How to Travel

Instructions : Participating in the running of the bulls can lead to serious injury or death. Step 1: Know what it is Get the background. The running of the bulls is a half-mile race through the streets of Pamplona, Spain to the town’s bullring, featuring the 6 bulls who’ll be fighting that evening, and anyone …

Instructions Step 1: Assemble your posse Assemble your posse wisely. Even the manliest of mancations can be ruined by “that friend.” Don’t invite the worrisome, wimpy, or whipped. Step 2: Pick your trip Figure out what kind of mancation you’re in the mood for. If your crew lusts for danger, suit up and strap in …

Instructions Step 1: Know its Hebrew name Know the Wall’s Hebrew name — the Kotel, which simply means the Wall. This is what everyone in Israel calls it. TIP: Don’t call the site “The Wailing Wall.” Many people find the term offensive. Step 2: Understand its history Understand the history of the Western Wall. It’s …

Instructions Step 1: Consider camping at Hermit’s Gulch Campground Consider camping at Hermit’s Gulch Campground if you want to sleep in nature but be close to the island’s largest town, Avalon. The campground is on a grassy field with trees. TIP: Camping reservations on the island must be made through the Santa Catalina Island Company. …

Instructions Step 1: Be flexible Be flexible about choosing a destination. If you end up looking for a room at the last minute, you might not be able to find one at your first-choice destination. But you may be able to find a good deal at second- or third-choice destinations. TIP: Consider traveling to Canada …

Instructions Step 1: Go to the ASTA website Go to the website of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the world’s largest travel professional association. Step 2: Search ASTA’s directory Search ASTA’s membership directory for certified agents according to specialties including destinations, travel lifestyles, and tour packages served. TIP: For international travel, find a …

Instructions Step 1: Calculate how much time you have Decide the amount of time you will have for traveling, including the time it will take to get to and from your destination. Then plan an itinerary. Step 2: Decide who to travel with Decide whether you want to travel alone, with a friend, or with …

Instructions Step 1: Separate yourself Cut ties with anything holding you to your current existence. Bid goodbye to anyone you don’t want to include in your new life and sell your possessions — a little cash can be helpful wherever you go. TIP: Hang on to any hardware and first-aid supplies, medicine, and camping gear …

Instructions Step 1: Find a travel agent Find a travel agent through ASTA — the American Society of Travel Agents. Search the internet for ASTA certified members in your area. Step 2: Know about the one-stop-shopping advantages Know about the one-stop-shopping advantages beyond booking services, such as offering more flexibility in canceling and changing flights. …

Instructions Step 1: Avoid peak season Avoid the peak season of your destination, when the rates are highest. Step 2: Fly midweek Fly midweek for the best rates. Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays are cheaper for domestic flights and Mondays through Thursdays are the best days for international travel. Step 3: Compare prices Compare prices …

Instructions Step 1: Think balance Think balance, knowing that to afford a winter vacation you must save and budget for travel well before you start planning your vacation. Boost vacation savings by selling unwanted items online or at a garage sale, asking your boss for a raise, or using coupons to save on groceries. Add …

Instructions Step 1: Go online to the Transport for London site Visit the Transport for London homepage at tfl.gov.uk. Step 2: Examine the maps Look over the maps that show the routes for the London Underground, bus system, and other public transportation modes that accept the Oyster Card. Think about your travel needs in London …

Instructions Step 1: Determine trip dates Decide on a few dates when you will be available for White House tours during your trip to Washington, D.C. This should be done months in advance to allow enough time to schedule a tour. Step 2: Contact Congress member Contact your local Congress member to request a White …

Instructions Step 1: Decide on a port Find a port that is close so that you don’t have to add in the cost of an airline ticket. Landlocked? Settle for a port that is close to an airport to avoid extra travel costs. Step 2: Search deals online Check cruise and travel websites for package …

Instructions Step 1: Shelter and bedding Bring one or two sturdy tents for storage and sleeping, and a tarp to create shade during the day. While sleeping bags are good, an inflatable mattress will be more comfortable. TIP: Bring sturdy stakes or rebar to secure your tent in the strong winds. Step 2: Pack water …

Instructions Step 1: Visit the smaller markets Enjoy the famous Grand Bazaar. But don’t miss these local favorites — Balik Pazari, the Fish Market; Cicek Pasaji, the Flower Passage; and the Kadikoy Market. For a truly hidden treasure, visit the Kasimpasa Kastamonu market; it’s only open from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sundays, but …

Instructions Step 1: Start early Start planning your family vacation a year in advance. This gives you plenty of time to research trips and weigh costs without stress, and to make reservations before spots fill up. Step 2: Know your budget Create a budget for the trip. Deals are only as good as the money …

Instructions Step 1: Hit some museums Check out the contemporary art in the CaixaForum Museum, plus the Mies Van der Rohe Pavillion in front of it. Then head up Montjuic, where you’ll find the Fundacion Joan Miro; it contains a collection of this famous Catalan artist’s works, as well as temporary exhibitions. TIP: If you …

Instructions Step 1: Understand Burning Man There are no spectators at Burning Man. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can participate. It’s not about taking it all in, but sharing something of yourself. TIP: Burning Man operates according to 10 principles, which range from “Radical Inclusion” to “Leaving No Trace.” Read about them at burningman.com. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Rent a moped Rent a motor scooter, or motorino. Yes, traffic can be hairy and Romans are crazy drivers. But there’s no better way to zip around town. Bonus: you’ll feel like Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. TIP: For a great, romantic view of Rome, head up the winding road from Trastevere …

Instructions Step 1: Visit the U.S. State Department website If you are American, visit the State Department website to learn about travel safety issues in Venezuela. Foreigners can be vulnerable to crime even upon arrival at the airport. Register at the State Department’s travel registration website. This easily allows the State Department to assist United …

Instructions Step 1: Determine the specifics of your farm vacation Decide whether you want an educational farming experience for your family, a B and B style rural getaway, or a farm vacation with outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, or fishing. TIP: Educational farming experiences can include cow milking, cheese making, or a start-your-own-farm course for …

Instructions : Don’t drink unless you’re of legal age. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive. Step 1: Walk with a drink Walk the strip with a beer or other alcoholic beverage if you are over 21 — it is 100 percent legal and can ease the stress. Step 2: Avoid leaving with a new …

Instructions Step 1: Learn about roller coasters Read up on the many varieties of roller coasters there are to conquer. In addition to high speeds, big drops, and loop-the-loops, there are stand-ups, floorless, water, and many others. Step 2: Research Do some research to figure out which amusement park has the most and best coasters …

Instructions Step 1: Check state department Avoid countries listed under the State Department’s current travel warnings, and steer clear of pirate-infested waters. Go to travel.state.gov for more information. TIP: Register your itinerary at the State Department’s website so the embassies or consulates of the countries you are visiting can contact you in case of an …

Instructions Step 1: Do a little research Do some research about the taxi practices — and possible scams — in the place you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department issues a consular information sheet on foreign countries that often includes the lowdown on taxis. Step 2: Have small change Have small denominations of the local currency …

Instructions Step 1: Use safety restraint Use safety restraints based on your child’s weight and height. Keep them belted at all times. TIP: Airline restraint guidelines are located at www.faa.gov Step 2: Prepare for emergency Be prepared for an emergency by keeping a recent photo of your child, the number of their physician, and copies …

Instructions Step 1: Find a good home base Find a good home base by searching online for affordable hotels that are not necessarily in the trendiest neighborhoods, but give you easy access to them via public transportation. Step 2: Ask a local Get away from overpriced and underwhelming tourist traps by asking a friendly local …

Instructions Step 1: Don’t call them nudists Don’t call them nudists. The politically correct term is ‘naturist.’ Step 2: Don’t stare at people’s private parts Don’t stare at people’s private parts. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If it would be unseemly to gape at that body part when it’s fully clothed, it’s downright rude …

Instructions Step 1: Plan ahead Research your travel destination. Though spontaneity is one of the joys of solo travel, knowing a bit about where you’re going is key when you don’t have someone along to help figure out things like transportation. Pick a place that’s not too remote or couples-oriented. TIP: Less developed countries tend …

Instructions Step 1: Report the missing passport Report your missing passport immediately. This is the crucial first step in replacing your lost or stolen passport. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. You will be asked to fill out the form “DS-64”:http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds64/ds64845.html, which will validate your claim. TIP: If you are overseas and misplace …

Instructions Step 1: Give them a say Include them in the planning stages. Let them have a say in the destination, itinerary, and activities. Step 2: Find teen-friendly accomodations Try to stay in hotels and resorts with teen-friendly features like wireless internet access, pools, gyms, and game rooms. TIP: Some resorts cater to children age …

Instructions Step 1: Call water park Call the water park and see if they are offering any promotions. Check their web site for deals. TIP: Reserve a room with a refrigerator and microwave. Step 2: Pack food Pack food and beverages. Vending machines and restaurants at water parks can be very expensive. Step 3: Pack …

Instructions Step 1: Chat online Visit online chat rooms with people who live where you will be going. Ask them for suggestions on where to travel and see how people in the area actually live. Step 2: Talk to people Talk to people on the airplane. You may find someone that lives in the area …

Instructions Step 1: Understand differences Understand that different people like to experience traveling in different ways. One person may prefer to have a meticulously detailed schedule while another may prefer to wing it. TIP: Test the waters by going away for only one night on your first trip with a travel partner. Step 2: Plan …

Instructions Step 1: Subscribe to a magazine Subscribe to a travel magazine or online newsletter, but be careful where you get your information, especially if it’s posted on the internet. Step 2: Read books Read books written by seasoned travelers. Look through the travel section of your library or local bookstore and jot down tips …

Transcript Male: Need to fight off jet lag? Female: Health to go! Male: When you first arrive, switch to local mealtimes right away, and stick to sensible portions. Smooth!

Instructions Step 1: Locate a passport acceptance facility Use the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Facility search engine to find your nearest passport office. TIP: Post offices often serve as passport acceptance facilities. Step 2: Get an application Go to the facility to get a passport application, or download one at travel.state.gov, and print …

Instructions Step 1: Do research Research the many cruise options available. Talk to friends and family who have cruised and ask about their experiences and impressions. TIP: Ask your travel agent how many cruises they’ve been on. If they answer few or none, switch to someone whose experience will benefit you. Step 2: Determine demographics …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare a carry-on bag Prepare a carry-on bag with travel documents, your passport, medications, sunblock, and one change of clothes and underwear. TIP: Place toiletries and medications in plastic zippered bags to prevent accidental leaking onto your clothing. Step 2: Lay out versatile clothing Lay out casual clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily, …

Instructions Step 1: Research and hire travel agent Research cruise lines to find those that go to your destination. Hire a travel agent who specializes in those lines. Be sure to ask about discounts offered by that line. Step 2: Buy early and buy cruise-only Buy early, in the off-season, and buy a cruise-only package …

Instructions Step 1: Log on Log on to Priceline.com. Step 2: Make a choice In the “name your own price” section, choose whatever it is you’re looking for: a flight, accommodations, or a rental car. Step 3: Choose the dates Choose the dates for your reservation, and click “bid now.” Step 4: Enter name Enter …

Instructions Step 1: Pack less by packing right To save space in your luggage, pack versatile essentials. A black cotton jersey dress works for both daytime and evening. A pashmina shawl serves as an onboard blanket and keeps you warm on those cool L.A. nights. And tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 is a triple threat: …

Transcript As a model I travel a lot. Part of the job is to do a shooting in different cities all over the world. You never know where you’re going to be next. So that’s why I’m always on the plane. Yeah, my favorite thing to do is to travel. That’s my hobby, my passion, …

Instructions Step 1: Give each child a carryall Before the trip, give each child a backpack, tote bag, or plastic box to pack whatever games, toys, and books they want to bring along. If you’re flying, make sure everything meets airline standards. TIP: If you travel a lot, put aside some special items that are …

Instructions Step 1: Know what you’re getting into If you’re traveling internationally, be prepared to encounter a non-Western, or squat, toilet. It’s usually a stall with a hole in the ground that may or may not have a flushing mechanism. Step 2: Don’t expect privacy Don’t expect privacy. Public restroom stalls might only have two-foot-high …

Instructions Step 1: Check passport Check to make sure that your passport has not expired. Step 2: Do research Find out whether special visas or vaccinations are needed for entry to the country or countries you’re planning to visit. TIP: Also, investigate whether there are any other special conditions for entry into that country. Some …

Instructions Step 1: Use travel consolidators Use travel consolidators, on- and offline. They snatch up empty airline seats and unsold cruise cabins and resell them at a great discount. Sign up to receive information on last minute deals. TIP: Call hotels directly to see if you can negotiate a cheaper rate. Step 2: Consider youth …

Instructions Step 1: Research local customs Research the local cuisine and customs. That way, you won’t get punched for pointing your foot at someone in Thailand (considered extremely insulting) or laugh uproariously when someone in China offers you bird’s-nest soup. Step 2: Dress appropriately in houses of worship If you plan to visit houses of …

Instructions Step 1: Fill out passport application Download a passport application from the Bureau of Consular Affairs website (travel.state.gov), or pick one up at your local post office, county clerk’s office, or courthouse. Fill it out, but don’t sign it. Step 2: Locate birth certificate Locate your birth certificate. A photocopy won’t do, you’ll need …