{"id":17762,"date":"2021-02-18T02:11:47","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T02:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/?p=17762"},"modified":"2021-02-18T02:11:47","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T02:11:47","slug":"dont-leave-home-without-5-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/cruising-fun\/how-to-plan\/dont-leave-home-without-5-travel-tips","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t leave home without these 5 travel tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Start a trip with these tips, so you can hit the ground running!<\/b><\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing worse than arriving in a new place for a vacation and realizing you don\u2019t know what to do or how to get there. And what if you don\u2019t speak the language, have the right money, or know what to eat? You could seriously miss out on some fun! Thankfully, you don\u2019t have to be that rookie traveler\u2014just don\u2019t leave home without doing some pre-trip research.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every travel destination is different, but there are some tested-true ways to prepare in advance. Follow this list of pre-trip planning tips, so you can dive in with confidence as soon as you arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The historic fort San Felipe Del Moro in San Juan is worth planning into your trip!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n
  1. Get a lay of the land<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    One of the best ways to prepare for a trip is to look at maps. Knowing the layout of where you\u2019ll be staying, eating, and exploring allows you to set a schedule that works. Understanding the landscape and distances you\u2019ll travel also lets you know what types of shoes to bring! Steep cobblestone streets of Old <\/span>San Juan<\/span><\/a>, Puerto Rico demand good sneakers, but the beaches of <\/span>Half Moon Cay<\/span><\/a> call for sandals. And if walking isn\u2019t your thing, location research will help you figure out taxis, parking, and travel times to everywhere you want to see in paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. A little language goes a long way<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Sure, it\u2019d be ideal to become fluent in the local language before visiting a foreign place, but who\u2019s got that kind of time?! Navigating a new place is much easier when you can communicate using the local dialect, so every new word added to your second-language vocabulary helps! Start with the greetings and goodbyes\u2014<\/span>ciao<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>hasta luego<\/span><\/i><\/a>, <\/span>wagwan<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>ni hao<\/span><\/i>\u2014then expand into the basics of asking for directions or ordering food\u2014and look up some possible answers to your questions. Download a language learning app and practice before you go on your trip, and a translation app for when you\u2019re there.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Consider the calendar (and weather)\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        You may have planned your vacation around a break or when friends and family have time off, but you should check the local calendar and forecast while you pack. For example, are there going to be any <\/span>can\u2019t-miss celebrations<\/span><\/a> in your destination? You\u2019d hate to be in <\/span>Barbados<\/span><\/a> during their Crop Over festival without at least one sequined outfit! And the seasons in <\/span>Australia<\/span><\/a> are opposite of North America\u2019s, and many countries have \u201crainy seasons\u201d\u2014know before you go!<\/span><\/p>\n

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        Will you need to pack some pesos? If so, know the exchange rate first!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
          \n
        1. Cash, credit, or exchange<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          It\u2019s always a good idea to show up to a place with enough local currency for a couple days while you get your bearings. Before departing, figure out the preferred currency you\u2019ll need and know the exchange rate, so you know how much dinero you\u2019re shelling out and avoid the \u201ctourist price\u201d. Also, keep small change handy (and larger bills and credit cards secured) for tipping or quickly picking up a souvenir or snack! Another key pre-trip tip is to call your bank and tell them where you\u2019re going and when. Nobody wants their card declined when buying a round of mai tais for new friends at the pool!<\/span><\/p>\n

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          1. Let everyone know where you’re going<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            This pre-travel tip is half about safety; you want at least a few of your family and friends to know where you\u2019re going, for how long, and how you\u2019re getting there\u2014just in case anything unexpected happens. The other half is about the fact that you\u2019re going on an awesome, exotic vacation and everyone from your childhood neighbor to Paul at the office should know about it! So don\u2019t be shy about mentioning your trip to friends, and of course, to share your vacation photos when you\u2019re back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Start a trip with these tips, so you can hit the ground running! 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