Every trip has a good memory, something you laughed at then or something you will laugh at later. Nothing is better than finding that one thing that brings the entire experience back to mind… and makes you laugh again.
It may be something as small as a snowman statue that resembles that hideous one you made — or a map that outlines a trail you followed on an eventful, hilarious hiking trip.
In any case, each time you look at it, you’ll get a smile on your face and think back to that great trip.
Road trips all over America can be made into fun family adventures by simply investing in a few Frisbee golf discs. Disc golf courses can be found all over the country, from urban, technical courses to woodsy, hilly courses that offer beautiful views; the best part about this game is that it is free and fun for all ages!
Before your trip, map out a few Frisbee golf — or “frolf” courses — and any time your muscles start aching and you want to get out and stretch, detour a bit to a “frolf” course and start throwing.
Rules of play and a course locator can be found at www.pdga.com.
Bonus: while frolfing, you may meet some locals who can provide tips for dining out on the road or other fun detours.
Most cruise ships have several floors with long hallways, multiple restaurants and rooms that look alike from the outside. Multiple levels and a variety of things to do means there’s more to remember, including where your room is located. Ask for a map and mark the room’s location as well as other areas you will be frequenting, such as the dining hall.
Make sure that everyone in your party has a copy of the map and never leaves the room without it. This way, if anyone gets lost it will be easier to stop and ask for help.
Find a way to link the unfamiliar with the familiar.
While honeymooning in Greece, my husband and I discovered oregano flavored potato chips at a local supermarket. Thus began our quest to seek out “locally-flavored” chips wherever we traveled — paprika chips in Hungary, Maui onion chips in Hawaii, seaweed chips in Hong Kong, jalapeno chips in Mexico…
Find your own tradition and each international visit will be both an adventure and a comfort.
Baggage fees can be pretty steep, and most people try to avoid them by packing everything in a carry-on. The result, of course, is a heavy carry-on bag for them — and a shortage of overhead bin space for the rest of us.
Avoid the misery of fighting for overhead bin space by asking the gate attendant to check your bag from the gate. This allows you to get on the plane without having to fight for the limited overhead space. It also saves your arms and shoulders the heavy lifting and possible injury. Final bonus: there is no checked bag fee from the gate!
When the plane lands, your bag will be waiting for you when you get off the plane, right there at your gate.