Meet your mom’s hairdresser’s nephew (or whoever) – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Maybe it’s your mom’s hairdresser’s nephew, and chances are you’ll have nothing in common. But you never know…

It’s worth grabbing a coffee with an acquaintance (however many times removed), if you don’t know a new city or country. It makes a completely different kind of trip when someone takes you to their favorite cafe or recommends an obscure nearby venue when you mention you like folk music.

Bonus: because you’ll meet someone a friend or family member knows, you’re strengthening your relationships at home!

Make a ‘souvenirs to buy’ list – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

A lot of folks make a list of what to bring before they go on a trip.

Personally, I prefer to make a list of what I plan to buy while I’m away. This way, I know how much room to leave in my bag for souvenirs.

Also? A list ensures I won’t forget anyone on my list.

Pretend you’re going on a camping trip – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Regular jetsetters may never consider stepping foot in a camping store, but it can be a treasure trove of inexpensive gadgets for efficient packing.

At a camping store, you can find space-saving items like paper shampoo, collapsible water bottles made from soft plastic bags, and miniature toothbrushes. Also, depending on how long you’ll be gone, you might find a use for items like tiny kitchen utensils, collapsible bowls and cups, an adjustable clothesline — even a table that rolls up like a yoga mat.

Plus, everything in a camping store is designed to be lightweight and easy to haul around, so you’re assured of picking up some easy-to-carry gear.

Pack your own shore lunch – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

When you’re busy having fun in the sun during days ashore, why leave the beach or other destination, just to schlep to a restaurant and fork over a wad of cash for lunch? Instead, have your cruise ship make your lunch. Best of all, it doesn’t cost any extra!

Most cruises offer 24-hour room service. An hour or so before you’re ready to disembark, call in an order for a sandwich, chips, and fruit (or whatever suits your fancy). Just pack it in your beach bag, and head out for a carefree day of fun!

Pre-packing with individual freezer bags – Traveling with kids tip

by Gadling Staff on

The best idea that we’ve had about traveling with young children is to pre-pack each day’s clothes in plastic freezer bags and label them for each day. Include the entire outfit from underwear, to socks, to shirts, to shorts or pants or skirt.

This may require a little more pre-departure work, but it makes our vacations much less hectic when dressing the kids in the morning. Each child gets their bag and puts their clothes on, and out the door we go. This avoids pulling the suitcase apart and trying to find each neatly arranged article of clothing.

Bonus: It also helps ensure we don’t forget anything important at home.