Caption: A photo of the back view of a woman sitting on bench at Central Park, New York City.(Getty Images)As Local Guides we owe travelers and tourists a service to help them navigate and explore the world around them. This we do by sharing vital information on Google maps to guide them in finding their way around. So in the spirit of Local Guide I want to share this post on five traveling basics to guide travelers. Every travel is a project and so there must be adequate planning and preparations. All travel protocols and documentations must be fully observed. For international travelers procurement of necessary traveling documents like a valid international passport with required visas (which should be valid for at least six months from the start of trip), health book (with record of immunization), traveling insurance, flight ticket etc, is very important.
However, whether you are traveling by air, road, rail or sea, or whether you are on international or local trip these five basics of traveling must be duly observed, namely;
- Inquiries:
Before you travel make sure you inquire extensively about your trip. Gather as much information as you can because the success of your travel depends very much on the information at your disposal. You should endeavor to get both front end and back end information. Inquire about the financial implications of such travel. Get to know about the currency, and the exchange rate, the mode of transportation etc. Information about the culture and language of the people is a plus. And if possible get a travel guide handbook. As you gather vital information take advantage of the Google maps to guide you in making informed decisions.
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Book your ticket on time.
It is required whether by air, rail or road to get your travel tickets ahead of time. It is better to get your tickets a couple of weeks or days ahead. Avoid the unnecessary stress and hassles of late booking. You can as well book from the convenience of your home or office and pay with your credit/debit card from the online portals of most operators.
I will advise you go for a return ticket to save some cash. You can also get a fair deal with the operators as most operators are known to give discounts for every return ticket, and for every ticket purchased ahead of time. Next time try booking ahead of time as this will give you enough time to prepare and to rest ahead of the journey. -
Pack your Luggage neatly.
Do not pack your luggage in a hurry. Make out time say a day before your travel to pack your baggage. If possible draft a list of items you intend traveling with, and pack them neatly in a sizeable box or case. Avoid the temptation of packing the items you don’t have need of, this will be useless as it will weary you. Important items like your medication if any, your credit card, your travel ticket, little cash, few clothing - depending on the length of your travel, relevant documents, contact details of your host etc and anything that will make you stranded must not be forgotten. -
Monitor your food Intake.
Prior to the travel it is very important to watch what you eat or drink. To a large extent the comfort you enjoy in each travel depends on what you eat or drink. Avoid certain vegetables, meals and juices, and where it is advised you don’t take water avoid ice as these might upset your stomach. For instance this stomach upset might lead to purging and hence rub off the comfort and excitement of the travel. It is recommended you eat at least half an hour before you travel and if you must eat in the course of the trip as some operators are known to serve food and drinks on board eat only what will not make you feel nausea and start vomiting on board. So be wise.
- Keep your contact Details.
Make sure you get the valid address or functional phone number of your host, or where you are going to. And make sure you confirm the authenticity of such contact before embarking on such travel. This is to avoid being stranded when you arrive at your destination. Make sure you inform your friends, family, associates, or hotel to pick you up immediately on arrival. This stage if not well managed will degenerate into a horrible and sour experience. Or how would you feel in a strange land without any contact to define your next move? Certainly, you will feel frustrated, stranded, and marooned and disappointed and wished you never embarked on such futile travel. You might even have issues with immigration officials and if you are unfortunate you might be put on the next available flight back to where you came from. So, next time you travel make sure you follow the five basics of traveling as you explore the world around you. Do have a safe and pleasant travelling experience.
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