Comments on: Ten summer travel tips from bloggers

By: Jean

Jean — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:35 +0000

Nice tips. I like the ones from Matthew. Agree with his points on online reviews and guidebooks. They are helpful, but you don’t need to stick to it. It ruins a trip if you spend too much time looking for a restaurant recommended in a guidebook. Here are my tips –

1. Leave some spare time for your trip. You may enjoy surprise when at the destination, e.g. a local show, an event, or the local market you haven’t read in guidebooks, etc.
2. Talk with the locals, and you will know more about the place and culture. If language barriers, smiles and gestures may also do if you wish.
3. Find a local tour guide if you want to save efforts and avoid getting lost. There’s nothing bad to wander in a new place by yourself. But if you are tight in time, or would like to talk more with someone local, a professional tour guide is a good choice.
4. It’s not at home, so embrace the difference. It’s a different place, so must be something different from home. It’s not necessarily better or worse, just in a way you are not used to. You will enjoy more when recognizing the difference and look at it with fresh eyes.

Happy Exploring!

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By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:19:08 +0000

When traveling with someone else – if possible – put some of each other’s clothes in your bag; if a bag gets lost, you’ll both have at least some clothing to wear.

Use lightweight, quick drying underwear and socks – you can wash them out in the hotel sink at night, and they’ll be dry by morning. It’ll save you a lot of weight in your bag.

If you haven’t tried it, check out bundle packing – your clothes will arrive wrinkle free!

Use a checklist when packing, and question every item!

Bring some antiseptic wipes with you in a ziploc bag – and wipe down the tray table and armrests on the plane – as well as items like the tv remote in your hotel room.

Bring a foldable water bottle with you – like a Platy – and fill it in the airport once you clear security. Why pay $3.50 for a bottle of water?

TSA checkpoint: wear slip-on shoes; stow your metal/electronic stuff as you approach the checkpoint; look for a line with business travelers; wear a non-metallic travel belt; have your 3-1-1 bag in a convenient place so it’s easy to retrieve and easy to stow.

Travel with ONE BAG and carry it on!!!

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By: Sam Daams

Sam Daams — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:45:57 +0000

I love Matt’s number 3 tip as well “There’s always somebody who’s paid less than you. Don’t let it ruin your day”. That’s why typically when I’ve found a site I like to book on, I just go with it. I might shop around based on location, but I’m not going to then go out and compare prices all over the place. By the time you’ve checked ten sites and figured out they are more expensive when you add on who knows what fee, you’ve wasted an hour of your time at xx$. Just not worth it, and exactly why I think we’ll see an even stronger movement towards quality and brand trust going forward.

I’ll add a tip to directly contradict the tip by the last commenter. If you are the kind of person that can’t relax without being plugged in, definitely do not unplug! My wife sometimes tells me to go off and check email etc. because she can tell my mind is elsewhere. It’s all about balance, for each individual.

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By: Matthew Best

Matthew Best — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:06:10 +0000

Great tips!

I’d add one more – unplug as much as possible. Leave your computer, e-mail, etc. at home. Relax and have a good time. Or set aside a small amount of time at the end of the day to keep current.

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By: Trisha

Trisha — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:29:49 +0000

Really good tips! I would add from experience; remember, you are an ambassador for your country. Be that gracious tourist and extend yourself to those locals that you come in contact with as Matthew suggests in #’s 4,5. I have made some wonderful friends through my travels.

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