We are all travelers. It is in our blood to venture to far away lands either out of curiosity or just in need of a well-deserved vacation to someplace new and different. No matter how it’s accomplished via car, bus or airplane, most of us have had some experience with travel.
Fortunately, most of us have learned through experience what works and what doesn’t. How many times have we left the expensive camera behind, pondering over how we should have brought the disposable? How many times have we arrived somewhere late and not had sufficient snacks packed away in the luggage?
Yes, we live and learn. Whether it consists of preparing for a journey, packing for 2 weeks or how to remain comfortable, here are a few tips proving easy travel can be done.
It is pretty simple with a few pieces of advice:
Preparation:
Passport information, licenses and other important documents can be scanned into computer, if taking computer along with you. If not, try emailing the information to yourself before you go. Pretty handy advice if something goes wrong along the journey.
Check local currency, wherever the final destination may be, and exchange some dollars for that particular currency. Yes, there is often a fee, but having local currency at your arrival makes it easy to catch a taxi or bus when tired bodies just want to get to the hotel.
Also, letting your hometown bank aware of your travels prompts them to let you know the availability of ATM machines and cards available for the particular country visiting.
It is always a terrific idea to have available all kinds of currency, especially smaller bills.
Check into essential supplies and snacks that may be needed during the trip. It is wise to tote high quality protein bars to keep blood sugar stabilized. Entering different time zones can mess with the biological clock and it’s amazing how hungry one can be at 3 AM in a foreign country. Herbal tea bags, especially chamomile, can help with sleep. Spot removers can come in handy while traveling. One never knows when a spill mishap may occur, especially when the spiller is tired. Carry plastic bags along as they always seem to come in handy. Dryer sheets, according to Overseas Adventure Travel, can keep bugs away, especially mosquitoes and also evade mustiness hiding out within luggage.
It is a smart idea to check the weather at your visiting destination. Even though packing light may be your goal, it is good to know if layering your garments will be necessary. Rainy seasons vary from country to country.
Packing the Bag:
It is definitely an art to pack, but with a few tips, a novel bag packer can turn into a pro.
Think Simple. For example, jewelry can make an outfit, but when traveling, it can be a worry. Try and bring as little as possible and keep the good jewelry at home in a safe place. Re-examine makeup and try to tote along as little as possible. There are mascaras available that need no remover, just water, so that might cut down on beauty supplies. Use an allover lotion for face and skin. Carry one gloss, balm or lipstick. Bring along a body/shampoo wash.
Clothing can easily mix and match of colors are similar. Try neutral shades to combine so it’s easier to match and fewer garments are needed to pack. Shoes must be comfortable. Usually there is plenty of walking whether it is through airports or cities plus keep in mind that security lines and customs ask passengers to take shoes off, so slip- on loafers are easy to wear .Loose fitting garments tend to work better on long flights.
Pack a few alternative remedies just in case illness may occur. Cayenne pepper in a small plastic bag works great for sore throats. Just adding a small amount of warm water with cayenne is a perfect remedy for aching throats. Always pack travel packs of acidophilus and take one per day. It keeps the friendly bacteria in tact and boosts the immune system.
Bi Yan Pian is a tiny herbal Chinese tablet that is wonderful for stuffy noses. It can be found in most health food stores. A Neti pot works just as well. This device keeps the nasal passages clean and slows down bacteria in the nose. Peppermint tea bags work great for stomach issues and can also be packed onto tired, puffy eyes. Always carry vitamin powders that can be tossed into water or bring along a quality multivitamin.
Most important, have fun, laugh and use this valuable time get to know and enjoy traveling partners. Nine times out of ten, there are solid memories being made and the best memories are those with loved ones.
Sources:
101 Tips for Women Travelers; Editor, Harriet Lewis; Overseas Adventure Travel; www.oattravel.com
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