Think overnight spa instead of red-eye stress – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Most people like to travel during the day, but I prefer to take the night flight and pamper myself. In my carry-on, I pack an eye mask, ear plugs, soothing music on my iPod, my fuzziest socks, and a journal.

As we start off, I order a glass of wine and write down my thoughts about the trip, and the top three things I have to do while I am there to feel like I experienced the place.

Then I sit back, listen to my music, wearing my eye mask and fuzzy socks. Before you know it, we have landed, and I am refreshed and ready to explore.

Documenting meals via beer coasters, cocktail napkins – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Have you ever tried to recount an exquisite meal from a trip a couple months prior, only to discover that you really can’t remember that memorable meal?

Restaurants can help, as many of them provide their own unique “notebooks” to jot down those menu memories while they are happening: cocktail napkins and beer coasters.

Just make sure you carry an ink pen in your pocket or purse. When that fantastic bite of cheesecake or grilled lamb chops has your taste buds spinning, jot a few notes down on the napkin or coaster. It will make a perfect addition to your scrapbook.

Pro tip: note who was with you at that great meal, so you can reminisce with them later.

Drink lots of water! – Airplane tip

by Gadling Staff on

Most of us underestimate how much water we should consume on a daily basis, but we should not overlook it on the day of a flight!

Water works wonders when it comes to off-setting jet lag. It hydrates and promotes mental clarity. It also helps with fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness, all common symptoms when we fly.

The best part is: water is free when you’re on board, and you can order as much as you need.

Pro tip: purchase a bottle after you’ve arrived at your gate, and you won’t have to ask for water on the flight.

Ricky Martin t-shirt on all seven continents – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

So, uh, let’s say I have this friend. We’ll say her name is Emily. Everywhere she travels she pulls out the same tacky Ricky Martin T-shirt, puts it on, and has someone snap her photo. Ricky in front of the Hollywood sign… Ricky at Machu Picchu… Ricky at the Vatican… you get the idea.

You don’t have to use a Ricky Martin Tee, though. On your future travels, pack along a unique shirt — or better yet, buy one on a trip — and snap a photo wearing the shirt at all your favorite spots.

Commemorate your trip with a collage of “incidental” souvenirs – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Next time you unpack after a vacation, comb through your luggage to see what you’ve collected. Chances are, you’ll find itineraries, attraction brochures, guidebooks, maps, local coins, postcards, matchbooks, ticket stubs, and even packaging from small purchases.

Arrange the most attractive pieces (you can enlarge them with a color copier) along with favorite photos, and mount them in a frame. Now you’ve got a conversation-piece and souvenir that reminds you of what you did rather than what you bought.

Need a how-to for collages? Check out Wikihow.

Want to frame your incidentals the easy way? Check out AOL Shopping.