Travel tips for everyone

When you’re going on vacation to get away from it all, you don’t want to leave safety behind. Whether you are traveling abroad or driving cross country, there are some things you can do to help ensure a safe and happy trip.

1. Prevention and preparation are worth their weight in gold.

Plan ahead in order to minimize problems that might crop up while you’re away from home. Some of the steps you can take to be ready for emergencies include:

- Putting together a “medical envelope” for each member of your family. It should include a brief medical history, notes on any allergies, copy of your insurance card and proof of other medical insurance, as well as copies of prescriptions for regular medications and an extra prescription for eyeglasses just in case.

- Make copies of your passport, a list of the credit cards you are carrying and the phone number and instructions for notifying your credit card company if your cards are lost or stolen.

- Bring along a first aid/emergency kit that’s geared for your trip. Depending on your plans, it may be as lightweight as your favorite pain reliever and some adhesive bandages for a trip to a metropolitan city, to a full-fledged first aid kit for car travel.

2. Keep your money safe - and discourage thieves.

Pickpockets often target ports and other tourist areas. You can keep your money safe with some common sense precautions.

- Only carry what you’ll need on your person. Leave the rest back in the hotel or in the cruise ship safe.

- Wear your money next to your body - under shirts and jackets.

- If you carry a fanny pack, thread the belt through your belt loops.

- Tuck your purse or bag under your arm, next to your body.

- Carry as little cash as possible - and don’t flash it around.

3. Be prepared for auto travel.

If you are traveling by automobile, whether your own car or a rental, there are precautions you can take to be sure that you travel safely.

- Get your car thoroughly checked before you set out - fluid levels, tire pressure - the works.

- Carry drinkable water with you in the car.

- Pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket and other emergency necessities.

- Opt for roadside assistance insurance, whether in your own car or in a rental.

- Stop at least every two hours to get out, walk around and stretch your legs. It will keep you alert.

- Bring entertainment for the kids if you’re traveling with the children. Entertained children are far less likely to be a distraction while you’re driving.

4. Keep abreast of travel and health alerts.

There are many events and conditions that can compromise your safety while you’re traveling, a lot of them outside your control. Political happenings, outbreaks of disease and unexpected severe weather can create unsafe conditions for travelers. The U.S. Department of State issues regular travel advisories for destinations around the world on their government web site. In addition, you can sign up for travel advisories and alerts on a web site that tracks alerts issued by many different governments, along with weather advisories and health alerts. Knowing political, weather and health conditions at your destination and at stops along the way can let you make plans to either avoid them or be prepared for them.

5. Be knowledgeable when traveling abroad.

Knowing the customs of the country you are visiting can keep you from making dangerous mistakes. One of the best sources for information when you’re traveling abroad is the U.S. Department of State. The State Department issues regularly updated Consular Information Sheets for each country in the world. In them, you’ll find entry requirements, currency regulations, information about the security and safety situation, unusual health conditions, areas of instability, the political situation - even road and driving conditions.

In particularly dangerous situations, the State Department may issue a Travel Warning, suggesting that Americans defer travel to a specific country of area. It may also post Public Announcements where transitory dangerous situations exist. Among the situations where the State Department has made Public Announcements are political coups, anniversaries of terrorist events and pre-election disturbances.

Travel advisories and Consular Information Sheets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.travel.state.gov. In addition, you can get the latest information by calling 1-888-407-4747 during the hours of 8 am to 8 pm Eastern U.S. time, or in person at any regional passport agency or U.S. Embassy. Finally, you can write for the information sheets on the countries you plan to visit at Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.

About the Author:

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning travel and vacation planning including http://www.flightcentre.ca/ Discount Travel | Air Travel

There are many things that you can do to pre-prepare yourself and your family for travel. By being as prepared as you can be, you are setting yourself up for a great getaway that will minimize any unpleasant circumstances that sometimes arise with travel.

In order to have the best vacation possible, I’m going to share with you the must know tricks and travel tips before you travel.

The very first thing you must do is RESEARCH. You want to learn as much as you possibly can about your destination prior to arrival. Yes, this is going to require some time and effort on your part but it is going to be more than worth it. This is the only way to truly understand what it is you want from your vacation and what you want to do on your vacation.

Here are some things that you should always know about your destination.

Weather - You need to know what you should be packing and planning for.

Paperwork and Documentation - Know what is needed to travel to your particular destination.

Know if there are any diseases common to the area you will be traveling to – this way you are able to take preventative measures.

Costs of local items – You want to be able to properly plan your budget; remember to include taxes and tipping.

Holidays and festivals – check to see when these occur for your destination as you may find limited services on those days.

The best holidays are the ones we are most prepared for. Do yourself a favour; make it a habit to always know as much as you can about your destination before you travel. It’ll make all the difference in the world!

What are some other things that you can do to prepare yourself? Use these travel tips before you travel.

1. Make 2 photocopies of your passport. Take one and put it in a safe place or leave it with a friend. Take the other one with you and keep it in a separate place from your passport, this way should your passport become lost or stolen, you can use the copy to exit the country and it will also facilitate the replacement process.

2. Email yourself important information such as: airline numbers and flight information, credit card numbers, passport and driver’s licence numbers and anything else that may be of importance to you. This way if anything is lost or stolen, you are just and internet connection away.

3. Know your banking information. For your credit card, make sure that the valid dates will remain valid while you’re traveling, know your available spending amount and don’t forget to leave some room on it for emergencies. Check your ATM and debit cards’ daily and total limits.

4. Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign language, it’s always nice to know some of the local phrases. Knowing the “polite words” and just a few local phrases will be a huge help. You will find that natives really appreciate this and will tend to be more receptive to your questions. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend while you’re at it!

5. Be aware of the voltage that’s used for the country you’re traveling to. If you are taking anything that requires an outlet; cell phone, computer, video camera, etc. make sure to purchase plug adapters. For things such as hairdryers, curling irons, electric razors, etc to purchase an actual voltage converter unless your appliance has multiple voltage currencies.

When traveling to a foreign country it’s always best to be as prepared as you can be. Do as much research as you possibly can, remember these travel tips before you travel and your trip abroad is sure to be a success.

Here’s your final checklist: Passport, tickets, car rental and hotel reservation receipts/agreements, credit cards, medications or prescriptions, if required, addresses, password and any other important information that you may need. Don’t forget the most important thing: your adventurous travel mind, see and learn as much as you can and have the time of your life!

About the Author:

Tropical Beach Destinations (http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com) specializes in giving you an exhilarating tropical vacation for travel destinations around the world. We are experienced travelers who have lived across the globe and our dream is to provide you with everything you need in orde