On road trips, dedicate a small bag to trash.
Even people who normally do not eat or drink in the car will likely do so when driving all day long, and the trash piles up quickly.
Bonus points for a separate recycling bag.
[Photo: Flickr | shioshvili]
On a road trip, you just can’t stop everywhere that looks interesting or fun. And of course, what would appeal to an 8-year-old girl might lead to the eye-rolling of a 14-year-old boy. An easy solution: every family member gets a “stop” card daily.
No questions asked, no arguments — if a family member pulls out their “stop” card, the whole family stops. You can put a cap on cost ahead of time, and no complaining allowed as each gets a turn.
It’s fair, fun and very interesting to see the type of stopping points chosen.
[Photo: Flickr | Rich Anderson]
There are times in a foreign country when you want to test the culinary prowess of a culture that has a thousand years of history behind it. And there are times when you just want to “tie on the feed bag.”
If you want authentic, down-home grub and you don’t want to be over-charged, follow the cab drivers. If you you see five or so cabs parked in front of a restaurant, you’ve found a cheap, filling, honest meal, sans garnish, with refills on the crank du-jour and plenty of local color.
[Photo: Flickr | Bryson Gilbert]
If you’re traveling with your laptop and bringing a wireless mouse with you, stick it inside one of your toddler’s outgrown socks.
A toddler’s sock is the perfect size to cushion this delicate hardware. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle clothing you’d normally toss in the garbage or use for a rag.
Also: it’s cute.
[Photo: Flickr | FHKE]
While you’re on vacation abroad, few things compare to an impromptu picnic in the open air. It is the perfect opportunity for sampling the local foodstuffs, wine, and scenery.
Depending on where you are in the world, tracking down a corkscrew can often turn an uncomplicated experience into a bit of an ordeal. On your next trip, save yourself some time and always pack a handy travel corkscrew.
[Photo: Flickr | YannGar Photography]