Documenting meals via beer coasters, cocktail napkins – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Have you ever tried to recount an exquisite meal from a trip a couple months prior, only to discover that you really can’t remember that memorable meal?

Restaurants can help, as many of them provide their own unique “notebooks” to jot down those menu memories while they are happening: cocktail napkins and beer coasters.

Just make sure you carry an ink pen in your pocket or purse. When that fantastic bite of cheesecake or grilled lamb chops has your taste buds spinning, jot a few notes down on the napkin or coaster. It will make a perfect addition to your scrapbook.

Pro tip: note who was with you at that great meal, so you can reminisce with them later.

Drink lots of water! – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Most of us underestimate how much water we should consume on a daily basis, but we should not overlook it on the day of a flight!

Water works wonders when it comes to off-setting jet lag. It hydrates and promotes mental clarity. It also helps with fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness, all common symptoms when we fly.

The best part is: water is free when you’re on board, and you can order as much as you need.

Pro tip: purchase a bottle after you’ve arrived at your gate, and you won’t have to ask for water on the flight.

Ricky Martin t-shirt on all seven continents – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

So, uh, let’s say I have this friend. We’ll say her name is Emily. Everywhere she travels she pulls out the same tacky Ricky Martin T-shirt, puts it on, and has someone snap her photo. Ricky in front of the Hollywood sign… Ricky at Machu Picchu… Ricky at the Vatican… you get the idea.

You don’t have to use a Ricky Martin Tee, though. On your future travels, pack along a unique shirt — or better yet, buy one on a trip — and snap a photo wearing the shirt at all your favorite spots.

Commemorate your trip with a collage of “incidental” souvenirs – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Next time you unpack after a vacation, comb through your luggage to see what you’ve collected. Chances are, you’ll find itineraries, attraction brochures, guidebooks, maps, local coins, postcards, matchbooks, ticket stubs, and even packaging from small purchases.

Arrange the most attractive pieces (you can enlarge them with a color copier) along with favorite photos, and mount them in a frame. Now you’ve got a conversation-piece and souvenir that reminds you of what you did rather than what you bought.

Need a how-to for collages? Check out Wikihow.

Want to frame your incidentals the easy way? Check out AOL Shopping.

How to really save money on airline tickets – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

While some people espouse the virtues of “cheap tickets” service, I’ve found that those sites actually add quite a lot of taxes and fees on top of standard airline tickets. What they are useful for is finding out exactly what airlines are offering flights and when.

Look at the list of all flights going to the destination, and pick a time and airline company you want to go with. Then book tickets directly through the airline themselves.

Not only is it cheaper to book directly, but often, it can clue you into deals they may have going for booking in advance, or on a certain day.