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Welcome to Aksa's Travel Tips and Quips, Issue 1, Vol 1, July 2001.
I do quite a bit of traveling for my job. Over the years, I have gathered some tips you may all find useful. You may have heard some of these and they may seem like common sense, but believe me, they work! For those of you who have small children, I have added a few additional tips
(courtesy of my friend Lisa) who swears by these recommendations!
I hope these help you when you are ready to hit the road!
Happy Trails! ~ Aksa ~
Aksa's Top Ten Travel Tips:
Do Your Research! You all have access to the internet, so use it! Find out about what amenities that your hotel/motel has to offer. You can cut down on what you have to pack if the hotel has blow dryers, washers/dryers/laundry service, etc. Why pack what you don't have to?
Use the "mix and match" technique when you pack. Layering is the key to packing your clothes. If you are the type to pack everything and the kitchen sink, pack your bags, then go back and take out half! You would have never worn it all. The key is to pack only what you can carry! Granted, if you are packing for kids, this isn't possible. (See below for Travel Tips for Those With Kids)
Buy travel-sized toiletries for your trip. This way, you will use up the products and throw away the containers. Your luggage will be lighter to carry on the out-going trip and you will have even more room in your bag to carry home souvenirs! If your hotel gives or provides travel size toiletries, (shampoo, conditioner, soap, shoe shine, shower cap, etc.) take them each day! You can use them for a future trip!
Never carry your tickets, passport, money, etc., in your carry on bag or briefcase. Always carry these things in your purse or bag that you carry on your person at all times. Briefcases and carry on bags are the first items that are stolen or left on the plane.
Never carry all of your money in one bag if possible. That way, if one bag is lost or stolen, you will not have lost all of your money. (Money belts worn under the clothes can also be useful. -ed.)
Use travelers checks/cheques! I know they can be a hassle at times, but they can be replaced if lost/stolen. Carry the receipts in a safe, separate bag.
Keep a close eye on the weather. True, weather is unpredictable, but if you keep checking on it you more accurately gauge the type of clothing you need to pack. This way, you don't over pack attempting to cover all types of weather!
Take one all-purpose jacket/coat.
When you check-in at the airport, validate your seating arrangements if they were made in advance. More likely than not, your seating is NOT what you specified when you made the reservation. I always specify the aisle seat and it never fails that I have been assigned a window seat or middle. Note: If you need extra leg room, ask to be seated in an Exit row.
If you are entitled to free upgrades, ask for them! The airline will NOT automatically offer them! If you've earned the upgrades, use 'em or lose 'em!
Travel Tips for Those With Kids
If the kids are old enough to have a backpack they can carry themselves, this will be a big help to you!
Moms/Dads, carry your things in a backpack to keep your arms free to carry a child or luggage.
Buy new games/toys for the kids that they can't play with until the trip so they will be new to them and they will stay occupied.
Hot Tip From The Today Show:
Act like a honeymooner if you are traveling with your spouse or significant other. Most airlines will offer a free upgrade to honeymooners. Who knew? I guess we all do now!
