Advice and Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Advice and Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Travel for people with disabilities is also called disabled travel. This travel is currently on the rise. The modern travel industry is facing special needs of the travelers with disabilities every day. And the industry is making proper arrangements to ensure that travelers with disabilities enjoy their trips. If you are a traveler with disabilities that wants to enjoy every minute of their trip, here are advice and tips to help you.

Call in Advance

The law requires service providers to accommodate the needs of travelers with disabilities. Nevertheless, some of them need time to make proper arrangements. As such, you should mention your special needs when making reservation. This will enable the service provider to make appropriate arrangement to ensure your comfort during the trip.

Be Clear and Specific about Your Disability

Not every service provider is conversant with the medical terms that are used to describe different disabilities or conditions. It’s therefore important that you provide details of your condition without downplaying its severity. Providing more information will enable the service provider to accommodate you better.

Talk to Your Doctor about Your Travel Plans

Before you leave for a trip, visit your doctor. Let them know you intend to travel, the means of transport you will us, and your destination. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate coping measures to make your trip better. In some cases, the doctor may advise you to travel to a different destination but this will depend on your condition.

Carry Medication and Your Doctor’s Contacts

Carry medication that you can use in the event of an emergency. Keep medical supplies in the carry-on bag. Also have the phone number of your doctor and notes of your condition as well as the potential complications or special needs. It’s important to have pertinent information regarding what should be done in the event of an emergency.

Basically, proper research and planning can make all the difference when it comes to traveling with disabilities. Follow this advice and tips to make your trip better when traveling with disabilities.

Common Mistakes Made by First Time Travelers

Obviously, you are excited about your first trip. This is particularly the case when going on a first international trip. The feeling is simply amazing. However, it’s also daunting. What are you likely to find in a foreign country? What is the best way to cope with what the world throws at you? How much should you spend on your first trip abroad? What are the common mistakes made by first time travelers and how can you avoid them? These are just some of the questions that will linger in your mind when going on your first trip abroad. Nevertheless, the most important thing is to avoid mistakes that are likely to ruin your first overseas trip experience.

Here are common mistakes that first time travelers make that you should avoid:

Overbooking

You don’t want to be worried about anything upon your arrival at your international travel destination. This can prompt you to book everything including hostel, breakfast, dinner, lunch and transfer. However, you will eventually realize that having some flexibility is important. Booking in advance is crucial. However, leave space to alter your itinerary or take advantage of new opportunities.

Involving a Travel Agent in Everything

It’s not easy to plan an international trip alone. Using a travel agent makes you feel like you have a safety net. However, you don’t have to involve a travel agent in everything. Book your accommodation package and flights. However, you may realize that you will save money when you take care of everything yourself.

Fearing the Locals

First time travelers are easy to spot because they subconsciously have their hands on money belts and their faces are suspicious of almost everything. They are always looking for people that want to rip them off. However, there are friendly locals. Thus, first time travelers should not mistrust everyone. Trusting some of them can actually pay off. Therefore, be cautious but be open to making friends.

Trying to Visit and See Everything

There are probably many tourist attractions in your destination. That means you may not see all of them during your first trip. Wanting to tick all boxes that you physically can is a mistake. Instead, visit the most interesting attractions and learn something about them.

Underestimating Costs

You will spend more money on everything than you might think. Flights and drinks will cost you more. Generally, everything will cost you more. In fact, you are likely to spend two times more the amount you budgeted for. Therefore, save more money before you make your first international trip.

These are common mistakes that first time travelers make. Avoid them and you will have an enjoyable and unforgettable trip abroad.  

Useful Tips for Holiday Travels

Useful Tips for Holiday Travels

A while back while having dinner with a friend that happens to own Southwest Appliance Repair and we got into a discussion that when you plan to travel during the holidays, you need tips to help you maintain sanity. That’s because holiday travels can be hectic. Here are useful tips that will make your holiday trip less stressful.

Monitor Holiday Flight Deals

There is no consensus among players in the travel industry and experts on the most appropriate time to book holiday flights. Nevertheless, most airlines offer special deals to people that book holiday flights with them at certain times. It’s therefore wise to monitor holiday flight deals to know when it’s appropriate to book your flight. Typically, early bookings and flash sales will save you money when traveling during the holidays.

Travel on Off-Peak Days

You will get better deals when you avoid the crowds. For instance, when you travel on Thanksgiving Day, you are likely to get cheaper fares. The first and last flights are typically cheaper. That’s because average travelers don’t like the idea of waking up early to catch their flight during the holiday. However, if you endure late or early hours, you will save time and money. What’s more, airports are not busy during the off hours.

Take One-Way Tickets

It’s important to compare prices of one-way tickets between airlines. There are cases when flying with a single airline to a destination and a different one on your way back provides money savings. It’s also possible that this will be more convenient. Therefore, compare ticket prices carefully to determine the best way to save on flight tickets.

Ship Gifts

Instead of carrying gifts while traveling during the holiday, consider shipping them. This will save you the expenses and hassles of having them checked during the flight. You will also avoid carrying an extra bag for gifts.

Stay Safe

It’s impossible to predict illnesses, terrorist attacks and natural disasters while traveling. However, it’s possible to prepare for a worst case scenario. For instance, purchase travel insurance beforehand. This will save you in case of trip cancellation or emergency evacuation.

Basically, these are crucial tips for holiday travels that will make your trip better. Follow them carefully when planning your next holiday trip.

How to Choose the Best Travel Bag – Tips to Follow

How to Choose the Best Travel Bag- Tips to Follow

Choosing the best travel bag is a fundamental factor for any traveler. The market is flooded with travel bags. But, not every travel bag for sale is suitable for you. Essentially, the best bag should meet your travel luggage needs. That means it should enable you to carry luggage with ease. It should also allow easy packing and unpacking as well as quick access to items that you need while traveling. Nevertheless, there are other things that you should consider when purchasing your travel bag.

Here are tips for choosing the best travel bag:

Consider external dimensions

Is the bag sufficiently small to serve as a carry-on? If not, do you want to put up with possible delays as well as extra fees that will be associated with checking the bag? Answer these questions to determine whether the external dimensions make the bag that you want to purchase ideal for you.

Consider weight

How heavy or light is the bag? A lighter travel bag is better. Nevertheless, even a rolling bag needs carrying some times. But, consider the weight of the bag and your preference.

Mobility and comfort

When considering the mobility of the bag and comfort or the ease of moving it, think about uneven surfaces and airport terminals. Think about stairs as well. Also consider the advantages that come with the use of a bag while your hands are free. Additionally, consider your ability to carry 20 to 25 lbs on your back.

Space efficiency

Consider the external dimensions and the usable capacity that the bag has. Choose a bag that provides adequate space to pack items that you mostly like carrying while traveling.

Materials

Go for a travel bag that is made of a quality material. Essentially, buy a well-reviewed and established brand.

Cost

It’s important to consider the cost of the bag that you purchase. However, this should not be the only factor that guides your decision.

Generally, no single bag is suitable for every traveler. It’s therefore important that you consider these tips to pick the best travel bag to buy depending on your individual travel needs.

How to Know Other Travelers while on a Trip

To some people, traveling is largely about discovering self. However, there is more to traveling than that. It’s also about overcoming the fear to talk to strangers. Whenever you ask for directions, order food, or do anything while traveling, you talk to strangers. The conversation that you spark in a plane, train, bus, or café can be an opportunity to know the other traveler better.

Here are some of the ways to approach other travelers and get to know them better:

Be open to their suggestions

Talk to other travelers and listen to their suggestions. For instance, find out what they think about the best thing that you can do as a tourist at your destination. If you frequent a restaurant or a coffee shop, find out what their recommendations are. Basically, be curious and strive to learn more from other travelers.

Bond with other travelers

Visit popular spots for tourists at your destination. You will find out that there are reasons why they are popular. If you see a solo traveler struggling to take a perfect selfie, volunteer to help them. This might turn out to be a brilliant bonding opportunity.

Express your interest

If you meet other travelers and you start a conversation, let them know your interests. A fellow traveler may be interested in knowing you more if they realize that you share some interests. What’s more, you or the other traveler might have cool stuff that could form the basis of a great conversation.

Don’t be afraid to make ‘wrong’ assumptions

Some people stay quite while traveling because they don’t want to make ‘wrong’ assumptions about other travelers. However, even a ‘wrong’ assumption can spark a great conversation that will lead to knowing the other person more. For instance, you can make a ‘wrong’ assumption that leads to a conversation as the other traveler tries to correct you.

Have a gift

Regardless of where you go, you will come across cheap doodads and trinkets at the souvenir shops. A small item that you give a traveler that you meet in a foreign land can be something that they will treasure and remember you for in the years to come. Therefore, make sure that you have something to give a traveler that you meet during your trip and hold a conversation with.

Generally, be cordial and pleasant whenever you meet other travelers. This will enable you to know them more and even establish lasting friendships with them.

Money Saving Tips for Summer Travel

Many people have a stronger urge to travel during summer. But, many travelers want to get more money from their travel budgets. Therefore, they try every trick as long as it saves them money while traveling during summer.

Among the major money saving tips that many travelers use during summer include:

Being flexible

To save money while traveling, many travelers avoid being rigid with dates. In fact, majority of them swing it by leaving two or one day earlier or even later. This saves them some dollars in their airfare. Generally, avoiding traveling during the peak period is a smart approach for many travelers. Travel prices are higher on weekends. Therefore, travelers who want to save money on summer trips travel on Wednesdays or Tuesdays when airfare is generally cheap. Traveling when summer comes to an end can also save you money. Travel prices drop after mid-August because kids go back to school at this time.

Getting the best travel apps

There are many travel apps that can easily be found online. These apps enable travelers to get cheap flights. Others get travelers compensation for cancellations and delays. There are also apps that get travelers amazing car rental deals and hotel room discounts. If you want to save money while traveling this summer, use the best and latest travel apps.

Being skeptical

Before rushing for bundled vacations, many travelers compare their prices to what they would pay for hotel nights, rental cars, and airfare separately. This enables them to know what gives them a better deal. This is also the same with the use of booking engines. Comparing prices doesn’t hurt in any way. In fact, the comparison takes only a few minutes.

Being open-minded

Many travelers that want to save money are generally open-minded to the destinations they have not traveled to in the past. Currently, there are many sites and online tools that enable travelers to finds the cheapest tour destinations to visit. Using such tools, you can find an awesome place to travel to during summer, have fun, and save money.

Booking early

To save money on their summer travel, many travelers book early in the season. Generally, domestic airfare is at its cheapest around 2 months before the date for departure. Although fare can fluctuate, travelers keep their eyes open to spot great deals. Therefore, to save money on your summer travel, try booking early.

Generally, these are the major money saving tips for summer travel. If you intend to travel during summer, try them out to keep some dollars in your wallet.

Summer Travel Packing Tips

 

 

 

 

 

Summer is the travel season for many people. However, before traveling many people don’t know what to pack for their trip. Nevertheless, you can deal with packing stress by following these simple tips.

Prepare a packing list

Write down items that you think you will need while traveling during summer. Make sure that the list includes all the basics. Be realist when determining what you will need by accounting for each item that you want to pack.

Have a theme

Consider how you want to look and feel while traveling. Come up with a theme and stick to it while selecting the outfits to pack. This will enable you to cut down on things like shoes that you pack for your summer travel.

Accessorize

Instead of packing accessories like earrings, scarf, and belt, put them on. This will save space in the bag and enable you to carry more important items.

Use your carry-on properly

Use a carry-on or “personal item” that is small enough and sufficiently large to hold toiletries, electronics, and travel essentials like sleep mask and books. It should also carry valuables like jewelry and anything that you may have to pull out at the airport.

Be creative

Re-purpose like a professional travelers. If there is an item that you can use a couple of times, do it. For instance, use a one-piece swimsuit that you can also use as a tank with a maxi skirt.

Do comprehensive research

If you intend to spend more time traveling, conduct a comprehensive research. Determine where you will stay and facilities that you will have access to. For instance, are there laundry facilities at your destination? Can you buy some items at the destination at a relatively cheap price? If some items and services are inexpensive at your destination, why carry them?

These might seem like simple tips but they make packing for summer travel easier. Follow them and you will have an easy time packing for your summer trip. Feel free to check out one of many website I use to book my travel by clicking here.

Tips on How to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Traveling is generally exciting for many people. However, the planning process is not fun. I have a friend at Water Damage San Antonio that enjoys traveling. But he tells me that the myriad details that are associated with traveling are sometimes overwhelming and confusing. Nevertheless, he has mastered the following tips that enable him to have the best travel experience.

Choosing a new destination

To enhance your travel experience, choose a new destination whenever you decide to go on a trip. This can be a new village or town, a new country, a new mountain, or any place that you find exciting to explore. Discovery has always been the coolest experience for many travelers especially when it is done with family or friends.

Choosing less populated destinations

When you travel to a less populated destination, you feel like you rule the surrounding and get a genuine experience. Perhaps, this approach is common among trekkers and hikers. When you go out there, you feel like the entire world stands docile at your own feet or like nothing is impossible.

Conducting extensive research

Before you travel, do some homework. This is very important especially if you have never been to the place that you want to travel to. For instance, if you opt to travel to an unknown city, take time to find out what the points of interest are in that city. If you want to visit a distant country, find out whether landmarks are visible over the internet.

Carrying everything essential

Make sure that you have everything that you will need during the trip. This is very important especially when going to a place that is less populated or a place where getting help might not be easy.

Being active  

To have fun throughout the trip, don’t be lazy. If you are traveling with family or friends, play games that relieve stress, instill relaxation, and enhance a positive attitude. Above all, explore the new place that you visit and document all activities with photos.

These tips will surely enhance your travel experience. Follow them and you will have an unforgettable journey.

Vietnam: Everything you should know before going

There are people that are going to Vietnam for different reasons. One of these reasons is to go on holiday or touring from one country to the next. It doesn’t matter what the reason is for going to Vietnam, the one thing that you need to know is that you need to know and consider these things, before you are going. The more you know about Vietnam, the better your experience will be:

The time of year that you are going

Even if you can go to Vietnam any time of the year, it is recommended that you should consider going from January to March. This is the best time for tourists to go to Vietnam to get the best possible experience.

One thing that you need to know, is that you don’t need to be afraid that going during the raining season, is going to spoil your experience in Vietnam. No matter how heavy it is raining, everything is going on as normal and you can still have the experience that you were looking for.

It might be best to avoid some of the public holidays

In Vietnam, there are a couple of holidays that they are celebrating. One of the celebrations that you need to know about, is the Tet Holiday. This is a holiday that lasts for 10 days from the end of January to February. Even, if you can go to Vietnam during this holiday, most of the shops are closed for 10 days. Making experiencing Vietnam a bit hard.

If you want to go see a holiday that they are really celebrating with fireworks, then you need to go on Reunification Day. This is on April 30 and it is celebrating throughout the day with fireworks and a lot of partying. This is something that you might want to see.

For some countries, you might need to have a visa

There are a couple of countries, where you don’t need to have a visa in order for you to go to Vietnam. So, this is best if you are going to make sure if you are going to require a visa or not. You don’t want to be caught on your flying day without a visa, when you needed to have one.

Getting your visa doesn’t take that long in a couple of countries and you won’t even need to pay a lot of money for the visa.

Learning some of the phrases in Vietnamese

Not many of the people in Vietnam are talking English. This is why you should make sure that you are going to learn to speak a couple of phrases in their official language, Vietnamese. The only way that you can communicate in some way, is if you are going to learn the basic phrases in this language.

Vietnam. A great and interesting places to visit. However, it is important that you are making sure that you are going to know these information, and other information, before you are visiting this country. This is the only way that you can make sure that you are aware about important things, before you are going to Vietnam.