Travel Items to Make Travel Easier

It can be difficult for a traveler to be completely prepared rather it be driving across the country or flying around the world. Recently my husband and I traveled through 9 states on a no reservations road trip. Here are a few things we discovered to make our road trip more comfortable.

Travel Tip #1 - when staying in a different hotel/motel room every night it is difficult to get up in the middle of the night not stub a toe. At home a nighttime trip to the fridge or bathroom is easier because you are comfortable in the rooms however, a trip to the restroom in the middle of the night in a strange room can be deadly. When traveling it is simple to slip a small night light into the pocket of your suitcase, this simple little light will keep travelers toes and shines free of bruises and accidents from happening.

Travel Tip #2 - It is illegal to drive without shoes in most states across the nation but, driving with slippers on is legal. If travelers are spending more than two hours in the car on the road then wear a pair of slippers that are soft on the top and have rubber bottoms. Do not wear socks that are tight on the shines as these can sometimes cause blood clots in the legs by cutting off the circulation.

Travel Tip #3 - If medications are needed on a trip then be sure to carry extra medications. It is better to have a pill container for daily medications and then keep the pills in a small travel bag in their original bottles. One can never know when weather or travel arrangements cause a delay that can last a few hours to several days. We always carry an extra 2 weeks worth of medications on our trips. It is illegal in most states and countries to carry medications in large number loose or in anything other than the original prescription bottle.

Travel Tip #4 - Depending on where and how your party are traveling it is always good to pack as little as possible when it comes to cloths. It is easier on the traveler who moves bags from plane to car or hotel room to car to pack light. Pack interchangeable clothing so there is less in your bag and be prepared to do laundry on the road. Most hotels have guest laundry areas now and it is not extremely expensive usually $1.00 to wash and $2.00 to dry with soap and fabric softener for sale in small boxes at $1.50 per box.

Travel Tip #5 - If traveling by air or by land it is better to pack light and save space by taking along 3oz bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hair spray and travel size deodorant. Many hotels and all towns and cities have pharmacy or gift shops that have these small supplies available and they are very inexpensive to purchase.

Travel Tip #6 - If travelers are coffee drinks then take along a small electric kettle and pick up coffee pods so that if the hotel/motel doesn't have in room coffee the traveler can make their own. Also if traveling abroad be sure to take along a power exchanger so that if the power is 220 instead of 110 the exchanger will provide the correct power to electrical items.

Travel Tip #7 - Travel with identification at all times. My husband and I usually take along our passports, keeping a copy of them in our suitcase, glove box, and leaving one copy at home in the safe for family members. Post 9/11 travelers can now carry a travel card that is the size of a driver's license also.

Travel Tip #8 - If travelers have medical conditions then bring along a letter or list of those conditions, names and phone numbers of doctors who treat you, and the name and amount of medications that are needed. Keep a copy of this information in a suitcase, in wallet/purse and one copy in the automobile if driving.

Travel Tip #9 - Carry sun block in suitcases or automobile. Be sure to wear sun block even when riding or driving in the car as the suns rays coming through the windows can be just as harmful as they are when being out in the direct sunlight.

Travel Tip #10 - Don't carry a lot of cash, it is also not a good idea to take travelers checks when traveling abroad. Many destinations do not accept American currency and a trip to the bank to cash out those travelers checks can cost up to 5% of the finances. What that means is it will be necessary to cash in that foreign currency to US dollars when returning and many exchanges charge a fee. Traveler's lose money going both directions. Most destinations have ATM machines and banks that will give local currency when using them. Be sure to have at least a small understanding of the difference in rates so that what is ordered from the ATM is the correct amount of currency needed for the trip/day.