Head to the bulkhead – Airline tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you think all airline seats in the coach cabin are the same, you’re wrong. Bulkhead seats (the first row of the cabin) offer more space than others, and you can get them without spending extra money.

These seats offer extra room and are frequently left open by airlines for disabled passengers and their families. If you fall into one of those categories, head up to the counter as soon as you get to the gate and ask for those seats.

If no one in your party is disabled, still go to the counter and ask if the bulkhead seats have been claimed on your flight and if you can have one.

Editor’s Note: these seats won’t have space under them for stowage, so all bags must go in the overhead bins. If you’re a constant “belongings-checker,” these seats may not be for you. Also, the tray tables may be less useful than the normally un-useful tray tables, due to their design.

Gamble wisely – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Skip (or severely limit) casino time.

Ahh, the open seas. The relaxing, stress-free moments of your annual cruise to a tropical paradise. Sun, drinks, food and all the entertainment you can handle. That is — until you drop more cash in the casino than you spent on the cruise itself!

The siren’s call of the cruise ship casino is sometimes too much for passengers to resist. However, to make sure you don’t end up bankrupt post-vacation, be sure to limit your time playing games of chance to ensure your trip remains fun-filled and memorable for you and your entire family.

Skip the cybercafe – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you chose to use a cybercafe in India, be prepared to hand over your passport and give your home address — some cybercafes will even fingerprint you!

Criminals in India have abused cybercafe computers, prompting strict regulations for India’s cybercafes. The extra layer of red tape is just not worth the trouble — besides, many cybercafe computers are infected with viruses, and that’s NOT the kind of souvenir you want to send home to friends and family.

Instead, consider bringing your own computer and using your hotel’s Internet access. Alternatively, just unplug!

Stuff your shoes – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make use of the “dead space” within shoes by packing underwear, socks, or anything small inside them.

Shoes are bulky and take up precious suitcase space. However, this space shouldn’t be lost! To conserve even more space, chose underwear and socks made with lightweight fabric. Remember to roll underwear and socks tightly before placing them inside the shoe.

Also consider stuffing other smallish items — like batteries, phone charging cables, spare camera lenses, etc. — inside the shoe until it’s full.

Write, don’t call – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make sure all your friends and family know that, although you would love to keep in touch with them and share your experiences minute-by-minute, depending on your destination, internet access and cell phone access can be very costly.

Instead, when you get to your port of call… send a nice little note — yes, postcards are still available — and MAIL them a greeting! The post card will be posted from your port, and it will feature a local stamp. On the postcard, be sure to tell them how much you miss them — even if you’re having the time of your life!