Bade bade trips mein chote chote speed-breakers aatay rahete hai !
This is an often used Hindi adage which means in big trips one often hits fun spoilers that take away the enjoyment, leaving you stressed and hassled. Being prepared for these while planning can go a long way in ensuring a trouble free trip.
Here are some tips that can go a big way during your travels:
1. Avoid early morning arrivals. Since Early check in at the hotel may not always be possible even if promised earlier.
2. Keep a pocket diary with often referred details in person for easy consultation, especially your passport, visa and flight details including their expiry dates.
3. Keep Photocopies of all important documents including passport and visa(s)
4. Divide your baggage in 2 suitcases instead of 1, each packed with essentials and few set of clothing of both travellers. This can be of great help if a bag is misplaced in transit, which is not uncommon.
5. Tie an uncommon coloured or multi-coloured ribbon(s) to your bags for easy identification on baggage belt, where all bags look quite similar
6. Remember or record the brand names of your bags for easy identification on the baggage belt.
7. Do not forget to label each bag including the cabin baggage with your contact details, which may include your name, mobile number with country code and your active email ID. Also, whatsapp number if held since whatsapp calls are free.
It's also a good idea to include your emergency contact number back home, in case of unforeseen events.
8. Request for a Fragile Tag while checking in if your baggage contains any breakable items. Such bags are handled with extra care and usually come out first.
9. Do not leave your baggage unattended in public places particularly at airports as they are presumed a threat and promptly disposed off, if sighted.
10. Always set your watch to the destination time for better appreciation after taking off.
11. Local SIM cards are normally cheaper than international roaming on your mobile and hence may be considered. Making whatsapp calls from free Wi-Fi areas is also a good money saver option, as free Wi-Fi is normally available at airports and hotels.
It is also a good idea to carry an international travel adapter since all countries have different sockets. They may also be available with the hotel and requested for in case you forget.
12. Use Safe deposit lockers in the hotels for safe custody of important and costly items that should in no case be left behind in your room whilst out. Most hotels display a disclaimer to this effect in each room.
13. Use Credit or Forex cards whilst abroad instead of carrying too much cash as far as possible. But some local currency in cash is always necessary for small expenses
14. As far as possible, travel in groups whilst abroad particularly when visiting remote areas and during silent hours (Night)
15. Keep contact details of your tour guide, hotel and local high commission /embassy/consulate handy when in a foreign country for emergency. This would in particular be needed in case you lose your Passport, Visa or Baggage.
It is advisable to pick up their visiting card or pamphlet that contains all relevant contact details contact card. This is particularly useful in Non English Speaking countries.
16. Visit the travel desk at the hotel/airport to ascertain the choice of transportation available, nearest metro/train station, convenient shopping areas, recommended restaurants, Must Do Tourist attractions etc..
Some cities have travel cards which can be used for all modes of local transport, which is recommended. These travel cards also at times, offer incentives and free entry to some tourist attractions
17. All travellers should familiarise beforehand and follow the etiquette of the visiting country in particular at their religious places and respect the cultural & traditional beliefs of the locals
18. Be respectful to locals when interacting with them
19. Except for high end stores and Government outlets, a little bargain in shopping is always possible and is worth trying specially in most Asian countries for better deals
20. It is wise to examine your shopping for any damages or shortages and the contents of your shopping bag before leaving the shop.
21 Survey the market before purchasing to get a sense of the right price for the item you intend to purchase. This will help you in quoting the right price in your bargaining effort.
22. Road side vendors are often cheaper but the quality may not always be very good. but there is good scope of bargaining with such vendors and you get more variety of local, authentic stuff.
23 Tour Guides and travel desks are invariably useful in advising what souvenirs to buy and the best place to buy with a rough cost estimate. They are also a great place to get recommendations on what to eat and where.
24. Food can be an issue abroad, especially for vegetarians. A little homework and carrying some food items with long life & ready to eat is a good idea.
25. Outlets like McDonalds, food courts and road side stalls are good for quick cheap meals and snacks
26. Sample the local cuisine as far as possible to get a taste of the local flavours.
27. Avoid home country specific cuisine restaurants as firstly they are expensive and the preparation may not be as expected and experienced in your own country.
28. Do google in advance the weather forecast of the places being visited and go prepared for the expected weather. This will help you avoid being in a lurch in case of sudden temperature drops or rains.
29 Make sure to pack your comfortable walking shoes since most tours involve significant walking
30. Since public toilets are chargeable in most countries and look expensive ( E.g.
3 Euros in Europe), look out for free toilets which always available particularly in big showrooms. Tour guides invariably advise in this regard
31. It is always advisable to exchange your local currency into US Dollars before departure, since US dollars being a universal currency are easier to exchange and get good conversion rates. Also US dollars are generally accepted and can be used to pay instead of local currency in case of need.
32. Do search online before departure for a trip for best places to exchange currency near your hotel. Also, get an idea of prevalent exchange rates from your local bank for reference. Hotels and airports though convenient are normally expensive and may be avoided.
Particularly for Senior Citizens
33. Travelling with a group of few like minded friends, preferably of similar age is ideal with their similar needs and age related health constraints. Most travel agencies can help in customising your tour as per your requirement
34. Most leading travel agencies also organise dedicated tours for senior citizens that are convenient and also more economical than the customised tour option. Tour Manager is your single contact for any information, guidance and also your saviour in case of any problem experienced abroad
35. Single travellers may find group tours more convenient and safer
36. Carry all your medicines with prescriptions where applicable. Airport authorities may require the prescription for medicines carried on person.
Ensure you carry sufficient supplies of your prescribed medicines, since procuring them whilst abroad may be expensive and cumbersome
37. Leave your detailed visit programme with hotel names & contact details along with the travel agent contact details with a close friend/relative back home to facilitate them to keep track of your location and well being from time to time
38. Keep your family and friends back home updated on your wellbeing regularly. Whatsapp calls are now convenient to keep in touch since they are free and can be used on free Wi-Fi at airports and hotels
39. Senior citizens may like to keep pictures of important documents on the mobile phone along with details of your hotel for additional convenience
40.Carry spares of luggage keys and pair of spectacles in case your original set gets misplaced or damaged. This is more likely with Senior citizen who may forget often.
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