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We’ve all had layovers in airports. It’s just part of traveling.

Depending on how long your layover is, you can find time to do many things in airports now. Some have museums, some have chair massages, some offer multiple spots to plug in your devices and work or watch a movie.

One way to use up some time and get ready for a long flight is simple…take a walk. If your next flight is across the country or across the pond, you’ll be sitting for a lengthy amount of time. In fact, even if it’s a shorter flight…walking is a good way to get ready for those airplane seats.

Download an airport map and walk from terminal to terminal. A good brisk walk for 30 minutes can burn at least 100 calories. And, it will get you ready to sit for the next several hours.

When traveling do you make a list of documents you will need for that trip? 

Going to San Francisco from northern California…you won’t need a passport. You will need a driver’s license, cash, credit cards, and possibly your medical card and insurance card. But, you already travel with those in your purse or wallet anyway. Right? So…no need for a list to remind you what to take.

Let’s say you’re going from San Francisco to Paris. You will need more than that. A passport is at the top of that list, along with a copy of that passport, a couple of credit cards, and more. With that in mind, it would be a good idea to make a list of documents you need to take with you. 

Cicchetti or cicheti, if you’re in Venice, are small snacks found at bacari, small casual bars packed with locals in the early evening.

Usually displayed in glass cases on the bar counter, these finger foods come to you on toothpicks or on slices of  a baguette.

At Cantina Do Mori, in Venice we found everything from arancini to salt cod puree on crusty bread; salty, hard cheeses to prosciutto; olives to fried baby artichoke hearts. These tasty snacks varied by the day and we never got tired of stopping here for a snack or a light lunch.

Do you have a fear of flying? You’re not alone. Many people have some anxiety about their flight.

In visiting with a flight attendant, she told me what she tells those who express a concern about flying.

Sit by the wings, if you can. This area usually minimizes turbulence. If you sit in the back, you’ll probably feel it more.

Sit by the window. This allows you to look out and take your mind off your fears.

Bring entertainment. Read, play games, or do crossword puzzles. Again, these take your mind off your fears.

You’re packed. And, your suitcase weighs a ton. What do you have in there? It may be your shoes.

Think about how much each pair of shoes weighs before you pack them. Do you really need more than two or three pairs? Do you really think you’ll wear both pairs of boots?

Check out travel outfitters if you need new shoes for traveling. Typically, they work with companies to offer lightweight but durable brands.

If you really need to bring a pair that is heavy, think about wearing them on the plane and pack the lighter pair. Just make sure they aren’t a pain to take off in the security line.

Consider a rental apartment, house, or condo instead of a standard hotel. If you’re traveling with another couple or if you need two hotel rooms, a rental can save you some money.

You also have more room to spread out and kitchen facilities in case you want to cook, make snacks, or have morning coffee in your pajamas.

Be sure to check out the location first. If it sounds like an amazing deal…check to see where it is located. You may find staying outside of the city is a good deal…until you see where the nearest bus or subway station is located.

You’re planning your vacation to Europe and want to get the most for your money. Great. Who doesn’t? 

Here are some things to think about.

When looking at hotels, car rentals, and other non-flight items, try to get the quotes or the rates in US dollars. Why? It’s what you’re used to seeing and dealing with. You will have the amount in a currency you recognize so when your statement arrives, that amount makes sense. You also won’t have to keep checking exchange rates.

Try to stay in one or two places and really immerse yourself in that area and its culture. Base your trip in Florence if you want to visit that particular part of Tuscany, for instance. Stay in Venice if the Veneto and northeast Italy is your focus. Want to spend some time in Champagne? Paris is a good place for a home base. You won’t spend hours in transit going from city to city, only to have a couple of hours in one new place. Figure out the area you want to see and then stay in a city central to the whole area.

Think about purchasing a museum pass for attractions, museums, and tours in that city or region. If you know the sites you really want to see, these can be a great value. Make sure those sites are listed on the pass.

If there is only one site on your must see list, check online before you leave home to see if you can purchase the ticket in advance. You avoid the long lines to just purchase the ticket and in most cases you bypass most lines with your prepaid ticket. The same goes for popular sites. Check online before you go.

When leaving home for an extended time period do you hope your home will be safe and secure? Or, do you take some precautions while you’re off vising the countryside of Italy?

Some people hire house sitters to stay in their homes, take care of the plants, feed and walk the dog, pick up the mail, and keep an eye on things. Great idea, especially if you are gone for an extended period of time.

You could notify the neighbors you’re going to be gone for a lengthy time. You may even give them the name of your house sitter.

Only gone for a week-end? Do you close your curtains or turn on lights at a certain time each day? You may want to think about a timer. 

Ask your neighbor to pick up the paper, even if it’s only a couple of days. No sense leaving it on the driveway to announce no one is home.