Ask for “out of service” rooms – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

No vacancy? Not always. If the hotel you really want to stay at is completely booked, try discretely asking whether or not they have any “out of service rooms” they could rent to you.

“Out of service” is the industry term for a room that, while vacant, has been set aside for repair. Hotels won’t offer this up front, so you’ll have to inquire politely.

Obviously you’ll want to determine exactly what the problem is — but minor things like a carpet tear or stain can be overlooked easily for a reduced fee and a comfortable night in the hotel of your choosing … particularly if the location is prime.

Eat green apples – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you start to feel the effects of seasickness while on a cruise, ask room service to send you a plate of green apples and crackers.

Both of these foods help settle your stomach when the movement of the ship proves to be too much for your motion sickness medication to handle.

Check your insurance – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

One the most important — and overlooked — things to do before traveling abroad is to check into your medical insurance coverage.

Call your insurance company to see if you and your family are covered overseas. This is especially important for destinations where disease and illness is more common, or for trips where a lot of physical activity occurs. If your medical insurance doesn’t extend internationally, consider purchasing supplemental insurance for the time you’re abroad.

Also, before leaving home, write down all your insurance information and carry it with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to make copies for any family member traveling with you. Finally, consider providing copies for family or friends staying at home … in case of emergency.

Make a staging area – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

The most efficient way to pack all your stuff and not have wasted space (or run out of a very limited space) is to make a staging area.

To make a staging area, simply do this —
1.) Gather ALL the items you wish to take with you on your camping trip (or road trip, or day trip, etc.) and set them next to your vehicle.
2.) Open all the doors, trunk, etc.
3.) Simply eyeball your available space and imagine where the items will fit best.
4.) Load the vehicle.

Having a staging area next to your vehicle allows you to pack items in the best spaces possible, as opposed to packing them randomly and wasting space.

Start at night – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

With any road trip longer than 12 hours, consider beginning the drive at night. This is especially true if you’re traveling with young children.

The driver should, of course, sleep several hours before leaving, then begin the trip at the children’s bedtime. By driving while the children are asleep, you won’t need to take as many potty breaks, and the parents can enjoy a good portion of the ride without having to listen to children’s movies and songs.

Bonus: you’ll arrive at your destination when it’s daytime, so you won’t feel like a whole day has been wasted in the car.