Making multiple stops? Get a map of the airport – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

When your airline trip involves multiple stops, a little research before you leave will reduce frustration during the time you switch from one plane to the next.

Visit the website of the airport you will be changing planes at and print out a map of the terminal. When faced with a short time to get from one concourse to the next you will find a map to be very helpful.

In addition to your investigation of the airport layout, you should also identify shops and restaurants that interest you in the event that your layover time becomes lengthy.

Pro tip: add the Gate Guru app to your smart phone.

[Photo: Flickr | James Cridland]

Jog at rest stops – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

When you pull into a rest stop to refresh, include a 3-5 minute jog or brisk walk.

It helps relieve the stiffness from sitting in the car and gets the blood pumping. It also provides children an opportunity to run and scream.

When you finish, do a quick stretch. Now you can be awake and alert for the road.

[Photo: Flickr | MikeBaird]

Visit small-town bars – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

One of our favorite aspects of road tripping is building in time to go “off route” to small town bars.

No matter how small, most towns have a townie bar. Walk in, count the number of heads that swivel around and stare until you pick a seat. Choose a seat at the bar and let the heads turn back to their normal position while conversation returns to local gossip.

Your benefit from a trip to a small town bar: a cold brew break and a slice of Americana right before your eyes.

[Photo: Flickr | Darwin Bell]

Calculate your fuel cost – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

An essential ingredient for any road trip is fuel. While you know the cost of your accommodations, you may not always know how much gas will cost for the length of your road trip.

There are websites to help you determine that cost, however. For example, AAA‘s Fuel Cost Calculator allows you to calculate the fuel cost of your trip. Using drop-down menus, you select your starting city, destination and vehicle. The calculator determines mileage, gallons of fuel used and total fuel cost. Not all cities and destinations are listed, but you can get a general idea.

At GasBuddy.com, you can search for the best gas prices in each city or region you’re traveling through. Site visitors report what they paid for fuel at individual gas stations. You’ll learn the lowest and highest prices reported in the past 36 hours. Armed with this information, you can budget your fantastic road trip.

[Photo: Flickr | Borderfilms (Doug)]

Ask your social network – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re on Facebook and/or Twitter, you already have a host of restaurant tips at your disposal: Ask members of your social network what restaurants they recommend in the city you plan to visit.

Those who live in that city will be able to give you a local’s perspective, and you will also hear from people who live elsewhere but have visited that city in the past.

Who knows? You might even find a dining companion or two!

[Photo: Flickr | Patrick Powers]