Travel is exciting! The thing is, it can also be a hassle if you aren’t prepared with the information and items you need. If you want to make it more enjoyable, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few hacks that will make it just that.

Money Stuff

If you’re planning on buying things wherever you might be going, check out things like duty-free items. Make sure you know the rules where you are going. For instance, if you’re traveling to Mexico, read section 321 to ensure you know what you will and won’t have to pay taxes on at customs. You should also consider the current exchange rate so you can deal with that. Before heading out, also ensure that your credit and debit cards will work and be accepted at your destination. 

Destination Info

The more that you know about where you’re going, the more enjoyable your trip will be. For example, if you’re planning on going to China, it might help to know a few words of the predominant language of the area you’ll be visiting, along with a bit of the cultural norms and expectations. 

Spend a bit of time before the trip learning about customs, dining traditions, and culture as well as any other types of info that could help on the trip. It also pays to be respectful of local traditions so you don’t unintentionally insult anyone.

Weather

Most of the major cities and even many of the smaller, more rural areas across the planet have installed weather cameras that allow you to view the weather in real-time. There are also apps and websites you can check. 

Start checking these out a few weeks before you head out so that you can kind of get a feel for what the weather is like and pack accordingly. If there is a webcam that allows you to view it in real-time, make use of it because it can tell you more than news sites typically do 

Documentation

Before you leave for your trip, it’s very important to have all of your travel documents and other paperwork ready to go. Print out everything you need, such as itineraries, reservations, and anything else you may need. It’s always much better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 

E-reservations and tickets don’t generally lead to any sort of issues, but you never want to be THAT TRAVELER. You know, the one who stands at the counter arguing with whoever happens to be working because they’ve lost the reservation. It only takes a few minutes to print out everything you need and stick it in an envelope to take along. Also, ensure your passport is up to date and that you have any necessary visas or documentation for the countries you’ll be visiting. This can ease stress and expedite your travel time in the process.

Cell Phone

Today, most of us rely quite heavily on our cell phones. Most of the larger carriers work in other countries, but not all of them, or they might, but at exorbitant rates. Many carriers just won’t work at all in certain countries. You might be better off just getting a throw-away phone to use for your trip and then can get rid of once you return home. Call your carrier before deciding and find out if they work in your destination and what the rates are so that you know what your best option is.

Following the hacks you’ve just read about will help make your trip more hassle-free. You’ll be able to travel with peace of mind knowing that you’ve prepared and planned for a trip that goes as smoothly as possible.