one travel tip a day

Take a headset with you

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Most airlines have entertainment systems onboard. So bringing your headseats will save you some money.

Have a great flight.

Wear clothing with sleeves

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Try not to wear sleeveless clothing when you travel. Remember you will be sitting next to another person and you will sweat. I don't think you want to sweat on that other person, do you?

Don't argue wth the airport securty folks

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:05:00 +0000

One sure fire way to delay your trip is to argue with the airport security team. If you believe you are being treated unfairly, just record names visually, try to remember all the details and either talk to a supervisor at the time or ask for the contact information for customer comments.

You can also check the airport web site for contact information as well. Whatever you do, do not yell and scream as you may be arrested.

Make a note of what items you use on your next trip

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

When you take your next trip make a note of the items you use. If you do not use something, then don't take it on the next trip. You'd be amazed how much space you will have in your luggage on your next trip.

Don't block the bus schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:05:00 +0000

When standing at a bus stop, it is essential that you do not stand blocking the schedule for the bus. Remember that others would like to read this schedule as well.

Check-in online

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

You should check-in online as it saves you time and if you have bags, the bag drop line at the airport is much shorter.

Check local laws before you go

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

If you are going to a foreign country with a specific task in mind, check the local law on that task. For example, if you are on a photographic expedition, check if a permit is required to take photos or film in specific places.

Simple things like is there a jay walking law? Is spitting on the streets allowed, etc. are important.

Check the taxes and fees for car rentals

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Before you make that car rental, ensure that you check the fees. Certain airports has really high charges. Some of these charges can be higher than the cost of the rental. Renter be ware.

Check for senior citizens rates if applicable

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

If you are traveling with your parents or anyone and they are over 65, you may be eligible for senior discounts. Ensure that you check on this as the savings can be quite good.

Note however, that sometimes the special rates may be the same or even better than the senior rates.

Plan accordingly when travelling with older people

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:02:00 +0000

When you travel with older people, remember that things may take a little longer to accomplish as they do move slower. Give yourself extra time to arrive at the airport and negotiate your way to your gate.

Look into paying in your local currency when traveling internationally

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Check if your hotel/restaurant in a foreign country will charge you in local currency or your country of origin's currency. Also, be aware of what is the going exchange rate as this will determine what to do. For example, usually your bank will charge you a foreign fee for the transaction if it is done in the local currency, but if done in USD there is not charge. So if the exchange rate being used is less than the exchange rate plus the foreign fee your bank charges then it is a good deal.

It sounds complicated, but if you spend a lot abroad, it may be worth it to pay attention and make the right decision.

Use twitter instead of texting

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:09:00 +0000

Hey, if you use twitter's Direct message service (DM username) you won't incur any text message charges to your friends. So if you phone has access to twitter, just use that as your communication tool.

You can find me at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990.

Use social media to your advantage

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:03:00 +0000

You can use many of the social media schemes such as twitter and facebook to tell the world about your travels. You can also get pretty good tips if you follow the right people as you travel. If you are stuck somewhere, just send a message out asking for help. It should arrive rather quickly.

Always ask for compensation in case of trouble at hotels

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:05:00 +0000

If you are staying at a hotel and have any issues with the room, always ask for immediate compensation. If none is given, then upon your return home, send a note to the hotel, explain what happened and see if they will give you some sort of compensation.

Always give them a chance to rectify the situation though. Most good hotels will compensate you without you even asking.

Check the security of your hotel room

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:08:00 +0000

Once you've checked into your hotel room, look around and ensure the room is safe. So check the windows, the sliding doors, the main door, etc. If you like you can use the hotel safe or the safe in your room to store your valuables. If someone comes to the door, do not open it unless you know them or are expecting the hotel staff.

Always ask who they are and why they are there before opening the door.

Get a local map on arrival

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Once you arrive in a city, get a local map from the Tourist office. This is essential especially if you are not familiar with that city.

Read the contract of carriage

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:08:00 +0000

When you purchase a ticket from a transportation provider you should ensure you read the contract of carriage. This is the document that governs your purchase. If you do not have access to it online, you can always call the company and request one.

Don't use the flash while taking the pictures of trains

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:06:00 +0000

When taking pictures of oncoming trains, don't use the flash on your camera as it may temporarily blind the driver.

Make damage claims before leaving the airport

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:04:00 +0000

If your baggage gets damaged while traveling on an airline, you are required to make a claim before you leave the airport at which it was damaged or within a few hours after leaving the airport. While this may be inconvenient, it is the first step in the process.

Don't ask for favors unnecessarily

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

When you are traveling, don't ask people to be uncomfortable so that you can be comfortable. Plan ahead so that you can get the amenities that you need to make your trip enjoyable. As an example, don't ask someone to give up their seat so that you an your family can sit together. Book early and call the company providing the service and look after your needs.

Check the local paper

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

You should check the local paper to see what is going on in the city you visit. This will help you to optimize your time while there.

Check train schedules

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:06:00 +0000

You should ensure you check your train schedules at least the night before you are taking the train. This ensures that you are aware of any last minute changes or delays.

Adjust your watch for local time

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:07:00 +0000

You should ensure that your watch is adjusted for local time. Or at least be cognizant of the time difference. Sometimes your mobile phone won't switch to the local time so be aware of that as well.

Keep your shoes on

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:08:00 +0000

When you are flying you should keep your shoes on for takeoff and landing. If you take them off during the flight, make sure you have a pair of socks on. This is especially important if you are sitting at the bulkhead row. No one wants to see your bare feet on the bulkhead.

Also, if you go to the lav. put your shoes on.

Sign up for SmartGate

noreply@blogger.com (Cruisinaltitude) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:02:00 +0000

If you travel a lot in and out of Australia, you should sign up for SmartGate at http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5552.