Five Don’ts When Traveling
Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, can be much more enjoyable if major pitfalls are avoided or overcome before the trip begins, like finding affordable health insurance. When leaving home for an extended period of time, many people find that old habits are left behind as well, and this can be disastrous, because good common sense that is used in a familiar setting is of even greater importance in a new environment. A simple list of "do not" when traveling:
1. Do Not Over Pack Before A Trip
I cannot stress this point enough. So many folks believe that it is better to carry too much rather than too little; that way nothing gets left behind by accident. But taking all those unnecessary clothes, brochures, magazines, extra headphones, CDs or digital downloads that will never be listened to, three sets of every type of cosmetic or cleaning product will stuff the luggage so full that there is no way to organize it. The luggage becomes far too heavy, and travelers will never remember where everything is. The most important thing to remember about packing is to do it a couple of days before the trip and then repack several times. Now everything is in its place, both in the suitcase and in the mind. When I do this I can reach for my e-tickets, hotel vouchers, spare handkerchief, glasses and I can do it in the dark.
2. Do not Carry Unnecessary Credit Or Debit Cards
It is a temptation to take along these pieces of plastic, as a voice in the back of the head may caution that they are good in an emergency. What emergency? If there’s enough cash in the bank, then one debit card is enough. Extra credit cards are another way of giving in to spending temptation, and it always results in regret after arriving back home. I always follow the rule of taking the card on which I made my flight and/or hotel reservations, one extra credit card in case the first card gets lost or stolen, and leave all the others at home.
3. Do Not Make Yourself A Target For Thieves And Robbers
I treat this rule seriously, whether I am on a domestic or international trip. Getting robbed on vacation can ruin an otherwise happy time for one and all. There is a whole population of criminals that specialize on tourists. Leave the flashy jewelry at home and dress like a local instead of donning one of those bright, foliage-designed beach shirts. Always wear a cheap watch and leave the Rolex behind.
4. Do Not Plan A Vacation On A Tight Schedule
All it takes is one canceled airline flight or a weather delay, and the rest of the vacation is messed up. When traveling by plane, train or ship, always schedule an extra day for relaxation between legs of the trip. One of those days may turn out to be an actual arrival date if something goes wrong, but I know I’m covered if this happens.
5. Do Not Offer Favors
I want to be in control of things when I am traveling, and not at the mercy of others’ requests. A sense of being a Good Samaritan has landed many innocent souls in jail. Travelers are often preyed upon by smugglers or other criminals that ask visitors to take something, mail something, or deliver something. Never do it; treat suspicious people and funny looking packages like poison.