Get an upgrade if it’s a special event – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

To get the most out of what you pay a hotel, you may need to work your way into getting a better room. This particular trick really only works for couples. When checking into a hotel make sure to cling to together, be very physical, energetic, and happy. A clerk may ask “Are you here for any special occasion?” You must then say something like —

  • “Yes we are on our honeymoon!”
  • “It’s our wedding anniversary!”
  • “It’s my birthday!”

Any one of these must be said by the woman for it to be more touching and convincing, because the clerk knows that those are very special occasions for her.

Claiming a honeymoon or anniversary may score you a room upgrade. Claiming a birthday may just get something special sent up to the room.

Pack neutral clothing – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Use neutral colors to make the most out of your traveling wardrobe.

Bring khaki, black or brown slacks or skirts which can easily be mixed with bold colored blazers and blouses to create a variety of outfits on your trip.

By making use of neutral colors, you can create a striking outfit for every day of your trip while lugging less clothing overall.

Play the state license plate game – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Best intended for long, multi-state trips, make a list of the 50 states for each participating member in the car, and they each check off the state when they see a car with that state’s license plate.

This can be entertaining for kids as well as adults and it can also be cooperative or competitive. An added challenge is not allowing checkoffs for the state you’re currently in. The game exercises one’s observational skills as well as teaching what each state’s license plate design looks like and can also be played simultaneously while conversing or listening to music, allowing it to last for hours.

For a twist, create individual BINGO cards for each player with various states listed.

Keep maps and tickets – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

As an undergrad traveling around Europe, I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on souvenirs, but I still wanted a memento from every city and town that I visited. Though I couldn’t afford, say, a miniature plastic Eiffel Tower, I did stumble upon the perfect souvenir for anyone looking to save money: transit maps and tickets.

By keeping tickets, I not only had a physical keepsake of my trip, but I also had a great way of documenting exactly what I did and when. And by keeping maps, I could literally retrace my steps at any time.

Groceries can be a cultural experience – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

When you arrive in a town in a country that’s not your own, check out the local culture by heading for the grocery store.

You’ll find more new food experiences than you would in a restaurant at half the price — and you can still dine out!

For instance, on a trip to Denmark, we visited a village’s grocery, looked at all the interesting foods, and bought some fabulous cheese, yogurt and smoked fish. We took it to a park and had the best lunch of our trip. (If you plan to do this, don’t forget to throw some plastic cutlery in your suitcase!)