Look where cab drivers eat – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

Look where cab drivers eat.

There are times in a foreign country when you want to test the culinary prowess of a culture that has a thousand years of history behind it. And there are times when you just want to “tie on the feed bag.”

If you want authentic, down-home grub and you don’t want to be over-charged, follow the cab drivers. If you you see five or so cabs parked in front of a restaurant, you’ve found a cheap, filling, honest meal, sans garnish, with refills on the crank du-jour and plenty of local color.

[Photo: Flickr | Bryson Gilbert]

Stow your wireless mouse in a toddler-size sock – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re traveling with your laptop and bringing a wireless mouse with you, stick it inside one of your toddler’s outgrown socks.

A toddler’s sock is the perfect size to cushion this delicate hardware. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle clothing you’d normally toss in the garbage or use for a rag.

Also: it’s cute.

[Photo: Flickr | FHKE]

Bring a travel corkscrew – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

While you’re on vacation abroad, few things compare to an impromptu picnic in the open air. It is the perfect opportunity for sampling the local foodstuffs, wine, and scenery.

Depending on where you are in the world, tracking down a corkscrew can often turn an uncomplicated experience into a bit of an ordeal. On your next trip, save yourself some time and always pack a handy travel corkscrew.

[Photo: Flickr | YannGar Photography]

Photograph your luggage and its contents – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Take pictures of your luggage as well as its contents prior to leaving the house. Store this photo as a file on your computer, and e-mail it to yourself.

You may also want to include a list of the items packed.

In case of lost or stolen luggage, you can retrieve this information from any internet point, and it may be helpful when reporting the loss — especially if you’ve lost something valuable.

[Photo: Flickr | dichohecho]

Observe other diners – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

It’s a good idea when you’re trying a new ethnic restaurant or in a foreign country to observe the other diners on how to use condiments or how they eat the food.

For example, when dining in a Japanese restaurant for the first time, I had the awkward experience of being served what looked like “burrito.” I poked it with my chopsticks, curious. Luckily, before I tried to take a bite out of it, I saw a fellow patron, open his “burrito” and wash his hands with what turned out to be a hot, wet towel!

[Photo: Flickr | pointnshoot]