Taking a family vacation is a great time to bond, but long travel times can make even the most patient children antsy. This can lead to unnecessary bickering and a damper on the family fun. This article will help ease some of the travel-time tension by giving you some ideas to keep your children entertained throughout the whole trip.
When flying, always have a bottle of water handy. Drinking plenty of fluids will ensure that your body stays hydrated during the flight. The air inside the cabin is extremely dry, playing havoc with your body. Don’t substitute alcohol or caffeine for water, as this can make dehydration worse.
Pay attention to hidden fees when booking airline travel. It is becoming commonplace to charge fees for checked baggage, especially overweight baggage. In addition, airlines now charge fees for checking in at the terminal instead of online, and may even charge extra to select a more coveted seat on the airplane, such as exit row seating.
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.
An excellent way to reduce costs on your next travel adventure is to allow for flexibility of your flight date. You can literally save hundreds of dollars just by changing the day of the week you are willing to fly, as some days during seasons of high travel are sure to be packed with excess costs.
If the hotel you’re staying in doesn’t offer free wifi, try asking for a room on the first or second floor. Most of the time in cities, there are tons of cafes around that offer free wifi and you can pick those signals up when you’re on the lower floors.
When traveling with children by plane, try to book a direct flight if at all possible. Even if you have to pay a little more, it will be worth it when you arrive at your destination with happy children. Non-direct flights often result in increased stress for all due to long layovers and changes in flight schedules.
Destination travel to popular locations does not have to be too expensive, even with larger families or travel partners. There are many destination guides that offer discounts on larger parties for travel, lodging, as well as dining and rental of vehicles while visiting. Booking all your travel plans together can save you so much more money.
Exploring America’s National Parks is a wonderful experience. While you are out and about in the park it is important to clean up after yourself. It is imperative that we do our part to make sure the parks stay beautiful and clean for everyone to visit in the years to come.
Winter travel can be quite stressful. Give yourself extra time as you get ready for your winter vacation. Delays are always a possibility. Bring something with you to keep you busy, such as a book, since you may have long waits at the security line or at the departure gate. Be prepared to wait. Cities that get a lot of ice and snow, can have delays of two or three hours or more.
If you have a smartphone, use it to help with your travel plans, and also, as a handy tool once you arrive at your destination. You can send yourself the itinerary through email, use the GPS feature to figure out where to go, and text message your friends and family. You can also use it as an entertainment device by downloading audiobooks or games. It’s small and convenient to carry, but it can serve many functions for you.
A direct flight is not the same as a nonstop flight. Both types of flights mean you do not have to change planes; however a direct flight may stop at other airports before your final destination. This leaves more possible areas for delays, making you late to arrive at your destination.
Purchase an inexpensive prepaid cell phone in your destination country if you travel abroad. Many phone companies have very high fees for international use. Instead of racking up a large bill, purchase an inexpensive prepaid cell phone when you arrive, so you can stay in touch without the massive bill.
Make good travel plans and leave a copy of this itinerary with a friend or family member at home. You do not need to plan out every minute of your time away, but you should have a rough idea of what you will be doing and when. List any flights, tours, hotel reservations, and reservations for dinners or shows.
No matter what mode of transportation you are taking when travling, try to get an off-hour ticket. Make a reservation for late nights or a weekday, as prices tend to be a lot cheaper during these times. Also, ask about any discounts or promotions they may be offering at the time.
Check the web for rentals by owners. You may be able to get a great price on an entire house for what you would pay for a hotel. It will allow you the comforts of home while on vacation. You should even consider getting a couple or two to go along and split the cost of the house.
Think of the risks that you are taking in the terms of a vacation plan. You would not make plans for a week-long vacation on a one day vacation budget. If you think about it in these terms, you will likely find that you will not take risks that you cannot afford.
A family vacation is a great time to bond, but as stated at the beginning of the article, long travel times can lead to boredom and bickering. Hopefully, this article has given you some great tips for easing the travel boredom, and will make your next vacation a memorable one.
