Play sports with the locals – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When you travel abroad, it can be hard to meet locals, especially if you don’t know the language. But if you play a sport — soccer, swimming, football, even ultimate frisbee — then you have a head start.

Before you go, search the internet for a tournament or scheduled practice. Chances are you’ll find a welcoming crowd, whether you’re traveling to Bogata, Prague, or Morocco. Join a friendly game of soccer. Show up for a master’s swim practice. Find a frisbee tournament in the town you’re visiting. Almost every large city internationally has a Hash House Harriers club. Jumping in will give you a workout — and an instant link to local culture.

RELATED: Road trip tip: “Frolf” away the fidgets

Take your shoes off, but keep your feet clean – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Removing your shoes to pass through security doesn’t mean you have to pick up dirt, germs, and everything else left behind by fellow travelers. In a plastic baggie in an exterior pocket of your carry-on, store a bag of hand wipes along with an old pair of socks, or disposable slip-on booties like hospital workers wear.

Slide those on when you slip your shoes off, and after passing through security, peel off those germy socks or booties and return them to their resealable bag for your return trip, while putting clean feet in your shoes.

Use the hand wipes and you’re good to go — germ-free!

Dine OUT! – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

You’ve spent so much money on just getting to Hawaii, why pay more to sit inside a restaurant? Weather permitting, you should be outside on the grass! Or on the sand. Or at a picnic table.

Borrow a sheet from your hotel to sit on or use as a table cloth, as well as glasses and silverware. Chose the most appropriate place from your “sights to see” list and make a lunch or dinner out of it by ordering take-out from one of the local eateries.

Having a picnic outside near a fun destination will give you an “insider’s view” of both that sight and the local culture.

Set small goals – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Driving long distances requires stamina, especially if you’re going it solo. Mentally breaking up the trip into three or four “legs” can help you feel accomplished and less despondent along the way.

Whether you stop at the beginning of each leg or push through, the feeling of a “new beginning” is a refreshing way to look at the next 200 miles.

Wearing sunglasses and a cowboy hat helps too.

[Image credit: Luke Robinson]

Get a souvenir that will last forever – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Although it isn’t for everyone, a favorite souvenir to bring back with you could be one that will last forever: a tattoo!

When I was 18 I visited a friend in Chicago and we went to get our first tattoos. After that, every time I travel to a new city, I am completely tempted to get inked.

Getting different tattoos was already on my to-do list and now, not only does the tattoo itself tell a story, there is always the story of the places I’ve been and the things I’ve done.