10 Rules for Hassle Free Travel

Here are 10 tips for the seasoned road warrior, to make travelleling a more pleasurable experience.

1. Planes, trains or automobiles?

Which method of transport you choose is dependant on a number of different factors. Long trips should be taken by airplane, of course, but what about the shorter ones? Maybe a train or bus would be more suitable? Which ever you choose the are thing you should consider, like the time it takes travelling to and from the airport as well as time spent waiting in checkin. The can be deciding factor also. The last thing you want to hear is that your flight is delayed due to poor weather.

2. Consider Alternative Airports if you’re flying, consider alternative airports that are outside the city you’re going to visit. As a rule, these airports have fewer flights, less overbooking and fewer delays than their larger counterparts.

3. Print of Copies of Destiantion Maps

Prior to leaving you home, it is a good idea to source maps of you desitnation cities. This is easy to do on the internet. Just go to CitySearch.com (http://citysearch.com/) where you can print off what you need. Place these printed maps in a plastic sleave. You don’t want them to get wet if it rains while your out exploring.

4. Carry Electronic Documents Rather than Hard Copy

Carrying large bundles of brochures can be a pain. Are great alternative is to save the on disc or portable hard drive, to be printed of later. This can also be a good way to ensure you never run out at a trade show or presentation.

5. Inform you Cellular Company that You are Travelling

Cellular companies are always offering new rates and deals. You should check to see whether this is the case for you. Some offer a flat rate for international calls. Finding if this is the case for you can possibly save you a lot of money.

6. Pick a Hotel that Caters for the Business Traveller

This is important if you require certain facilities such as internet access and business machine like photocopiers or faxes.

7. Don’t Forget Your Electric Adaptors

If you’re travelling to a foreign country, remember that you might need special voltage adaptors for electricity. You might also need plug adapters to accommodate both electrical plugs and telephone jacks. A good travel store will be able to help you decide what’s needed.

8. Use a Calling Card

Instead of run up a large phone bill with the chats with family and friends you could use a prepaid phone card as this can be a much cheaper method.

9. Get an Interantional Driving Licence

If travelling outside your own country, an international driver’s license will be more readily recognized than your locally issued driver’s license. The cost is not prohibitive and in most regions, the licenses are easily obtained by showing your local driver’s license. Inquire at your local Automobile Association.

10. Ensure your Protection Against theft

Before leaving home, make copies of your travel documents (passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, credit cards and itinerary). Take copies with you and leave a copy with a contact at home. Take special precautions for your electronics. See what your local travel store has to offer in terms of protective luggage. You can purchase laptop cases that disguise the fact that they’re used for laptops, or laptop cases that look old and battered. And of course, you already know how fast and savvy a pickpocket can be. Avoid carrying important documents in your purse or hip pocket.