Hit the supermarket – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

The simplest and cheapest way to do your souvenir shopping is at a supermarket.

Almost anyplace you travel, there will be a traditional food, like “Vermont maple syrup” or “Scottish shortbread.” Great supermarket gifts include a specialty bottle of oil and vinegar, a local bottle of wine or alcohol, exotic spices, teas and coffee — and don’t get me started on snacks like chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts.

Your friends will be delighted to receive a box of cookies from a foreign country, and you’ll remember your trip every time you prepare some hot chocolate you purchased in Switzerland.

Use heat packs to avoid clogged ears – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Traditional methods for clearing “flier’s ear” include yawning, chewing gum, and using special earplugs for flying. However, there are other methods for preventing this painful condition, including this unusual, but effective, one:

  • Pack two small heat packs (they grow warm when mashed).
  • Use earphones to hold one over each ear.
  • Keep the earphones’ plug visible so flight attendants will see you’re not using an electronic device.

You’ll get a few weird looks, but it may help. (A pack may last a couple of flights if placed in an airtight bag after use.)

Use a packing list that doubles as a lost-luggage claim list – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before you leave, use a printable checklist of items you need to pack, and where you’ll be packing them (carry-on or checked luggage.) Include all your frequently-forgotten or last minute items: batteries, cell-phone charger, toiletries, etc, and leave blanks for the specifics about clothes, shoes, and other valuable items.

But here’s the most important part of this list: Keep a copy of the list with you. If your checked baggage gets lost, you won’t have to try to remember what it contained, and you can share the list with the airline.

Bring an extra gallon of water – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Travelers generally think to bring bottled drinking water, but few realize how frustrating it is to need a larger quantity of water with no way to get it.

Some rest areas have poorly designed sinks that automatically squirt liquid soap, run water for a few seconds, and then immediately turn on a hand dryer. Brushing your teeth in these contraptions is nearly impossible.

Keep a gallon of extra water tucked away in the trunk for rinsing sticky stuff off your hands, splashing on your face, using to brush your teeth, or even filling an overheated radiator.

Grab a book of matches before leaving the room – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When visiting a foreign country, especially one with an unfamiliar language, grab a book of matches from the hotel where you’re staying as soon as you arrive.

If you get lost in town during your stay, and you know just a little of the language, the book of matches will be a great way to show locals where you need to go, and have them direct you to the right place.