If you're going to hit a moose, don't swerve & other travel tips

When driving in a national park or protected area be extra careful when you encounter wildlife  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

CHARLOTTE, NC — For some reason, many travelers, even veterans, have a tendency to check their brains just before going through security at the airport.

That said, savvy travelers do suffer far fewer hassles, which usually result in significantly more rewarding travel experiences simply by using common sense and a little preparation.

Here are some travel tips beginning with some basics and ending with a few odd twists that can save considerable discomfort.

Make copies of important documents and put them in a separate place -- especially your passport  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

Back up critical documents: It only takes a few minutes to copy important travel documents such as your passport, plane tickets, hotel information etc., but it may save hours of frustration later on. Place those papers in a separate accessible place so if something gets lost or stolen, you can expedite the recovery process.

Pack one complete outfit in your carry-on: It's always best to travel lightly, but if you do check luggage, pack one complete outfit in your carry-on bag. This way if your luggage gets lost or delayed you have a back-up. Don't worry so much about lost toiletries. After all, they brush their teeth and comb their hair in other countries too.

Learn the language: You don't have to be fluent but if you learn some basic phrases like "Please," "Thank you," "Excuse me" and "Where's the bathroom" you'll be ahead of the game and the locals will appreciate the effort.

Take a business card from the hotel when you go out: It may sound silly but even if you know the name and address of your hotel, chances are you will not pronounce it the way a local does. If you take a card from the hotel when you leave, you can show it to a cab driver or shopkeeper who can then assist you with your return.

Travel insurance may be an added expense but it is amazingly worth it if you need it (Courtesy: Pixabay)

Purchase travel insurance: Insurance can be expensive and is not typically included in a travel budget. On the other hand, if and when you need it, it will be well worth the added cost. There are many options so spend a little time and get the policy that suits your travel plans the best.

Be courteous to gate agents, they can be your best friend -- otherwise look out (Courtesy: reducedmobility.eu)

Be nice to gate agents: We've all seen the horror shows at airports on the news when weather or other malfunctions cause delays. Keep in mind that the first people you will likely encounter in such an event is a gate agent who is dealing with hundreds of equally frustrated passengers. It may be hard to do, but gate agents wield a lot of power and the nicer you are to them, the better chance you will have at getting an expedited solution to your problem.

Rental Cars: Renting from a company that has their office a short distance away could be a big money saver from those that have airport facilities. It is probably best to make a reservation on-line in advance so you can negotiate the best price, especially if you are traveling during a period when demand is high.

ATMs may be the greatest convenience and money saver for travelers in the last 25 years  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

Airport currency exchanges: ATMs are one of the greatest travel innovations of the 20th century. Get a credit card that has no transaction fees and always take your cash in local currency. ATMs are everywhere and you can use them at odd hours when banks are closed. Never exchange money at your hotel unless it is absolutely necessary.

Be a local: Good travel is not always sightseeing and grand restaurants. Go to supermarkets and shop where locals go if you want to immerse yourself in a destination. It may not sound exciting at first, but you may be surprised at what you will learn and the people you will meet.

If you think peppers and spicy food can surprise you on the ground, imagine what can happen at 34,000 feet
 (Courtesy: Pixabsy)

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Never eat chili peppers for breakfast: Enough said.

Put your favorite wine in a water bottle to avoid the outrageous onboard prices: First of all, airplane wine is not very good. Secondly, now that airlines are charging for food, bringing your own wine is an easy thing to do and it will taste better.

For those who hate conversing with the total stranger in the next seat: Carry a sign that says, “I’m not being rude, I’m deaf.” Words to the wise.

If you have tendency to be gassy, don’t eat cabbage or drink weissen beer before flying:  You know who you are, and you can trust me on this!

Getting rid of hawkers and hustlers:  These people know how to sell you anything, in any language.  Just speak gibberish as a response.  Shrug your arms and say something like "pooka dwab jerka flig ." They will leave you alone quicker than if you say "go away!"

Sounds silly and it is hard to do, but stay straight if you hit a large animal...it could save your life  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

And finally, If you're going to hit a moose, don’t swerve: Silly as it may sound, folks in the wide open spaces out west will tell you that if a huge animal such as a moose, elk or even a buffalo crosses your path, just keep driving. If you swerve you will likely do more damage, and it's less dangerous to stay straight, even though your natural instinct is to get out of the way.

As with most opinions, travel tips are in abundance, but now and then some top notch suggestions arise. The less experienced you are at the art of travel, the more small bits of useful information you acquire can turn an everyday itinerary into the adventure of a lifetime.