Best Western Fairfax: Travel Planning Tips

At Best Western, we want you to have an enjoyable trip so we have put together some top tips for easy travel.

Top Travel Preparation Tips

Research your destination. Get copies of maps of your destination to locate routes, attractions, and essential services. Your library, travel agent, and the Internet are some good places to get information.
Talk to fellow travelers. If you know people who have been to the place you plan to visit, ask them about what they liked about their trip and what they would do differently next time.
Make a list and check it twice. Make a list of essentials that you need to pack. Also, make a list of things you want to see and do on your trip.
Are you covered? If you are traveling outside of the U.S., your health and accident insurance may not cover you. Also, look into travel insurance for cancellations or other travel mishaps.

Take advantage of those "hidden" spaces. For example, place small items inside your shoes or the pockets of shirts or jackets you pack.
Pack extra bags in your bag. Packing a duffle bag in your luggage gives you extra space to bring things home with you. It's also a good idea to bring plastic sandwich or grocery bags for laundry or other items.
Tag those bags. Tag your luggage with a distinctive luggage tag with your contact information to help you find your bag if you lose it. A distinctive tag makes it easier to spot your bag at baggage claim.
Don't pack what you can get at your destination. Our hotels have a hair dryer in every room, along with many toiletry items, so you don't need to pack them.
Avoid checking baggage if you can. Limiting your baggage to carry-ons saves you time and aggravation checking your bags, plus you don't have to worry about losing your baggage.
Get on a roll. You can save space by rolling clothes instead of folding them.
Watch your back (pack). Pack heavier items in the bottom of your backpack and distribute items evenly from left to right. Use both straps to carry it, too.

Buy essentials at home. Many travel essentials, such as film, may cost less at home.
Pick a hotel with perks. Choosing a hotel with many free amenities, such as Internet access, parking, and local calls, can save you money.
Hit the Internet. Many travel deals can only be found online.
Go far from the crowd. Traveling off-peak, whether it means flying or visiting a destination during a less popular time of year, means saving money and hassle.
Take advantage of discounts. If you belong to AAA or AARP, you can get discounts, freebies, and other deals on just about everything related to travel. Also, check into special deals for students, seniors, and families.