Going on vacation and traveling to a new place is exciting but can also be stressful. Airports, packing, planning, etc. are all known to cause a few headaches. Thankfully, technology is making traveling easier and less stressful so you can enjoy your vacation.
Portable Battery
Too many times in the airport is it impossible to find an outlet that isn’t being used. A phone dying can definitely cause stress and throw off plans, especially if you need to get in contact with someone once you land. The portable battery allows for people to charge their phones anywhere they want without worrying about an outlet as well as having a back-up plan for when your phone does die.
Nokia Treasure Tags
These tags allow you to keep track of you luggage, laptop, or carry on. The battery lasts for up to six months so you can easily see where you left something behind should you misplace it. It will beep if you misplace an item, so you can find it or tell you the location of the item should you not be close enough to hear it.
All in One Wallet
Tired of rummaging around for all of your different identification cards that you need to pass through airport security? Royce Freedom Wallet allows for you to put your passport in one side and your credit cards and identification in the other. The wallet syncs with your phone so you can track where it is should you misplace it. If you do misplace it or it gets stolen, your phone starts to beep so you can know right away, rather than leaving it behind at a hotel or restaurant.
Portable Translator
While it may not speak the full language, this portable language translator can certainly help you out with over 12,000 phrases in 12 different languages already programmed. Talking to business owners, asking for directions, and being able to communicate in an unfamiliar country with ease is extremely important to stress free travel.
These are just a few devices of many that can help make traveling easier. With technology advancing everyday, the stress of traveling can be lifted off of your shoulders and give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy your new experience.
Often airfare can be the most expensive purchase of a whole trip and often the least fun. Getting to a destination shouldn’t have to cost you massive amounts of money. Saving money on your flight will leave you with more funds to do the fun things you want to do and also make going on vacation more affordable.
Tools
- Leave on a Wednesday – most people book their vacation so that they leave on a Friday or Saturday making these the most popular days to fly. Booking your flight on a Wednesday will normally be a lower cost (unless it’s a holiday) because there is less demand.
- Monitor Social Media – Many airlines will post hot deals on social media, promoting cheap flights. However, these deals often don’t last long so it’s important to jump on them when you see them. Following airlines Facebook and twitter will help you be able to monitor these deals more easily.
- Pick the Layover – Although layovers and plane changes can be annoying, they are likely to save you $50-$100.
- Compare – use sites like expedia.com, Skyscanner, google flights, and more to compare different airlines and see which flights are cheaper. Keep in mind if these airlines have extra baggage costs, etc. because these all can factor into the price
- Get an airline credit card – Fly often? Get an airline credit card that gives you points towards flights every time you use it. You can rack up a lot of miles and get flights for free by buying things you would normally purchase anyway using that card.
- Be Flexible – When planning a vacation be flexible with the days you’re flying out and flying back. Adding a couple days to your travels can save you big bucks. Plus who doesn’t love an extended vacation?
- Don’t Book Roundtrip – Sometimes flights can be cheaper if you book two one-way tickets than if you book a roundtrip flight. Flying to a place with a different airline than you fly home from can definitely save you money.
There are plenty of sites and tips out there that can help you save money on airlines costs. The important thing to do is to research and not book the first slight that you see. This way you can have more funds when you get to your actual destination.
Preparing for your long term travel plans can be a very stressful activity. There’s a lot to do! If you have a plan in place, it will be much easier. The list below highlights some of the most important things to do before leaving for a long term trip.
Forward your Mail
If you can, get as many of your bills “paperless” as to avoid a trash bag of mail upon your return. For everything else, have a trusted relative or friend receive your mail for the time you will be away. This will save you the headache of lost mail or having an overflowing mailbox.
Travel Banking
You will want to avoid as many fees as possible while traveling – you’ll need the money! If you are traveling abroad, get a card that does not accrue international transaction fees. Even if you are traveling within your country, try to get a card that does not charge ATM fees either. It may not seem like a big deal, but those fees add up quickly.
Budget/Look for Work
You will want to set up a budget and do your best to stick to it. If you are planning on being a little more liberal with your money, do your best to set up odd jobs in the places you are staying. If you have the skills, set up some digital freelancing before you leave so you can work remotely!
Set Up Travel Insurance
Check with your insurance provider and be sure to acquire travel insurance. Accidents happen and you do not want a trip to the hospital to suck up your entire travel budget. Do yourself a favor and make a call to your insurance provider and make sure you’ll be covered no matter where you end up.
Pack as Light as Possible
This especially goes for you backpackers! The more things you bring with you the more lugging you will have to do on hikes, between flights, and getting in and out of busses/cabs. Do your best to bring only the necessities. Bring a week or two worth of clothing and do laundry often. It will save space in your bag and be less weight you have to carry! Plan and pack ahead so you have time to get rid of excess or gather extra materials.
Have a Farewell Party!
Set up a get together for all your friends and family as a pleasant farewell. This will help ease the pain of homesickness, but also gives your family and friends the opportunity to wish you off all at once. It will be much harder trying to run around or see everyone before you’re off. Plus, why not kick off your travels with a party.
