Small gifts go a long way in making friends – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Whenever I travel internationally, I always carry a few small gifts from my hometown that other people might be interested in — things like chocolates, pens, dress shirts and basic housewares like vegetable peelers. These kinds of gifts are appreciated in many developing nations.

Even though India, for example, exports many of the clothes we purchase in developed countries, those clothes are not available for sale domestically.

High-quality, everyday items provided to your host family or helpers or service workers will ensure you get a personal touch, and they mean as much or more than a generous tip.

Bring American dollar bills – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re going abroad, getting local currency from an ATM attached to a bank is cost effective and easy, but the problem is that you only get large bills, and many times the attached bank is not open to exchange for smaller bills.

When traveling, especially in South America and Africa, I have found it helpful to bring American one dollar bills for tips. There’s nothing worse than trying to ask someone who you want to tip to make change.

Dollar bills are almost always greatly appreciated, and are typically very tough to find once you’re abroad.

Counterpoint: Don’t pay in dollars – International travel tip

How to lose weight on a cruise – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Avoid the elevators, and use the stairs.

Ships have lots of decks with lots of stairwells – and stairs. But don’t think of them as stairs; think of them as giant, sea-going step-climbers.

Bonus: These step-climbers are carpeted and surrounded by museum-quality art!

Tip the maître d’ upon embarkation – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

While dining in the main dining room is an experience not to be missed, dining with a group of three or four other couples is an experience most of us can do without. For those wanting a romantic dinner with their partner, you’ll quickly realize the tables for two are in high demand.

Upon embarkation, introduce yourself to the maître d’ and let him know of any special occasions you may be celebrating. Don’t forget to let the maître d’ know that you would appreciate a table for two — and offer him a gratuity for his time and consideration.

Say yes to the balcony – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My husband and I decided that the best way to start our marriage was a honeymoon in the Bahamas.

One of the decisions that we had to make when booking our cruise was whether or no to pay extra for the balcony room. We booked the balcony grantee, which meant that we didn’t know exactly where our room would be but we were guaranteed to have a balcony.

It was so romantic to have our own balcony, and we spent a lot of our time at sea there. The price was not much more than the ocean view, but it was worth every penny!

Read more: Pay for windows – Cruise tip
Counterpoint: Get the smallest rooms – Cruise tip