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

[Anonymous]

I bring flip flops for the shower.

We bring lots of $5s and $1s for tips.

Clean before we leave, take out trash, clean fridge. If I’m certain we’re going to get home on time, I’ll sometimes order grocery delivery an hour later.

I’ve made Google Maps before outlining dinners, events etc, but I find it pain to use and share, otherwise I’d do it more often.

I also list every flight, restaurant, stop, show on my Google Calendar, so I can easily search it if we go back or if our friends are looking for recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Lounge access before the flight makes the experience so much nicer. Also getting gold status through the rental car agency so you don't have to wait in line to pick up your car.

We just got global entry to speed things up even more. I never thought I needed it because our airports have never been difficult as far as lines, but with the way our government is messing around lately, I'm glad we have it now to avoid issues.

[Anonymous]

I always pack a nightlight for the hotel bathroom - I have terrible eyesight and it makes finding my way around a dark, unfamiliar room so much easier. I have one that lives in my suitcase so I don’t forget it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I drive to the airport I pay for close-in parking and park as close to the terminal as possible in a spot near the door where I will be exiting.

And I fly Delta and use the Delta sky club. Makes a huge difference.

Airport parking is expensive enough…especially if going away for a week or more, so I always park in economy. My tip, most people may do this, is to take a photo of parking lot shelter/pickup name and number. I didn’t do this once and it took me forever to find my car. I think I got on long term blue, when I should have been on long term green. It was a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always pack a nightlight for the hotel bathroom - I have terrible eyesight and it makes finding my way around a dark, unfamiliar room so much easier. I have one that lives in my suitcase so I don’t forget it.

We were in a hotel fire when I was a child. I always bring a headlamp so that if we had to find our way out in the dark we could. Never actually used it but it adds a lot of peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

I'm a carryon traveler.

Before longer trips, I often set aside the socks and underwear that are getting worn, toothbrush and mascara that need replacing, etc. Take them on the trip and just toss by the end.

[Anonymous]

I always, always, always travel with Imodium and Zofran. It's saved me so many times. Our close friend had a story of trying to evacuate a war zone (State Dept) and he couldn't because he couldn't leave the airport toilet. He had to stay an extra week because of it.

[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.

I wildly disagree! Going to Lucha Libre in Mexico City (where nearly 100% of the crowd was Mexican) was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. And food tours to me are a great way to get more insight into local areas (highly recommend Culinary Backstreets).

[Anonymous]

Have a toiletry bag that’s always packed
Ziplock bag for chargers etc
One pair of sneakers that I can run in and walk around during the day.
Global entry
Bring ABX in case of food poisoning. Plus Benadryl, advil etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a carryon traveler.

Before longer trips, I often set aside the socks and underwear that are getting worn, toothbrush and mascara that need replacing, etc. Take them on the trip and just toss by the end.

Oh yes- I do this! After a long day of hiking, I love to just toss worn underwear and socks instead of putting them in my luggage. I mostly do this on hot weather trips, and I keep a pile at home for this purpose.

[Anonymous]

Do a walking tour the first day to orient yourself. Can be themed if you like (I usually go serious but occasionally I enjoy something silly like a ghost tour — you still get a ton of history out of it)

Spend at least a half day in a completely non touristy residential neighborhood and spend some time in a local cafe or park. Always my favorite part of the trip and the best way to get an actual sense of the city. I like to research where someone of my income level and stage of life might live and check it out.

[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.

One of our best travel experiences was a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai. It was a small group and took place at the instructor’s home. She doesn’t advertise widely, so you kind of have to know about it. Definitely not affiliated with any tour companies like viator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I'm a planner but have learned this one depends a lot on who you travel with. My DH is usually not interested in discussing travel plans before a trip. But as soon as a we land someplace he starts to have strong opinions. So, now I research extensively and have some ideas but I never get attached to a particular itinerary.

Also, be realistic about the energy levels of your travel companions. Last year we went to Portugal with DH and two teens. They all have ADHD. They were energetic about sightseeing and other activities during the day but by the time we got back to our apartment nobody was up for leaving again. So, restaurants I thought we'd try out for dinners became lunch destinations instead and we learned the good delivery options for dinner.

In contrast, if I travel with my sister we like nice restaurants for dinner and plan for a lot of evening activities like theater.

[Anonymous]

This advice applies to most countries, but particularly Europe. Don't hop around like a headless chicken. Spend one or two days in the capital, and then pick a charming spot, whether or mountains or the sea, and let the culture wash over you. Take day trips from that spot. Feast, and make friends. learn some phrases. Above all relax and have a holiday. Not an itinerary.