time waiting in lines and more time relaxing. However, if traveling during a busy time is unavoidable, make sure you have everything packed in advance and leave extra early.
Have access to important information
When embarking on either a domestic or international trip, print and carry a copy of your emergency contact’s number, your hotel’s address and number, and your personal identification documents. From touchdown to your final cab ride, make sure this information is with you at every step of the journey. Nothing is more stressful during travel than misplacing your passport, wallet, or cellphone. It’s also helpful to register with the local embassy and save their contact information when journeying outside of the country.
Add plenty of wiggle room in your budget
Although no one can foresee every misstep your trip might take, having some extra cash will help you handle any unexpected travel snafus. Creating a saving goal in the months prior to your trip is a great method for making sure you have some emergency cash. Start putting money aside by cutting your cable bill, looking into a loan refinancing solution, or by trying smaller money-saving fixes like saving leftover change and cutting out trips to the local coffee shop. Even these things can add up if you give yourself enough time!
Invest in travel insurance
Especially when traveling overseas or for an extended amount of time, travel insurance can provide ease of mind that you wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s not necessary for every person or trip, so use your judgment and do your research. Plans vary in coverage but can include everything from emergency transportation to reimbursement for canceled flights.
Give yourself extra time
Unfortunately, we all likely know the dread—and stress—that comes with barely missing a train or flight. Remember that feeling when creating your travel schedule, and make sure to add plenty of extra time in to get where you need to be (especially for air travel). Should any unexpected obstacles arise in your plan, you’ll be able to handle them without breaking a sweat. And more importantly, the extra time will give you flexibility for taking unplanned adventures and explorations as you vacation.
What tips do you have more making traveling easier?
