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.