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Tip Offs from the Travel Pros Who’ve Toured the GlobeProfessional tour directors make travel their life long passion and they are always happy to pass on advice to fellow trippers. They have seen it all- they know the mistakes travellers make and the tricks that can save time and effort. Since they handle all the details on the ground, transportation, hotel check-ins and sightseeing, they’ve got some useful tips to make everything run smoothly. As educators and guides, they know lots of ways to explore and enjoy a new town or country. Grand European Tours recently interviewed 12 of these travel gurus, who passed on the following tips: 1. The first rule is don’t be a tourist! Mingle with the locals and try to learn a few words or phrases in their language so that you will be a courteous guest. 2. Polish up the grey cells! Before you leave for your trip, read a few books or research online so that you will have some knowledge about the major sights, weather and culture. Bookworms might like to try reading some contemporary literature from a local author. Don’t leave your head stuck in a book though! Get most of the reading out of the way before you depart, so you can spend more time living the experience once you arrive. 3. Bring a digital camera! It will save on film costs and the will be easy to share with people you meet on your trip. You can also email pictures to the family at home and even create an electronic journal with notes for each image. 4. Meet new friends and keep in touch! Reminiscing over stories about your trip is one of the best ways to preserve your travel memories. 5. Be open-minded and flexible with your itinerary. Accept that things are not the same as home, and embrace those cultural differences. If you relax and try a different way of doing things you will meet new friends and create new experiences. You may surprise yourself! 6. Only keep the essentials on you, some pocket money and a camera. Never take valuables, including your passport, driver’s license, social security card and tickets, since they can be hard to replace. It is better to leave them behind at the hotel, in a safe. 7. Bring a credit card to make shopping a breeze. Traveller’s checks are a safe option, but nothing beats the convenience of a credit card when travelling. They are accepted readily in most places and you can withdraw exactly what you need at the time. Remember to keep a photocopy of your card safe at the hotel, and try to take a back-up card as well. 8. Pack light! Most travellers bring too many dressy clothes that they don’t really use. Appliances like hair dryers and irons can be easily obtained at a hotel. If you do need extra supplies, they can always be purchased during your trip. However, be sure to pack an adapter if needed, since they can be hard to find. And of course, take any medical prescriptions you may need. 9. Get in shape! A few weeks before your departure, practice taking daily strolls so that you can walk up to two miles easily in one stretch. You will be able to see and explore much more when you travel. 10. Take the trip best suited for you. There are many different ways to travel and many kinds of trips to pick from. Decide if you are looking for an adventure or something more relaxed. You’ll be happiest if you match your needs to the trip. For more information visit www.getours.com. To make the most of your holiday and beat travel fatigue see http://www.travellady.com/Issues/May06/3266Sendtravelfatiguepacking.htm Edited by Sarah Wilman |
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