“Make” your own pillow – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you’re unhappy with the size (or cleanliness) of the pillows the airlines provide, consider “making” your own.

Bring an empty, gallon-sized, slide-lock, plastic bag on the plane. After you’ve settled in your seat, close the bag nearly all the way, insert a drinking straw into the opening, and inflate the bag halfway. Then wrap the bag with a sweater or scarf and place this under your head.

On long/international flights, place the tiny pillow provided by the airline in the small of your back rather than under your head. The pillow provides welcome lower back support.

Shop local dollar stores – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

My favorite places to check out for souvenirs are equivalent to dollar stores, flea markets, and book shops.

When in Tokyo, for example, I stumbled upon a 100 yen store called “Daiso Harajuku,” and I found a trove of Japanese pottery, ornate chopsticks, and beautiful stationary papers.

In Paris, “Shakespeare and Company Bookstore” offers an array of books, new and used, and each book purchased is stamped with the logo of the store. Flea markets are great for scarves, wraps, and other wears, and deals can be made with the merchants. These types of souvenirs speak volumes to the recipients, and will not leave you broke.

Skip the islands, head somewhere remote – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

On your next cruise, avoid the (crowded, expensive) exotic location.

Many travelers opt for cruises heading for islands and other hot spots. Why not try another type of cruise?

Cruises to locations such as Alaska are not only less expensive, but offer diverse scenery and a chance to explore something different. Preferable pricing and smaller crowds can allow the traveler to have a more fulfilling cruise experience.

Collect rocks and stones – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

There’s a scene in The Long, Long Trailer where Lucille Ball sentimentally refuses to get rid of the souvenir rocks she’s collected and hides them all in her trailer cabinets instead. Hilarity ensues.

While taking the biggest, heaviest rocks from every place you visit is hardly recommended, searching for small stones as souvenirs from favorite destinations is a great way to make wonderful memories as a family — and will cost you absolutely nothing.

Start a tradition now of selecting rocks together, and then researching and identifying them when you get home. Set aside a special shelf for your efforts, and you’ll soon build a treasured collection of memories that you’ll remember long after that bumper sticker has faded.

Make it special – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My best cruise was one that my husband planned as an anniversary surprise.

Thinking ahead, he went on the cruiselines’ website and arranged to have the cabin decorated beautifully with balloons, streamers and an anniversary banner. We received a welcome bottle of champagne and anniversary cake; something different was delivered each day. It was like a second honeymoon.

Careful planning makes for a great, worry-free vacation — and can make a loved one feel even more special.