Kids Traveling Tips
When researching hotels and motels, find out at what age kids can stay free and can eat free in the hotel’s restaurant. There may be conditions to the free stay program so ask about those as well. It can be less expensive to book two separate rooms for the adults with one child in each, than booking two rooms as a family of four. If the entire family is to share one room, inquire about extra rollaway beds.
When researching hotels and motels, find out at what age kids can stay free and can eat free in the hotel’s restaurant. There may be conditions to the free stay program so ask about those as well. It can be less expensive to book two separate rooms for the adults with one child in each, than booking two rooms as a family of four. If the entire family is to share one room, inquire about extra rollaway beds.
Youth Hostel Tips
Youth Hostels provide inexpensive accommodations to people 26 and younger but you’ll be required to have a valid membership in the Youth Hostels Association. There are also privately run hostels open to all ages but accommodations may be in single-sex dormitories. Hostels are normally closed during the day so make sure to make arrangements for your stay before 9 am or after 4 pm.
Meal Tips
Start the day by taking breakfast at your hotel or hostel, since it is often included in the cost of the room, and then you’ll only have two meals left to plan and pay for. If you can eat the largest meal of the day at lunch, you’ll pay less and enjoy a nice portion of the same food you would have ordered at dinner. If you’re on the go, stop at an open market or supermarket and get items for a picnic. And do try different cuisines–sampling the food of the culture should be as important as seeing the museums and tourist sites. Plan at least one or two nice meals at better restaurant for a well-rounded experience. And avoid American fast-food abroad which will be expensive and a disappointment.
Restaurant Tips
Look for a menu posted outside the entrance of the restaurant which will make it easy for you to judge the type of food, and the price range, before you go in. There are two ways to order in a European restaurant: a la carte (separate menu items) and table d’hote (which means you order an entire meal, for a set price). If you’re not comfortable trying the local cuisine, you can usually find a restaurant that serves pizza, which is the one food that is available almost everywhere around the world.
Start the day by taking breakfast at your hotel or hostel, since it is often included in the cost of the room, and then you’ll only have two meals left to plan and pay for. If you can eat the largest meal of the day at lunch, you’ll pay less and enjoy a nice portion of the same food you would have ordered at dinner. If you’re on the go, stop at an open market or supermarket and get items for a picnic. And do try different cuisines–sampling the food of the culture should be as important as seeing the museums and tourist sites. Plan at least one or two nice meals at better restaurant for a well-rounded experience. And avoid American fast-food abroad which will be expensive and a disappointment.
Restaurant Tips
Look for a menu posted outside the entrance of the restaurant which will make it easy for you to judge the type of food, and the price range, before you go in. There are two ways to order in a European restaurant: a la carte (separate menu items) and table d’hote (which means you order an entire meal, for a set price). If you’re not comfortable trying the local cuisine, you can usually find a restaurant that serves pizza, which is the one food that is available almost everywhere around the world.
Road Trip Tips
If you're traveling in an unfamiliar area, take a map and plan your route. Avoid traveling through major cities during rush hours and do take frequent rest stops so that you can stretch your legs. By drinking plenty of fluids you will fight off fatigue and headaches, and will enjoy the trip much more. Do keep your seat belt fastened, not only for your own safety, but because most countries have mandatory seatbelt laws for the driver and passengers. Your auto insurance coverage could be void if you're injured while not wearing your seat belt.
If you're traveling in an unfamiliar area, take a map and plan your route. Avoid traveling through major cities during rush hours and do take frequent rest stops so that you can stretch your legs. By drinking plenty of fluids you will fight off fatigue and headaches, and will enjoy the trip much more. Do keep your seat belt fastened, not only for your own safety, but because most countries have mandatory seatbelt laws for the driver and passengers. Your auto insurance coverage could be void if you're injured while not wearing your seat belt.
Traveling With Pets
If you must travel by plane with a pet, chose a direct or nonstop flight so that you don’t risk having to change plans and possibly having your pet more upset than he already is, by getting lost. In addition, your pet will need an airline-approved carrier and a health certificate.
If you must travel by plane with a pet, chose a direct or nonstop flight so that you don’t risk having to change plans and possibly having your pet more upset than he already is, by getting lost. In addition, your pet will need an airline-approved carrier and a health certificate.
Travel Insurance
You can obtain travel insurance through the airline or cruise line when you book your reservation, but it may not be necessary if you already have sufficient coverage as a perk on your credit card (if you charged your trip). Check with your homeowners insurance agent to see if they offer travel insurance, since you won’t be covered if the policy issued by the cruise line or airline won’t pay if they go out of business. Generally, a comprehensive policy will cost about 5 to 7 percent of the price of your trip.
Travelers Checks
Traveler's checks remain the safest and most reliable way to obtain cash, followed by credit cards and ATM cards. If you need to purchase additional checks, be advised that banks in foreign countries are usually open fewer hours than in the US so it is advisable to learn the bank schedules and regulations in the country you’re visiting. You will need a passport or photo ID in order to cash traveler’s checks abroad.
You can obtain travel insurance through the airline or cruise line when you book your reservation, but it may not be necessary if you already have sufficient coverage as a perk on your credit card (if you charged your trip). Check with your homeowners insurance agent to see if they offer travel insurance, since you won’t be covered if the policy issued by the cruise line or airline won’t pay if they go out of business. Generally, a comprehensive policy will cost about 5 to 7 percent of the price of your trip.
Travelers Checks
Traveler's checks remain the safest and most reliable way to obtain cash, followed by credit cards and ATM cards. If you need to purchase additional checks, be advised that banks in foreign countries are usually open fewer hours than in the US so it is advisable to learn the bank schedules and regulations in the country you’re visiting. You will need a passport or photo ID in order to cash traveler’s checks abroad.
Bargaining Tips
You’re in a good position to bargain if you can remember two simple things: one, that you are willing to walk away, and two, that you look willing to walk away. Also, it’s not a good idea to offer the seller half of his offer, since he may be quoting a price at ten times its true value. If you feel you are about to be suckered, then walk away. You can often deal or bargain at the beginning of the day, when hawkers are anxious to make a first sale, or at the end of the day when they are motivated to unload items. And beware of counterfeit knock-off items: they are cheap for a reason!
Duties/Custom Tips
Unless you know the retail price of a specific item in a duty-free shop (such as a camera or perfume), it’s impossible to comparison shop. Sometimes the merchandise isn’t a bargain. And you should declare all “duty-free goods,” at customs, even if they were purchased in “duty-free” stores. You should also be aware of any list of prohibited items (meats, fruits, ivory, tortoise shell products, absinthe, etc.) or restricted items that customs won’t allow. Be aware that customs officers have the authority to conduct searches without a warrant, including your suitcases or your person.
You’re in a good position to bargain if you can remember two simple things: one, that you are willing to walk away, and two, that you look willing to walk away. Also, it’s not a good idea to offer the seller half of his offer, since he may be quoting a price at ten times its true value. If you feel you are about to be suckered, then walk away. You can often deal or bargain at the beginning of the day, when hawkers are anxious to make a first sale, or at the end of the day when they are motivated to unload items. And beware of counterfeit knock-off items: they are cheap for a reason!
Duties/Custom Tips
Unless you know the retail price of a specific item in a duty-free shop (such as a camera or perfume), it’s impossible to comparison shop. Sometimes the merchandise isn’t a bargain. And you should declare all “duty-free goods,” at customs, even if they were purchased in “duty-free” stores. You should also be aware of any list of prohibited items (meats, fruits, ivory, tortoise shell products, absinthe, etc.) or restricted items that customs won’t allow. Be aware that customs officers have the authority to conduct searches without a warrant, including your suitcases or your person.
Best Time To Travel
The summer tourist season is the best time to travel if you want good weather and expect the shops and attractions to all be open at reliable times, but you should expect crowds and long lines. If you have to go during peak times, just remember that it's better to visit museums and monuments before 10 am and after 4 pm when the crowds are thin. Off season travel (general November to spring) is a great time to enjoy a leisurely pace, some cooler weather and great deals on lodging.
The summer tourist season is the best time to travel if you want good weather and expect the shops and attractions to all be open at reliable times, but you should expect crowds and long lines. If you have to go during peak times, just remember that it's better to visit museums and monuments before 10 am and after 4 pm when the crowds are thin. Off season travel (general November to spring) is a great time to enjoy a leisurely pace, some cooler weather and great deals on lodging.
Family Traveling Tips
You should plan the pace of your touring to the youngest member of the group or family. Kids can take only so many art museums and monuments, so give them a break from sightseeing and let them spend some quiet time recuperating. If your children are unfamiliar with hotels and traveling, explain to them how the mini-bar in the room works, and that there are steep expenses to take these items. The same snacks can be bought downstairs in the gift shop or from the hotel’s vending machines for a fraction of the cost.
Student Travel Tips
For students who want adventures in exotic places, check with the State Department which publishes up-to-date brochures on 170 countries. These "background notes" have valuable information on the culture, history, customs, and most important, current political climate. Remember that reckless or aggressive behavior will land you in jail in a foreign country and you should have health insurance that will cover you in case of an emergency abroad.
For students who want adventures in exotic places, check with the State Department which publishes up-to-date brochures on 170 countries. These "background notes" have valuable information on the culture, history, customs, and most important, current political climate. Remember that reckless or aggressive behavior will land you in jail in a foreign country and you should have health insurance that will cover you in case of an emergency abroad.
Passports and Visas Tips
If you do lose your passport in a foreign country, go to the nearest consulate as soon as you can to get it replaced. Keep a photocopy of your passport pages (2 & 3) and a copy of your birth certificate in a separate place when traveling. Having these two items will speed up the process of getting a replacement passport. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is within months of expiring, so check before you go. If the country requires a Visa, be aware that this document must be obtained before you go. It’s your responsibility to find out if you need one. You can purchase an airline ticket to get there, but it won't do you any good if you're not allowed in!
Group Tours
Tour groups not only save you money, they can get you checked in faster to hotels and will get you around the city to the sights much more quickly. Bus operators often let the group off right in front of the attractions so there are no parking hassles and you don’t have to look for public transportation. Group travel is especially beneficial for the less confident traveler to get to countries and regions he would not normally feel comfortable exploring on his own.
If you do lose your passport in a foreign country, go to the nearest consulate as soon as you can to get it replaced. Keep a photocopy of your passport pages (2 & 3) and a copy of your birth certificate in a separate place when traveling. Having these two items will speed up the process of getting a replacement passport. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is within months of expiring, so check before you go. If the country requires a Visa, be aware that this document must be obtained before you go. It’s your responsibility to find out if you need one. You can purchase an airline ticket to get there, but it won't do you any good if you're not allowed in!
Group Tours
Tour groups not only save you money, they can get you checked in faster to hotels and will get you around the city to the sights much more quickly. Bus operators often let the group off right in front of the attractions so there are no parking hassles and you don’t have to look for public transportation. Group travel is especially beneficial for the less confident traveler to get to countries and regions he would not normally feel comfortable exploring on his own.
EurailPass Tips
Traveling by train is actually be faster than by airplane, if your trip is for less than 200 miles and a Eurailpass is an economical way to see Europe. But if you’re just going to visit a few major cities that are close together, don’t buy a Eurailpass because a 2nd class ticket will be cheaper. If you do plan to see cities that are quite some distance apart, you can save money on hotels by sleeping on the overnight trains.
Traveling by train is actually be faster than by airplane, if your trip is for less than 200 miles and a Eurailpass is an economical way to see Europe. But if you’re just going to visit a few major cities that are close together, don’t buy a Eurailpass because a 2nd class ticket will be cheaper. If you do plan to see cities that are quite some distance apart, you can save money on hotels by sleeping on the overnight trains.
Tipping
Tipping is appropriate for shuttle bus drivers and luggage handlers ($1 to $2 per bag) if they actually carry your luggage to the check-in area, or up to your hotel room. Tip less if it’s just unloaded at the front door. It’s nice to leave housekeeping a tip, even if you don’t see them. You can consider tipping $1 to $2 per night per person, or more, if you leave the room especially messy. As for room service delivery, be sure to check the bill in case it already includes a tip. If it doesn’t, the customary 15 to 20 percent is appropriate. And remember to tip the hotel concierge if you took advantage of their services.
Tipping is appropriate for shuttle bus drivers and luggage handlers ($1 to $2 per bag) if they actually carry your luggage to the check-in area, or up to your hotel room. Tip less if it’s just unloaded at the front door. It’s nice to leave housekeeping a tip, even if you don’t see them. You can consider tipping $1 to $2 per night per person, or more, if you leave the room especially messy. As for room service delivery, be sure to check the bill in case it already includes a tip. If it doesn’t, the customary 15 to 20 percent is appropriate. And remember to tip the hotel concierge if you took advantage of their services.
Women Solo Travelers
When registering at a hotel, sign only your first initial and last name to make it harder to determine gender. Try to imitate the dress of the locals to give the impression you live in the area and that you are not a traveler. In most foreign countries women do not respond to strangers who approach them, and even a smile or a polite response of "No, thank you" is viewed as beginning a conversation. It’s best to ignore the stranger and move on.
When registering at a hotel, sign only your first initial and last name to make it harder to determine gender. Try to imitate the dress of the locals to give the impression you live in the area and that you are not a traveler. In most foreign countries women do not respond to strangers who approach them, and even a smile or a polite response of "No, thank you" is viewed as beginning a conversation. It’s best to ignore the stranger and move on.
Bed and Breakfast
Reservations are always necessary for a B & B since many are quite small (2-4 rooms). You should avoid calling before 10 am since the host will be serving breakfast to the current guests. The check-in time is usually a bit later than a hotel, often between 5 and 7 pm, and there will not be the hotel-type amenities. B & Bs do offer a change of pace as well as coziness and charm, in a quant home with a shared bath and a delicious home-made breakfast.
Reservations are always necessary for a B & B since many are quite small (2-4 rooms). You should avoid calling before 10 am since the host will be serving breakfast to the current guests. The check-in time is usually a bit later than a hotel, often between 5 and 7 pm, and there will not be the hotel-type amenities. B & Bs do offer a change of pace as well as coziness and charm, in a quant home with a shared bath and a delicious home-made breakfast.
Adventure travel
Adventure travel can mean going solo and exploring exotic locations alone or pursuing thrill-seeking outdoor activities using guides and experts. You can find unusual trips including flying fighter jets, African safaris, archeology, surfing, deep sea diving, sports car racing, and alpine mountaineering. Contact the adventure or tour company directly by phone or via the website, but travel agents will get you the best deal to travel to the area.
Travel Scams
Remember while traveling that the hotel staff will never call your room to recheck your credit card information. If you receive an incoming call to your room, tell the caller you will call back and hang up. Then call the front desk. If you find out that the call was not from the them, report it immediately. If you’re at home and you have been offered a great bargain on a cruise vacation, but are told that you must pay the company a large deposit before receiving all information, it’s a travel scam. You should be very cautious about phone calls and internet popup ads which say you've been selected to receive a fabulous vacation; they might be legitimate bookings but it will not be a "bargain."
Adventure travel can mean going solo and exploring exotic locations alone or pursuing thrill-seeking outdoor activities using guides and experts. You can find unusual trips including flying fighter jets, African safaris, archeology, surfing, deep sea diving, sports car racing, and alpine mountaineering. Contact the adventure or tour company directly by phone or via the website, but travel agents will get you the best deal to travel to the area.
Travel Scams
Remember while traveling that the hotel staff will never call your room to recheck your credit card information. If you receive an incoming call to your room, tell the caller you will call back and hang up. Then call the front desk. If you find out that the call was not from the them, report it immediately. If you’re at home and you have been offered a great bargain on a cruise vacation, but are told that you must pay the company a large deposit before receiving all information, it’s a travel scam. You should be very cautious about phone calls and internet popup ads which say you've been selected to receive a fabulous vacation; they might be legitimate bookings but it will not be a "bargain."
Subway Travel
Subway travel is inexpensive and is a much faster way to get around a city than by taxi or bus. If you plan to be in the same cities for more than a few days, buy a pass, or a pack of tickets. Keep your ticket with you on the train and don’t throw it away, as there can be fines imposed if you can not show a ticket when asked.
Subway travel is inexpensive and is a much faster way to get around a city than by taxi or bus. If you plan to be in the same cities for more than a few days, buy a pass, or a pack of tickets. Keep your ticket with you on the train and don’t throw it away, as there can be fines imposed if you can not show a ticket when asked.
Travel Agents
Despite the growth of direct internet bookings, travel agents still book the majority of air travel and have the ability to sort through thousands of daily changes in airfares and schedules quickly and easily. Travel agents consistently beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares and hotel rates. Travel agents also book 95% of all cruise reservations.
Despite the growth of direct internet bookings, travel agents still book the majority of air travel and have the ability to sort through thousands of daily changes in airfares and schedules quickly and easily. Travel agents consistently beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares and hotel rates. Travel agents also book 95% of all cruise reservations.
Discount Traveler
Plan your vacation during off-peak times and use a travel agent to do the work to find the best deals. Your favorite destination resort may offer great last minute travel deals if you agree to receive their email newletters. You can also try a charter flight if you already at the airport. If it hasn’t sold out just before its departure, the operator will usually sell seats at incredibly cheap prices to latecomers.
Exchange Rate
Try to budget your travel expenses and spend all the currency you have exchanged. If you have excess foreign currency and you don’t want to take home it will cost more to change it back to U.S. dollars. The commission fees jump to as high as 9.5% at money exchange bureaus in some countries.
Exchange Rate
Try to budget your travel expenses and spend all the currency you have exchanged. If you have excess foreign currency and you don’t want to take home it will cost more to change it back to U.S. dollars. The commission fees jump to as high as 9.5% at money exchange bureaus in some countries.
Cruise Tips
Pay the higher lodging rate and get a room on an upper deck because the lower you are in the boat the closer you are to noise and vibration from the engines and generators. For effective relief from seasickness, be sure to take medication a few days before your cruise, not during the trip. If you wait until you get sick, they won’t work.
Try to budget your travel expenses and spend all the currency you have exchanged. If you have excess foreign currency and you don’t want to take home it will cost more to change it back to U.S. dollars. The commission fees jump to as high as 9.5% at money exchange bureaus in some countries.
Exchange Rate
Try to budget your travel expenses and spend all the currency you have exchanged. If you have excess foreign currency and you don’t want to take home it will cost more to change it back to U.S. dollars. The commission fees jump to as high as 9.5% at money exchange bureaus in some countries.
Cruise Tips
Pay the higher lodging rate and get a room on an upper deck because the lower you are in the boat the closer you are to noise and vibration from the engines and generators. For effective relief from seasickness, be sure to take medication a few days before your cruise, not during the trip. If you wait until you get sick, they won’t work.
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