Is Premium Economy worth the extra money?
If you are on a domestic flight that isn’t cross country, it may not be. You need to check the seat arrangements and leg room before you upgrade. Go to www.seatguru.com to check.
If your flight is a long one or is an international one it may be worth investing in the extra room and amenities. Check the carrier to see what the cost is and weigh that against your comfort, seat size, and duration.
Do you bring your own snacks when flying? Don’t know what to bring? How about packing some small bags of veggies like carrots or celery, nuts or trail mix, chips, energy bar, or even some sliced chicken if you plan on eating it fairly soon? Don’t forget to add a napkin and a plastic fork. Leave the sauce, condiments, and smelly food at home, though.
You can also have an empty water bottle to get through security and fill it up at a water fountain before you board the plane.
Do you take photos of you luggage before you check it? Might be a good idea, especially if you have a stop or two.
Traveling can get expensive, especially with a family. Did you know there are many free museums all over the US? Check out some of these.
The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri offers a wide array of art and artifacts from different cultures all over the world. There is also a sculpture garden outside.
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. offers not one but 19 different museums…plus a zoo. Everything from art to sculpture to airplanes to giant pandas…you can spend days and days visiting these.
The Getty Center in Los Angeles, California offers extensive collections of modern art, photography, gardens, and more.
There are many more. Have you visited any free museums?
Do you pack copies of your travel and important documents? If you take the time to scan your passport or visa or other important documents, getting replacements is easier. Keep those copies somewhere safe while you travel. Another great idea is to send an email to yourself with any important numbers…passport, driver’s license, credit cards, etc.
Do you pack flip flops? Not that you would wear them in Paris, but they come in handy if you’re headed to a pool, spa, or anywhere some foot protection would be a good idea.
What else do you pack?
Do you use a reusable shopping bag at home? Why not pack one when you travel? Some fold flat and fit into your day pack or purse. I use one that stuffs into its own bag and also fits in my purse. When I need it, I shake it out and it’s ready to be filled.
Do you pack emergency snacks? You might love the pretzels and peanuts on the airplane. But, what about something a little more substantial to get you by until you can eat dinner somewhere other than the airport?
Do you pack an extra memory card? If you’re like me, you take hundreds of photos. I always have an extra memory card in my bag. I don’t have to waste time asking where the nearest electronics store is.
Do you pack lip balm? Even if you don’t regularly use it, it’s great for lips on airplanes. With all that dry air, your lips could use the extra moisture. Did you know you could use it in an emergency to tame frizzy hair ends, add some moisture to dry cuticles, unstick a stuck zipper, and even double as sunscreen?
According to Smarter Travel:
Wander the streets, don’t rush through them. Take time to view the different bridges. You will find beauty in each one.
Napoleon has not been forgotten. When his army invaded Venice they tried to crush the identity and spirit of the Venetian people. One of the things they did was to destroy all the lions that were carved and painted onto buildings and bridges. You can still see some of the places where only parts remain.
The winged lion is the symbol of Venice.
Venice waterways have speed limits to avoid damage to structures along the water. Vaporetti and traditional wooden boats tend to obey where some of the water taxis don’t.
The acqua alta, or the exceptionally high tides that flood parts of the city, may be an alarming or strange site for visitors. Locals know when these high tides are coming. If you want to know, us an app like hi!tide Venice or Venice tides.
Venice has its own language. Italy has only been its own country for fewer than 150 years, so regional dialects and languages get mixed in with mainstream Italian.
Meet some old Venetians in a bar and they’ll tell you they are Venetian…not Italian.
When saying grazie, just soften the z to an s sound and you’ll sound more like a Venetian.