Traveling Tips For the First Time Traveler

If you are a regular overseas traveler then you probably do not need to be reading this article. This article is not designed for you. This article is written for the first time overseas traveler. If you have never been overseas before you may be a bit frazzled. I am sure that you are excited but there is a lot that you need to do.

Below I have outlined four tips for you to follow before you leave. If you follow these tips you will be better suited to dealing with any situations should the unfortunate arise.

Photocopy your documents and take spare passport photos. There is nothing more annoying then losing your passport. It is a very painful experience. To help you more quickly get a replacement, you should take copies of all of your important documents, leaving one copy in Australia and taking one with you and leaving it at the hotel. You should also have spare passport photos in case you need to get one organised quickly.

Understand the laws where you are traveling. Now, I am not telling you that you need to become a legal scholar in the laws of the country that you are traveling to, but you do need to have a basic understanding of laws related to drugs and alcohol, how you behave on the streets and whether there are any curfews or out of bounds area that you shouldn't travel to.

Organise any visas you need before you travel. In many countries around the world, you need a visa before you can enter the country. You should make sure you organise all visas that you may need before you travel so that you have no problems getting in to any of the countries that you want to visit.

Get any vaccinations your doctor recommends. Some countries may have diseases that are not in your own country but you may be able to get a vaccination from your doctor before you travel. Speak to your doctor and get some advice on what vaccinations you may need and make sure you take up this advice.

Traveling overseas is extremely exciting. It should bring you a lifetime of memories. Make sure that you follow the tips that I have mentioned above so that your trip is only filled with happy memories.

Travel Tips - 4 Tips to Ensure That Your Dream Trip Does Not Become a Nightmare

If this is your first trip off overseas, I know that you must be very excited. Everybody looks forward to their first big adventure. If this sounds like you, I really want you to keep reading this article. I don't want to scare you and I don't want to put you off traveling, but I do want you to make sure that you follow the advice that I have outlined in this article. The advice that I have outlined below could help ensure that your dream trip does not turn in to a nightmare.

Don't leave home without travel insurance. If you have not purchased travel insurance before you leave for your holiday, you should not be getting on the plane. There are a variety of things that can happen that can cause you heartache and severe financial distress. Get yourself travel insurance so this doesn't become a problem.

Get all the vaccinations you need before you travel. Some countries can leave you susceptible to diseases that are borne in water supplies or by insects. In the western world we have vaccinations for many of these diseases. You need to make sure that you see a doctor before you leave, tell him that you are traveling, and get all of the vaccinations that are recommended.

Pack some condoms. If you are single and you are traveling, chances are that you will head out on the town and meet some of the locals. If you 'get lucky' you need to make sure that you practice safe sex. Whether you are a man or a woman, you need to make sure that you pack some condoms in your wallet. It is much better to be safe then end up with a sexually transmitted disease.

Only eat food from reputable sources. In some countries, especially throughout Asia, there can be problems with eating food from some places. You need to be careful where you get your food from. There would be nothing worse than ruining your holiday with a bout of food poisoning.

Traveling is a lot of fun but you need to make sure that you do it safely. Follow the tips that I have mentioned above and your holiday should not turn in to a nightmare.

Travel Tips and Advice For the Novice Traveler

Since there is a huge difference between domestic travel and out of country travel, these pieces of advice should be applied to whichever location fits your situation. Some fit into both categories. At some point, you will probably use ALL the tips, as I have found even veteran travelers tend to not have thought of many of them.

Domestic travel: Print out all your documents and have them handy when you arrive at an airport/hotel etc. There is (now) almost always more than one hotel of the same franchise at every airport and jumping into a cab or on a shuttle to take you to the hotel by the same brand name may not necessarily be for YOUR specific hotel. So make sure you know where you are going and which is the right shuttle for that location. Always ask, ask, ask. Ask the drivers, fellow passengers, desk clerks, maids - anyone who is local to the area that can help you navigate your way through choices of restaurants or malls, safe or unsafe areas and what to see or where to go. Save luggage fees for a second bag by packing lighter and taking a carry-on plus your suitcase instead of two suitcases. May save you $25 right there ($50 for round trip). If you have an e-ticket, use curbside baggage check in to avoid standing in lines to check your one bag. Will cost you a tip and maybe a bag fee but if you are late for a flight, this may save you from missing the flight.

Foreign travel: Make sure you have your needed documents and passports. Some countries require special Visas, some immunization records, some special stamps or documents so ask your airline what is needed when you reserve your ticket. If done online, research online before you leave. If you didn't think of it ahead of time, have the hotel make COPIES of your passports. If you lose a passport, you will help yourself tremendously by having a copy for the authorities. Carry the copy(s) separate from your other documents in case you are robbed. For the same reason, have at least two credit or debit type cards in case one is lost or rejected in a foreign location. Not all ATM's will accept debit cards and neither may your hotel. Keep a list of handy numbers to call in case of trouble. Like bank phone numbers in case you lose your wallet or purse, the local Embassy, the airlines AND your destination hotels in case you get lost. Ask locals for tips on what to see or how best to see it but don't trust strangers to direct you to their 'cousin' who has a jitney or car and "will take you anywhere you want to go cheap".

These simple, common sense tips are often overlooked in the hurry to pack and leave but if you ever had need for any of the tips, you will know why it pays to stop, think and plan ahead - "just in casing".

Travel Tips And Advice - Travelling With A Disability

A disability should not stop you from travelling, but a chance to try different travel options. The three key challenges to travel with a disability are - transport, toilets and accommodation. We will provide you with Trusty Travel Tips and advice that will assist you on your next travel adventure.

Don't get hung up on how accessible a place is, focus on all the activities you can do!

Planning Your Adventure

When you are travelling with a disability or travelling with someone with a disability, the most important thing for a smooth vacation is correct planning. Don't go overboard and plan your holiday down to the last minute, but all your accommodation and transport should be booked before you leave home.

You should research the accessibility of your transport and accommodation options, and also for the activities you are planning. Ask questions about access to buildings, the number of steps, how wide are the doorways and lifts and is there easy access from the car park. And for your accommodation, off course ask whether there are disabled toilets and showers, and if there is enough space in your room for a wheelchair.

When contacting places, you need to be specific about your own limitations, so that different options can be put in place to cater for you. The best place to get information is from other travellers who have done it before. Otherwise you should try local tourist information centres.

Make sure you pack all essential and necessary medications, and bring with you any necessary prescriptions. Also make sure you pack extras of any medical or personal equipment that you might require.

Choosing The Right Transport

One of the biggest difficulties when travelling with a limitation is choosing the right transport and especially getting on and off public transport. Once you have planned your itinerary, you need to research your options between locations or cities. The best way to find accessible transport is to talk to "customer relations" or the person in charge of 'specific needs customers'. They will be able to provide exact information on the transport options.

Catching a plane can be a daunting experience! When you book your ticket, let the airline know your limitations and specific consideration should be provided. Be sure to check with your airline to make sure it has accessible toilets before booking a long haul flight.

Many people with a disability will forget figuring out the best transport all together, and will take a cruise holiday - either a river cruise or a large cruise liner. This way all of your luggage will stay in the one place, you don't need to find an accessible restaurant or toilet, and many of the activities are brought to you.

Other good options are:

• Hiring a camper van that is wheelchair accessible
• Take a train holiday in Western Europe - most trains are ideal with easy access and accessible toilets.

Finding An Accessible Toilet

Research is essential to finding accessible toilets. Many toilets say that they are accessible, when they are clearly are not. Don't find out the hard way! Asking at the tourist information centres for up to date information.

Places to look for an accessible toilet is at museums or art galleries, fast food restaurants or at modern train stations. Some travellers will plan what activities they do or attractions they see each day by where they can find an accessible toilet.

What is The Best Accommodation

It will be hard to find the perfect accommodation when you're travelling, except if you are willing to pay for it. Research is essential before you go to find a place that is accessible.

A good hotel will have accessible car parks that have easy access to the hotel. They will normally have a lift and even a porter service. Most will have a restaurant or food service on-site for easy access. Make sure you tell your accommodation when you are booking about your limitations, what equipment you might have and what assistance you may require.

A good idea is to stay in accommodation in a central location. It will be easier to visit local attractions and these attractions will be close-by. You might even be able to do day trips away from the city. This way you avoid the need to move all your luggage again.

Other Great Tips And Advice

• If you are in a wheelchair and have someone to push you, take a manual chair. It will take up less space then an electric chair and it doesn't require recharging.
• Allow your family or carers to have a holiday too. Let them do activities that they choose. This way they will want to travel with you again and it might give everyone some needed time apart.
• Have your wheelchair cleaned and serviced before you leave. Make sure you have checked the batteries and all moving parts are in working order. Also research who you could contact if you have a major breakdown on the road.
• If you have an electric wheelchair, take spare travel adapters so that you don't get caught out.

The most important tips and advice is for you and your family / carer to enjoy your holiday. Enjoy each day and its new adventures, new sights, new culture and the new things to be learnt.