12 Top Travel Tips

 One of the main reasons that we vacation is to experience a change of scenery. The fast pace we live may not be the pace of the culture we are going to. It’s these differences that make your travel experience enjoyable. Taking the delays and slower pace in stride will help you to relax. 

Remember tip number one! 

Leave the planner at home. A successful vacation does take a well-planned out itinerary.  Just be sure to leave time for enjoying the experience. Be flexible, when unexpected things come along it may be better then what you had planned. Don’t plan for every minute, general plans are okay as long as you are flexible. 

 Take no more than 3 credit or debit cards with you on vacation. Taking only a few cards to deal with if something unexpected happens, is a good plan.  Make copies of the front and back  of the credit cards you are taking and make a note of the  customer service phone number. Keep the copies separate from your purse or wallet. Having this information will give you immediate access to canceling your credit cards if they are lost or stolen.  Always leave at least one card in the safe in your room when you go off the ship or away from the resort.  It a good idea to you alert your credit card company that you will be traveling so they do think it's fraud and cancel your card  while you are on travelling.

   Make sure you know what proof of citizenship is needed. A passport will always be accepted as proof of citizenship. Some destinations only require a government issued photo ID (your driver’s license is the most common) and a certified birth certificate. A certified birth certificate has a raised seal and is government issued. Make two copies of your passport and/or birth certificate. One to leave at home, and one to keep with you as a backup if your documents are lost or stolen. Some international travel may require a visa. A good travel agent can make sure you have the proper documentation so you can go and enjoy your experience.  Also, your passport must not expire for 6 months after you travel. 

 It's easy to join the airlines frequent flyer program. Most of the major airlines have them and they are based on using their credit card. You can also earn miles without using their credit card by signing up for a frequent flyer number on their websites. Usually their programs include other ways to earn miles, with hotel stays and eating at your favorite restaurant  Check the fine print when you sign up. For an example you can look at the American Airlines Advantage Program. www.aa.com Frequent flyer miles are great for last minute travel and they are really flexible to use. 

 A travel or cruise guide will give you the information that your travel brochure will not. I highly recommend the Formmer’s Guides. These books will cost around $20.00 but will give you the top beaches and activities for the destinations that you are going to. I have been to a lot of Frommer’s top beach picks in the Caribbean and have never been disappointed. The guides will also give you information on  transportation, restaurants and shopping. Be sure to take the guide with you to help you plan your activities. The internet is also helpful but bringing the guide with you is not dependent on having WIFI, 

  Planning ahead on where you will park your car is important to consider.   Airport off-site parking is the quickest,  may cost less then on-site parking and is much more convenient to use. After you park in the lot they shuttle you to your airline's check in. When you return from your trip the shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your car. Another option, is hotels near the airport offer “park & stay” before your trip. This would include a room the night before you depart and parking for your vehicle while you are gone. Travel agents can help find the best options for your parking needs,

 Most of the time  you are allowed one small carry-on suitcase and a purse or laptop bag when you purchase  you fly.  Before you head to the airport, check with the airline  to get their requirements for size and weight of the suitcases your are planning to use. You need to pack all your essentials, including your medications and enough clothes for 24 hours. Think of what you would need  if your luggage is lost or delayed. Arranging payment for your checked bag  before you go to the airport can  sometimes save you money. Some of the budget airlines you pay for both your carry-on and a checked bag. The budget airlines also offer bundles with upgrades including your luggage and seat assignments. Most of the information can be found on the airlines websites.

    One of the best kept secret of affordable travel is how much you can save by going at the slower times or off-season. An example would be, to go Mexico for a week in the fall. Prices can be more than 50% off the peak spring break price for the identical vacation. Off-peak travel varies by destination and cruise line; this is another reason to work with a travel agent who is aware of the trends. Repositioning cruises are when the ship is moving to a new itinerary or coming out of dry dock. Again, if you are looking for ideas of trips that might have off-season or special rates a travel agent is a great resource. 

     The Internet is great for research, information and ideas. A travel consultant is trained and is up to date with travel options for you. You may pay a small nominal fee for certain services; however, the service you receive far outweighs those costs. Travel agents are knowledgeable of trends in the industry and are usually the first to know about new ships and new resort options for you. Especially, if this is your first major trip or cruise, an agent will be a great resource for you. Most travel agencies are part of large travel groups and have perks and prices that sometimes are better than you can find on your own.