As soon as we board a cruise ship, my family and I have one thing on our minds: water! My kids head straight to the pool, and my husband and I head straight for the hot tub.
However, waiting on our swimsuits to arrive with our luggage can be a very unpredictable and lengthy ordeal, so we always pack them in a small carry-on bag.
Immediately after boarding, we go to the public restrooms and change. Before the boat leaves the dock, we’re all in our swimsuits, and our vacation is well underway.
When traveling in certain countries, it’s important to drink bottled water in order to prevent illness, right?
What many people don’t realize is that they should also brush their teeth with bottled water. Even though the water from the tap is usually not swallowed when brushing, dangerous bacteria can still enter the mouth through contact.
Don’t want to look like a lost tourist, consulting a giant map in a public place?
Before you leave home, buy a small pocket- or purse-sized notebook. Copy maps of each destination (break a city into smaller areas) and reduce them down to notebook size; glue them into your notebook, folding out if needed. Highlight important places, like your hotel, and include directions to/from airports or train stations.
It can also be used to write down anything you want/need to remember like addresses and memorable experiences. It keeps all your important information in one place and is small enough to carry everywhere.
Related: 5 tips for spicing up your travel journals, or how to get beyond “Today I ate breakfast at…”
Americans are notorious for not understanding foreign cultures that come to our country. We sometimes use tacky and thoughtless phrases — such as, “Speak English!” — or we question foreign cultures’ parenting practices. However, after doing this, we venture to foreign cultures and expect everyone to conform to our ways and language.
Before leaving home for your trip, grab a book about that country’s culture and practices. You won’t be an expert, of course — and the locals don’t expect you to be.
However, demonstrating that you respect and admire their culture goes a long way to getting along with the locals. I’ve found in most countries I’ve visited — even ones that “Don’t like Americans” — people would love to talk to you as long as you come across as appreciative and understanding.
It’s always great to research restaurants beforehand. But sometimes it’s also fun to leave it up to chance. Be adventurous! Don’t be afraid of picking a restaurant without an English menu… the waiter and other patrons can always help. Or, maybe they won’t. So what?
During your vacation, pick one item randomly off the menu for your meal. One of the most memorable meals we had was in a little restaurant in Japan that didn’t have an English menu. We blindly picked several items, and I ended up with one of my favorite Japanese dishes that I would’ve never ordered if I had an English translation: ochazuke, or green tea with rice!
Pro tip: If you’re concerned about picking an unfamiliar dish, be sure to do it on a night you’re “venue hopping.”