What’s your non-obvious travel tip that makes every trip better?

[Anonymous]

I’m always fascinated by the little habits experienced travelers develop, the things that never make it into travel articles but make a real difference.

For those of you who travel a lot, whether for work or serious vacations, what’s the one non-obvious thing you do that consistently makes your trips better, easier, or more enjoyable?

Not destination-specific, more like personal systems, habits, or small things you always do that most people wouldn’t think of. Examples of the kind of thing I mean: a packing trick, airport strategy, hotel habit, planning approach, or something you always bring that ends up being invaluable.

Curious what the seasoned travelers here swear by.

[Anonymous]

Avoid any type of gimmicky activities that pose as educational experiences. I include in this category food tours, pasta making classes, any staged activities in which the locals fight each other (Mexican wresting, Thai boxing, Japanese sumo, Bolivian chola wrestling, etc), chopstick making classes, and so many more. What a waste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m always fascinated by the little habits experienced travelers develop, the things that never make it into travel articles but make a real difference.

For those of you who travel a lot, whether for work or serious vacations, what’s the one non-obvious thing you do that consistently makes your trips better, easier, or more enjoyable?

Not destination-specific, more like personal systems, habits, or small things you always do that most people wouldn’t think of. Examples of the kind of thing I mean: a packing trick, airport strategy, hotel habit, planning approach, or something you always bring that ends up being invaluable.

Curious what the seasoned travelers here swear by.

When going abroad and arriving in the morning, I always get a hotel room for the night before, so I can go right to the hotel and shower/change clothes before heading out. My goal is always to stay up until a reasonable bedtime locally (i.e. about 9 p.m.).

[Anonymous]

Buy a cheap trifold glasses case and put it in your carry on. They make the perfect stand for iphones on a tray table. And you can still use them for holding glasses.

I also travel with a digital alarm clock because most hotels no longer have them. But that may be a me thing--I like to see what time it is when I wake up in the middle of the night.

[Anonymous]

A lock so I can attach my bag to chair, bench, train.

[Anonymous]

this seems basic, but i have a 2nd set of toiletries for traveling, this way i never leave something at home accidentally, like tweezers, or a razor or face wash.

[Anonymous]

1. Don’t over-schedule activities or drag tired spouses/kids around against their will. Pace yourself, and be sure to find time to relax.

2. Make sure you always have drinks and snacks in your hotel room.

3. Pack a fully stocked medical kit so you are always prepared.

4. Bring layers of clothing and make sure your kids do as well.

5. Invest in special activities. If you are near the water, charter a boat. See a show. Find the special restaurants with a view. These are the things you and your kids will remember.

6. Bring some dressy clothes and go someplace special.

[Anonymous]

I do capsule travel wardrobe so everything can be mixed and matched. We just did 10 days in Scandinavia with a carryon. This one was camel, white and black color scheme. We did Italy last summer and I did white, gray and navy.

[Anonymous]

Get yourself a nice, juicy, easy read. You'll always associate it with your trip and it will help you stay unplugged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid any type of gimmicky activities that pose as educational experiences. I include in this category food tours, pasta making classes, any staged activities in which the locals fight each other (Mexican wresting, Thai boxing, Japanese sumo, Bolivian chola wrestling, etc), chopstick making classes, and so many more. What a waste.

We did shibori indigo dying in Japan and it was a great family activity. Tea ceremony in Korea similarly memorable.

[Anonymous]

To be able to overnight at an in-terminal airport hotel when my arrival is late at night, is priceless

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:this seems basic, but i have a 2nd set of toiletries for traveling, this way i never leave something at home accidentally, like tweezers, or a razor or face wash.

This. Helps me to pack and unpack quickly too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid any type of gimmicky activities that pose as educational experiences. I include in this category food tours, pasta making classes, any staged activities in which the locals fight each other (Mexican wresting, Thai boxing, Japanese sumo, Bolivian chola wrestling, etc), chopstick making classes, and so many more. What a waste.

We did shibori indigo dying in Japan and it was a great family activity. Tea ceremony in Korea similarly memorable.

Yes, my family has also loved this type of activity as well. And I have foodie friends who have traveled the world to attend cooking classes. They often have a party and make food for friends when they return and invite me early to teach me their new skills. If you pick a good vendor, it can be fantastic. Theirs often include visits to the farms or the specialty markets.

My random travel tip is bike shorts with side leg pockets for under dresses. Very hard to pick pocket. I often have a scarf or cardigan that I drape to hide if I need to pull anything out when standing up, but it's easy enough to do quickly with practice.

[Anonymous]

Carry on and personal item only.

Layers.

Clothing that you can wear more than once.

Shower before bed.

If in hotel, try to book one with breakfast.

Excruciatingly plan on what you’ll do.

Once on vacation, prioritize the important activities and do the others if you have time.

Don’t rush, it’s ok if you don’t do it all.

If you’re on vacation for a while, the accommodation in the middle of the trip should have laundry machine and dryer.

Make sure accommodations are nice, clean and safe. Don’t go overboard as you’ll be out all day.

Sometimes, especially in Europe, the grocery stores have great prepared meals. Eat those.

[Anonymous]

Bring ziploc bags in assorted sizes. Lots of them.