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30. Worried about the appearance of your luggage? Cannot afford new suitcases?
Does your travel-tools and luggage look worn, stained and on its last legs? Inspect your existing luggage, including zippers, wheels, handles and identification tags. Clean the exterior of leather luggage with a good liquid saddle soap and conditioner.
All canvas luggage can easily be cleaned using a small amount of detergent, 1 cup of water, and a scrub brush. Nylon and vinyl luggage takes mild detergent and a small amount of water to be wiped down. It is never a good idea to “soak” or immerse your suitcase in water. If this is still not enough and they are not salvageable, watch for retail sales, consider borrowing from a friend or relative or do the outlet, clearance and closeout circuits for bargains.
31. Medical details should be on hand at all times. Having any and all health related questions, information and emergency contacts and logistics, insurance and policy, immunization record (if applicable) and all other relevant documentation handy is key and can not be ignored. Preferably, also check with local providers if traveling alone, with children or special needs situations.
Research and inquire in advance, know or check upon arrival where the closest hospital, pharmacy and or clinic is, just for in case.
32. Budgetary concerns and monitoring, fiscal restraint and disciplined spending when traveling will pay off. When you are planning your trip and setting up your travel budget, taking into account things like ground transportation, tips and other incidentals, extras like laundry and mini-bar, room service, lodging and meals. Do the major obligations and essentials first. Then figure in expenses such as shopping, entertainment and foreign exchange fees for example. Not surprisingly at all, it is usually the impulse shopping or spur of the moment expenses that let us over-spend and max-out our travel budget quickly or overspend.
33. Concerned about appearances and wrinkled clothing? Save on laundry costs with ingenuity and innovative solutions. Think practical and be creative. A frequent traveler suggests that if you travel with a small spray bottle, you can fill it with water, lightly spray the clothing, and let it hang for period. This usually helps the wrinkles fall out.
Another suggestion is hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower or soak in the tub while the steam ‘irons’ out some of the creases. Hand-washing underwear, nylons etc. and hanging them up overnight is another sure saver and old frequent traveler favorite that has often been passed on by word of mouth!
34. The importance of water or H20!! Just like taking care of fueling the human engine with food, we also need lubrication. By that, we mean lots of fluid and specifically water. Staying hydrated, irrespective of the climate is just common sense. Invest in a good travel water bottle with a secure cap.
Always drink bottled water preferably - even when brushing your teeth or ordering your cocktails without ice or water if you are concerned about diseases etc. Drinking lots of water regularly will help prevent dehydration. You will also however have to plan for frequent pit stops for washrooms and remember in some countries you have to pay to use them! In air, on flight, just remember that alcohol can be extremely dehydrating and may increase jet lag on a long flight! So that’s another good reason to drink lots of water.
35. Insurance coverage is essential. Not only travel, medical and cancellation insurance, but for valuables that will be accompanying you on the trip. These will be specified and additional coverage. It is still worth the small expense if weighed against loss or replacement cost without it should they get misplaced, forgotten or stolen. Insure your precious belongings and valuables before you leave home if you absolutely have to take them with you.
A great tip offered online at a travel website is to take along only what you are willing to lose. The rule of thumb and general agreement is still that it is much better to leave valuables at home.
36. ‘Cash’ only when you need to! Only cash traveler’s checks when you really need money. Take no risk of carrying too much cash with you for no real apparent reason. Avoid being stuck with too much local currency from a foreign destination that you will lose money on if converting. Use all your small coins before changing notes. They make great tips! Minimize ATM and credit card transactions as they both carry transactional and administration fees - they are convenient but expensive.
37. Guarding your identity, travel documentation and ensuring document accessibility is a travel priority. Proof of identity and citizenship is your most prized travel possession. It is advised that you make at least two copies of your important documents, including your credit cards and passport. Keep one with you at all times and deposit the other in a safe place or leave it with a friend or family member or the hotel’s safe. Have them handy and with you at all times. Never lose sight of your passport if you can help it and in case it is stolen, report it immediately as was stated earlier to avoid any difficulty, affecting your return home etc.
38. Budget for passport and visa costs. If you are planning a trip that requires a passport and or visa, check its expiration date. Be sure the passport is valid for the entire trip and that you have all the necessary entry-requirement documentation for your destination. There is lots of information on the web on what you need where. Check with embassies and foreign offices in your own country and overseas to get the most accurate information. Verify this with a travel professional or travel agent prior to booking and departure. Remember to include this as a category on your budget worksheet.
39. Plan and budget for the un-expected and incidentals. Whether it is as simple as a practical collapsible type umbrella and poncho or a buffer-fund for in case there is a delay, extended stay or other factors where you will incur additional cost. Weather for example, is unpredictable and can ruin a travel experience if you let it. Again, the key to saving money, avoiding expense, caring for details and being a smart traveler will be organization, planning and fiscal preparedness and resourceful fiscal discipline.
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