Prepare an in-flight “necessities pouch” – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Blocking the aisle during boarding while you dig for gum, a book, a hand-held computer game, disinfecting wipes, or earphones will annoy your fellow passengers — and can delay the departure of your plane.

To avoid this, pack these small must-haves in a resealable gallon-size bag (or any small, easily grabbed “day bag”) and place it near the top of your carry-on bag. This will make the bag and its contents easy to retrieve as you take your seat.

Bonus: you’ll have a convenient place to stow these necessities during flight and reduce your chances of leaving something behind.

Hit the bookstore, buy a local author – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Hit up a local bookstore for a good, unique souvenir.

Many self-published authors sell their books through the local storefront and many of those books are based in the area in which they live. The souvenir is not only unique, but it’s entertaining and lacks the gaudiness that many souvenirs display.

Plus, you may get smarter about your destination, which makes any trip more satisfying.

Pack a power strip – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re traveling with your family, make it a point to put a small power strip into your suitcase.

Many hotel rooms leave families facing a dire shortage of outlets. With the need to charge cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, and other gadgets, a power strip can prevent battles over whose turn it is to plug in their cherished device.

Moreover, when traveling alone, sometimes the outlet is too far from where you may want to work to be convenient, and a power strip can help solve this.

Photobomb your own photos with a funny character – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Let’s face it: How many souvenir t-shirts can somebody have? Most people take generic souvenir photos, as well! Think outside the “souvenir box,” and make your photos unique! How? Bring along something “unexpected” to place in the photographs — a beloved childhood character perhaps, or maybe a small stuffed animal that represents the location you’re in — and purposely photobomb your own pictures.

You can have great fun with this. Get creative, and you’ll make lots of funny memories — and probably entertain a lot of other tourists as well!

Try it sometime: WE had great fun with this idea!

Befriend the book swap – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Instead of carrying enough books to last the length of your trip, seek out a hostel, bed-and-breakfast, or local cafe’s book swap. Sometimes they’re listed among a facility’s amenities in guidebooks. Other times, only asking — or (better yet) exploring — finds one!

Using book swaps keeps your luggage light, an imperative with new airline luggage weight restrictions. Also, perhaps, you’ll get turned on to a new genre of literature (as I did in Bolivia).

The Kindle holds no candle to discovering a love for short stories! Furthermore, a paperback is much less vulnerable to the elements… and to “sticky fingers!”