JourneyLearning: - Your journey guide

Find travel companions in times of Internet is not a major problem. And although our idea can be to travel alone, and although not every reason to do so, the overlap with the interests of other passengers may mean a decrease of costs when an excursion, or when hiring a guide. Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve booked the perfect getaway, packed smart, and arrived safely…now what? Here are six things that you can do before and during your vacation to maximize every day.

Planning Ahead

A little research and planning almost always results in a more fulfilling trip. By knowing what you want (or don’t want) to see and do, you avoid wasting precious vacation time trying to make uninformed decisions, and prevent yourself from leaving your destination regretting what you wish you’d done.

Start by asking yourself an important question: How do you define a great vacation? Relaxing on the beach, total immersion in a destination’s culture, non-stop sports and activities, etc.? Do your interests include nature, spa treatments, photography, water sports, or all of the above?

Once you’ve answered these questions, start researching. Don’t plan on following a generic list of tourists attractions; commit yourself to creating a trip itinerary that fits your interests. Visit Trip.com for information on destinations around the world; scour guidebooks and websites for details on eco-tours, day spas, and the area’s best shops and markets. Make reservations, if possible — especially for popular restaurants and theater tickets, as they may be sold out once you arrive — and always ask about cancellation policies before you commit.

Asking the Right Questions

Even if you simply aspire to sun all day and salsa all night, there are a few things that you’ll need (or want) to know. For instance, if breakfast is included in your lodging rate, what time does it end? (You’ll save yourself a lot of money by taking advantage of free meals.) What times do trains or other modes of public transportation stop running? (Be sure to avoid getting stuck with an expensive cab ride after that late-night dance marathon.) What is the availability of ATMs and where can you find them? What are the check-in and check-out times at your hotel?

List makers should do so with the following in mind: What are your priority to-dos? What attractions do you want to visit, where are they located, and what are their hours of operation? Will your trip overlap with any local holidays? (Attractions and shops may be closed.)

Suggestions: Don’t visit more than two museums or galleries a day — you’ll likely go cross-eyed after a couple of hours at each. Balance visits to inside attractions with outdoor zoos, parks, or gardens. And make sure each day has something for everyone: compromise is key! Finally, check the weather where you’ll be going right before you leave and adjust your priorities or plans accordingly.

Getting the Lay of the Land

Don’t plan to hit the ground running on your first day. Ease in: Catch up on sleep, eat breakfast, and explore your immediate neighborhood. A great plan for your first afternoon: drive or take a walking tour of your destination city to get a feel for the area and its history. Take a map and notebook to jot down neighborhoods and locations of restaurants, attractions, or pubs that you’d like to revisit when you have more time. Tour guides are also great resources to help you map out the rest of your trip.

Staying Healthy

Traveling doesn’t change the rules of feeling good: Drink too much and you’ll be hung over the next day; don’t exercise and you’ll feel sluggish; don’t drink enough water and you’ll get a pounding headache. Try not to be too stressed in the days and weeks leading up to your vacation, as stress makes you especially vulnerable to sickness. Add to this jet lag, strange foods, and a new bed, and it’s no wonder your body cries foul. For these reasons, you may feel unusually tired or grumpy at first. Shake off this cloud by getting lots of rest, taking breaks throughout the day, drinking lots of water, dressing appropriately for the weather, wearing sunscreen, and using common sense when choosing a restaurant.

Make Having Fun Your #1 Goal

Make a concentrated effort to keep the reasons that you’re on vacation — to relax, reconnect, learn about a new culture — at the forefront of your mind. Why is this so important? It’s very easy to get frustrated when you’re traveling. Everything you take for granted at home — from reading driving directions, to ordering a cup of coffee, to choosing a restaurant — is different and potentially very confusing. Remember: Keep cool and it’ll all work itself out. That’s the fun and the thrill of visiting a new and exciting destination!

Traveling can be dangerous for your wallet. Here are eight steps to take — before and during any trip — to help you wisely and safely manage your money.

Sticking to a Budget

First, know your limits: Before you leave home, find out how much money you have in your bank account and credit card line of credit. Second, if you’re traveling abroad, visit a currency-exchange website for the latest exchange rates, so you can quickly gauge prices, compare rates, and tip appropriately once there. Finally, once you’ve reached your destination, carry a calculator or “cheat sheet” in your pocket for quick and accurate conversions.

Cleaning Out Your Wallet

Leave everything you won’t be using on vacation at home — checkbook, department-store credit cards, etc. — so that you can’t lose them. But be sure to pack the essentials must-haves for any trip: a photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license; two different credit cards and/or an ATM card and/or a calling card; and your health-insurance card. Also, stash enough US dollars to cover your time in stateside airports before you leave and upon your return.

Knowing Your Payment Options

Where you go should determine how you pack your wallet. If you’re visiting a destination where ATMs are uncommon, pack more cash and/or travelers checks. (Luckily, ATMs are becoming more prevalent in airports and popular tourist areas, allowing you to withdraw money as needed.)

Don’t Leave Home Without…

When traveling, you should always bring one or two credit cards for a number of reasons: maximum cash liability; protection should a purchase be lost, damaged, or stolen (check overseas coverage policies); access to travel insurance or medical and legal referrals (you may need to register before you go); plus the opportunity to accrue membership reward points. Credit cards also offer a great exchange rate and conversion surcharge (one or two percent, versus up to 10 percent when using US travelers checks or currency). Note: Your issuing bank may tack on a flat fee for each purchase; be sure to check the bank’s policies before departure.

Carrying Cash

Before you go, convert at least enough cash to reach your hotel and cover tips. Why? Your plane may be delayed, exchange counters may be closed, or the airport’s ATM may be out of order. In addition, convert extra cash if your first day there is a Sunday or national holiday. No time to hit the bank? Convert money at your departure airport, or see if you can order foreign currency for home delivery from your bank or credit card company. Once you’ve reached your destination, always keep some cash in your pocket for small purchases, tips, and getting around.

Exchanging Money

When available, ATMs are the way to go, offering the most convenience, best exchange rates, and lowest service fees. Before traveling abroad, ask your bank about the service charge per withdrawal, the withdrawal limits per transaction or day, and whether you can use your existing PIN code. One caveat for foreign ATMs: Some only have numbers on their key pads; so if your PIN is a word, be sure to memorize the corresponding numbers before you travel. No ATMs in site? “Comparison shop” exchange services based on fees and rates.

Preparing for the Worst

Make three copies of your wallet’s contents, plus contact numbers to call in case of emergency. Keep one copy on you (but separate from your purse), one in your hotel safe, and one at home with family or friends.

Also, consider taking travelers checks, which can be used and exchanged like cash but, if lost or stolen, can usually be refunded within 24 hours. (The price for this peace of mind ranges from zero to four percent of the total amount.) If traveling to one country — or any of the 12 European countries that share a common currency called the “euro” — buy checks in that currency to avoid a conversion fee. You can buy checks online; over the phone; in person at a bank, credit union, or AAA office; and from many credit card companies. Note: Immediately sign each check and note its serial number in a separate place.

Don’t Be a Target for Theft

Dress neutrally and be alert in crowded tourist spots, on public transportation, and at train stations and airports. Leave the flashy jewelry at home; if you must bring it with you on your trip, pack it in your carry-on, store it in your room safe, and wear it sparingly. Keep small bills and change in your pocket to avoid constantly pulling out your wallet, which should be kept in a zippered money belt or purse worn across the front of your body. Finally, never accept an unknown person’s offer to snap your picture and be wary of noisy commotions. While one thief is distracting you, another can swipe your wallet!