Travel Tips: Part Two

Travel Tips: Part Two

Car – Rule 4: Expect to pay more…

·    Expect to pay more on the car than estimated.  There are always extra required insurances, even though the companies call them optional.

·    Look into insurance through your own insurance company.  Some offer insurance for oversea car rentals.  It might be cheaper, but also check if the insurance is accepted by the rental company.

·    Make sure you know how to use the lights, windshield wipers, gas tank, and key (if it’s the newer bar style) before leaving the car lot.

·    If you feel uncomfortable driving in a big city, see if there is bus service between a nearby smaller town and the city.  You can the use a cab or other public transport once you get there.  This is also a good idea in places that charge a congestion fee (like London).

·    Google Maps is usually really good with drive times if you’re trying to estimate how much time you will need, but it is also a good idea to give yourself at least an extra ½ hour on short legs and an extra hour on longer legs of your trip.  You never know when congestion, construction, or plain old weather may slow you up.

Lodging – Rule 5: Don’t always believe the pictures…

·    When booking your room, don’t always believe the pictures.  If you can’t see the whole room and bathroom, it may not be as nice as it looks.

·    Make sure you know when “check-in” is allowed, even at B&Bs and guesthouses.

·    When booking a room, check for “local” events (festivals, school/university openings, etc.).  These may affect your ability to find a room in your choice location.

·    Unless you are or have an experienced traveler with you, do not attempt to book your rooms as you go.  This can cause unnecessary stress and precious time lost.

Communication

·    International phone cards are a much cheaper way to call home.  Pick one up at a local post office, but do not pick one up at any airport.  Those only work for a “home phone” not in the phone booths where you’ll most need them.

·    It is exciting to receive mail from a traveler oversees, but any mail that reaches its destination is very lucky.  More often than not those lovely postcards will get lost.  A better idea is to write them (put a stamp on if you like so it’s more authentic) and then bring them home.  That way everyone will get their special notes.

Personal & Misc

·    Change your watch to your destination’s time zone the moment you get on the plane.  Think in this time as you eat and sleep.  It will help with jetlag, at least a little.

·    Do not plan to do anything on the day you land.  Walk if you wish, but 18+hrs fly time can make things unpleasant and stressful particularly if you are not use to it.  Get to your lodgings and rest.  If you have time to kill before you can get into you lodgings, park the car and take a relaxed walk.

·    Drink lots of liquids.  The change of diet and lifestyle can be hard enough on your body.  Don’t add dehydration to the mix.

·    Money belts and fanny packs are not a necessity.  If it makes you feel better, carry a money belt, but don’t use it as your purse and constantly get into it.  It’s supposed to be hidden.  Fanny packs are just an invite to pickpockets (yes, they are around).  Don’t use them.

Travel Tips: Part One

Hello, everyone!  Welcome to Britain and Beyond, a site devoted to traveling overseas and introducing you, the reader, to some of my favorite locations. 

To start out, I thought I would begin with some useful hints that will make your own trip more enjoyable.  Many of these tips come from my own adventures or from other travelers I know.  Enjoy, learn, and then get ready to dive into the wonderful world of traveling.

Travel Tips: Part One

Finances – Rule 1: Always budget more…

·     Always budget more that you think you’ll need.  Things are never as cheap as you think and there is always that “must-have” souvenir.

·     Traveling round-trip may be cheaper than going open-jaw in both car and airline prices.  If your travel plans allow a circular journey, check into this option.  However, open-jaw may still be best.

Planning – Rule 2: Don’t over plan…

·     Don’t over plan.  Life has a way of catching up on the busy.  Plan only one major and one minor event per day.  If you do have extra time, look around.  There’s always something to do.

·     If you plan to use passes on the trip, order them well ahead of time (at least 2-3 months, but more would be better) and have them shipped to your house.  This way you’ll avoid the stress of trying to pick them up upon arrival.

·     When over there, talk to the locals about nearby sights and events or the best routes, etc.  You might be surprised what you can learn.

Packing – Rule 3: Watch the weight…

·     Watch the weight.  You’re only allowed so much per suitcase on airlines.  Also, imagine carrying those bags up narrow staircases or escalators.  Trust me, when you’re at the bottom looking up, those stairs suddenly become much steeper.

·     If you won’t wear it more than 2-3 times, don’t bring it.  Shoes should also be multi-purpose, not just because they make you look good.

·     You may not need all those adapters for your electronics.  Look at the specs on the electronics.  If its input is 100-240V and 50-60Hz, you may only need a plug-in adapter…a few dollars vs $15+.  When in doubt, ask.

·     Put a change of underwear and socks in your carry-on.  If your luggage is misplaced, you’ll at least have a start.

·     Take plenty of batteries.  Cameras use a lot, especially if you use the flash or the screen vs the view finder.  Rechargeable batteries or a mix is also an option, but you may need an adapter.

·     Bring an extra memory card.  There are lots of pictures just waiting to be taken.

·     Don’t forget a small first-aid kit, with multipurpose pain/headache relievers.

·     Take a copy of your prescriptions in case the medication gets lost.

·     Make 2 copies of your passport, credit cards, etc. in case they get lost or stolen so you can get replacements quickly.  Give one set to your travel partner and leave one home.

Luggage

·     Make sure your luggage is distinguishable.  You’re not the only one with a black bag.

·     Take only one suitcase and one carry-on and make sure both are wheeled.

·     It’s a good idea to have a rolling backpack as your carry-on, since carrying two bags up narrow stairs or escalators is very difficult.

·     Make sure there is space in your carry-on for your purse or other small bag since many international airports only allow one carry-on and that includes the personal item (purse, laptop, etc).  Remember, the airlines only make the rules for their planes, not the buildings they “dock” at.

·     Carry what the airport requires in your carry-on, but switch out at least three days of clothes and all your necessities into the carry-on as soon as possible after you land. This will keep you from having to carry both bags into your lodging every night.