Bring an extra gallon of water – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Travelers generally think to bring bottled drinking water, but few realize how frustrating it is to need a larger quantity of water with no way to get it.

Some rest areas have poorly designed sinks that automatically squirt liquid soap, run water for a few seconds, and then immediately turn on a hand dryer. Brushing your teeth in these contraptions is nearly impossible.

Keep a gallon of extra water tucked away in the trunk for rinsing sticky stuff off your hands, splashing on your face, using to brush your teeth, or even filling an overheated radiator.

Grab a book of matches before leaving the room – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When visiting a foreign country, especially one with an unfamiliar language, grab a book of matches from the hotel where you’re staying as soon as you arrive.

If you get lost in town during your stay, and you know just a little of the language, the book of matches will be a great way to show locals where you need to go, and have them direct you to the right place.

Bring a day bag – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

First-time cruisers are sometimes surprised to find that their luggage may not be immediately available upon boarding the ship. It can sometimes take a few hours for your luggage make its way to your stateroom. So that you can get started enjoying your cruise right away, be sure to pack a day bag to carry with you.

Include things like a book, swimsuit, sunscreen, medications, your MP3 player, and even dinner clothing for your first night, just in case.

Pro tip: you’ll need a similar bag on your final morning, after your bags have been collected.

Carry a printed a map showing your hotel – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

You’ve been up all night traveling to an international destination. You’re tired, hungry and probably cranky. All you want to do is get to your hotel. You hop in a cab only to find there is a huge language barrier. If you have a printed map with you, just show it to them and you’re off. Bring a few copies just in case.

Ed’s note: this is a good idea in the US, as well, given that some taxi drivers rely exclusively on GPS now, and occasionally the address you need isn’t in the GPS…

Today’s clothes, always on top – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

I like to “stack pack” when I travel. I fold my jeans, shorts, dresses, and tops, and carefully place them into two equal size stacks in my suitcase. Undergarments are always in the center, between the stacks.

At your destination, don’t unpack your suitcase: just take the clothes from the top of the stack. When you’re finished with those clothes, place the worn items underneath at the end of the day.

This way, you’ll always have your clean clothes at the top of the stack, ready to wear each morning.