Helpful Vacation Tips

Whether you are traveling with children, with friends, as a couple or in a group, here are some useful tips to keep everyone happy and safe during your next vacation.

1. Travel Light- packing lightly makes travel so much less stressful. In addition to not having to pay excess airline luggage fees, it is just easier to keep track of your belongings if you don’t have that many to keep track of. Always take a mental inventory of what you are handing to a cab or shuttle driver and make sure all of the bags are put into the vehicle. If your driver is making multiple stops before you are getting off, make sure your bags are not given to the wrong passengers in error.

2. Make sure you have all your proper documentation required for your destination. Check safety and health advisories from the state department and the CDC for your travel destination. These change frequently so check back often.

3. Forget about traveler’s checks. ATM’s are almost everywhere these days and you’ll get some of the best exchange rates by using an ATM card.

4. Carry small bills- whether you are traveling with local currency or US dollars, keep a good supply of small bills handy for tips, using a restroom and for small purchases. Nothing is a better target for pick pockets than to watch a tourist pay for a pack of gum with the equivalent of $100 bill.

5. Keep zippers in the front- Be careful to have back packs, waist pack and pocket book’s zippers out of sight to prevent easy access from pick pockets. This is especially true if you are visiting crowded public places. I would suggest keeping your wallet on your person (in front pockets or a money belt) rather than in a bag, back pack or pocketbook.

6. Know some key phrases in your destination’s local language. If in the unlikely event that you require assistance, you should be able to ask for police or medical assistance. Also knowing phrases like “How much” or “Where is the bathroom” always comes in handy.

7. Have fun. Travel is meant to enhance and enrich your lives. Have a great vacation!