Some people find travel stressful. For others, this activity is enjoyable and thrilling. But a vacation can be cumbersome because you have to plan the trip and book flights and accommodations. What’s more, you have to pack and drag your luggage around. Additionally, some people don’t know when and how to do some of the things affecting travel. However, this shouldn’t hinder you from traveling. Here are questions that most people ask about trips and their answers.
There’s no right time for booking your flights. However, you can follow the airlines’ guidelines to determine the right time to book your flights. Most travel experts recommend booking a flight at least 14 days in advance for international and domestic travel. If possible, avoid booking a flight within 24 hours of your departure. That’s because airlines can increase rates for such flights. Also, avoid booking too early because the airline can make changes and forget to inform you.
You should book your hotel before the flight. If making special requests or traveling with family, book accommodation immediately after finalizing your travel dates. What’s more, book with your hotel directly to get better rates. Your preferred hotel could also have a loyalty program that can benefit you when you book directly instead of using a third party.
If the airline cancels your flight, visit the ticket counter to inquire about your options. Also, contact the airline’s customer service department to find out what you should do. Some airlines have social media representatives that can help you deal with a canceled flight.
Travel insurance is undoubtedly necessary because you don’t know what might happen while away from home. For instance, the airline can delay or cancel your flight without redress. You can fall sick or want to go back home urgently. A good travel insurance policy will cover you for potential losses, including luggage loss or theft.
Traveling exposes you to many unexpected things. Therefore, take your time to research travel and your destination to make more informed decisions.
…In a time when technology has taken over most business activities such as communications, some people think that business travel is no longer necessary. With the internet, a computer, and tools such as video-conferencing, business people can now interact in real-time without having to travel. Despite all those possibilities, studies still predict an increase in business travel in the coming years. Here’s why business travel is important.
Although business executives can still interact online, face-to-face meetings bring in the element of real-life human connection that lacks in technology. That goes a long way in building a stronger foundation for future relationships. Whenever people engage with each other face-to-face, it is also much easier to eliminate miscommunication and promote some kind of unity between them. Physical meetings also allow the parties involved to understand each other’s communication skills, which is important in business.
Typically, business travel refers to traveling for work purposes. However, there is a lot involved in business meetings such as meeting new people and sharing ideas. Whether it is just a meeting to make a presentation or charity diner, you will always have opportunities to meet other business travelers, executives, and even investors. Stepping outside the office expands your network, thereby creating better prospects of growth in your career and personal life.
Despite the frequent meetings and work-related activities, business travel also offers lots of opportunities for fun. Even if your schedule is so jammed-up, there is still some bit of time you can get between the shifts to experience new cuisines, go shopping, or enjoy the beaches at your destination. That not only helps to beat the boredom but, also allows your body and mind to rejuvenate along the way.
While technology has done greater things to ensure the convenience and safety of doing business, it cannot replace the human face. Traveling for business promotes human interaction, creates opportunities for growth, and allows you to have fun working.
…While some people say traveling solo is boring and hectic, savvy solo travelers confess it is a great experience with lots of self-growth and development opportunities. Nevertheless, choosing the right travel destination for a solo trip is integral to the adventure. The following are some of the best destinations for solo travelers to consider.
Instead of rushing to the overcrowded popular travel destinations in Central and South America, opt to visit Guatemala. Unlike most of its counterparts, Guatemala is inexpensive and also offers endless natural attractions, ancient features, great weather, and adventures for the solo traveler. It boasts lush jungles, volcanoes, buzzing food markets, and friendly environment to visitors. Activities range from hiking, kayaking, food tasting, sightseeing, rafting to several others.
If you are looking to travel, exploring the pleasures of life in modern cities, New York is one of the best places to begin. Apart from its cluster of iconic modern structures, New York is a multi-cultural destination bursting with art, architecture, food, parks, fun activities and so much more delights to make your solo trip memorable. Every corner of the city is buzzing with sights and sounds that make it quite hard to distinguish day and night.
Although most people say Barcelona is a busy city, it has a lot to make your solo one of a kind. In Barcelona, you will experience both worlds as it has the allure of a modern city, pristine beaches, and ancient treasures to please your eyes. It is also famous for its streams of cafes and restaurants that line up the boulevards, electric nightlife and buzzing food scene.
This is another great destination for solo travelers looking to escape the ordinary. Thanks to its thick, green expansive rainforests, nature trails, warm weather, and unique cultural attractions, travelers have a lot to experience. The destination is mainly famous for hikes and camping but, there are many other outdoor activities to make your trip worth the while.
Regardless of your desired travel experience, the destinations discussed above have unique features and attractions to enrich your life in many ways.
…When planning to fly with a toddler, it’s easy to be afraid that other passengers will hate you. That’s because a baby can be quite annoying when bored and tired in a plane. Luckily, there are tested and proven tips that you can follow to make the flight better for you, the baby, and other passengers. Here are tested and proven tips for flying with a toddler.
Instead of choosing a flight with a longer layover, book a direct flight. That way, you will avoid connecting flights. Most little ears are put under immense pressure by landing. This can cause pain and make the little ones scream during flights. What’s more, you avoid mid-flight tantrum when you spend minimal time in transit. If unable to book a direct flight, spend extra time between flights. Spend your on the ground time changing diapers, grabbing non-airplane food, and allowing the baby to run freely.
Take time to change the baby before you board the airplane. Make sure that the baby is comfortable and prepared for the flight. When you visit the restroom before you board the airplane, you avoid visiting the tiny lavatory in the plane. You also ensure less work during the flight.
You may think that you don’t need pre-boarding to ensure that you spend minimal time on the plane with your toddler. However, using pre-boarding time properly is very important. It enables you to travel with a less-stressed toddler or baby. You don’t want to have other passengers sign while you struggle to keep the little one comfortable.
Although your toddler can fly free of charge, it’s advisable to book them a separate seat. This is a safer option that provides more room for you and the baby to spread out. It also enables you and the toddler to be more relaxed on the plane.
In addition to these tips, it’s crucial to carry toys and items that your toddler can play with. That way, the baby will be more occupied to avoid getting bored.
…Today, most countries will not allow travelers entry unless their passports are set to expire at least six months after the end of their trips. As a result, it is highly unlikely that you can travel internationally with a passport that has less than six months to the expiry date. Even if you manage to travel with the passport, getting back home could be a serious problem.
If you are flying within the United States, there is no reason to worry even if your passport is expired. But, you must have a valid form of ID recognized in the US like a driver’s license. There is no requirement for using a passport on domestic flights.
Flying internationally with a passport that is about to expire is almost impossible. However, there are two options to go about it. The first option is attempting to get an expedited passport before the one that you have expires. It is possible to get an expedited passport but, it might take time and a lot of input.
As soon as you realize that your passport is about to expire, contact the US Passport Office immediately for an expedited passport. You can also liaise with a reliable passport agency for the same. Make sure you confirm with the people expediting the passport about all the requirements for processing it. Sometimes, you may be asked to give proof that you are scheduled to travel in the next two weeks.
To get an expedited passport, you will also need to pay a fee for processing the document. The fees may vary but, it usually costs about $170 to process an expedited passport.
Expediting your passport is convenient but, can sometimes conflict with your travel schedule. The other option is to simply cancel or reschedule the trip. Nevertheless, it is always best for every traveler to keep the expiration dates of their passports in check to avoid the trouble.
…Most people find long haul flights boring. Cramped positions, boredom and too much TV make these flights challenging especially for those traveling with kids. If you must take a long haul flight with children, here are guidelines to help you prepare for it.
Even children are now required to have passports. These include toddlers and infants taking international flights. Passport processing takes time. And even if a passport is not required where you are traveling to, it’s important to have certified birth certificate copies of your child. Your airline might ask you to produce a birth certificate though it is trumped by a passport.
For divorced travelers, authorities require them to produce a non-custodial parent’s letter to show that they are aware and in agreement with you to travel with the kid. It’s also important that you carry insurance documents and have a backup copy somewhere.
You may need to get some vaccinations early depending on the age of your child and your destination. Ask your doctor about the vaccinations that you need and when to get them depending on your destination and travel time. Also get prescription copies, medical history, and contact information of your doctor.
If your kids stay up during the day, they will theoretically be ready to sleep once you board the airplane. However, the airplane presents a different environment. That means your kid might still have a hard time sleeping. Nevertheless, flying at night can still help and this can ease part of your flight.
If you intend to fly more than 12 hours, consider having a stopover in the middle of the trip. This will eliminate travel boredom and break up jet lag as well.
Follow these tips to prepare for a long haul flight with kids and your experience will be somehow better.
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