Traveling can be a great way to explore new places and gain new and helpful world perspectives. The downside, though, is that it costs a lot and takes time out of your schedule. Below you will be able to find helpful tips that you can use to make your vacation time as fun and affordable as it can possibly be.

Use an ATM instead of a currency exchange when traveling abroad. Many times banks get better exchange rates, meaning an ATM can save you money. The amount will vary; however, this can save you a lot of money.

Aisle Seat

Try your best to get an aisle seat on the plane. Though the window seat offers a view, there are few benefits to it. The aisle seat lets you have access to bathrooms easily, overhead compartments and airline personnel. It also gives you one side free of confinement.

If you worry about security, pack things like a doorstop to secure your door or other small things to ensure your safety. These handy little wooden or rubber wedges are usually used to hold doors open but they can just as easily be used to hold doors closed.

Check out your hotels alarms when you arrive. Make sure that the alarm is not set at a bad time. Set the alarm off so that you can sleep peacefully.

When traveling, it is important to wear shoes that are comfortable and easily removable. When you are boarding a plane you will need to remove your shoes during the security check. Shoes that you find comfortable are critical. Because you will do more sitting than standing good support shoes are not necessary. Sandals or flip-flops are footwear that is ideal for air travel.

A motorcycle is a wonderful way to travel. Motorcycles offer a fun way to enjoy a scenic ride without using a ton of gas. A trip on a motorcycle is often a lot of fun.

Consider buying bottled water once you arrive or melt the hotel ice to get filtered water for making coffee. Rather than drinking tap water, put ice in the ice bucket and let it all melt overnight. You can also brew tasty coffee in the morning.

If you plan to use traveler’s checks, make sure you cash them before you go shopping or out to eat. Although many locations take traveler’s checks, they aren’t easy to use. You might be shortchanged if you spend them in-store, so be safe and change them to local currency prior to spending.

Start by subscribing to e-newsletters from the major airlines. Their online newsletters often include last-minute discounts, special offers and other promotions not offered to any other consumers. These subscriptions are worth it, even if it means your inbox gets a little fuller.

If you can be forgetful when traveling, consider writing yourself some reminder notes. It’s easy to lose track of a small note written on paper, but much harder to ignore a big message on your mirror. These markers can be easily erased with a piece of toilet paper, so it is an ideal solution.

If you are taking a long flight, bring some non-liquid snack foods. A bit of fresh fruit is a great idea, because it will feel healthier than the heavy offerings the airline may provide. You will save some cash doing this, and you will be the envy of your fellow passengers.

Take some bottled water along on your journey if you are traveling abroad. Unfortunately drinking water in most countries will cause you to get sick because it is not purified. Don’t forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth either. Using tap water can get you sick, no matter how you use it.

Tip generously during your cruise. As you get on the cruise ship, try tipping your steward $20. You are likely to have the same crew members waiting on you for the duration of the cruise and if they feel as though you are going to be generous with them, you are likely to be well taken care of.

Be sure to provide a family member or friend with your travel itinerary. Include where you will stay, phone numbers and other information. In addition, leave copies of your airline tickets and passport identification page.

Make your luggage look unique from other bags. One way to do that is to decorate your baggage colorfully, with stickers, markers or paint. You don’t want someone to take your luggage because it looks identical to theirs.

Put all of your contact information on a clearly visible label inside all of your luggage. If the outside luggage tag is lost along with your luggage, the inside tag could get the bag back to you. Placing labels on the interior of your bag can help to ensure that you will get your belongings back, regardless of how long they are out of sight.

You will be tempted nonstop on vacation. Rather than going to the buffet all the time, consider using the hotel gym. You can stay fit and energized when traveling.

Carry any valuables you have with you at all times. During this time it may give someone an opportunity to take something that doesn’t belong to them, so make sure you are not a victim.

Try to rotate drivers often when traveling. If you push yourself to drive until you feel tired, when you change drivers, you will take a nap, and the new driver will have to go a long distance in silence. Do not continue driving when you get tired, just take a break! If possible, switch drivers every few hours. If you are the only driver, take frequent breaks. This stops any one driver from getting too tired.

These tips will take the stress out of any vacation, regardless of how large or small your travel plans are. Traveling can be enjoyable and full of surprises, so get going and start enjoying what the world has to offer.