Tips for a safe and enjoyable travel

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Travel We ALL look forward to that special trip or vacation, whether it be with family, friends, or be it solo!

Either way, with all of the desire and expectations built up, our goal and main concern before and during the trip is for all to go well and safely. Therefore, it is best before confirming any solid plans or accommodations, to obtain necessary information on our travel options, plans, and destination(s). True enjoyment comes with proper planning. Here are some things to keep in mind prior to and during travel.

Booking Check the legitimacy of the agency. If booking online (whether for flights, lodging, or transportation), make sure you are dealing with a legitimate travel agency, and are getting the most reasonable prices.

There are many scam artists and money thieves who overcharge and take advantage of inexperienced travelers. Here is a website that is an authority when it comes to holiday homes, villas, apartments and bed and breakfast. Vacation-Now.com Book together. Many times, if booking online with a travel agency (Orbitz, Expedia, etc.), the option is available to book a package (for example: a flight, hotel, and rental car), instead of booking everything separately. This is a more reasonable way to reserve accommodations. Not only will the consumer save money, but as well, they will not have to worry about extra paperwork and multiple confirmation numbers.

Double check. Before confirming your options, make certain that you understand all terms and conditions of the offer or contract. As well, double check that all of the information (i.e., dates, desired times, destination) is correct. Many times travel agencies will charge heavy fees to cancel or make changes to reservations.

Pay with peace of mind. Before entering your credit card information, look for the secured logo to make sure the website is secure, and for extra assurance, check to see if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau.

Keep records. Once you have verified and booked your reservations, be sure to write down (or print a copy) of your order confirmation number, and keep it in a safe place.

Packing Be selective. Select luggage or bagging that is unique in color or pattern. This will come in very hand if your luggage is to get lost or misplaced in a large setting, such as the airport. Distinguished luggage would be easier to identify or remember, as opposed to typical colored, or patterned luggage.

Tag it! Most luggage come with name/contact information tags. If not, invest in some. These are very useful in the event your luggage is lost. This is the only real way of identifying you as the owner.

Pack sensibly. Okay, I cannot emphasize this enough- pack what you usually wear when in your regular everyday setting! For some reason, many think that just because they will be out of town, they will all of a sudden take on a completely different wardrobe. So what happens is that you end up packing loads of extra clothing, and only end up wearing half of them (because they are what you're most comfortable in).

I had to learn this the hard way years ago on my first international trip to England. Thousands of miles away from home, with loads of luggage is not the time to find that out (especially when you have to lug them through the underground subway stations)! The truth is that it's only normal to wear whatever is more comfortable.

Pack lightly. These days many airlines charge fees for luggage that weighs in over the maximum amount.

Necessary items such as toiletries (toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, soap, etc.) can be purchased for a reasonable price almost anywhere. This will enable you to save space in your luggage, and will cut down on the weight.