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Write down your hotel name and address on a slip of paper
In places where you don't speak the language, jot down the name, address, and phone number of your hotel on several pieces of paper, along with the same information for any restaurants, attractions, or other sites you're planning to visit, and present these to cab or bus drivers as you travel. Be sure, if appropriate, to write this information in both the local alphabet and your own. If a business card is available, pick up several to have on hand... (More)
Reconfirm hours and admission
No matter how much you trust your guidebook, or how recently you've checked an attraction's Web page, call the day of your visit to make sure the place is open. Some museums open or close late or early at a whim, or may close unexpectedly because of a staff shortage, a local holiday you're not aware of, a change in the budget, or for renovations... (More)
Don't pack your itinerary to the gills
Don't over-schedule. Think back to your last vacation—did you overextend yourself or visit so many attractions that you ended up not liking some of them? Resist succumbing to the fear that you may never return and so must see everything a destination has to offer, and instead focus on those activities and attractions that truly appeal to you. Take it easy—this is your time off... (More)
Know when to book your flights to Hawaii
Fodor's member ofadonaldson raised a good question last week in our Air Travel forum: "How far in advance do I need to book my flights to Hawaii?". Several travelers piped up with tips and recommendations including suze who recommended signing up for the airlines' newsletters so you don't miss a fare sale.... (More)
Don't Rule Out Guided Tours
These are perfect for busy people and/or for themed trips or trips to places where making arrangements is difficult (particularly when you don’t speak the language). You travel along with a group—large or small—stay in prebooked hotels, eat with your fellow travelers, and follow a schedule. Your guide takes you to places that you might never discover on your own, perhaps enabling you to see more than you would otherwise.... (More)
Cable car riding in San Francisco made easy
Two of the three cable car lines begin and end their runs at Powell and Market streets, a couple of blocks south of Union Square. These two lines are the most scenic, and both pass near Fisherman's Wharf, so they're usually clogged with first-time sightseers. The wait to board a cable car at this intersection is longer than at any other stop in the system. If you'd rather avoid the mob, board the less-touristy California line at the bottom of Market Street, at Drumm Street....Planning a trip to San Francisco? Browse our online guide... (More)
Be careful opening your toiletries
Ever open a bottle of hair gel or shaving cream after a flight only to have contents shoot our all over you and the bathroom? Changes in air pressure during flight can cause all kinds of things to become unsettled. Always open any pressurized or airtight canister or container gently after you've just flown. Keeping shampoo, hand lotion, and similar items in a resealable plastic bag can limit messes... (More)
Visiting Boston? Sign up for the Park Rangers' programs
Take a cue from locals and sign up for one of Boston's Park Rangers' programs. Top picks include a visit to the city stables to meet the Mounties and their horses, regularly scheduled readings of Robert McCloskey's Make Way for Ducklings in Boston's Public Garden, and city scavenger hunts geared for families....Planning a trip to Boston? Browse our online Boston guide (More)
Get a traveler's picture dictionary
Sold in many travel stores, these laminated books more resemble children's primer than tools for traveling adults. But before you make fun, consider it's a sound way to communicate to read a tough language like, say, Tamil. One such book is Dieter Graf Verlag's Point It. It was published several years ago but you can find copies through several sellers on Amazon... (More)
Prevent Back Pain Before Setting Foot on the Plane
If you suffer from back pain, there are a few precautions you can take while still on the ground. Don't lock your knees while you're standing in all those lines; this causes bad posture and puts pressure on the lower back. Bend your knees slightly, and keep your pelvis tucked in. Utilize luggage carts for big checked bags and don't overload yourself with heavy or unwieldy carry-ons---you'll be dragging and hoisting them a lot. If you experience sharp, stabbing back pain or spasms en route, ice is the best stopgap remedy; massaging the feet may also help, as reflexologists say that the instep has correlations to the spine, and working your thumbs up and down the area may ease some back pain....Asked in the Forums: Which airline is best when traveling... (More)
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