There are many ways to spend your money on vacation. Determining where to lay down your cash has to do with your preferences. Do you prefer a more expensive hotel over low to mid-range accommodations? Do you want to fly on the cheap so you can spend more on your excursions? Maybe you’d like to buy groceries and cook for yourself instead of eating out every night. You may want to decide ahead of time what parts of your trip deserve a little more investment than others. We’ve compiled a list of things you might not want to skimp on during your next adventure, regardless of your preferences. They may make the difference between a good vacation and one you’d like to forget!

Luggage

The quality of your luggage may or may not be an after-thought for you, but luggage can be an important component of your trip. It’s possible for mishaps to occur when traveling and investing in sturdy luggage may be just what you need to help keep your valuables and clothing intact under the strain of travel. Just getting through the airport can put a toll on your baggage. After traveling on a series of conveyor belts, your checked bags are loaded onto a cart with many other bags piled up on the way to the plane. Your bag could be at the very bottom of the pile and possibly crushed under the weight. If your luggage isn’t sturdy enough, they can unzip, spilling all your valuables onto the tarmac. We suggest purchasing quality luggage that will endure. It may have been a while since you last shopped for luggage. Try researching different brands to get an idea of what’s available. Quality does not necessarily mean expensive. You can look for buyer reviews and ask friends and family what they like to use.

Cool Experiences

If you want to be a little more active on vacation, consider investing in cool excursions and activities that can create lasting memories. If that means shuffling around funds to make that happen, then so be it! You could go white water rafting in Colorado, cave diving in Puerto Rico or horseback riding in the outback of Australia. If you do choose to take part in an activity, be sure you know what you’re paying for. Asking your tour operator or travel advisor tons of questions can help you learn about what to expect. You don’t have to choose the most expensive activity to have a good time. However, it may be fun to try and choose activities you wouldn’t be able to find at home. However long your planned vacation is, our advice is to make the most of it!

Safety

This one goes without saying. Wherever you go, safety is important. It can be a good idea to advise a family member or friend of your travel route and schedule to let them know when you leave and arrive at your destination. When using public transportation, it can be important to take the proper precautions, such as staying alert, observing the behaviors of others around you, and using well-lit, busy areas, to help you stay safe when traveling. Try choosing excursions with reputable companies that have excellent reputations for safety. When on a trip, most want to focus on having fun and not on feeling unsafe. You can also try researching different airlines to ensure they have a good safety record. Some of these suggestions may mean coughing up a little more dough on your trip, but planning a safe trip is important.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help to protect your trip from the unexpected. Mishaps can unexpectedly occur before or during your trip. You could be delayed for hours at the airport. You could get injured in a place with no hospitals nearby. A devastating hurricane could sweep through your destination and make it uninhabitable. Depending on your vacation, you may want a more robust insurance plan. Purchasing a plan to help protect your trip could help you avoid holding the bill for expenses you didn’t plan for. For example, if you’re renting a car for a road trip, purchasing optional rental car coverage may be beneficial. You can choose a protection plan that works for you after reviewing your trip plans. Travel Insured offers plans with a variety of benefits that could suit your trip. Consider taking some time to compare our plans today.

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