Use a prepaid travel card – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Everyone knows about taking traveler’s checks when they travel, but what about taking prepaid travel cards? They’re easy and convenient to use, and many major credit card companies offer them now, like Visa and MasterCard.

They work just like debit cards, and you can use them the same way you use an ATM card. They also offer the same security as traveler’s checks without having to exchange them every time you go out.

Bonus: you can easily keep your expenses in check by putting a predetermined amount on the cards.

Buy a calendar – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

A calendar will remind you of a cherished vacation for an entire year. Whether it’s Rome or Maui, you can usually find a calendar in a gift shop or general store for the following year.

Pro tip: use the photos you took of your vacation to create your own calendar online and display your calendar proudly! Mark the days off until your next exciting adventure!

Buy seeds during your travels – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you love gardening, it’s fun to purchase seeds of flowering plants from distant lands to add uncommon beauty and interest to your landscape. If the plant blooms, you’ll get loads of compliments or questions, and that allows you to share the memories of your travels.

Try to purchase seeds that closely match your climate or gardening zone, but many times plants will flower in your area during a different season that closely matches their native land.

Pro tip: You can also grow them indoors or in your greenhouse. Harvest seeds from plants for the following year and to share with friends.

[Ed’s note: be sure to avoid introducing invasive species into your region!]

Always request the first or second floor – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

As a firefighter, I know a little something about fires. And as a road warrior, I know a little something about hotels. Let me share with you a tip that only I would know.

Always request a room on the first or second floor. If there’s a fire, you can safely jump from the second floor. Jumping from a higher floor dramatically increases the risk of serious injury.

Let your kids run before getting to the hotel – Traveling with kids tip

by Dede Bonelli on

Kids may have pent-up energy if they’ve spent a long time on a plane or in the car. If you remember to let them stop at a playground or a mall on the way to the hotel, or use the pool right away when you arrive at the hotel, you can help them tone it down when they’re in the hallways or the room.

Others will appreciate if you teach your children not to make excessive noise because they may be resting.