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In most parts of Europe, tips or service charges are included in your bill. How do you know what or how much to tip? You could learn the language and read your bill. You could ask a local before you get to the restaurant. Or you could do a Google search to see what the custom is in the country where you will be eating.

If you do see it included in your bill and your service was outstanding, it is okay to leave an additional tip. But, it’s a good idea to check first. And, Asia is different than either Europe or the US. Many countries there do not even expect any tip.

Bottom line…check first.

If you are planning on traveling outside the US, here’s a tip that may make your trip more enjoyable. I find it’s a good idea to learn some language basics. Sure, many people in most places speak English. But why not learn a few of their words? You may find that people are more willing to help you.

Please, thank you, hello, good morning, excuse me, good night, bathrooms are just a few to begin with. You can learn more once you master those. It has always helped me. And, don’t worry if you butcher the words. Your effort will be appreciated.

California Poppy

I’ve already talked about checking the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. Let’s say it’s delayed by a significant amount of time.

If you are picking up a rental car when you land at your final destination, you might want to notify the car rental of your new arrival time. The same goes for heading home. If your flight is delayed and you are returning the rental car, you might want to notify them of that as well. You should check to see if you will be charged for an extra day’s rental. That might change your decision on when to return it.

Don’t forget about your hotel or vacation rental if your flight is delayed significantly. There might be a check in or check out time that you need to pay attention to.

Have you ever asked for a better rate when you booked your hotel room? Or, do you book through a site that offers multiple hotels for that city?

While reading reviews through the site with multiple hotels can be educational and maybe even helpful, you may not get the best rate.

Frequent travelers suggest booking directly through the hotel’s reservation number, not the 800 number or the larger multi-hotel site. That way you can ask if this is the best deal or if there are upgrades. You may also be able to ask for a certain floor or a room away from the elevator. It’s worth a try.

And speaking of reviews, do you read them all? If you are going to read any…be sure to read them all. You don’t want to rely on one very unhappy customer or read only one review from three years ago. Read the most current ones. Pay attention to the number of happy versus unhappy people. Were the unhappy people all unhappy for the same reasons? If so, it’s probably a sign that problem still exists.

Do you sign up for email alerts for travel deals? Hotels, airlines, vacation rentals, and more offer great deals that you might not find by just looking at their websites. If you belong to their loyalty group or plan, you may even get better deals.

If you think you may receive too many emails or are afraid those travel deals will get lost in your regular email, get a dedicated email address just for those programs and alerts. Then you can check it when you are ready to plan your next trip or adventure.

According to the TSA, their new Trusted Traveler Program has been spreading to select airports across the US. As a member, you are pre-screened and then can go more quickly through security. At some airports, there is no need to remove shoes or laptops.

For frequent international travelers, the US Customs Department has a Global Entry Program.

If you travel often, both of these may be worth looking into.

This may sound like a simple question…even obvious. Do you check the status of your flight before you leave  for the airport? Did you know you can also add your cell phone number when you make the reservation? That way the airline can text you with any updates or cancellations.

It’s still a good idea to check before you leave, however.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday means a less crowded cabin and lower fares. Lately, I don’t notice a less crowded cabin. It seems my flights have all been full or nearly full.

As for fares, this might still be true. I am still able to book a slightly lower fare on those days.

How about you?

According to CheapAir.com, the best time to buy a ticket for non-holiday domestic travel is 49 days before your departure. They also say for international travel to book 81 days in advance for the best fares.

FareCompare.com suggests you shop for your best fare on Tuesdays.

Does this work for you? Do you have experience booking this way?