Don’t let your kids bounce on the tray or kick the seat in front of them.
Don’t.
Ever.
Don’t forget the toilet paper – International travel tip
Although Americans are accustomed to sit down toilets and a full roll of toilet paper within arm’s reach, not all countries provide the same luxuries.
South Korea, for example, is infamous for its hole-in-the-ground toilets, with complimentary toilet paper rarely seen in bathroom stalls.
To avoid a potentially messy situation, always carry a travel-sized roll of toilet paper with you. A pocket-sized box of baby wipes also offers gentle soothing support if the country’s local cuisine doesn’t agree with you.
Use an “I can’t eat this” card – Dining out tip
Before you go out of the country, make a few wallet-sized cards that list what you can and can’t eat in the native language(s) of the country you’re visiting.
I like to list what I’m able to eat on one side of the card… and list the foods I can’t have on the other. This makes it so the server and kitchen can’t easily mix them up.
This is especially helpful for vegetarian and vegans, people with religious dietary restrictions, and people with food allergies.
Don’t forget your room number – Cruise tip
This tip is more for the young crowd than the more experienced traveler…
Some cruisers tend to over-indulge in the spirits provided by the clubs found aboard a cruise ship. I have to admit, I was one of those recent graduates enjoying my new-found freedom. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, I couldn’t locate my cabin when closing time came around.
Yes, I was one of the teenagers crawling the hallways of the cruise ship looking for her room. Therefore: I would highly recommend writing your deck and cabin number on some paper — or snapping a photo of your door with your cellphone — before starting the party. After all, the miles of hallways on a cruise ship do look similar.
Double-check your credit card statement – Hotel tip
Hidden hotel charges can appear on a credit card statement weeks after your stay, even if you paid your balance at checkout. Generally, these phantom charges include amenities like Internet access and parking. Be sure to scan your credit card statement to be sure you were charged the correct amount — and not charged twice.
Also, be wary If you’ve used a voucher for a meal at the hotel restaurant; the discount may suddenly disappear. The worst offense I’ve personally experienced was when the shopping spree of another guest was charged to my room.
If this happens to you, just contact the billing department at the hotel. They understand that this happens and are happy to work with you.