A way to save money (and free your arms) is to wait until the end of your trip to purchase souvenirs to take home.
This gives you the chance to scope out prices, which can vary greatly in touristy areas. It can also give you a better sense of what’s available, so you don’t wind up buying all junk.
If you find something unique, you should snag it, but otherwise set an afternoon aside for souvenir shopping.
There’s no sadder sob story than the one that involves showing up at a hotel only to discover there’s no room reserved for you. To avoid that scenario it’s a good idea to double check your reservation.
You can do this online, or you call the hotel 24 hours before you arrive. If the booking never went through, this will give you plenty of time to reserve a room there — or to reserve a room elsewhere, if that hotel is booked.
It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of the transaction or online confirmation page just to verify that you did, indeed, pay for a room. Being able to prove the rate you paid may help protect you from any “gotcha” fees the hotel tries to levy.
In an effort to keep a hotel stay low key and peaceful, many parents may opt to downgrade from premium accommodations. However, this is one of the worst things a parent can do.
Children, like adults, can enjoy a dip in the hot tub, room service, and other amenities of staying in a four star hotel. Allowing the child to partake in these simple luxuries can help diffuse the restlessness that may often accompany a hotel stay.
In addition, it teaches children how to behave properly in “grown-up” situations, which is key for travel.
Talk to your bank and credit card companies before you go abroad.
Make sure your bank and credit card companies know where you’re going, and for how long you’ll be gone, so they don’t put a hold on your account. If you don’t let them know, they may think someone stole your card!
Also, ask them about the fees associated with using the cards abroad so you know how much you’re really spending before the bill comes next month!
I used to commute internationally from the USA to Europe. Here are my best tips for mastering jet lag.