Parenting Pointers: Stress-Free Travel

Planning is definitely the very key for one to have an enjoyable travel without any stress. As challenging as it may sound, it is of high importance. It’s like thinking of every possible circumstances and taking action before it even starts to happen. Let me ask you, do you know what to do once your luggage got lost? What if you get sick along the way? What if you forgot your favorite shoes? Being prepared will reduce all the possible means of a serious crisis that may occur when you are on a trip.

First and foremost, you must know your budget. Traveling doesn’t necessarily mean you need to break your bank account. If you plan ahead of time, you will have the idea on how much you can afford on your trip. Know this first before you start putting up your travel plans. Look for travel deal with great discounts.

If you are considering using your credit card for shopping, why don’t you start a savings account mainly for your travel? Using credit cards may lead you to trouble in paying if it goes unplanned and saving a small amount each month for your next travel will make things easier. Just make sure that you stay within your budget. Yes, do not cross the line. Track your expenses on a small paper. One piece of advice, trade an expensive hotel to a once-in-a-blue-moon dine-out and much-awaited shopping. Why are you going to spend more on something you spend little time on? That is, if you are willing to trade it off.

Did you ever experience traveling without your important things? Have you been away when you forgot your toothbrush or your bathing suit? Replacing these items will only waste your time and will cause heartache instead of excitement. Listing down all necessary things will definitely save you for heartache. Start developing the habit of making a “packing list” in all your travels. You may even make different lists like trips to beach, foreign travel, cold-weather travel and the like. Include in all of these your generic items you need – toiletries, enough clothes, alarm clock and anything you want to take with you wherever you go. Above all things you need to bring, make sure your traveling documents are with you – IDs, passport, proof of citizenship, state-issued birth certificate and others.

Are you afraid in losing your bags? Try not to check in it. Yes, you read it right. You may have a roomy Pullman carry which can accommodate numerous clothes – like that of a one-week travel. Have it over crossed your mind to mix and match some outfits? And wash some of it? If yes, then, do not bring 14 pairs of outfits just for a five-day trip. If ever you really need to check in your bag, just make sure that necessary things are with you in the plane – toiletries, medicines, a piece of cloth, clean underwear, IDs, money and travel confirmation. If case unfortunate things happen, you can still survive a day without your luggage, right?

Keeping these simple things in your head whenever you travel will surely give you stress-free one.

Joyce Del Rosario is a travel blogger from funnewjersey.com, a site offering useful and interesting articles on what to do when visiting New Jersey. Come and visit funnewjersey.com to know the best ideas for NJ Tourism.