Travelling can be a very rewarding experience, providing you with knowledge, new friends, and great memories that will last a lifetime. However, as anyone who has ever traveled knows, it can also be quite stressful at times. There are so many things to remember, such as advance international flight booking and planning your itinerary to making sure you have all the right documents in order, there are a lot of details to take care of before you even set foot on the plane. And then, of course, there are the actual logistics of travel itself – dealing with lost luggage, missed flights, and all the other potential disasters that can occur when you’re far from home.
However, with a little bit of planning and some insider knowledge, you can make your next trip go a lot more smoothly. Here are seven helpful tips and tricks every experienced traveler should know about.
Use Luggage Shipping Services
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, it can be a hassle lugging all your bags through the airport. And if you’re flying internationally, you may have to deal with baggage restrictions and hefty fees for overweight or oversized bags. Luckily, many luggage shipping services can take care of all your travel needs.
These companies will pick up your bags at your home or office and deliver them directly to your destination, whether it’s a hotel, an Airbnb, or even a cruise ship. They can also ship your bags back home when you’re finished traveling. And best of all, using a luggage shipping service can often be cheaper than paying for checked baggage fees, especially if you book in advance. So if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with your luggage at the airport, be sure to look into a luggage shipping service.
Join an Airline Loyalty Program
If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s well worth your time to join an airline loyalty program. These programs offer a variety of benefits, from free checked bags and priority boarding to bonus miles and VIP lounge access. In addition, many programs also offer special deals and discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services. And if you fly often enough, you may even earn elite status, which comes with even more perks.
So if you still haven’t joined a loyalty program, be sure to sign up for one the next time you book a flight. It’s free to join, and the benefits can be well worth the effort. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. And if you’re not sure which program to join, you can use a site like AwardWallet to track all your miles and points in one place.
Get Travel Insurance
No matter how well you plan, sometimes things just go wrong. Flights get canceled, luggage gets lost, and accidents happen. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. This type of insurance can cover a wide range of potential problems, from missed flights and lost luggage to medical emergencies and trip cancellations. It’s usually not very expensive, and it can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case something goes wrong.
Just be sure to read the fine print carefully before you buy any policy, as coverage varies widely from one insurer to the next. And if you have existing health insurance, be sure to check if it covers you while you’re traveling abroad. You may not need to purchase travel insurance if you’re already covered.
Get the Right Credit Card
If you plan on using a credit card while you’re traveling, it’s important to get the right one. Some cards charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up quickly if you use your card frequently while you’re abroad. Other cards offer special benefits, such as rewards points, cash back, and free travel insurance. And if you have good credit, you may be able to qualify for a card with a low-interest rate, which can save you money on interest charges if you carry a balance.
Keep in mind that not all credit cards are accepted everywhere. So if you’re planning to use your card while you’re traveling, be sure to check if it will work in the countries you’re visiting. And if you’re not sure which card is right for you, there are several comparison sites, that can help you find the best option.
Use a VPN
If you’re going to be using the internet while you’re traveling, it’s important to protect your privacy. That’s where a VPN (a virtual private network) comes in. A VPN encrypts all the data that you send and receive online, making it impossible for anyone to spy on your activities. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi, as these networks are often unsecured and easy for hackers to access.
While there are many free VPNs available, they’re often slow and unreliable. So if you want to make sure your data is safe, it’s worth paying for a premium VPN service. These companies usually have fast speeds and reliable connections, and they can even unblock websites that are blocked in your country.
Pack Light
One of the best ways to make traveling easier is to pack light. Not only will this save you time and hassle at the airport, but it will also make it easier to get around once you’ve reached your destination. If you can, try to travel with just a carry-on bag, as this will allow you to avoid checked baggage fees and long lines at the baggage claim.
Of course, packing light isn’t always easy. But there are a few things you can do to make it easier. First, make sure you pack only the essentials. Second, invest in some good quality travel gear, such as lightweight luggage and packing cubes. And third, try to streamline your wardrobe by packing clothes that can be mix-and-matched.
Rent an Apartment or House
If you’re planning a long trip, it can be more convenient and cost-effective to rent an apartment or house instead of staying in a hotel. Not only will this give you more space and privacy, but it will also allow you to save money on meals by cooking your food.
When you’re looking for a place to stay, many different websites and apps can help you find the perfect rental. And if you’re traveling with a group, renting a larger property can often be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms. So if you’re looking for a more comfortable and affordable way to travel, be sure to consider renting an apartment or house.
While there are many different ways to make traveling easier, these seven tips and tricks are a good place to start. Not only will they save you time and hassle, but they can also help you save money. So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started, be sure to keep these tips in mind the next time you hit the road.