Tips For Holiday Traveling

You may find that traveling this holiday season may be more stressful than usual because of this year's penny pinching global economy. To add to this many airlines have cut flights, raised fares and added more cheery travel surcharges. Thus, many people have decided to forgo holiday traveling this year to save money. But for those who have decided to bite the bullet and are still going ahead with traditional travel plans there is still hope to be had. Here are some great tips for this year's holiday travel.

First, make a game plan stick to it. Whether it is where you are going, what time, or with who you should familiarize yourself with the places you are heading. This game plan can also help you avoid any unforeseen circumstances such as an overweight bag at the airport. Pinning down all the details will organize your plans and mentally prepare you for what is waiting.

Before you leave make sure you make arrangements for your home. Whether this means leaving a light on a timer or finding someone to watch your dog, knowing at least a couple of weeks beforehand will ease your pre trip stress.

Create a list of the items you absolutely need, those you want and those you could possibly mail. This will help eliminate extra bag weight and will help you limit what really needs to go with you on your trip.

In order to make your trip more relaxing try to travel on off peak days. This means don't head out on a Friday afternoon or evening but try for a weekday. Try to leave your house as early as possible as well to account for possible traffic.

When traveling it is also important to not sweat the small stuff. Remember, you are going on vacation which means sitting back and relaxing which will be impossible if you worry about every little thing. Also remember that you probably are not going to get everything done so if something unexpected arises try to go with the flow.

All of these tips will allow you to have a much more realizing holiday, one where you will be able to sit back and enjoy your loved ones. Upon returning home, don't make it sad but celebrate it and allow your vacation bliss to stay a little longer while you ease back into everyday life.

Top 10 Tips Before Traveling Overseas

1. Travel Insurance

International SOS evacuation cost up to US$100,000. In some countries, doctor visit can cost up to US$100 per trip, and hospitalisation can cost up to US$5000. Accidents can happen anytime, and when it happen, travellers can pay dearly if they are not insured.

Travel insurance cost around US$25 - US$100 up depending on duration and location. Travel with a peace of mind, always buy travel insurance when out of the country, even if it is only for a 1 - 2 days trip. Why take unnecessary risk just to save that hundred dollars?

And when should you buy your travel insurance? Once you book your trip, and pay in full. This will cover for any unforeseen circumstances, some of which may be for reasons beyond your control (e.g. death of a family member less than 1 month from the trip, house break-in during the trip, flight cancellation).

2. Photocopy important document

Make multiple copies of your passport, credit cards, itinerary, credit card number and hotel information. Keep one copy with your love ones, and put the remaining into a few luggage.

We always keep a copy with us (if we leave the original in the hotel safe) in case of spot check.

3. Make sure passport is valid for more than 6 months

Some countries may not allow entries for passport with less than 6 months validity. There were many cases travellers were ask to turn back home from the destination country due to this problem.

4. Bring sufficient medications / have vaccinations

If you are on regular medication, remember to bring at least 3 - 5 days extra doses in case there is a delay and you are not able to leave the country.

As medication overseas are expensive, and may not be suitable for your needs, it is important to bring your own medication. We always have the following medication whenever we travel: - flu and fever - diarrhoea and stomach pain - dizzy / nausea - jet lag - plaster for cuts - oil for sprain, muscle ache

Never check-in your medication. If the airline has a limit on the amount of fluid to bring up (e.g. 100ml), check with the airline what can be done if you are dependant on the fluid medication.

In some countries, it is important to get vaccinated. Check with your family doctor at least 3 months before your trip as some vaccine needs a period of 1 - 2 weeks before it is effective.

5. Emergency numbers in the country / embassy

In case of emergency in the country, do you know whom to contact? It is always important to have your embassy / consulate address and phone number with you.

6. Take note items in luggage or take a photograph

Millions of luggage are lost each year in the airline industries.

If one of your luggage is lost, do you know what are the items inside before you claim from the airline or insurance? Take note of the items, or better still, take photos of the item in each luggage.

Never put valuables into your check in luggage.

7. Do not check in all luggage

It is nice to go up the plane empty handed, especially during transit. But what if all your luggage are lost? It is always good to keep some clothing in your handheld luggage. The last thing you want to happen when you reach your destination, all you have is the one set of clothing on you.

What we do is keep at least one set of everything on our hand carry luggage, especially winter clothing.

8. Mark your luggage

If you have noticed, many air stewards' luggage are marked very colorful with lots of stickers in a non-organise manner. The reason is to "personalise" the luggage so that no one will mistakenly take your luggage, and you can identify your luggage from a far distance.

9. Familiar with local laws / customs

Check out the do and don't of the country. A certain action that means very little in one country may mean a lot in another country. For example, do not kiss in the public area when traveling in the Middle East.

10. Carry 2 credit cards from different banks

If possible, carry credit cards by 2 different banks. If for any reason your credit card fail, and for a remote reason, due to the bank, at least you have a backup.

How To Stay Out Of Jail And Have A Blast On Spring Break - Traveling Abroad Tips And Tricks

I worked for several years as a Travel Host for a major travel company escorting tour groups to resort destinations in foreign countries. During that time I saw a lot and learned a lot. One of the most important things I learned was how to keep my charges safe and out of trouble.

Over 200,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to timeshare and hotel resort areas throughout the Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico and various other foreign country destinations during college spring break each year. Most will simply enjoy their travel and vacation without incident. But several may actually die in accidents or be killed. Many hundreds will be arrested and placed in horrible jails. Many hundreds more will make tragic mistakes that may affect them for the rest of their lives.

There are, unfortunately, dozens of ways to create problems for yourself when traveling abroad. The good news is that it is really very easy to stay safe and have a great time. It just takes a little know how and common sense. Following are six proven spring break travel tips that you can use.

Travel Tip number one. Before you travel, become generally familiar with the basic laws and customs of the country you plan to visit. A great source for getting a good overall feel for any country is the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook . The CIA is a whole lot more than a bunch of clandestine spooks chasing bad actors around the globe, as sometimes characterized by Hollywood. Use their services to learn about the country you will visit.

Travel Tip number two. Remember that reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin your vacation; it can land you in a foreign jail or worse. To have a safe trip, avoid risky behavior and plan ahead. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by Americans on Spring Break.

Young people should travel in at least pairs and always use a buddy system. One person should remain sober and drug free on the buddy plan. There have always been and will always be predators looking for easy targets of opportunity. These creeps wait in the shadows and look for the impaired; the drunk, stoned, and otherwise defenseless targets.

Travel Tip number three. Phone home every couple days to assure family members of your safety and let them know where you are. Remember old mom and dad? Well, they really do want to hear from you. If you happen to later get in a jam it will help if they have a good idea of where you are. Let your hotel or timeshare [http://www.edisneytimeshare.com] resort know where you are going and your approximate time schedule.

Travel Tip number four. Remember, you are in a foreign country! The laws are different than those in the US and you are subject to the laws and customs regulations of the country you are visiting. Respect the people, the culture, and the laws and you will be fine. Acting arrogant or being ignorant, can lead to big problems. A foreign country law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States. Remember that U.S. citizenship in no way exempts travelers from full prosecution under the host country criminal justice system.

Travel Tip number five. Holiday makers should use extreme caution when renting vehicles and anything else that moves. This includes jet skis, mopeds, and even beach bikes. Many are not properly serviced and in poor condition. Many are uninsured or under-insured. Read rental contracts carefully to be sure your own insurance will cover you in the event of an accident.

Travel Tip number six. Drivers of any vehicle, including jet skis and mopeds, should exercise extreme caution. Always ask the rental agency about local laws and procedures before operating the vehicle. The US Department of State has received many reports of scam equipment rental operators. The scam is to sometimes use locals to form a mob which then intimidates young customers into paying exorbitant amounts for damage to rented equipment that never actually occurred.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy your travel adventure!