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Here are some of our favorite tips for you when you travel. Check back regularly for updates.
The Great T-shirt
The most versatile travel souvenir is still the t-shirt. People of all ages wear them and they come in all shapes and colors, designs and designations. Teens love them and grandma will wear it to the grocery store and to bed. They don’t take us much room and there is usually no problem with security.
Technology Travel Tips
ScotteVests produces award winning travel clothes and their travel vest is a "must" item to have. There are at least 22 hidden pockets in each vests where you can place everything from a Sony E-Reader to your passport. What's great about the vest is that as you go through security at the airport everything is is inside and all you have to do is just take the vest off, place it on the belt and walk through. No worries about losing or forgetting items! We use them and highly recommend you consider one for your next trip. www.scottevest.com
Document Storage When You Travel. Put your itinerary, a scanned copy of your passport, prescriptions etc., on a mobile device or flash drive - but be sure to use some type of password or other protection in case they get lost or stolen.T hey are easy to carry and if you need information while traveling you can quickly find and print out what you need. Some people also use their BlackBerry's or other smartphones to store their information.
GroupOn is a site that highlights deeply discounted prices for restaurants, special events and activities in major cities in the US. If you are traveling to one of the cities featured on the site, check it before you leave on your trip to see if one of the highlighted activities is of interest to you. You can get up to 60% off and that can mean a night out at an upscale restaurant or a special event at your destination.
You Tube
The old reliable video reference point for almost anyplace on the planet is a great tool for researching people, places and things on your travel itinerary. We use it in all manner of ways: check out hotel accommodations, restaurant ambiance, all forms of transportation and insights into the cities and places we plan to visit.
Apps for Everything.
The era of Apps is upon us. There is an App for everything under the sun including the travel experience. There are Apps for all number of applications. Find walking tours, great restaurants, historical references and even music to cool the restless traveler’s nerves. Apps are increasing exponentially on a daily basis. What a tool!
Know Who/Where to Call in an Emergency
Know where to call when you need help. Be sure to memorize or pre-program the three-digit emergency number for the country you're visiting. In many places, including the European Union, you can dial 112 from any GSM cell phone to reach local authorities, sometimes even without a SIM card. Finally, store the contact information (including the physical address) for the local U.S. embassy or consulate, as well as your insurance and credit card companies' international collect numbers.Make Certain that Phone Works BEFORE You Leave
Make sure you can use the phone before you leave the US. Both T-Mobile and AT&T require you to call and activate international calling on your phone. Be sure to find out whether you'll have both voice and data service and what it will cost (and how to avoid excess roaming charges). A more economical alternative to the dollar-plus per-minute international rates is to "unlock" your phone (your carrier will tell you how) and insert a pre-paid local SIM card—a small plastic chip that will give you a local number, access to cheaper in-country rates, and often free incoming calls.Carry the Right Phone
Carry the right phone; research says quad-band GSM phones will give you the broadest coverage worldwide. If you're looking to buy a new phone, the 3G iPhone will work in any country, including Japan and Korea, as will Verizon's new BlackBerry Storm.The Precious Cell Phone
Think of the cell phone as a digital Swiss Army knife: useful anytime but vital when things go awry. Web browsers on phones let you access up-to-the-second news, while services such as Twitter let you broadcast your status in real time to family and friends.Emergencies and Communication
In an emergency, communication is key. Keep in mind the following suggestions we found at the Conde Nast tip section (http://www.concierge.com/):
TSA-Approved Locks can Help You
TSA-approved locks are out there! The Travel and Safety Administration in the USA has worked with several companies to develop locks that security officers can open with special master keys. Be sure that you use these TSA-approved locks for your luggage, backpacks, computer bags, etc. Not using them may cause delays, and your non-approved locks may end up being destroyed.Wear Contacts? Be Prepared!
If you are a contact wearer be sure to clean your contact lenses thoroughly before you fly to avoid eye irritation. Use lubricating drops recommended by your optometrist to keep your eyes moist during the flight - and remember to blink!Prevent Lost Luggage
● Purchase luggage that is a color other than black – make sure yours will stands out.
● Always put a strap around your luggage. Once again, this makes your luggage stand out.
● Carry a photograph of your luggage as misplaced baggage agents tell us this makes the location of the bag easier.
● Remove old luggage tags as one of the main reasons luggage goes to the wrong city is because of old destination tags and check-in tags.
Early Bird Flier
Be an early bird whenever flying and book yourself on the first flight of the day. If you miss your flight you won’t end up stuck in an airport or hotel for the rest of the day.A Use for Bookmarks
Another use for those plastic encased bookmarks: Slip your driver's license and any tickets for gate checked bags inside it, then slip the bookmark into the pocket of the boarding pass folder.Let Others Know You're Not Alone - No Matter What
"Advertise" that you are not alone if you want the illusion of a travel partner in case you feel a little nervous in a hotel.Copies of Itinerary and Passport Data Page
Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.Room Size - Single or Double?
Rooms are sometimes sold as single or double and at the same price. The double room is larger in many cases - ask at reception when you register and if the price is the same, choose the double room.Traveling to a Developing Country
When traveling to a developing country, take a long a package of clean, usable clothing that you can leave for the housekeeping staff as a gift. Any items would be greatly appreciated, and the gifts bring good karma.Taking Pictures of People Outside the U.S.
When you are taking pictures of people outside the U. S. be sure to ask the person for permission first. You don’t want to violate customs or traditions!
To Carry or not to Carry – Multiple Pair of Underwear
When on a long trip, this is the question! Smart and savvy travelers have found other ways to reduce their laundry load and weight in suitcases by purchasing disposable ‘undies’ and socks. Visit http://www.onederwear.com/ to see the variety they carry for these items.
Dental Floss
Did you know dental floss can be used as a bathroom laundry line when traveling? Just string it up and hang your laundry...it’s pretty strong and of course easy to pack!Bed Bug Spray
Carry it with you when you travel, just in case you notice uninvited little critters in your bed. Organic ‘Rest Easy’ bedbug spray cost a little over $6 and can be purchased online at www.resteasykillsbedbugs.com.
What’s your best asset when traveling abroad?
Your smile. It will get you everywhere. Don’t forget to use it!Be medical savvy.
Check out your current health insurance policy to make sure you are covered in an emergency when traveling, especially abroad. If you aren’t covered, you might want to consider purchasing insurance.See your doctor when traveling to a high risk destination.
You might want to have a consultation with your doctor or a hospital travel clinic while planning your trip. Travel medical professionals usually know the risks of various locales and can prescribe the right medication.Sometimes your best and most economical vacation is right next door – so to speak.
Why not visit a neighbor like Puerto Rico the U.S. Virgin Islands? You don’t need a passport!A good way to get in the "spirit" of your destination is to visit a church on Sunday.
You’ll probably be welcomed with open arms and maybe even be invited for dinner!Are concerned about having your luggage arrive when you arrive at a destination?
Ship it ahead. No, it’s not cheap but it can give you peace of mind. Check out a number of dispatch companies in the U.S.Want to try a fabulous restaurant and save money?
Reserve for lunch or dessert instead of dinner and save a bundle.Beware of the mini-bar in your hotel room.
You can be charged even if you take something out to look at it and put it back! Either bring you own snacks and drinks or stop by the local convenience store and stock up at your destination.Prepare before you depart for a foreign country.
Take the time to learn a few words in the language of that country - particularly how to say, “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you”, “Where’s the toilet?” and “Can you help me?”. Go online to find language sites that can help.Are you visiting an unfamiliar city?
Stop at the information desk in the airport and check out brochures or materials. Oftentimes you can find coupons and discounts for a variety of restaurants or attractions that can save you money during your visit.Want to save time at airport security checkpoints?
Slip-on shoes save a lot of time at security. Make things easy on yourself.Don’t get scammed by questionable cabbies at your destination.
Study the route from the airport to your hotel so that you have a sense of how far your cab ride should be. You can easily tell if the cabbie is taking you for a longer ride than necessary.
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