When traveling, don’t dine out at a fancy restaurant. Instead, head to a street vendor, especially if you’re in a foreign country.
I promise it’s delicious and safe to eat. Furthermore, you’ll probably get a better feel for the local culture and cuisine dining alongside locals. Plus, you’ll save big bucks, as street food is notoriously inexpensive.
My favorite places for street food? Mexico and France!
Assuming you’re not traveling alone, spread your items among several suitcases.
Rather than put the kids’ stuff all in one suitcase, parents’ in another, general items in yet another, etc., pack each suitcase with at least one outfit for every member of your family.
That way, if any of your luggage is lost, you all still have some essentials, which can hopefully tide you over until the missing bags are located.
When traveling with children, ALWAYS bring back-ups. I’m not talking about back-up clothes or back-up snacks. I’m talking about back-up daycare!
Let’s face it: parents can’t have a real vacation while chasing after little Johnny and Suzy. My suggestion: fork over an extra $500 for Grandma to cruise, too! She’ll love the extra time with Johnny and Suzy; plus, Mom and Dad can get their groove on. Give yourself permission to let someone else be in control of the kiddos and have fun.
Cruising with Grandma and the kids can also be a great family bonding time and an unforgettable vacation.
With the invention of GPS, many people may be tempted to forgo carrying printed directions for their road trip. However, physical directions and a detailed map of the area are necessary in many situations where GPS may fail. Example problems with a GPS include:
While technology is wonderful, a good map can save you a lot of frustration.
Airline crews are probably some of the least appreciated folks in the airline industry. Next time you fly, say thank you as you board the plane … with a treat.
Most flight attendants love pre-made cakes and pies from Trader Joe’s (from $6-$12), and everyone appreciates homemade cookies.
You’ll be surprised at what your treat can give you in return. On a European trip, I was upgraded to first class after presenting a key lime pie and chocolate cake. If the first class or business class is fully booked, the least you’ll get is smiles and first-class treatment from the crew.