Ways to Make Traveling Easier

Traveling to a foreign country is like treasure hunting. You may encounter great finds and keep precious gems, but you may also experience unexpected and sometimes dangerous circumstances. To make this journey easier, more convenient, and fun, you will need some guidelines and tips for your well-deserved vacation. Here are the top ten ways to enjoy a hassle-free vacation:
Top 10: Keep your travel documents safe.

You can put all your documents in here

Part of having a peaceful mind when traveling is knowing that all important traveling documents and cards are safe. You wouldn’t want to dine at a restaurant only to find out that you don’t have your credit card with you. It is also a big problem if you visit the embassy and discover that your passport is gone. To make everything legal and registered, you can give your contact details and other information to your home embassy. You must also make sure that you have more than one copy of your passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards and visas. Carry the original ones for emergency purposes and secure some copies at your hotel.
Top 9: Simplicity is Beauty.

A pretty girl in a simple dress

Dress simply and make sure to bring only the essential things when traveling. Where there is temptation, there are scammers and criminals waiting to strike at any given time. By wearing expensive jewelry items, shopping extravagantly and carrying branded and glittering bags, you have set yourself up for a possible crime. Avoid this by keeping things simple. You wouldn’t want bad memories to mark your travel adventure.
Top 8: Enough is Enough.

All he needs is his suitcase

When traveling, please don’t bring your entire cabinet with you. Just pack necessary clothing items like underwear, a hat, jackets, and some shirts and pants. Traveling with a heavy load can cause inconvenience in the airport and in accommodation spaces. You may also be fined for excess baggage. Just carry something light and easy. Learn to dress properly as well to be ready for any weather changes in the country of your destination. Top 7: Show Me the Money!

Got the money, ready to travel

Upon arriving at your destination, you may need some local currency for taxi fees and other airport payments. It is always better to get yourself some currency as you may not be able to exchange money instantly. If you know a friend from the country of your destination, you can ask which money exchange centers are credible and where you can get the best rates. Be careful of suspicious characters who may offer to exchange your money upon arriving at the airport.
Top 6: Calling Far Away

A woman calling from a public phone booth

To prepare for any emergency situations, you must always carry a phone card with you. If you can, bring and use your GSM cell phone with you in your destination country. Make sure that you know the country code, area code, and all of the corresponding telephone numbers. Read instructions indicated on the card. If you are using pay phones, be sure you know how to input these numbers. Aside from using these phone cards for calling home, you can also use them to contact anyone locally. If you are suddenly lost, you can call your friend or the embassy through public phones or through your GSM phone.
Top 5: You are What You Eat

A man eating using chopsticks

To make traveling easier and hassle-free, take care of your stomach. Though it is common for travelers to go on a food trip and try all the exotic treats available, these delicacies may ruin your vacation. If you usually eat cooked food, you had better not try something raw as these types of food may cause instant upset stomach. One remedy is to bring medications for stomachache, indigestion, and other sicknesses. It is also advised that you drink bottled water for a diarrhea-free stomach. Top 4: The Magic Touch of Words

Two men saying hello to each other

When you speak the native tongue of the place you visit, you suddenly feel very welcomed as people are delighted with your effort. This is true even with just few words. Learn some basic phrases or sentences of the country’s language. Try to remember phrases like “Thank You,” “Good day,” and “How are you?” If you are in countries with a language that has its own characters, being able to recognize some basic characters can help you a lot. You will be able to know which one indicates a restaurant and where the bathroom is. Who knows, you may be fascinated and actually continue learning the language when you return home.
Top 3: Navigating with Maps and Public Transportation

A couple of tourists checking their map

Maps are more than just graphical illustrations of places. They actually guide you to your chosen destination. A big city will usually have more than one type of map for different areas or vicinities. Some traveling maps have lists of places to visit and what public transportation is available. For example, if you would like to visit a particular park, you can take the subway line that passes thru that specific place. Taking public transportation while traveling is much more convenient and fun than hiring a car or riding in taxis.
Top 2: Travel and Tourist Guides—Your One-Stop Assistance Sources

The tour guide and his tourists

A tourist guide can be your live map and instructional guide. Some travel packages include a tourist guide. If not, you can request this for an additional charge. Tourist guides provide helpful tips about traveling, eating and even shopping. If you need anything like contact numbers of restaurants, embassies, or emergency numbers, you can find this information in a tourist guide. Tourist guides also explain and introduce the spots that you visit. Meanwhile, a travel guide can be in the form of a manual, booklet, or brochure. Most of the information you need, such as hotels and restaurants available in your area, are available from booklets such as these. These guides are available in tourist information centers located at airports, city offices and selected tourist spots.
Top 1: Flash Your Set of Perfect White Teeth

Flash your smile, get noticed!

Smiles are really contagious. When in a foreign land, you may not know the language, culture, and practices. You may be conscious of how you act and how you speak. However, there’s one thing that is universal, which can make everything seem brighter and lighter. A smile is a universal communication tool that people of any age and nationality can understand. A foreigner like you can also approach someone more easily if you smile. There is also a better chance that the person will help you. Remember, if you are anxious, just smile and politely ask someone for help. If you look more beautiful and approachable, you may just get what you need, free of charge.

These are just some of the things you can do to enjoy your vacation fully. Eliminate unnecessary stress. Remember, vacations are supposed to be enjoyed. Make traveling easier by simply smiling and keeping your belongings safe.