Pack a pillowcase in your carry-on luggage when you travel.
Stuff a few pair of socks in the pillowcase and use it as a neck pillow during a long flight or train ride.
When you reach your destination, use the pillowcase to store dirty clothes.
Research, and get off the beaten (excursion) path – Cruise tip
My best cruise trips have always been the ones in which I’ve put in extra effort to plan what I’m doing when I’m off the ship.
The biggest appeal about taking a cruise is the opportunity to visit multiple interesting, beautiful locations in one trip. The downside is that without planning you might find that the only thing you see are the little tourist shops right at port — surrounded, filled, and overrun by fellow cruisers.
By researching and planning you get to your destination knowing if a less busy beach is within walking distance, or that a short taxi ride can take you to a really cool museum.
Wait ’til the end – Souvenir tip
A way to save money (and free your arms) is to wait until the end of your trip to purchase souvenirs to take home.
This gives you the chance to scope out prices, which can vary greatly in touristy areas. It can also give you a better sense of what’s available, so you don’t wind up buying all junk.
If you find something unique, you should snag it, but otherwise set an afternoon aside for souvenir shopping.
Double check reservations – Hotel tip
There’s no sadder sob story than the one that involves showing up at a hotel only to discover there’s no room reserved for you. To avoid that scenario it’s a good idea to double check your reservation.
You can do this online, or you call the hotel 24 hours before you arrive. If the booking never went through, this will give you plenty of time to reserve a room there — or to reserve a room elsewhere, if that hotel is booked.
It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of the transaction or online confirmation page just to verify that you did, indeed, pay for a room. Being able to prove the rate you paid may help protect you from any “gotcha” fees the hotel tries to levy.
Treat your kids – Hotel tip
In an effort to keep a hotel stay low key and peaceful, many parents may opt to downgrade from premium accommodations. However, this is one of the worst things a parent can do.
Children, like adults, can enjoy a dip in the hot tub, room service, and other amenities of staying in a four star hotel. Allowing the child to partake in these simple luxuries can help diffuse the restlessness that may often accompany a hotel stay.
In addition, it teaches children how to behave properly in “grown-up” situations, which is key for travel.