Collect hotel toiletries – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

It may seem strange, but something as simple as some hotel toiletries can be the best souvenir.

I still have my Mickey Mouse soap from the Old Key West Resort in Disney World, monoi oil from the Sheraton at Tahiti, and love using the spa quality Honey Mango Body Lotion from the Grand Wailea in Maui.

You don’t have to feel like you’re stealing as hotels want you to take those toiletries in your room, so you’ll remember the great time you had at their hotel. Plus, you paid for it in your room rate.

Use airplane aromatherapy – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Obese fliers, crying babies and ever-shrinking legroom get lots of press, but the stinky guy is a frequent flier’s worst nightmare. While a good book and your favorite music can distract from the physical discomfort of flying, sitting next to or even near to something with very strong body odor can be downright nauseating.

Travel pros come prepared. I carry Origins Peace of Mind on planes and dab a bit under my nose to block unpleasant odors. Unlike dousing yourself in strong perfume, the scent won’t bother your neighbors. In a pinch, alternatives include Vapor-Rub, essential oils and pulse-point creams.

Use AirNinja to search low-cost international carriers – Airplanes tip

by Gadling Staff on

Looking for a cheap flight in a far-away place? Most low-cost carriers (like Southwest in the US) don’t list or sell their fares through aggregator websites (like Expedia and Travelocity) — you need to book directly with the airline.

To find out what low-cost carriers fly between any two given cities, check out AirNinja. They let you enter in your starting airport (and a destination, if desired), and show what low-cost airlines have departures from that airport and where they go, complete with links out to the airline’s own site for booking. And it’s free!

Do something quirky and photograph the evidence – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

The word “souvenir” means “to remember” in French, so the best souvenirs are memories. But the best memories are quirky ones.

I once knew a man who had to pour champagne on the cruise ship captain’s head on every single cruise he went on. He did this at the kick-off party for every cruise, but also did it on the night when the crew built the champagne tower — just to see if he could get away with it. This led to some incriminating photos — and captains who smelled like bubbly!

Make a game of it – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re traveling with family or friends, create a shopping contest. For example —
* Who can find the weirdest souvenir today?
* Who can find the funniest post card?
* Who can spot the best souvenir under $10?

Making a game of it can add a tradition to your trips, and provide the potential for hilarious memories. Prizes could be picking the next restaurant — or everyone buying the winner a t-shirt from the location.

Pro (solo) tip: If you’re traveling alone, you can challenge yourself in each destination and see which place provided you with the strangest or most colorful souvenir.