Travel Tips
- A few phone calls before you leave can save you from vacation stress later on. Confirm your vacation reservation, including hotel, air, car, train, dining and activity reservations.
- Organize the credit cards that you are planning to bring with you. Make a list of emergency numbers to call if your credit cards get stolen.
- If you are visiting a foreign country, order a small amount of that country's currency from your bank to take with you. Or exchange some small amount at your destination's local bank. Don't exchange money at the airport or country borders. Most travelers are surprised to learn that the worst currency conversion rates are often at the airport counters.
- Before you leave, check the weather at your destination for last-minute wardrobe adjustments.
- Take advantage of coupons. Whether it is for restaurant, food, or attractions – coupons SAVE money! Find them everywhere... online, in local newspapers, at convenience stores, hotels, etc.
- Prepare your camera and video equipment at least 24 hours before leaving your house. This way you can make sure that all the necessary batteries have been charged.
- If you are driving, make sure that you have a road maps handy. You can also look up driving directions online before you go (www.map24.com or maps.google.com) and find out approximate driving times.
- Write yourself details of your insurance policy. Important phone numbers or email addresses of medical specialists, family, work, anyone you may need to contact if something occurs to delay your return.
- Avoid exposing yourself and your kids (kids are more vulnerable to skin injuries caused by UV) for too long under the summer sun. Even on a cloudy day, UV can penetrate through clouds to cause skin damage. Wear protective clothing and equipment such as hats and sunglasses with good UV protection. Appropriate sun block lotion can provide protection from excessive UV absorption.
- Always watch out for your passport and the place you will leave it. Your accommodation will require it for a maximum of 24 hours for registration purposes. Beside that, it is also more secure to leave your passport in safe place in your accommodation or hotel, rather than carrying it with yourself.
- Stick together with your family members and keep an eye on your kids all the time. Make sure that everyone knows where they are staying (name and address of accommodation / hotel). Teach them what to do if they get lost or separated. You may need to agree on a meeting place, just in case.
- If you don't want to use roaming internet on your mobile phone, you can buy local sim-card which comes with internet package included, usually 7-12 € for 7 days.
- Carry only as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest in a hotel safe or another secure place. If you need to carry large amounts of money, ask your partner or a friend to carry some of it for you. There is far less chance that both of you will lose all the money at the same time.
- Make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies. Always include extra money in your budget for unforeseen circumstances.