Hide valuables in the curtains – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Put small items in a plastic bag and use a safety pin to attach it to the backside of the curtains — as high as you can reach — between the drapes and the sheer. Then: open your curtains, pulling the drapes into a bunch. It’s not foolproof, but it should offer some comfort while you’re out enjoying the beach.

When you just can’t “take it with you,” you have to get creative! Hotel thieves usually want to get in and out as quickly as possible. So the more difficult the search, the better your chances of keeping your valuables.

Obviously, this method won’t work if you’re trying to hide a laptop, if your hotel only has sheer curtains, or if your room has no windows.

Choose a themed cruise – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Large and small cruise companies alike have come to realize that creating opportunities for like-minded individuals to come together on a cruise is a really good thing. Thus, the “themed cruise” was born.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to themed cruises; if you can imagine it, it probably already exists. Movie fans can dress like their favorite characters; Harley Davidson aficionados can bring their bikes; scrapbookers have cruises of their own; and golfers have a range (no pun intended) of cruises to choose from, as well.

In the world of theme cruises, the most popular seem to be music-themed cruises. And, in the classification of music, the theme cruises offered are inclusive of all genres ranging from country and western, to classical — even hard rock!

Remember: if one of your traveling group happens to love only classic rock and roll, they will be miserable on a ship full of several thousand crazy jazz aficionados. So be sure all members of your group are “on board” with the chosen theme.

Buy local art – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Every traveler has been subjected to the blitz of souvenir stores filled with junk. A better option is to purchase an original painting created by street artists who, for a few euros or dollars, capture the location.

Since the picture is unframed and flat, it takes up virtually no suitcase room (a big consideration with all the “baggage hoopla” nowadays). Arriving home with your treasure, go to the local craft store, buy an inexpensive frame and viola! You have a pictorial memory that was easy to pack and will bring back memories for a long time.

Pro tip: Take a photo of yourself with the artist, paste on back.

Wear, then toss – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Just before a big trip overseas, I cull my closet of those items of clothing that might have one more “wear” in them, and that are still appropriate for the destination to which I’m traveling. While on my trip, once that outfit has been worn, it goes straight into the hotel room trash bin.

Doing this means both one less laundry item when I get home AND it opens up space in my luggage for those obligatory souvenirs.

Don’t go overboard though… be sure to leave yourself enough clothes to cover an unexpected layover on your return home.

Use plastic bags – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Packing clothes for travel without having to iron upon arriving is easy. Here’s what you do —

  1. Save those plastic bags from the dry cleaner (or go get some).
  2. Hang each skirt, jacket, blouse or pair of pants on a hanger and then cover each with a plastic bag.
  3. Hold all the hung clothes side-by-side and roll them up together and place in suitcase. (Other items like sweaters need to be rolled individually and wedged amongst other items in your suitcase.)
  4. At you destination, unroll everything, hang the hangers in a closet, and lay flat the others on the back of a chair.

Now… go out and look sharp!