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.
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.
While some people espouse the virtues of “cheap tickets” service, I’ve found that those sites actually add quite a lot of taxes and fees on top of standard airline tickets. What they are useful for is finding out exactly what airlines are offering flights and when.
Look at the list of all flights going to the destination, and pick a time and airline company you want to go with. Then book tickets directly through the airline themselves.
Not only is it cheaper to book directly, but often, it can clue you into deals they may have going for booking in advance, or on a certain day.
It may seem strange, but something as simple as some hotel toiletries can be the best souvenir.
I still have my Mickey Mouse soap from the Old Key West Resort in Disney World, monoi oil from the Sheraton at Tahiti, and love using the spa quality Honey Mango Body Lotion from the Grand Wailea in Maui.
You don’t have to feel like you’re stealing as hotels want you to take those toiletries in your room, so you’ll remember the great time you had at their hotel. Plus, you paid for it in your room rate.
Obese fliers, crying babies and ever-shrinking legroom get lots of press, but the stinky guy is a frequent flier’s worst nightmare. While a good book and your favorite music can distract from the physical discomfort of flying, sitting next to or even near to something with very strong body odor can be downright nauseating.
Travel pros come prepared. I carry Origins Peace of Mind on planes and dab a bit under my nose to block unpleasant odors. Unlike dousing yourself in strong perfume, the scent won’t bother your neighbors. In a pinch, alternatives include Vapor-Rub, essential oils and pulse-point creams.