Swap shelves in airport bookstores – Airplane tip

I’ve been noticing swap shelves in airport bookstores lately. Store owners are starting to encourage frequent fliers to leave a book and take a book. This helps you get fresh reading material for free (or cheap) and lightens your load of a book you’re done with.

A few airports, like Portland International, have used bookstores where someone has undoubtedly just sold back that bestseller you wanted, and you can pick it up for less than full price.

Alternatively, check out The Paradies Shops: they let you return a book you bought within 6 months and receive half your money back.

[Photo: Flickr | jrodmanjr]

Borrow a charger from the front desk – Hotel tip

For every person who forgets their charger at home, another person leaves their charger in their room at checkout.

If you go down to the desk and ask nicely, they might offer you a big box of left-behind cords to sort through for a charger that fits your phone, computer, or whatever.

This saves money and time better spent having fun, and if you don’t care about paying it forward to the next forgetful traveler, you can usually keep the abandoned charger.

Also ask about international electricity adapters if in need– they’ll almost always be able to accommodate you there.

[Photo: Flickr | Gary Bridgman]

Avoid settling for the “Block Rate” – Hotel tip

For seven years I worked in every facet of the hotel industry, including serving as an Assistant Manager. The best advice I can give to anyone reserving a room for a wedding or other special event, is to not book it under the “block” of rooms reserved by the bride and groom or the person responsible for planning the special event.

Typically, the corporate rate is what is given to wedding parties and special events, and this rate is higher than other discounted rates. You would be better served to reserve with your AAA membership, AARP membership, or hotel rewards membership.

[Photo Flickr | the_toe_stubber]

Wear sunglasses during the flight – Airplane tip

My problem with flying stems from having really bad seatmates — the kind that read over your arm, nudge and kick you endlessly, and take eons to mess around with their luggage. And I’d sit and grit my teeth in silence.

The solution is shockingly simple: about a year ago, I accidentally wore my sunglasses the entire time we were on the plane, and I noticed my seatmate was courteous, but left me alone. One more flight confirmed it: no more eye contact means my bad neighbors leave me alone unless absolutely necessary. I can finally fly in peace.

[Photo: Flickr | Robert Thomson]

The “Poor Man’s Vacuum Packing System” – Packing tip

Try the “poor man’s vacuum packing system” to make more room in your suitcase or carry-on:

  1. Get a gallon-sized or two-gallon-sized zipper storage bags (Ziplock, Glad, etc.) and a plastic straw.
  2. Fold the clothing and put it in the bag.
  3. Insert the straw and seal the bag around the straw.
  4. Suck the air out (use your mouth — it’s free and no heavy vacuum cleaner to pack!) using the straw, then quickly remove the straw and finish sealing the bag.
  5. Pack the straw to repeat when coming home.

Bonus: if a toiletry leaks, everything is safe in the plastic bags.

[Photo: Flickr | Artnow314]