Challenge your family to a food “dare” contest – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

We go on vacation to be someplace different. Yet many people eat the same old foods on vacation as they eat at home. On your next vacation, challenge your family to a food “dare” contest. Here’s how:

  • Go to a local marketplace or anywhere serving local foods.
  • Ask each member of the family to find one food for everyone to try.
  • Pick an outside area for a picnic and be sure to photograph the foods and the faces.
  • Whoever picks the best food item, wins!

The meal might not be tasty or balanced but it’s sure to be memorable.

Paint on the fun – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Looking for a way to add a little more fun to your next road trip? The answer is simple: paint for your car’s windows!

Buying a few sticks of car paint, which can be found at most large retailers, and filling the windows of the car with scandalous sayings and quotes can attract a lot of attention.

In the past, people’s reactions to things like “Blonde Brigade” and “Whore Wheelin'” have allowed us to make life long memories.

Know your destination – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Planning is half the fun of any trip, and the more you know about where you’re going, the more flexible you can be with your plans.

Study local maps, get familiar with the main roads and how they intersect, and learn where your areas of interest can be found. Moreover, find out what public transportation is available and, if possible, download their routes and schedules. It’s also helpful to know something about food and shopping options for the areas in which you plan to spend time, especially if you have dietary or other concerns.

Bottom line: knowing your way around helps decreases travel stress and increase the chance for spontaneity!

Ask them to personalize your room – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Many hotels will customize your room based on your personal preferences — even going as far as to make sure you have your favorite pillows and robes in your room upon arrival.

If you have a preference for room location (high or low floor), proximity to elevator, or pillow type (soft, firm, or down alternative), or would like robes or anything else specific in your room, give the hotel a heads-up when booking your room.

As long as they’re not super busy, you’ll find most properties to be very accommodating to your requests.

Pack something that reminds you of home – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

No matter where the destination, chances are you’re going to be out of your usual comfort zone when traveling abroad. When I embarked on a two-week trip across parts of Europe last year, I began to feel homesick after a couple days and wasn’t enjoying my “trip of a lifetime.”

Fortunately, I discovered that my friends had tucked a few pictures of themselves in my bag before I left. This gave me a little piece of home to carry along with me.

Therefore, when leaving home for a period of time, it’s a good idea to bring something familiar with you, to quell any sadness. Whether it’s a picture, blanket, or favorite snack pack, a comfort item can handily ward off being homesick.