Top Ten Travel Tips For An Enjoyable Vacation

Some important travel tips to take note to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable vacation. Nothing spoils a vacation more than when you encounter problems especially when in an unfamiliar place.

We all love vacations, visiting new places, trying new foods, going shopping and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. I have listed here top ten travel tips so that you have an enjoyable holiday. This is more so when you travel overseas to another country where they do things differently and where you are not familiar with local customs and language.

Happy Holidays!

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When traveling overseas it is good to have some travel insurance. Most of the time we never make use of it but it is a good precaution to take in the event that it might be needed. This is usually included in the air fare when you purchase your airline ticket.

Your passport is an important document when you travel overseas as it is proof of identity. Copies should be made of your passport and other identity papers. If you have booked your holiday with a tour agency, they will normally ask you to photocopy your passport.

Many hotels have a small safe in the room. So it may be a good idea to keep your passport in the safe rather than taking it along when sightseeing. You can also keep it locked in your suitcase.

Personally I prefer to lock it in the safe especially when I plan to visit places where it is going to be crowded.

Some travelers prefer to keep their passport with them. You can keep all your documents together in one place like a passport holder.

There are also many traveler's bags or pouches which can be hung around the neck or around your waist. You can wear it under your clothes for extra security. Pickpockets can just cut the strap of your pouch if it is hanging visibly for all to see.

For overseas traveling, it may be good to have a few ways of paying for your expenses. Travelers checks are better than carrying too much cash around. They are accepted internationally and can be cashed at the nearest local bank. Traveler's checks can be replaced if lost or stolen and therefore very popular with people on vacation.

Credit cards are also popular and widely accepted as a form of payment at shopping malls in most countries. Before starting your holiday it may be a good idea to call the bank issuing the credit card and inform them that you will be traveling overseas.

You need to carry cash in the form of the local currency for purchases of items in smaller shops, meals, taxis, etc.

Traveler's checks were first issued in 1772 by the London Credit Exchange Company for use in ninety European cities. They are available in several currencies such as US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Japanese Yen, Chinese Yuan and Euro.

Traveler's checks do not expire and so unused checks can be kept to be used by the purchaser at any time in the future.

American Express was the first company to develop a large-scale traveler's check system in 1891 and is still the largest issuer of traveler's checks today by volume.

The first time I saw this belt I was amazed that someone had thought of a product like that. The normal waist pouch or even keeping your wallet in your pocket may not be a smart thing to do when traveling in some countries due to the many pickpockets. I won't mention any country in particular but it is advisable to be cautious.

This is a regular Men's belt except that you can keep your money in the interior zipper pocket. My husband had one and the US Dollar fits very nicely when folded lengthwise.

Make your tag stand out!

You would be amazed by the number of people who have similar looking luggage like yours as you wait to reclaim your baggage at the airport. It is a good idea to mark your luggage so that it is easy for you to recognize it. Others will also not mistake your luggage as their own.

Recently my husband and I were on our way back from a trip overseas and we had taken the coach from the airport to the city. We got off the coach and saw another passenger taking possession of our suitcase. He was only convinced when my husband showed him our tags on the suitcase.

My son likes to tie colorful ribbons around the handles so that the suitcases are easily identifiable even from afar.

This sounds like common sense enough. It is important to start your holiday wearing comfortable shoes that will not cause blisters with too much walking. It is advisable not to wear brand new shoes but rather shoes that have been "broken in".

I like to wear comfortable walking shoes for the initial journey from home to my destination via plane or train or coach. I carry an extra pair of sandals for short trips at my vacation destination.

For minor cuts

When on holiday you may get some minor cuts or bruises so having a small first aid kit is very useful. It may be just a container that you fill up with items you may need. Of course you can get them at your vacation destination but it may prove to be difficult to find it you are not familiar with the place. Having your own supplies makes it more convenient.

What should you have in your kit? Some Bandaids, small tube of antiseptic cream for bites or minor wounds.

Be in good health for a happy holiday

If you have certain ailments which require you to take your medication, remember to pack enough for the whole time you are away. Depending on how long you are on holiday you can use compartmentalized pill boxes for your medication.

It is also good to bring along your supplements. When on holiday our schedules are different and we may be in a different climate from home. So make sure you bring along your vitamins. Vacation does not mean you also take a holiday with your supplementation.

I also like to bring along some over the counter medications for upset stomach from some unfamiliar food.

When I travel overseas, my mobile phone has roaming facilities. Though I may not use it to make many calls, I know that I have some means of communication when I need it. With so many people having their own cell phones there are less public phones available now. With your roaming facility you can call your hotel or local tourist agency or your bank in the event that you have lost your credit card or your country's embassy in case you need their help.

Although the rates are high, you are charged only if you make a call. I prefer to use text messaging when I am traveling overseas as the rates are lower.

Have you got your smart phone yet?

Prevents upset tummy

When traveling overseas especially to third world countries it is advisable to drink only bottled water. In some countries the water straight from the tap may not be safe for consumption. Getting sick when on holiday is miserable and inconvenient.

It is also important to ensure you drink sufficient water when you travel to countries with a hotter climate than your own home country. Don't become dehydrated.

Avoid crime-prone areas!

If it is your first time to that city it is advisable to sign up for the recommended local tours rather than explore on your own. Check with the hotel if you really want to go on your own about the best places to visit.

Hotels often have brochures on the recommended interesting sites. You can also visit the local travel agency on local tours available.

Be sure to get the best deal when you Compare hotels for your holiday.