Whether you plan on traveling abroad or just across the city, be sure to follow this advice to make the best out of your vacation!
1) Be sure to read reviews about your destination (like Trip Advisor). You can also actively engage yourself into blogs to gain a chance to connect with the passionate travelers who are willing to share their experiences.
2) Update your status if you are an active social media user (eg. Facebook or Twitter). Friends will often give you tips if they know you’re going somewhere. Be sure to announce your progress along the way and upload pictures during and after your stay.
3) Check for local transit covering routes you plan to hit. Before you make reservations in a flight, be sure to check for any available buses covering that area. Services, especially from companies like MegaBolt and Greyhound, are pretty handy and some even offer free Wi-Fi.
4) Make a list of essential carry-on items. If you are going on continental or domestic flights, it’s important to include the following in your list!
- Ipods/MP3
- Slim and Portable Digital Camera (for those quick shots you don’t want to regret!)
- Duct Tape
- A copy of your passport (I hope you don’t need one but if you end up losing your passport, it makes life a lot easier!)
- Transparent Ziplock bags for liquid regulations in flight
5) Pack light (esp. for day trips). Don’t let unnecessary weight get in your way of enjoying the CN Tower or Burj Al Arab Hotel of Dubai. On the other hand, it’s also important to make sure you have all your supplies for the day. Planning your itinerary ahead would greatly help the pain of packing!
6) Get package deals. Never feel restricted by what the vacation package offers, but at the same time try to hunt for a reasonable fit between your interest and schedule! To find amazing deals for summer, be sure to check Expedia.com, Tavelocity.com, StarTravel.com or contact your travel agent. Also be reminded that fight companies also offer competitive travel rates and accommodation.
7) Get travel insurance. To truly relax while you are away from home, I recommend buying traveller’s insurance before you leave as it can cover everything from emergency medical assistance to missing baggage. With reputed providers (like American Express), you can truly forget about all of your worries.
8) Sign-up for email and deal lists, like Groupon. Although restaurants and car rental services like to clutter your inbox, it’s often best recommended that you sign-up in order to take advantage of special promotions. Sometimes promotions can offer up to 50 per cent discounts on services like car or cruise rentals.
9) Tip generously. In order to receive best service, it’s often recommended to tip the service provider in advance.
10) Maximize the use of your iPhone or smart phone. From apps ranging from navigation to hotel finders, smart phones can be useful when in a foreign city. Potential applications of your smart phone could include: e-copy of your itinerary and tickets, local weather updates, audiobooks, movies, songs, etc…