In many places, hotels offer special lower rates to locals in order to increase occupancy. This is particularly true on last-minute stays or when bookings have been low, and is especially applicable to overseas travel.
If you’re going to a place where you have family or friends, ask them to inquire directly about any special rates or promotions that may be available.
Having them book on your behalf can save you some serious cash.
Use comfortable, soft-sided bags, such as gym bags, small daypacks, or duffel bags for easy-access and lightweight portability on a trip — just make sure to sort out your belongings properly inside the bag.
To maximize comfort and ease, find a duffel bag that has a wide opening with easy slide zippers and an adjustable strap. This will help reduce the strain of carrying a big suitcase.
In addition to increased comfort, duffel bags offer other advantages, as well. First, you won’t have to worry and wait around the terminal for your suitcase to show up at the baggage claim. Second, duffel bags can be tucked under your airline seat, shoved into overhead compartments, and opened quickly and easily during security checks.
When packing flashlights or other battery-powered devices that might easily switch on, always turn the batteries around inside the device — or, remove one or more of the batteries completely from the device.
This way, if the item is accidentally turned on while hiking or moving about, you won’t drain the batteries.
When traveling over the holidays with gifts, never pre-wrap!
Wrapped items may need to be inspected by the TSA, and that could mean they’ll be unwrapped by security before you even get to your destination. Go ahead and pack the gifts, but either pack a few sheets of wrapping paper — or just plan to purchase paper at your destination — and tend to the task after landing
After checking into your hotel room, go back out and count the doors from your room to the nearest stairway.
In case of fire, the stairway may be the only way out. If you had to crawl under a blanket of thick smoke, you could just feel the doors and count down until you know you have reached the safety of the stairway.
Don’t forget to pack your trusty flashlight, in case you need to exit during a blackout.