Different cultures signify restroom facilities in different ways. When arriving in an unfamiliar country, be sure to figure out as quickly as possible what the “standard” sign for the restroom is, if there is one.
The same rule applies to the emergency exit signs. You should need this less frequently than the sign for the WC (hopefully!), but when in doubt, look for an arrow pointing downward.
Maybe you don’t need shot glasses, postcards, or (even more!) t-shirts cluttering your life. Perhaps a once-a-year reminder of your trip is enough. If so, consider buying Christmas ornaments, or other holiday decorations, on vacation.
Most vacation areas sell holiday items. You may find you appreciate your souvenirs more by unpacking them once a year and reliving your vacation memories. Plus, once you pack them away until next year, you don’t have to dust them all year!
Bonus: if you can’t easily locate a store selling holiday items, this means you’ve got to do some research and explore your destination more deeply. The reward will be tremendous.
Before you leave home, make sure your cellphone has the ability for you to call home from all the places you will be visiting.
It’s also a good idea to know your calling rates before you go, or purchase a a short-term international roaming plan through your carrier. Further, if your phone has Internet capabilities, be sure you know the international data rates, as well. You don’t want to return home to a phone bill that costs as much as your trip!
If you find a restaurant through a listing in the phone book, a local tourist magazine, or from an online service like Yelp, don’t rush out the door. Call first.
Things change. Call the restaurant and ask about their hours, parking situation, whether they require reservations — anything. What you’re really doing is confirming that they’re still in business. It’s no fun to choose a restaurant in an unfamiliar city, make the effort to get there, and then find out it no longer exists. This can be especially frustrating if you had to take a cab to get there!
Calling ahead will give you crucial information. Your questions — both asked and unasked — will be answered, and if necessary, you’ll have a chance to choose another restaurant before leaving your room.
Don’t rely on a single agent. Not all of them are knowledgeable about cruises, and some promote only a few cruise lines. Instead, consider the following: