Whether you’re a visitor with plans to visit Myrtle Beach or you’re a local with plans to take a trip elsewhere, it’s always good to know the best travel tips! Here’s a compilation of the best ones we could find.
#1. Pack a hat; it always comes in handy. It keeps the hair out of your face if it’s windy, it keeps you dry if it’s rainy, and it keeps the sun off your face if it’s sunny.
#2. Bring a travel first aid kit. You never know what types of mishaps or illnesses might pop up! Although we hope we won’t need one, it’s always good to have. Suggested items include pain reducing medications, antihistamines, nasal decongestants (also helps to reduce ear popping during flights), anti-diarrheal medication, antacids, antibacterial first aid ointment, safety pins, adhesive bandages, motion sickness medication, and cough drops.
#3. Don’t forget to pack chargers–for both your phone and camera.
#4. Ask museum staff for tips. They can tell you which exhibits you don’t want to miss and which ones you could probably skip.
#5. Take photos! Take photos! Take photos! Ask anyone. They always wish they took more photos.
#6. Before you leave, when you think of something you need to pack… pack it right then.
#7. If you’re traveling internationally and aren’t fluent in the native language, learn these words/phrases before the trip: Please, Thank you, I’m sorry, and Where is the bathroom?
#8. Call your banking and credit card companies before you leave, and let them your travel plans. This will prevent them from placing a hold on your account due to suspicious activity.
#9. Scan a copy of your passport and e-mail it to yourself, as well as a friend or family member. Another good idea is to make a copy to put inside the insert of your shoe. If you happen to lose your luggage or get robbed, you will at least have a copy of your passport.
#10. If you can’t afford to lose it (financially or emotionally), don’t pack it.
#11. Never put prescription medications, your toothbrush, deodorant, or PJs in your checked luggage. It’s always a good idea to carry these items in your carryon in the event your luggage happens to get lost.
#12. Check the weather and plan accordingly.
#13. Pack liquid items in plastic ziplock bags to prevent spills. Always place a few extra bags in your luggage to separate wet or messy items from the others, if needed.
#14. Take a picture of your luggage. A picture will help airport personnel find your bag more quickly.
#15. The best time to book a flight is on Tuesday afternoon. Many airlines post promotional or reduced airfare on Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon, other airlines have usually reduced their prices to match.
#16. Call the hotel’s local telephone number versus the 800 number listed on their website to book your room. The 800 number is usually managed by a clearinghouse for blocked off rooms at higher rates.
#17. Find great travel deals on Twitter by searching #traveldeals. You might also find a promo code by searching promotionalcodes.com.
#18. Bring a mini scented candle with you. You never know what smells you may run into at a hotel, and a candle creates a cozy and more personal environment. Just make sure to blow the candle out before you leave! Another helpful thing to take with you is a lightweight extension cord. Many hotel outlets aren’t located next to the bedside table, and an extension cord will allow you to keep your phone next to you while you charge it.
#19. Always bring antibacterial wipes with you on an airplane. The germs found on the armrests are similar to those of bathroom door knobs. Antibacterial wipes are a quick and easy way to kill those germs. Also–remember to drink lots of water during flights to flush out all those toxins and keep you hydrated.
#20. HAVE FUN!