Fly first-class on a A340, A380 or 747 for the price of coach – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you want to fly in comfort on an international flight, but don’t care for the frills of first-class (or don’t want to pay for them), purchase four coach seats in a row.

A row of 4 seats is long enough to lay across and is just as comfortable as a flat first-class bed. You also get to carry four times the luggage (while saving as much as 50% off the price of a first-class seat), and you can also order four different meals. Finally, as an added bonus, you earn four times the frequent flier miles.

The only downside is that you’re still in coach class.

Turn travel t-shirts into a quilt – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re like me, you have to have a t-shirt commemorating every place you’ve visited. However, often times you end up with a drawer full of shirts you use when it’s time to paint the house or mow the lawn. Those “souvenirs” often become less appealing once you’re home.

Don’t despair: turn those shirts into something you can truly treasure by cutting out the front portion of each one, sewing them together, and making a travel quilt. This one-of-a-kind souvenir will bring back wonderful memories every time you snuggle up with it.

Challenge your family to a food “dare” contest – Dining out tip

by Gadling Staff on

We go on vacation to be someplace different. Yet many people eat the same old foods on vacation as they eat at home. On your next vacation, challenge your family to a food “dare” contest. Here’s how:

  • Go to a local marketplace or anywhere serving local foods.
  • Ask each member of the family to find one food for everyone to try.
  • Pick an outside area for a picnic and be sure to photograph the foods and the faces.
  • Whoever picks the best food item, wins!

The meal might not be tasty or balanced but it’s sure to be memorable.

Paint on the fun – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Looking for a way to add a little more fun to your next road trip? The answer is simple: paint for your car’s windows!

Buying a few sticks of car paint, which can be found at most large retailers, and filling the windows of the car with scandalous sayings and quotes can attract a lot of attention.

In the past, people’s reactions to things like “Blonde Brigade” and “Whore Wheelin'” have allowed us to make life long memories.

Know your destination – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Planning is half the fun of any trip, and the more you know about where you’re going, the more flexible you can be with your plans.

Study local maps, get familiar with the main roads and how they intersect, and learn where your areas of interest can be found. Moreover, find out what public transportation is available and, if possible, download their routes and schedules. It’s also helpful to know something about food and shopping options for the areas in which you plan to spend time, especially if you have dietary or other concerns.

Bottom line: knowing your way around helps decreases travel stress and increase the chance for spontaneity!