Before you go out of the country, make a few wallet-sized cards that list what you can and can’t eat in the native language(s) of the country you’re visiting.
I like to list what I’m able to eat on one side of the card… and list the foods I can’t have on the other. This makes it so the server and kitchen can’t easily mix them up.
This is especially helpful for vegetarian and vegans, people with religious dietary restrictions, and people with food allergies.
This tip is more for the young crowd than the more experienced traveler…
Some cruisers tend to over-indulge in the spirits provided by the clubs found aboard a cruise ship. I have to admit, I was one of those recent graduates enjoying my new-found freedom. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, I couldn’t locate my cabin when closing time came around.
Yes, I was one of the teenagers crawling the hallways of the cruise ship looking for her room. Therefore: I would highly recommend writing your deck and cabin number on some paper — or snapping a photo of your door with your cellphone — before starting the party. After all, the miles of hallways on a cruise ship do look similar.
Hidden hotel charges can appear on a credit card statement weeks after your stay, even if you paid your balance at checkout. Generally, these phantom charges include amenities like Internet access and parking. Be sure to scan your credit card statement to be sure you were charged the correct amount — and not charged twice.
Also, be wary If you’ve used a voucher for a meal at the hotel restaurant; the discount may suddenly disappear. The worst offense I’ve personally experienced was when the shopping spree of another guest was charged to my room.
If this happens to you, just contact the billing department at the hotel. They understand that this happens and are happy to work with you.
Try these six useful apps on your next road trip. All are available on the App Store (warning: links open iTunes):
Just because you might drop a few bucks on the table after eating dinner in the States doesn’t mean that’s appropriate behavior everywhere. It’s best to check local customs before deciding to do the same in another country.
Some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and Japan, don’t customarily tip and the result can be confusion for your servers. In other countries, such as France, the tip is added to the bill automatically.
Take the time and check online or ask locally if tips are customary before making the gesture.