Tuesday, September 4, 2012

First Time Traveler? Things You Should Know

When visiting a new place it can be scary, but fun at the same time, no matter the level of experience you have in traveling. Read this advice before even packing for your next vacation.

One thing you can do on an international trip to make things easier is get your money exchanged before you depart. It can be a hassle getting your money exchanged in some countries, especially after hours. The bank is your best bet for a safe exchange for another country's currency.

You can save money by waiting until you reach your final destination to change currencies. If you know there won't be a place to easily exchange currency once you land in your destination country, exchange a limited amount before you leave and then look for a better exchange rate once you arrive in-country.

Create a pre-flight plan with your children. Tell your children what is going to happen when you get to the airport. Try to stay as close as possible to a child who is going through security screening. Whenever possible, an adult should go through first, allowing the child to see that it isn't frightening at all.

Before booking a hotel or resort vacation, be sure to read reviews on the Internet, so that you know of any issues. This may eliminate some travel nightmares, as you'll have the knowledge to circumvent places with a poor reputation.

Before travelling have an idea of the current political and social climate in the countries you plan on visiting. Check the BCA website if you want to see updates on things that are happening abroad. That way, you will be able to steer clear of problematic circumstances.

Don't use the currency exchange in a foreign country if you can avoid it. There is a simpler method to get the currency you need. Use a bank ATM whenever possible. A lot of times these machines offer better exchanges rates, and are cheaper than using an exchange.

Before traveling, verify that your passport is not going to expire soon. Most countries have passport regulations with which you must comply. Even if it is still valid, if it expires soon, you may have problems. As long as the passport is not set to expire within the next six months, you should be fine for most countries; however, certain countries require eight months, or even up to one year.

Your luggage should have your name, phone number, and address on a visible label in your suitcase when you are traveling. This way, your luggage can still be identified, even if just one piece gets lost. If your luggage ever escapes your sight and gets lost, this can identify your property and provide information on where to return your luggage.

If you arrive at your location before your baggage, don't freak out. Locate the lost luggage station, and be prepared to present your flight documents, as well as identification before filling out the required paperwork. In most cases, your luggage will reappear and be returned to you.

If your plane or bus ride is very long, get up and walk around at least once every hour. Just walk around the cabin or go to the bathroom. If you sit for too long, your muscles will cramp up, and in serious cases, could put you at risk for blood clots.

If you are a frequent National Parks visitor, it might be worth purchasing an annual pass. They are only $50 and can be used for one year at all of the parks.

Before travelling have an idea of the current political and social climate in the countries you plan on visiting. Check online for information and updates about anything happening overseas that could affect your travel plans. That way you can stay away from any situations that could pose a danger to you.

As you can see, traveling is something most people will end up doing at least once. By keeping good information in mind, you will be able to deal with whatever travel experience you have. Print this article for a reference, you never know when you will need it!

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