#4 Avoid Calling Toll-Free Hotel Numbers
You pay for convenience, period. Even though that toll-free number is screaming at you to call...don't do it. That number is most likely a call center in who-knows-where. And these reservationists have no authority to cut a deal. Instead, find the local phone number and give that a shot first. Ask the local decision maker about deals and discounts that you may not know about. Be nice. Make friends. You never know where it may lead.
A quick story...One of the worst reservations I have ever received was at a Four Season's resort. I went to the front desk of the Four Season's where I was staying and asked to reserve a room at the Four Season's at our next destination. The front desk girl directed me to an exquisite house phone in a the lobby. I picked up the phone and it rang. It was a direct line to a corporate reservationist. I booked a room in seconds. I was thrilled...until she quoted me her best deal. You would have thought I was booking the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House. It was almost twice what I expected. Don't call toll-free numbers!
#3 Learn the Local Language
The more you wear the local culture, the greater the experience will become. At the very least, learn the local greeting, please, and thank you. I'm sure you've heard this before, but people are proud and by making even small efforts to learn another's culture is endearing. Just try.
#2 Rule 240
Oh, the wonders of 2-4-0. Invoking Rule 240 is fun for some, but daunting for others. Even if you despise confrontrations, the right to demand a seat on the next available flight if your flight is cancelled is yours. Utilize it. A food coupon for an airport burger doesn't get it done. Just remember...
A. The airline may try the weather excuse. Don't let'em off so easy; find out for yourself if it's true.
B. Only the Legacy Airlines signed this agreement. Some upstarts might not honor Rule 240.
C. Be nice, but don't give in. Airlines do not want to pay, but it is yours. Seize it!
#1 Get a GPS
Again, this is the new trend in travel. Many won't leave home without it. I find it most effective when renting a car or using foreign subway systems (it is very easy to get turned around in a subway). My phone is equipped with one and it really helped circumvent a gnarly Los Angeles traffic jam last winter. We left the cruise terminal in San Pedro and found ourselves entangled in a famous downtown LA traffic jam. The GPS navigated us through several neighborhoods to an alternate highway out of the city. It was a lifesaver.
These are FLN's Top 20 Travel Tips. Hope you found them along with my commentary useful and entertaining. TTFN.
Pick of the Day(9-3-0)...Dodgers
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