The trick to travel stress-free success is to plan ahead. A challenge, though it may seem, your goal is to think of every possible contingency that may arise, and take action before it happens. What will you do if your luggage is lost? If you get sick? If you forget your blue pumps? Be proactive to reduce the possibility of a serious crisis occurring during your trip. FOR YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET trip does not have to break the bank - not if they are willing to plan ahead for holiday spending. First decide how much you can afford, and then make your travel plans. Start searching early for travel deals - check with your travel agent, look for Internet specials, and check with clubs for discount travel. You can find great deals on packages that combine hotel and airfare at a reduced price. If rentals tend to have problems with their credit cards, consider starting a savings account just for travel - in which to save a small amount each month for your next trip. You should also plan to use traveler's checks instead of credit cards to stay within your budget. It's amazing how easy it is to go overboard when they start handing over the plastic! And be sure to keep track of how much to spend - compared to the budget - throughout the trip. You may keep a small pad of paper with you to record expenses and total count of each day. If you can not seem to make it happen in your budget, consider compromising on lower-priority spending in exchange for the higher priority. When my husband and I travel, we are always willing to stay in a budget hotel so you can afford to eat and attend cultural events. We decided that the expensive hotels are wasted on us, because they spend very little time in our room, we prefer to spend our money elsewhere. Where are you willing to sacrifice? EASY PACKING Have you ever been away from home and suddenly realized you forgot your toothbrush, shoes, or your bathing suit? Having to run around replacing items that he left behind not only a waste of time and money, but also reduces their enjoyment of travel. And sometimes, you might forget an item that is not so easily replaced - like your checkbook or report due in tomorrow's meeting. But you can save a lot of headaches by taking the guesswork out of packing. Start by developing packing lists, both for short trips (one to three days) and longer trips. You can even create different lists for different types of travel - camping, business, foreign travel, trips to the beach, cold weather travel, etc. Try to include any and all generic items that you might need - clothes, toiletries, alarm, night light, whatever you want to take with you. Then use these lists as memory-runners such as packing for each trip. It can also reduce the time spent preparing for the trip, keeping a "pre-packaged" vanity with duplicates of the items you use in your home. Fill your kit with samples of shampoo, soap, lotions, cosmetics, toothpaste and shaving cream - even miniature toothbrushes and razors. These items travel companies, occupy less space in your suitcase, and you will be less likely to leave something important behind. And do not forget your important documents - especially if you are traveling abroad. You should plan to bring proof of citizenship, an official photo identification of the government (driver's license or military ID is fine), a birth certificate issued by the state with an embossed seal, and a passport. Remember that children and babies are also required to have a birth certificate issued by the state for travel. LESS IS MORE If you can get away with it, try not to check your luggage. I bought a very roomy pullman carry out that will accommodate a week of clothes - that way, never have to worry about losing my luggage. If package of "mix and match" outfits and plans to do some washing on the road, you do not need 15 different teams for a weeklong trip. And if you have to check one piece, be sure to keep the items could not live without in your carry-on - toiletries, a change of clothes, clean underwear, medications, maps, travel confirmations, and any material you need for a future business meeting. But try not to take more of a medium sized hand luggage per person. Remember, you can always remedy underpacking, but not excessive packaging! But his heavy suitcase is when you start, it will be twice as heavy when you get home. If you plan to make any purchase while on your trip, you may decide to bring along an extra bag to carry home purchases. Put your suitcase inside a slightly larger empty - or, get a collapsible bag that will have very little space in your bag. But the easiest option (although perhaps not the cheapest) is that each store to send their treasures directly to your home. This policy is especially good if you bring home anything large or bulky on a plane, as airlines often pay large plots. And each bag has to bear the limits of their travel options. booths mean heavy bags and porters and discomfort and fatigue - while a bag of light is equal to the freedom of travel. SHELTER AND ITS EFFECTS Although no one wants to be paranoid about their safety when traveling, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution in planning your trip. So let's start with your "stuff" - list the contents of each piece of luggage and keep your list close at hand anytime your bags are out of sight. This will save a lot of frustration if your bags are lost and need to file a claim or replace your property. And do not forget to mark your luggage for easy retrieval - all black Pullman are starting to look like, and it is easy for someone else to pick up your bag. While you're making a list, create a written record of your credit card numbers, traveler's checks, medical insurance, emergency phone numbers, and other important information to take with you when traveling. And always keep this information hidden in a safe place - a hotel safe deposit box is a good option - where you can access it if needed. Do not - repeat not - keep this record in your purse or wallet. Think about it. These are the first things a thief - if you keep your list with credit cards and traveler's checks, which does not help much when they are stolen. You are better off sticking to the shoe (as long as your feet do not sweat a lot!) Finally, make sure you have a contact point at home - a person who knows where and how to get there. Be sure to give this person any information that could be important in the case of an emergency - the phone number and address where you are, the code for your alarm system, the name of your doctor, etc. will ease your mind of know that you can be contacted if something goes wrong at home - and having someone who can act on your behalf if something goes wrong on your end. KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE Nothing can ruin a fabulous vacation rather than worrying about your home while you're away. However, a few simple precautions can help ease your mind and keep your home safe. Before leaving, let the police or a very trusted neighbor know you've gone - especially if you're planning a long trip. Nothing says "not home" more than a pile of newspapers in your driveway or magazines out of your mailbox - to stop mail and newspaper delivery or neighbor pick them up. Investing in timers for lights, radios, etc. - and setting them to turn on and off randomly during the day - will make your home look lived and keep thieves away. And if you still do not feel comfortable leaving your home, hire a Housesitter. INSURE YOUR TRIP One of the things that very few remember to do before leaving home is review their insurance policies. This is especially important if you are traveling abroad. First, make sure you have adequate liability coverage. This is to ensure the loss or theft of personal belongings, damage you (or someone else), his legal defense (other countries like the U.S. do not work -? Remember that kid in Singapore who was beaten), and the repatriation of his remains if he dies abroad (not a pleasant thought, but it happens). Check with your insurance company - the owner's policy may include coverage for your belongings while away from home, and your credit card company probably offers inexpensive life insurance. If you drive a vehicle while on your trip, check to see what your car insurance cover. If you are in an accident in a rental car, which is paid? Are you covered if you are in an accident abroad? Are there hidden costs that are expected to pay? You should also become familiar with your medical insurance. What actions require your insurance company if you become ill or injured while out of state? Outside the country? If you are taking a trip or an expensive trip, if you visit a dangerous and unpredictable elements of the world, or if you have a personal or medical situation that could interrupt your trip, you should also consider trip cancellation and interruption insurance . This type of coverage can protect you in case of bad weather (ie: a cruise canceled because of a hurricane), illness, family emergency, and even the insolvency or bankruptcy of the travel providers. But remember that certain situations - such as pre-existing medical conditions, terrorism, kidnapping, and war - can void your trip cancellation coverage. Make sure you understand all the terms, conditions and exclusions before buying your insurance. Is it only covers situations in which any member of your party is sick or if someone is sick at home too? When does coverage begin and end? Does "medical evacuation" means that you are evacuated to the nearest medical facility or back home? You may want to contact the insurance company, as many travel agents can not understand all the terms of your policy. Do not assume that everything is covered until you try it yourself. PROGRAMMING AS A SCIENCE Some of the biggest frustrations of the people against disruptions in transportation are your schedule - flight delays, traffic jams, getting lost, long lines, whatever. But you can take a few precautions to ensure they are able to meet your itinerary for the trip. Do not wait until you arrive at your destination to learn the lay of the land. Take time to research your trip before you go - to develop at least a superficial knowledge of the routes, directions, tourist attractions, transportation systems, and climate. Look at your options and choose a main view you really want to see while on your trip - just remember that you can not do everything! Then make all bookings in advance as possible once your itinerary is set, remembering to build the travel time of the hearing to view your itinerary. Be sure to confirm any appointments and reservations before leaving - and then confirm everything when you arrive. There is no such thing as double-checking too! We talked a lot about the physical preparation for your vacation - but preparing mentally is so important. Determine in advance what your expectations of the trip. What should happen to make this a successful trip? What activities or attractions that would be disappointing to lose? What activities or places that I would not mind losing? And what problems they have had on other trips that would like to avoid this time? Try to admit to himself that things may not go perfectly throughout the trip. Be flexible and have other options ready (reading, other activities), if your schedule gets off track. Understand that you can not control all (or any!) Aspects of the trip. The more willing you are to accept the difficulties and delays, the less damaging it will be if they occur. Happy travels!
