Next time you are standing in line ready to go through security at the airport, take a look ahead of you.
Look at the agents using the screening machines. Are they fast or slow?
Look at how many babies or wheelchairs are in lines. Usually these take longer.
Check out how many bags the travelers in front of you have. Each bag needs to be placed on the belt, screened, and removed.
Look at people that seem confused by the whole process. You definitely don’t want to be behind them.
By now you probably know to call your credit card company before you travel. By letting them know you will be in Venice, Italy or Venice Beach, California makes life easier for everyone. For one thing, you won’t have your purchases denied. The credit card company will monitor any purchases not in the areas where you are traveling.
But, what if you lose your credit card? Do you have their number? Be sure to have both numbers, including the international number, handy. Store it somewhere that’s easy for you to get to but easy to lose.
Sure, you are a tourist. But, do you really need to look like one? Perhaps you could leave the over-stuffed fanny pack and dozens of guide books at home.
What do you do to blend in when you travel?
There are probably a gazillion travel tips out there. Sometimes I come across a new one and sometimes a tip finds me when I’m traveling.
Did you know binder clips have seemingly endless uses?
Did you know you could use an old eye glass case to hold things you want protected or don’t want to lose in the bottom of your carry on…chargers, cables, jewelry, small pill bottles, nail clippers, cough drops, and so much more.
You’re traveling and your suitcase just ripped. What do you do? Pull out the trusty duct tape and tape it up…right? But, what if the tape won’t stick to the suitcase?
Use a garbage bag to completely cover your suitcase and tape the bag shut. It’s not a long term fix but it will get you away from the baggage carousel without leaving a trail of clothes.
What if the zipper breaks and you can’t get it fixed? Use heavy duty safety pins as a temporary fix.
I just read about this latest travel scam. While it’s a good idea to pay attention to all “freebies”, this appears to be the latest now that summer travel is here. Hey, we all like to get something free. But, not when it’s not legit.
Check it out…
Protecting your identity is crucial…especially when traveling. Is it something you take extra precautions for and pay attention to while you travel?
Do you know what to look for when in a new place or country? Check out these tips…
Some may seem obvious, but they all have merit.
Pay attention when using ATMs. First, make sure it is a real ATM and not a fake. Use one at a bank you know is real. Cover the touch pad when entering your PIN or have someone stand behind you.
If you are using credit cards, check your statements while traveling.
Protect your passport. Keep it in a secure place, pocket, or purse compartment.
Think before you use public computers. Most hotels, B&Bs, and rentals have free wi-fi that is secure when you need to use your computer. If it’s not secure, be sure to log out of whatever site you were using as soon as you are finished.
Turn off your smartphone’s settings that allows the phone to automatically connect to nearby wi-fi hot spots. It’s a good idea to lock your smartphone as well.
If you are staying in a hotel and receive a call in your room or on your smartphone to add an additional credit card to your room…don’t give out one over the phone, even the hotel phone. Visit the front desk in person. Chances are they didn’t call you.
When thinking about a vacation, do you plan your spending ahead of time? Do you save money to use while on vacation? If so, what’s your plan?
Some people throw all their change in a jar or piggy bank. Spare change adds up. Our bank doesn’t let us bring in loose change, however. They give us the paper wraps and we need to count it and roll it. Not too bad for change that might just sit in a drawer or at the bottom of your purse. This year my spare change added up to almost $300.
Recently I read about a site that lets you save online. It’s called SmartyPig.com. Apparently you can set goals and SmaryPig keeps the transfers going until you reach your goals. I haven’t tried it but it seems like a fun way to accumulate some extra travel money.
You could also open a dedicated savings account just for travel. You might want to check with your bank to avoid any fees if the account has required amounts.
If you’ve flown anywhere in the last several years, you know you can’t bring water through security. You need to purchase bottles of water once you have cleared security. If you need more than one bottle for a long trip, they get cumbersome to carry. Not to mention heavy.
Think about using the collapsible bottles that are basically flat when empty. Fill them up just before you board and you won’t have to drag around heavy bottles.
After they are empty, store them in your carry on and reuse them next time.