Travel tips for all of us
Jan 28th, 2009, 06:52 AM
#21
Oops three years old, not just two, sorry I can't count before I complain!
Nope, I know that wear old clothes idea, leave them as you go, take raggedy underwear and throw it out along the way. NO THANKS
Nope, I know that wear old clothes idea, leave them as you go, take raggedy underwear and throw it out along the way. NO THANKS
Jan 28th, 2009, 06:15 PM
#23
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Suze: yes, I could have updated the original post and folded in the comments from other people, but I wanted to make sure those people got credit for the original suggestions they made back then. I am actually working on an updated list where I will not be using my black Royal typewriter
In answer to the points you said don't make sense:
#2, Yes, of course, carrying a second pair makes sense. Some people may not have a second pair(like when I got my first pair of glasses) so wanted those people to know the written prescription is in a universal language. Yes, I too carry a second pair and a second watch (good point)
#3. a couple of years ago I arrived in Mexico; the cambio in the airport was closed. It was Sunday, banks were closed, 7 ATM's did not work. #8 finally did. Often times in MEX City Airport, I have been running for a flight and no time to get change. I just prefer to have some local currency before I get there--if possible. This summer, again, no time to change money in Mex. City, arrived Villahermosa, hurrying to catch last bus, Ticket window would not take USD or CC's. Fortunately, I had 400 pesos left over from previus trip. It is just an option for some people.
#4 In today's world I prefer to have cell access wherever I am. An update to this is that now I just sign up for the ATT world traveler package and at least get a slight discount on my phone if I HAVE to use it. Happened to me a week ago in Ecuador, went to make a "have to" phone call in the internet cafe and due to a storm there was no phone service in the I.C. so I pulled out my cell phone, talked fast, and accomplished what I needed to.
#10. I think that is what I was saying about "pulling out the money belt in public" I don't like to carry my entire day's cash in my pocket--only a small sum for food or water or some small incidental or "I give up" money. If I have to access my money belt I do it in someplace like a bathroom with the door locked.
#19. I just assumed everyone carried more than $10,000 USD in cash when they came through customs. You mean they don"t?
Old Clothes Throwaway-Not nec. my favorite idea either. I prefer to wear Armani everyplace I go, so I will stand out in the crowd
Gracias
QV-what happened on the "Saved your bacon" situation?
In answer to the points you said don't make sense:
#2, Yes, of course, carrying a second pair makes sense. Some people may not have a second pair(like when I got my first pair of glasses) so wanted those people to know the written prescription is in a universal language. Yes, I too carry a second pair and a second watch (good point)
#3. a couple of years ago I arrived in Mexico; the cambio in the airport was closed. It was Sunday, banks were closed, 7 ATM's did not work. #8 finally did. Often times in MEX City Airport, I have been running for a flight and no time to get change. I just prefer to have some local currency before I get there--if possible. This summer, again, no time to change money in Mex. City, arrived Villahermosa, hurrying to catch last bus, Ticket window would not take USD or CC's. Fortunately, I had 400 pesos left over from previus trip. It is just an option for some people.
#4 In today's world I prefer to have cell access wherever I am. An update to this is that now I just sign up for the ATT world traveler package and at least get a slight discount on my phone if I HAVE to use it. Happened to me a week ago in Ecuador, went to make a "have to" phone call in the internet cafe and due to a storm there was no phone service in the I.C. so I pulled out my cell phone, talked fast, and accomplished what I needed to.
#10. I think that is what I was saying about "pulling out the money belt in public" I don't like to carry my entire day's cash in my pocket--only a small sum for food or water or some small incidental or "I give up" money. If I have to access my money belt I do it in someplace like a bathroom with the door locked.
#19. I just assumed everyone carried more than $10,000 USD in cash when they came through customs. You mean they don"t?
Old Clothes Throwaway-Not nec. my favorite idea either. I prefer to wear Armani everyplace I go, so I will stand out in the crowd
Gracias
QV-what happened on the "Saved your bacon" situation?
Jan 28th, 2009, 06:27 PM
#24
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I agree with nonstop on the cell use and currency ahead ideas.
I too, have avoided dire situations others around me have experienced by having currency on hand ahead of time. It's fun to pick it up at the bank and is actually cheaper for me because of the ATM fees that crop up. Best practice is returning to favorite countries over and over and just keeping the leftover quetzales, lempiras, etc.
3 years ago one of our sons was critically injured in a car accident while we were in Honduras. We didn't even find out for a day and a half because the electricity was out in the town where we were - no land phones or internet access. It took most of a day on the phone to track down flights and we finally patched things together and made it home more than 5 days after the accident. What a difference a cell phone would have made!! We've carried them every trip since then and - gratefully - have only used them for occasional lodging confirmations.
Anybody can start a new post but it takes a persistent forumer to dig up that great bits from the past. ;-)
I too, have avoided dire situations others around me have experienced by having currency on hand ahead of time. It's fun to pick it up at the bank and is actually cheaper for me because of the ATM fees that crop up. Best practice is returning to favorite countries over and over and just keeping the leftover quetzales, lempiras, etc.
3 years ago one of our sons was critically injured in a car accident while we were in Honduras. We didn't even find out for a day and a half because the electricity was out in the town where we were - no land phones or internet access. It took most of a day on the phone to track down flights and we finally patched things together and made it home more than 5 days after the accident. What a difference a cell phone would have made!! We've carried them every trip since then and - gratefully - have only used them for occasional lodging confirmations.
Anybody can start a new post but it takes a persistent forumer to dig up that great bits from the past. ;-)
Jan 28th, 2009, 06:57 PM
#25
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It is fun to plan to use the leftover currency on the next trip. It is amazing to me how interested people are in seeing foreign currency. In my wallet here in the U.S. I keep some foreign currency (bills) that I will occasionally show my friends. They love to see other countries currency, especially since the bills are so colorful and artful.
Sorry to hear about the accident with your son and those trials. Must have been very difficult. Can only imagine.
Yes, I finally realized after carrying my cell phone from the U.S. into countries where it didn't work that I should activate it with the World Traveler Package. You can buy it one month at a time if you remember to stop it when you return. Also, ATT gave me the unlock code for my phone so I can buy local SIM cards if I wanted to.
Sorry to hear about the accident with your son and those trials. Must have been very difficult. Can only imagine.
Yes, I finally realized after carrying my cell phone from the U.S. into countries where it didn't work that I should activate it with the World Traveler Package. You can buy it one month at a time if you remember to stop it when you return. Also, ATT gave me the unlock code for my phone so I can buy local SIM cards if I wanted to.
Jan 29th, 2009, 03:54 AM
#27
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Capital One credit cards don't charge a foreign transaction fee, also some credit union cards.
For our honeymoon we're planning on getting a new Capital One rewards card with an intro 0%- so we can pay it back over the next few months, get the rewards and not pay an extra 2-3%. We also had some concerns about rental car companies putting large deposits on our cards right before a statement closes, so the intro APR solves that problem!
This is a good option for those who don't get out of the country often- you probably shouldn't open a new CC every time you travel! (we do travel often, but for the honeymoon we'll be living it up a bit more than we usually would)
Also- pack some ziploc bags for wet things and containing whatever. If you're cooking in an apartment/hostel, a small tupperware or two can be useful for leftovers. But don't bring a nice one in case you leave it behind!
For our honeymoon we're planning on getting a new Capital One rewards card with an intro 0%- so we can pay it back over the next few months, get the rewards and not pay an extra 2-3%. We also had some concerns about rental car companies putting large deposits on our cards right before a statement closes, so the intro APR solves that problem!
This is a good option for those who don't get out of the country often- you probably shouldn't open a new CC every time you travel! (we do travel often, but for the honeymoon we'll be living it up a bit more than we usually would)
Also- pack some ziploc bags for wet things and containing whatever. If you're cooking in an apartment/hostel, a small tupperware or two can be useful for leftovers. But don't bring a nice one in case you leave it behind!
Jan 29th, 2009, 05:18 AM
#28
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Future Mrs "to be": Thanks for bringing up the CC issue. It is looming HUGE right now. Citibank has put in a foreign 3% surchage on all purchases made in USD when the processing is outside the U.S. Doesn't matter if the charge is in USD or not. I just got nailed with over $50 in surcharges on an air ticket purchased on the internet on COPA in USD and also at the Marriott in Panama City in USD and also a deposit I made for next summer's vacation in the Caribbean. All in USD. It's in the fine print. I had read that CapOne may be the way to go for outside charges. Thanks for the reminder.
Jan 29th, 2009, 05:39 AM
#29
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I 2nd the tupperware idea. I have a medium-sized "air lock" one that we've been glad to keep the bugs out of sugar, etc. when we're staying a week or 2 in a place with a kitchen. It keeps other pack contacts safe from liquids if we decide to check bags on the way home and protects small fragile items. Hard to fit in when traveling carry-on only but really useful.
Jan 29th, 2009, 05:59 AM
#31
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I love to hear everyones' tips!
We subscribe to BUDGET TRAVEL magazine and each month they have a Top 20 list of tips sent in by others.
#6 from the Feb. issue:
SPONGE TRUMPS TERRY
Hotels don't always supply washclothes. Instead of carrying one in a ziplock bag(getting more stinkly as the days goe on), carry a kitchen sponge. It dries faster and is lightweight.
We subscribe to BUDGET TRAVEL magazine and each month they have a Top 20 list of tips sent in by others.
#6 from the Feb. issue:
SPONGE TRUMPS TERRY
Hotels don't always supply washclothes. Instead of carrying one in a ziplock bag(getting more stinkly as the days goe on), carry a kitchen sponge. It dries faster and is lightweight.
Jan 29th, 2009, 06:40 AM
#33
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yes, the containers and zip lock bags are good ideas. I have learned to double bag/separately some items such as sun tan lotion and mouthwash or liquid soap. It is amazing the number of times this stuff leaks once inside a bag.
Jan 29th, 2009, 06:51 AM
#34
nonstop~ Now I know YOU know better
;-)
but some people DO go digging into their money belt as if it was a wallet, like in a shop to make change, or have it hanging all loose or outside their clothes even. i'm saying this with humor but IF you're using a money belt, read the instructions (haha).
;-)
but some people DO go digging into their money belt as if it was a wallet, like in a shop to make change, or have it hanging all loose or outside their clothes even. i'm saying this with humor but IF you're using a money belt, read the instructions (haha).
Jan 29th, 2009, 01:15 PM
#35
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I see I'm not the only fan of ziplock bags........
not sure if this falls under a travel "tip" or not, but I keep lotion in my travel bag in a scent I usually don't wear every day and use it exclusively on vacation. After I'm home and back to reality, just sniffing that scent brings it all back! I will forever associate Bath & Bodyworks' Coconunt Lime Verbena with Mexico!
not sure if this falls under a travel "tip" or not, but I keep lotion in my travel bag in a scent I usually don't wear every day and use it exclusively on vacation. After I'm home and back to reality, just sniffing that scent brings it all back! I will forever associate Bath & Bodyworks' Coconunt Lime Verbena with Mexico!
Jan 29th, 2009, 02:16 PM
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We always carry the individually packaged Purell hand sanitizing wipes and use them often. Once in India we gave a bunch of them away to a couple who were the victims of some boys who threw horse dung at our passing train and they (the couple) had the misfortune of having their window open.
Jan 29th, 2009, 03:21 PM
#37
Small spray pumps of hand sanitizer.
Microfiber cloths (the size of a wash cloth) absorb water well enough to substitute as a towel in a pinch, and dry quickly.
Carry your camera memory cards in your pouch or other safe place when in transit. If the camera gets stolen, at least the pictures are safe. Transfer them to a flash drive or other storage device if you can. Many places can burn to a CD and you can mail it to yourself or pack it separately.
Microfiber cloths (the size of a wash cloth) absorb water well enough to substitute as a towel in a pinch, and dry quickly.
Carry your camera memory cards in your pouch or other safe place when in transit. If the camera gets stolen, at least the pictures are safe. Transfer them to a flash drive or other storage device if you can. Many places can burn to a CD and you can mail it to yourself or pack it separately.
Jan 29th, 2009, 04:04 PM
#38
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www.daymakers.com makes a great travel bag that is cleverly designed with well placed pockets and a steel cable (can't cut!) in the strap. I have hauled mine like a ragdoll through many countries. They really hold up. I have a leather one in black, which is quite attractive and my friend has a microfiber one in black. You can order them through Magellens as well.
Jan 30th, 2009, 04:51 AM
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I have a slightly larger purse/tote from pacsafe with the steel cable that I only took on one trip because I could really notice the additional weight when I was carrying it around all day. Just a caution about steel cable things.
I now own 2 skirts from www.macabiskirt.com/
that I take with me on trips where I am not intending to be a fashion queen (not that I am even anyway) in an urban environment. The are extremely practical, convertible, quick-drying, and have great deep zippered pockets so I can keep money stashed way down in them.
My favorite travel bags, totes and purses are from lesportsac. They weigh virtually nothing and are extremely durable. I have probably a half a dozen in various sizes and configurations that I use depending on the type of trip I am taking.
I now own 2 skirts from www.macabiskirt.com/
that I take with me on trips where I am not intending to be a fashion queen (not that I am even anyway) in an urban environment. The are extremely practical, convertible, quick-drying, and have great deep zippered pockets so I can keep money stashed way down in them.
My favorite travel bags, totes and purses are from lesportsac. They weigh virtually nothing and are extremely durable. I have probably a half a dozen in various sizes and configurations that I use depending on the type of trip I am taking.
