Travel Tips

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Your Budget Plan knows that travel can be a short local area day trip or a trip around the world.

Travel can also mean a simple car trip or multiple modes of transportation.

There can also be cheap accommodations in a tent or expensive accommodations in a hotel.

In other words, there are options and ways to address them.

The following is a list of TIPS to help cope with your travel plans.

No matter what, something is forgotten unless there is a list to follow so check this list out.

 

GENERAL

TOURIST SITES

  • one of the most important travel tips is to check out all important sites that you want to see for times being open, simply google the site for details. You wouldn't want to miss a site because it was closed.

See more tourist site tips….

  • you may wish to check out a city/town site to find out what times most of the town is open. Many small towns close all shops rather early, leaving tourists with very little choice for evening entertainment.
  • some countries actually take certain days off and many sites or shops 's in town may not be open. Example - France takes Mondays off and very little is open.

HOTELS

  • before completing your hotel booking make sure you've asked clearly about any special concepts you need to worry about and get written confirmation about such concept and any prices attached to your stay. Some hotels charge for something like a fridge or crib.
  • Some hotels charge for continental breakfast and some don't.

see more Hotel tips…..

  • before completing your hotel booking make sure you've asked clearly about any special concepts you need to worry about and get written confirmation about such concept and any prices attached to your stay. Some hotels charge for something like a fridge or crib. Some hotels charge for continental breakfast and some don't. What is included in a continental breakfast?
  • Some hotels charge to go to the beach or get a spot at the beach - others have the charge in the initial cost
  • Some hotels have free coffee and others charge for it.
  • Some hotels will offer a shuttle service from a station or airport but get it in writing.
  • Make a list of all of the concepts that are in involved in your trip and ask the hotel what they can do to help. Get everything in writing from a manager.
  • do they have long distance phone service, free internet/wifi - depending on the competition, services in some areas vary. 
  • when leaving your room, make sure all valuables are stored away well out of view, don't tempt any staff members
  • if someone unexpected knocks on your door don't just let them in, call the front desk and/or check their credentials first.

 

CUSTOMS (Federal)

HOW EACH COUNTRIES CUSTOMS OFFICERS WORK

  • make sure that all ticket reservations are in the exact same name as on your passport - no changes.

see more local customs tips

RESTAURANT STANDARDS

  • there are differing ways to tip in each country from Paris restaurants that include an automatic 15% tip to not including tips at all (eg Japan).

PURCHASING CONCEPTS

  • in the western world, prices are as marked on most items and only a small amount of bartering takes place while in the rest of the world prices may not even be shown and bartering is the norm.

 

INSURANCE

see insurance tips

 HEALTH INSURANCE

  • For larger and longer trips insurance is usually a good idea. Don't get the full blown package but get a least some health insurance.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

  • It depends on your personal situation. If you may have trouble going to your location then some insurance may be in order. This is especially true the more expensive the travel costs are.

 

PACKING

see packing tips

  • use a check list to make sure all items are accounted for.
  • always pack then rethink to pack lighter - remove excess.
  • one way to keeps pants and t-shirts from wrinkling is to not fold but roll them up.
  • always remember to leave some space for trinkets, souvenirs, gifts and personal purchases.

 

ELECTRONICS FOR TRAVEL

see electronics tips

COMPUTERS/PHONES/TABLETS

  • they are super useful now from using them to keep in touch during the day to finding info about locations and of course finding directions and reviews.

CAMERAS & CELL PHONES

  • if possible, download your photos occasionally, if the camera goes missing so do the photos, they are also major targets for thieves.

 

SAFETY and SECURITY

HOW TO KEEP IT SAFE

  • in order to not have your locks cut by security - buy the locks that security can open.

see more Safety and Security tips

  • always take a secure pack for extra cash and special documents on you.
  • photocopy a set of all of you documents (store separately) or photograph on your camera or scan into smart phone.
  • all baggage should have name tags but put them in backwards - put 'see reverse' on front side'
    • this stops thieves and undesirables from using the information wrongly.
  • don't show off expensive items as thieves will target them and you - keep them hidden.
  • when carrying around purses, bags, cases etc: make sure to keep zippers reasonably well closed and loop any straps around your hand to stop any thieves. Instead of locks uses twist ties which inhibit but don't stop you from easy access.
  • thieves like to create disturbances or use crowds to steal. Be extra careful when in crowds and if pushed or brushed immediately check who did it and check pockets. Thieves don't want trouble so if something valuable is taken immediately confront them. They would possibly give it back rather than risk other problems.
  • tight places like markets, events or buses/trains are places where thieves find good opportunities - be attentive.
  • if you keep to some simple rules you will not likely have any problems and can enjoy your holiday more.

 WHAT TO DO IF IT IS LOST

-if you do lose something try not to get too worried about it. If it is replicable, replace it otherwise it is gone - don't let it ruin your holiday.

-if you have valuables - get some loss or theft insurance just in case.

 

SCAMS

  • don't get involved with people trying to sell trinkets while you're walking around. These people are very notorious for using a scam to get some money. At least stick to people who have some sort of kiosk.
  • never get involved with someone who approaches you trying to give you something for free, no matter how trivial it is, there is usually a trick of some sort to get some funds. the least developed the country the more the scams but they are everywhere there are tourists.
  • be particularly wary upon arriving at a new city (airport, bus station or train station. Thieves know you will be disoriented with your luggage and looking for directions.
  • in particular taxis have scams - they try to tell you they are cheaper than the registered cabs but in fact they may be way more expensive - check with a registered cab for an approximate price.
  • people will tell you they can tour you around cheaper than the regular companies but later on they will cheat you or leave you stranded somewhere or make you pay for things they said were covered in the price of the tour.
  • ALWAYS CHECK A FEW SAMPLES OF PRICING AND SERVICES BEFORE ACCEPTING IRREGULAR OFFERS.
  • Registered professional tour companies will almost always perform better then non-professional companies.
  • in many parts of the world, bars/strip joints are at the center of scams. The front person says it is a great bar but doesn't mention the minimum on drinks or that they cost a fortune. When the bill comes it may be very expensive and you will be confronted by the bouncers and must pay up in order to get out of the bar.
  • watch out for people not in front of the bar/strip joint as well. Many scams are created by street people who will help you find a good bar only to run into a large bill and some large bouncers.
  • always be wary of people who want to help you. While most are honest watch the ones who want to get too close. They are possibly setting you up. Don't let anyone get to close and don't let anyone see where you put your wallet or documents. This is always a time to be extra careful. Take your time doing things so you have time to analyze the situation.
  • IF YOU HEAR STORIES ABOUT A SCAM WHILE TRAVELLING, TRY TO REMEMBER THEM - WHILE SOME ARE BLOWN OUT OF PROPROTION THE BASIS IS STILL CORRECT.

 

GROUP TRAVEL, get things clear beforehand.

  • what time does each person like to get up
  • how long does it take for each person to get ready

see more Group Travel tips

  • how much space do they take up with luggage and in the bathroom
  • how often and how much do they like to eat
  • what kind of meals do they like - small snacks on the run or sit-down meals
  • are they fast eaters or slow
  • do they like fast inexpensive food or more expensive longer meals
  • what kind of sites do they like to see and how long might they spend at a site
  • are they willing to spend lots on sites or very little on sites
  • what kind of hotels will suffice for each person? - 1,2,3.4 or five star accommodation
  • what kind of accommodations are acceptable? - hotels, B&B, motel, backpacker, houses
  • do they like to stay at one place to take it easy or move a lot depending on what there is to see.
  • do they like to simply window shop or do they spend hours inside stores
  • what kind of sleeper is each person
    • are they light or heavy
    • do they snore
    • do they like it warm or cold
    • do they want windows open or closed
    • do they need it really dark or just moderate
  • how does each person get around
    • how much walking can each person do in a day
      • -very little - will use lots of public transport
      • can walk great distances all day
      • Medicines

HEALTH

  • if you're taking prescriptions you should make a list of them using the medical name - other countries may not use your brand
  • if anyone is using syringes, check to make sure you won't be harassed in anyway, ask a doctor what can be done to insure they are ok

see more Health tips

  • check your supply of medications to make sure you have more than enough in case of problems
  • if you have any special needs you should have a note or bracelet that indicates the nature of the problem
  • you may wish to check out special medical institutions ahead of time on the internet, just in case of problems

BATHROOM FACILITIES

  • Do they need special facilities or do they need to use bathrooms constantly?

BASIC FIRST AID & MEDICINES IN EACH AREA

  • Does anyone need special care or is anyone particularly picky about overall conditions

HOW TO GET MEDICINAL AID

  • Does anyone need the ability to get to doctors in a foreign country or get hold of their own doctor?

LAUNDRY

  • How often or how much clean clothes does everyone need.
  • You don't want to spend days at expensive hotels just to get laundry done
  • You don't want to spend time looking for laundromats and waiting for clothes

 

SPENDING      

How can it affect a holiday?            

  • how much money does each person really have to spend?
  • cheap or poor people may be skimping a lot here and there - must make sure it doesn't affect eating or visiting sites

see more Spending tips

  • rich people may constantly want to do expensive things which could severely affect a person on a -tight budget
    • don't let a well-off person try to make you feel guilty and spend more money - tell them you’re budget simply doesn't allow the cost
  • travel with people on similar budgets or making it clear what your budget is will solve problems ahead of time.         
  • how good is each person at splitting the bill when such is needed?
  • many people try to skimp and get the other person to pay more.

 

FOOD

  • Nuts - they are valuable. Take some baggies with you on your trip. Put some nuts in them to keep around in case you want a snack on the run.

see more Food tips

  • it is wise to watch how much foreign food you're eating. It may look good but it may upset your stomach
  • watch for foods washed in polluted water as it may cause diarrhea (have pills in your luggage)

 

TRANSPORTATION

  • make sure you are in agreement if you have a partner, just what kind of transportation is acceptable to each of you. Some people don't like trains when caring lots of luggage.
  • some people take cabs vs buses and spend more

see more Transportation tips

AIRPORTS

  • the bigger the airport the sooner you should arrive before flight time. In fact, it is safest to call the airline well ahead and see what they say.

Getting to the airport or train station

  • make sure you've planned this out ahead of time. Taking a taxi there is simple but may be expensive and parking cars at the lots can be even more expensive.

TRAIN STATIONS

  • the bigger they are the more time you'll need to get checked in and find your platform. Ask ahead and put the information on your ticket just to be safe. European trains are also known to be very exacting and there is no room for error.
  • as with airports, getting there should be planned out ahead of time. Make sure your arrangements will get you there on time and it will be within your budget. Taxis and parking can get rather expensive.

CAR RENTALS

  • driving - if you don't have gps make sure to take very detailed maps - driving in unfamiliar areas or in the dark is very difficult
  • plan out your way from airports, sites, hotels etc ahead of time.
  • It can get very expensive taking cabs everywhere

It can get very expensive taking cabs everywhere

SPECIAL LUGGAGE

  • over-sized packages will likely require special needs including added costs and more attention/time dealing with them.
  • don't forget to add extra costs to your budget.

 

LANGUAGE

see more Language tips

  • if going to country and you don't speak the language, try to learn a few words or phrases.

The locals usually react a little better if you try a little bit. you can take a little book for translations or get a translation app for your phone

 

CHILDREN

see more Children's tips

  • make sure they have a form of identification on them and a phone number and even hotel cards.
  • preplan meeting places and times in case they get separated.
  • most children will need a bit of extra care, make sure to think about those needs.

 

SHOPPING

  • A simple rule is to watch out for deals that sound too good to be true. They simply turn out to be just that.
  • the item may be a good price but a few days later the item may fall apart or quit working.
  • as anywhere, you get what you pay for.

see more Shopping tips

  • In many parts of the world, guides are paid to get people to markets. They get a percent of the sales and sales and sometimes there are some very persuasive people or strong sales pressure. If you're not a shopper try to avoid such situations. Just shop without guided assistance.
  • Most of the world barters, only in Canada and the US is bartering not the norm. Europe has bartering on touristy items. Try your hand at bartering and if you're on a guided trip then ask the guide what a reasonable price is. Once you’re on your own then barter but use the guides information.
  • If on a guided tour, make sure to listen to the guide about pricing. Listen carefully and make a judgement about the guide and their practices. Some guides provide good information and service and aren't there to misguide you. Be wary though nd think things through