Grapefruit seed extract may keep your stomach strong – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Nothing can ruin your vacation faster than going dally-belly by eating something not cooked properly — or from bad water. The medicines doctors prescribe are sometimes too harsh for your body to take, leaving you exhausted. However, some people believe grapefruit seed extract drops are a powerhouse of natural killers to bacteria and parasites.

Use 5-10 drops of GSE to clean you toothbrush, thirty drops in a sink full of water to wash your fruits, veggies and meats, and 15-30 drops in the sink to wash your dishes and utensils. Also consider putting 3-6 drops in every five-ounce-serving of juice or water three times a day to keep your stomach and intestines clean.

[Photo: Flickr | Dan Zen]

Travel with clothespins – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling anywhere, a few clothespins with springs are a “must have!”

Clothespins will secure your damp towels or clothing to the back of a balcony chair, without offending the hotel management who ban draping towels, bathing suits and articles of clothing from balcony rails. They can be used in the bathroom, as well, to secure articles while drying.

Clothespins can be used to clip a curtain off to the side of a window with an otherwise great view, as well as to keep tight partially eaten snacks.

Expert clothespinners can also sleep in longer.

[Photo: Flickr | melloveschallah]

Bring an A/V cable for your laptop – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Many hotels offer high-speed wireless from the room, and the more upscale rooms will provide a decent-sized HDTV, as well. By bringing an audio/visual cord compatible with your laptop, you can plug right into most TVs, giving you instant access to all your online content on that beautiful in-room screen.

In addition to making use of a Netflix instant viewing account or Hulu, you’ll be able to bypass overpriced in-room movies (costing $12 or more) in lieu of a $4 new release at the Amazon On Demand Store!

Pro tip: Overcome bandwidth issues by downloading your flick before you arrive.

[Photo: Flickr | wlodi]

Arrive a day early – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

It only takes a single episode of almost not making it to the port on time — or missing the ship altogether! — to make getting in town the day before… very much worth it.

Flight delays are more common these days with unpredictable weather and tighter security. One missed connection could be catastrophic if you’re flying the same day as cruising. Running through airports creates the kind of stress you do not want on the first day of your vacation!

Pro tip: choose a hotel that offers transfers from the airport and to the pier.

[Photo: Flickr | Buck Forester]

Inspect your passport carefully – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before you start planning your next dream vacation, make sure your passport is up to snuff. Check the expiration date carefully. Many countries do not allow you to visit with a passport that expires within six months of your trip.

For example, Brazil requires your passport to be valid for six months after your tip. For Switzerland, it’s three months.

Plus each country has its own rules for whether they calculate that expiration date from the day you enter the country or from the day you leave, so double check with the local embassy or consulate for the current requirements.

[Photo: Flickr | hjl]