A collection of tips on how to begin traveling smarter and safer makes the perfect starting point for a beginner to begin planning their own trips a bit easier. Below is just such a collection that will hopefully assist the eager novice into eventually becoming a pro when it comes to traveling.
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Take comfortable walking shoes! If you travel anywhere very often by foot, it is best that you find shoes that are very comfortable to walk in. If you do not have shoes that are comfortable, your feet will be miserable by the time you are done. Athletic shoes and running shoes are normally good for comfort.
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If you need a cheap place to stay while vacationing in Europe, consider sleeping in a hostel. Hostels are basically rooms that are shared by several people and are a lot more affordable than hotels. They may be small rooms with bunk-beds or large auditoriums with cots. If you can sleep through the noise, it is a great way to meet other travelers.
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Safety when you travel is a bigger concern than ever. Social unrest is erupting in many places--and you do not want to be in the middle of it. So be sure to check with a consulate and/or the State Department about the place you are planning to visit. Though it was safe when you visited five years ago, it may not be now.
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When traveling with young children, try to plan an overnight trip. If your child can sleep during most of your travels it will make them more rested when you reach your destination. In addition, you won't have to worry so much about entertaining them during a long flight if they are asleep.
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Most airlines will overbook their flights during busy times or seasons. In the event that too many people show up for the flight, they will need volunteers to take a different flight at a later time, in exchange for vouchers for travel, food and lodging that can be used at a later date. If you aren't in a hurry, you can pay for part of your next vacation!
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If you feel a need to put an external lock on your luggage before checking it onto an airplane, be aware that security personnel have the right to remove the lock for a manual search at any time. To avoid having your lock broken, check into purchasing one that has been approved by the TSA and operates on a master key system accessible by security officers.
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If you will be driving to your destination, fill a family member or friend in on your destination and planned route to get there. If something were to happen to you while driving, this person would be able to alert officials of your intended destination and the roads you would have been traveling on.
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A great travel tip is to bring a door wedge with you whenever you're staying at a place that makes you feel a little bit uncomfortable. Most hotel rooms have chain link locks but they're not very sturdy. A simple door wedge in place can keep an unwanted visitor out.
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Seek out "slow food" restaurants when traveling. These establishments combine eating with a commitment to locally grown foods. They only serve dishes that use fresh ingredients from their own farmers and fisherman. There are websites that can help you locate these restaurants all over the United States.
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When booking a hotel online, don't forget to search the web for discount codes or promotions for that hotel chain. If you are a AAA (American Auto Association) member, don't forget to request the rate, which most hotels in North America have. There's no reason to pay list price for a hotel room, so shop around and ask for better rates.
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Use carry-on luggage. Most airlines now charge extra to check a bag. So, to avoid this cost, try to fit everything into a carry-on bag, if possible. Even if your airline is one of the few that doesn't charge to check a bag, you may still want to avoid checking a bag. In a move to cut costs, many airlines have reduced the number of employees who handle baggage, making for a much longer wait at the baggage claim.
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Try wearing a vest that you can pack a lot of stuff in and to easily get past airport security. You can fit nearly anything small in these including your money and valuables. This way, you won't have to worry about stolen purse or bags full of your cash or other small valuables.
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Keep a couple of outfits separate, in your carry on, when traveling. If your luggage is lost the airline likely won't compensate you for at least twenty four hours. By having a couple of spare outfits in your carry on, you will save yourself from having to buy clothes out of pocket if your luggage doesn't make it to your destination.
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If you decide to stay in a youth hostel while traveling, be sure to secure your valuables as a precaution. Never leave anything important behind in the room while you are sightseeing, many thieves visit hostels to pray on unsuspecting travelers. Never make yourself and easy target. Many hostels offer lockers for an additional fee.
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If you're going on a trip to visit family, one way to make sure everyone will have a place to sleep is to bring along a number of inflatable vinyl air mattresses as well as an electric pump. These mattresses have improved greatly in quality over the years and the price is quite reasonable. Pumps can be hooked up to your car's cigarette lighter or into an AC outlet. It is well worth the minimal cost to be sure that everyone has a bed to sleep in when you arrive.
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Long driving trips can be fun and economical, but the cost of stopping for meals every few hours will add up, especially for a family. If you are planning a longish car trip, make sure you have plenty of car food available in advance. You may be able to get away with skipping the hourlong lunch stop, which will not only save you money, but will get you to your destination sooner. If you have a second adult in the car, that person can serve as "lunchmaker," handing around sandwiches, cutting fruit, and making sure everybody gets their midday meal on the road.
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Make sure that when you are traveling on long flights, to stretch your legs as often as possible. The majority of trips are going to be cramped, as you will want to make sure that you do not get sore during the flight. If possible, take a walk to and from the bathroom to get exercise.
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These tips ought to have offered you some much needed insight on exactly where to start and just how to begin with your personal individual traveling plans. The following tips had been thoughtfully compiled to assist the brand new vacationers discover the basics and a few other cool methods which are easy enough to use for his or her subsequent excursion.
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