2007年9月5日星期三

Etiquette To Remember

Be prepared at all times. Remember the motto of the boy and girl scouts? This holds true not only for them but for every one of us. Being prepared has saved lives, money and time for many people. This trait is truly valuable because it implies discipline and responsibility.

If youre a frequent traveler, being prepared ahead of your trip is really praiseworthy. This means planning your trip, booking for a flight, organizing your itinerary and packing your clothes and important documents that you need to bring. Being ready in advance will also make you feel more relaxed unlike the stress that we experience when always doing things in a rush.

Keeping that in mind, here are more tips that will help you in your preparations before traveling to your destination.

Do check with your travel agency about your possible flight schedules at least six to eight weeks in advance. This is also the recommended time to apply for a passport or a visa if the country youll be visiting requires one. Booking a flight is such a breeze these days as you can do it in the comfort of your home or office. If you cant personally go to your travel agency, you can book online in just several clicks. If you have your own laptop, you can even do it while on the move.

Do you research, too, about the country of your destination to know more about their laws, culture and health hazards. You can also check out the attractions like parks, museums, nightspots and shopping centers in your destination so you can plan ahead which places you would like to visit. Doing your research will also help you a lot in dealing with the locals and keeping out of trouble.

Start preparing your wardrobe and your luggage at least three to four weeks away from your scheduled trip. Take note of the clothes suited for the climate of the country and remember to bring your most comfortable shoes including sneakers especially if your schedule involves a lot of walking. Make sure that your luggage is in good shape.

Dont forget to prepare your medical kit as well. Include medications for stomach aches, allergies and headaches and put them in a plastic container. For women who may need to bring their lotions and creams, do stock up early for the trip but bring only those in small sizes.

In packing your things, do this one to two weeks ahead of your trip. Your things should be arranged in such a way that the heavier items are at the bottom and the lighter things on the topmost part. If you need to bring some breakables, place them in between your clothes or better yet, wrap them using your towels or shirts to keep them from breaking. Your valuables and medicines should be placed in your carry-on luggage. Bring some US dollars for your taxi or transportation fare which can easily be converted to the currency used in your country of destination. Experts also suggest to being travelers checks and of course, your credit card.