Even when this rooster isn't flapping his feathers abroad, I enjoy becoming a virtual traveler on the flat screen. Recently, I watched an interesting travel tips program on the Fine Living Network and thought I would share it with you. The program titled, "Top 20 Travel Tips" gives me a forum to comment on many different pertinent and handy travel tips. I decided to tackle this project in five digestible parts starting with their twentieth pick.
*Disclaimer* These are my comments on their top twenty travel tips.
#20 Be Wary of Travel Brochures
This seems obvious to me, but I can imagine the letdown one would feel when arriving at a "stroll along the beach" hideaway bungalow that required a connecting bus ticket to reach the ocean. It happened to me.
One time I rented the top floor of a beach house for a weekend family retreat. I found this beautiful, timbered beach house on the Internet. I perused the web photos, did a Mapquest of the location, felt comfortable in my decision, and sent off the deposit. When we arrived, the house was marvelous, more amazing than photos could capture. That is...until I walked out back onto the picturesque landing facing the ocean. The house was perched on a cliff some 60 feet above the beach. The only way down was a steep, rickety, wooden staircase that reminded me of a treehouse ladder. We only ventured down once to the water that weekend and I think my chicken legs are still sore from the climb back up.
Seriously, utilize web tools like TripAdvisor or Virtual Tourist to get an alternate point-of-view before committing to a deposit.
#19 Don't Pack What You Can Buy
When it comes to beach towels, snorkel gear or sand toys, I couldn't agree more. If you can buy or rent 'em then don't lug them. Even if you have to buy costly swim fins for one 3 hour snorkel excursion, do it. It beats hauling those same swim fins the other 237 hours of your trip. After your finished with the fins, give them to local children. It will make your trip more rewarding. Leave the world better than how you encountered it.
On the other hand, some people don't pack a toothbrush, toothpaste or deodorant. Just buy it when you get there. I'm not a big fan of this idea. I'm not saying buy the Costco-size shampoo with pump action and try to pack it. Buy the trail size of your favorite brand and use it sparingly. If it runs out, then find a pharmacy. I know I'll enjoy myself more if I feel clean. I'm not a huge fan of stinking arm pits and breathe; the French don't have it all right.
#18 Book a Vacation Rental for Family Trips
I agree with this tip 100%. When traveling with multi-generational family members it is practically impossible to oblige every one's needs and stay within a reasonable lodging budget at a resort or hotel, a vacation rental is an outstanding alternative. Also, the pace at which each generation of traveler explorers is different. It is very hard to get grandpa and grandma to keep up with the grandchildren on consecutive days, and it is very hard to get the grandchildren to slow down. It is much easier to leave slower travelers behind in a nice vacation rental than cooped up in a hotel room with only four walls looking back at you and twelve channels on the tube.
#17 Take Extra Items in Your Carry-On Bag
If you have to check baggage, and it's getting more and more difficult not to, then adding additional essentials to your carry-on makes sense. Medication is a no-brainer, but be wary of consolidating your prescription medication. If a security agent decides to check your bags and your meds are not in the original containers, they might be confiscated or worse. An extra pair of underwear may sound silly, but I've been there. Three days in the same skivvies you can make an interesting (French) travel companion. And don't forget the 3-1-1 Rule-No more than 3 ounces of liquid or gel of any one container stored in a 1 quart sealable bag and only 1 bag per person.
Also, since you are checking bags don't forget to put a copy of your itinerary in every piece of checked luggage as well as your contact information. This may increase your chances of seeing your luggage again. Note: A Robb Report survey in June 2006 claims that 30% more luggage is lost daily worldwide than pre-9/11. Good luck.
I will continue the countdown in the next post.
Pick of the Day (5-3-0)...Lakers
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