Most people love to travel. Traveling and vacationing can be a fun, exciting time to share with family and friends. Planned properly, traveling can be the experience of a lifetime. But a poorly planned vacation can quickly turn into torture. Below, you will find some good advice, and tips that will help to ensure that you have the most enjoyable travels possible!
Make an itinerary. Begin with when you will leave for the airport, when you will return and everything in between. A well planned itinerary can mean the difference between an organized trip and a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants nightmare. Be sure to double-check each item to be certain you have the correct information.
Pack carefully. A few days before your departure, make a list of everything you want to pack. Then, check each item off as you put it in your suitcase. Check weather forecasts for your destination, and pack suitable clothing, including swimwear in case your hotel has a pool or sauna. Don't forget important things like medications, toiletries or anything you may not be able to pick up at a store later.
Something many people forget, or put off till the last minute, is making arrangements for someone to care for their home while they are away. If you have pets, they will need to be fed and watered, as well as exercised each day. Have someone pick up your mail, or have it held at the post office. Make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done while you are away, including items such as watering lawns and plant care. Traveling is much more enjoyable when you know the home front is well cared for.
Make a plan for how you will pay for things on your trip. Keep some cash on hand, but not large amounts. Credit cards are fine, if you have one, but a prepaid Visa or MasterCard can be a good alternative. Another good idea is to leave some money behind with a trusted friend or family member, in case you lose your purse or wallet. The ability to have money wired to you can literally save your vacation.
Bring snacks for the flight. Most airlines do not offer snacks these days, instead offering expensive meals and snacks you must purchase during the flight. Nuts, beef jerky or dried fruit can all tide you over till the next meal. A bottle of water can be a lifesaver as well. And, we all know that a snack can quiet down a hungry child if you are traveling with one.
Bring something to entertain yourself. Flights can get boring, and an iPod, iPad or a good book can all help to make the time go faster. For kids, card games and travel games are great entertainment. You can also take advantage of in-flight movies, however, you must pay for them before you can watch them.
As you can see, a lot of preparation goes into an enjoyable vacation. A well planned trip can be the experience of a lifetime, while a poorly organized one can be a nightmare. So, plan well, and plan ahead. Then sit back, relax and let the journey begin!