These road trip tips will help make sure
your vacation and planning enjoyable and stress-free:
Your goal is to relax! Leave
all your job, problems, dirty laundry, etc behind (it will be there when you
get back)
Avoid Taxi Cabs. Although
they are extremely convenient they are not shy about overcharging for their
services. Most hotels will offer a free shuttle bus to the airport or
the local hot-spots in town.
Unplug Small Appliances. It
sounds trivial but most people will have thoughts like, "I wonder if I
unplugged the iron" or "Did I remember to turn off the oven" Don't get
caught in that stress-trap, check this item off on
your
checklist.
Checklist. Print it out,
check things off when you pack them, and have it with you when you travel.
Every time you momentarily enter into panic mode-take a look at this
valuable tool.
Conserve Energy & Save Money.
Before leaving your house, you should turn down the furnace or air
conditioning by at least 5 degrees. There is no need to pay to heat or
cool your house when your not home.
Advise family & neighbors your going
out of town. This rule is especially important if you are
traveling alone. Make sure you tell them what your up to, the area
your heading, and when you expect to come home.
Have access to important information.
This includes credit card and bank card numbers (in case they get lost of
stolen), phone numbers, medical ID Card, prescription information,
reservation and flight information, etc.
Zip Lock Bags. Toss a couple unused
zip lock bags in your backpack or suitcase. These work great for a
wide variety of uses (wet swim trunks, bringing home food, storing
souvenirs, etc)
Get tickets in advance. The
most important thing you can do is to buy your tickets for all of your
Anchor
Activities in advance.
Maps. When heading out into
the unknown it is essential to have maps or a navigation system (GPS) with
you (not necessarily for getting there....but finding your way home).
Bring your own Snacks. Before
heading out of town, stop off at your local grocery store and pick up a few
snacks for your trip. Just be careful not to buy too much-your
appetite will not double just because your on vacation. Stick with
your normal eating habits but buy the stuff you like. Packing your own
food will make this a cheap weekend trip.
Coupons. It is well worth the
time and effort to check your local newspapers or browse the internet
looking for cost-saving coupons that will be useful on your frugal trip.
Relaxation Materials. Before
you leave on your trip make sure you
update your music
library on your MP3 Player. It's also nice to treat yourself to an
eBook or get a traditional paper variety from the store or online.
Bring your camera. It goes
without saying but your camera is going to come in handy on this trip.
You'll want to have it with you at all times because you never know what
lies around every corner.
Local Restaurants. Instead of
sticking with the large chains that you eat on a regular basis, it's always
great to try something new and treat yourself to the local cuisine.
You will be absolutely amazed in what you will find (ask your concierge at
your 4-Star hotel for a recommendation, and then have him make a
reservation).
