Pack for easy access – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

When packing for a long trip, it’s essential to pack items for easy access. You don’t want to rummage through your luggage each time you need something.

Placing items that will be least used — or used last — at the bottom of your suitcase or bag will help eliminate “bag rummage.” Think of the order in which you’ll use items and pack accordingly. Items used frequently or that will be used the soonest should be packed near the top.

When packing small items, pack them in containers inside luggage so they don’t end up at the bottom of your bag.

[Ed’s not: this is useful for carry-on luggage, as well. You don’t want to be digging through your day bag trying to find a pen to fill out the immigration card.]

6 essential items to be sure to pack – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

After you print your tickets and grab your passport, the next thing you need to do is pack the following six items:

  1. A power strip or extension cord (most rooms only have ONE power outlet).
  2. A shoe hanger for extra bathroom storage. Counter space is limited.
  3. A bungee cord to hold open the balcony door.
  4. A bathroom air freshener.
  5. Ziploc bags, so you can take room service food on shore excursions.
  6. A large Plastic mug or plastic cups.

To tip or not to tip – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Just because you might drop a few bucks on the table after eating dinner in the States doesn’t mean that’s appropriate behavior everywhere. It’s best to check local customs before deciding to do the same in another country.

Some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and Japan, don’t customarily tip and the result can be confusion for your servers. In other countries, such as France, the tip is added to the bill automatically.

Take the time and check online or ask locally if tips are customary before making the gesture.

Photobomb your own photos with a funny character – Souvenir tip

by Gadling Staff on

Let’s face it: How many souvenir t-shirts can somebody have? Most people take generic souvenir photos, as well! Think outside the “souvenir box,” and make your photos unique! How? Bring along something “unexpected” to place in the photographs — a beloved childhood character perhaps, or maybe a small stuffed animal that represents the location you’re in — and purposely photobomb your own pictures.

You can have great fun with this. Get creative, and you’ll make lots of funny memories — and probably entertain a lot of other tourists as well!

Try it sometime: WE had great fun with this idea!

Get an upgrade if it’s a special event – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

To get the most out of what you pay a hotel, you may need to work your way into getting a better room. This particular trick really only works for couples. When checking into a hotel make sure to cling to together, be very physical, energetic, and happy. A clerk may ask “Are you here for any special occasion?” You must then say something like —

  • “Yes we are on our honeymoon!”
  • “It’s our wedding anniversary!”
  • “It’s my birthday!”

Any one of these must be said by the woman for it to be more touching and convincing, because the clerk knows that those are very special occasions for her.

Claiming a honeymoon or anniversary may score you a room upgrade. Claiming a birthday may just get something special sent up to the room.