Layer, from the bottom up – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Start at the bottom of your suitcase and place all clothes you will need for your last day there; pants, tops, socks, undies. Next layer, next to last day there… and so on, and so on.

You will end up with the top layer being the first pair of clothes you’ll need on your arrival.

I used to tend to over pack, so this helps to organize each day. I also try to rely on very few changes of shoes… and those go around the side. A small jewelry bag with multiple compartments and a small bag for toiletries and make-up.

Three important questions to ask when booking a hotel room for a person with a disability – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re booking a room for a person with a disability, be sure to ask about the following:

  1. Does your wheelchair accessible room have a roll-in shower? Many just have grab bars over a tub.
  2. Does your hotel supply a shower chair? If it does not, plan to bring one with you. We tend to have poorer balance away from home.
  3. Is there an accessible exposed outlet by the bed? Power wheelchairs should be charged at bedside, and CPAP machines should be plugged in by the night stand.

If your hotel has an ADA coordinator, use him. The service is free and will guarantee that your needs are met.

Bring a Swiss Army Knife – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

The usefulness of a Swiss army knife or other similar utility tool can not be understated.

Beyond the obvious uses of the available tools like the can and bottle openers and the knife and scissors to open packaging, there are also several other potential uses:

  • The point of the knife is an effective screwdriver for very small screws like those seen on the battery doors of many electronic devices (fresh batteries also being an essential item to pack).
  • The scissors are strong enough to cut the binding of a spiral notebook if it comes undone.

Just be sure not to store it in your carry-on luggage — the TSA will confiscate your precious tool!

Make your own frame – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make your own souvenir frame following the tips below! By involving the family, the souvenir you create becomes more memorable.

  1. While on your trip, collect a few items. If outdoors, collect things like shells, rocks, leaves, pods, etc.. If at an event/amusement locale, consider a ticket stub, program, autograph, etc.
  2. Take lots of photos (ensuring that family members are included in scenic pictures, increasing interest in the photos for souvenir purposes).
  3. When home, paint an inexpensive unfinished wood frame, or spray paint an existing frame.
  4. Arrange collected items around frame and hot-glue into place.
  5. Print out or process photos into appropriate size for frame.
  6. Insert photo.
  7. Enjoy!

Unconventional autographs – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Really loved your dinner? Get the Chef’s autograph on a napkin or a copy of the menu. Thought your hotel was great, get the Hotel Manager’s John Hancock on a brochure. This way you can remember not only what made your trip special but who made it special.