Two routes, one trip – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before embarking on a road trip, map out two different routes — a slower, scenic route and a shorter, faster (less scenic) route.

In case you need to reach your destination sooner than planned, you’ll have your faster route. However, try to take the more intriguing scenic route. Grab a camera, hop out, and snap some shots of the beautiful scenery you pass by. Discover the hottest eateries on your journey. Be sure to stop in, indulge in the local eats, and continue along your trip-capturing memorable moments.

NOTE: Make sure to print a copy of your scenic route and your fastest route even if you have GPS. Just in case…

Have an airplane raffle – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Last year on our flight to Las Vegas, I asked several of the other passengers if they would like to partake in a drawing for a chance to win money before landing in Vegas.

Several passengers were interested, so we got a trash bag and a marker, and each passenger that wanted to play wrote their seat number on a dollar bill and placed it in the trash bag.

After asking everyone if they wanted to play, we had a young passenger draw one of the dollars from the bag and that person won all the cash.

Find your door easily on a cruise ship – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

On cruise ships, most hallways and doors look alike — especially after a few drinks.

To help identify your room, bring along a picture of something familiar, like the family dog — but NO personal pictures, for safety reasons — and tape it to your door along with a BIG stick-on Christmas bow, glittery streamers, or other eye-catching, but easily removable object.

No mistaking your room now! Plus, you’re frequently reminded of your great dogs, waiting for you back home.

Yelp is a vacationer’s best friend – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

Want to find the best restaurants while on vacation? Not only will Yelp help you find which restaurants are nearby, it also provides user reviews for each restaurant, so you really know what you might be getting into before you arrive at the establishment. The site also includes nifty, useful filtering options, so you can zero in on exactly what you need.

No access to a computer? No worries. Yelp also comes in several mobile flavors, including for the iPhone, Blackberry and Android-based smartphones like the Motorola Droid.

Visit the Yelp website and see for yourself.

Bring a bike on your next road trip – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

It might be a simple suggestion, but… bringing a bike (or two) on your next road trip will yield rich rewards.

Not only does a bike ride stretch your legs after hours in the car, it helps provide a lay of the land when you make a pitstop. Further, you’ll absorb more local flavor (markets, parks, impromptu street performances) than is possible solely on foot. Finally, riding a bike is good exercise! (And who among us didn’t eat just a little too much on our last vacation?)

Bike racks conserve trunk space but if you manage to fit the bike inside your vehicle you’ll have less logistical hassle. Pro tip: Folding bikes like those made by Bike Friday take up less space.

See also: 20 great bike rides