As a world traveler who has been to over 50 countries and 6 continents, I am no novice when it comes to being a road warrior. I’ve learned a lot, sometimes the hard way, through my own travels and interaction with travel industry representatives and people overseas.
As for me, I prefer to get all of the aggravation out of the way first before going on vacation, so when I travel I can enjoy time with my wife and relax. Here are some of my world-class traveling secrets.
1. Always comparatively shop and check prices for hotels, flights and cruises online before purchasing.
2. Before buying air tickets go online to the airlines’ website first and get a frequent flyer number with the airline or one of their American affiliates if flying internationally to get your mileage/points.
3. Be sure to give your frequent flyer number to the airline rep at check-in when you are issued your boarding pass and check your baggage.
4. Call a week in advance to confirm with your airline/cruise ship before traveling.
5. If you’re going on a cruise, be sure to confirm your airline arrival and departure time to facilitate your entry and exit from the cruise ship in advance to make all necessary connections.
6. For cruises, beware of the currency exchange options on your contract. Read the fine print and ask questions before assuming anything.
7. If your travel dates are subject to change, than consider buying an open-ended ticket with flexibility to change the dates or purchase travel insurance. However, if the penalty for changing the dates of travel is less than the open-ended ticket or insurance premium, forego the latter.
8. On the day of travel, call your airline/ship to inquire as to any inclement weather that could cause delays. Better to know beforehand and wait comfortably at home or in your hotel than in a crowded airport or pier.
9. Put your names and fragile stickers on your bags to ensure they are handled with care and able to be found should they be lost during the holiday peak travel season.
10. Take valuables with you on your carry-on bag rather than trusting it below the plane or to the porters on the ship.
11. When signing contracts to stay at hotels, be sure to mark out and initial the part that waives hotel liability in the event of theft in your room.
12. Get a insurance company and credit card that insures your rental car when you’re traveling so you don’t have to pay for expensive rental car insurance.
13. Never use a taxi driver who approaches you in the airport. Only use government authorized and approved drivers who cue in line to pick up passengers.
14. Beware of strangers who suddenly befriend you and offer excessive help to you, particularly if you have problems with your rental car as they may have caused it.
15. Always confirm all information given to you to ensure it is correct and not misleading.
16. Stay at resorts/hotels with safety deposit boxes in the room. Otherwise, your lovely trip could be quickly ruined by thieves who pinch your valuables.
17. Reputable resorts and hotels have more trustworthy and less misleading staff. The safety alone is well worth the additional cost often when traveling overseas.
18. When overseas, beware of police and governmental officials stopping you unnecessarily and asking for bribes. Write down their first and last name before giving them anything.
19. Keep all travel documents up to date and current (more than six months remaining on your passport) to ensure not being refused entry into a country.
20. Always be polite, courteous, and thankful for all help given to you. End everyday with more friends than enemies.
Now after you’ve gotten all of that out of the way, kick back, relax and enjoy your holiday travels.
Paul F. Davis is a worldwide professional speaker, prolific author of several books, and purpose coach. Engineering breakthroughs for individuals and organizations, Paul is a skillful change master that empowers people to elegantly transition, transcend circumstances and be transformed. “Poems That Propel The Planet,” is a book of prolific and prophetic poems that will revolutionize your world. For more, please visit www.PaulFDavis.com.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
