Month: April 2016

You can read all sorts of tips about picking your hotel.

Is it cheaper to stay on the outskirts of the city? Might be. But, consider what you want to do and how much a taxi ride into the downtown area will cost. It might seem like a cheaper way to stay…but your other costs may end up higher than if you stayed closer to activities where you want to spend time.

Should you read reviews? Probably. When you do, make sure you read current ones. The ones from two years ago may not be accurate. Also, read more than just a couple. Two bad ones or two great ones might cancel out the rest of them. Pay attention to what the reviewers have to say. If most of them comment on the uncomfortable beds and the less than stellar customer service, it’s a good bet those are real issues.

Can you find it on a map? It would be a good idea. Make sure the address is accurate and that you could find it when walking through the city.

Should you book directly through the hotel? You might get a better rate. Not always, but often, calling the hotel directly will give you a better rate than a booking site. Plus, you can ask a live person if there are any specials available.

When traveling, do you really need to pack a coat? After all, it’s probably fairly bulky and takes up room in your luggage.

Think about where and when you are traveling. Summer in the Caribbean…I’d leave my coat at home.

Paris in the spring…I’d definitely take a coat of some type. You might want a couple of layers, using a lightweight, easy-to-pack jacket instead of a heavy coat. Or, you might want a blazer you can use over a long-sleeved sweater.

Instead of packing it, wear it. That might seem like a simple solution, but you might be surprised at how many people pack their coats instead of wearing them.

Rain jacket? Check the weather report. If rain isn’t in the forecast…and it does rain while you’re there, buy a cheap umbrella from a street vendor. Trust me, when rain starts falling…vendors selling umbrellas pop up all over the place.

Do you have a favorite type of tea which helps calm you and makes you rest? If so, why not pack a couple the next time you have a long flight and want to sleep?

Ask for a cup of hot water, toss in your tea bag, and relax.

One of the bulkier items to pack is a hair dryer. It takes up a lot of room, is hard to squeeze in a carry-on bag, and can be unnecessary.

Why? Most hotels have them. So do most VRBO rentals. If you really don’t know, check the website or call the place where you’re staying. Maybe it isn’t exactly like the one you use in your own home, but chances are it will work fine.

Save the room in your bag for something else…like shoes!