10 Smart Travel Tips to Save You Time, Money... and Keep You Safe!

  1. Beware of Hungry ATMs – While withdrawing money from an ATM, use a machine outside a bank and make sure the bank lobby is open for business. If the machine gobbles your card, you can then go into the bank and retrieve it.

  2. Carry a Photo of Your Child – Traveling with kids? A color picture of your child’s face carried in your wallet or purse is worth a thousand descriptive words should he or she get lost.

  3. Learn the Culture – Before you travel, check your library for printed or online CultureGrams™. They tell you what is proper and improper socially, religiously, and politically, and outline dress codes, culinary customs, manners, etc. in different countries. For instance, some things are okay for men but not for women. A few minutes spent learning these fascinating differences will make you feel far more comfortable when you travel to another country.

  4. Divide Your Cash – When you reach your destination, split your cash in four and hide each portion in different suitcases and places. If you get robbed, you’ll still have something left.

  5. Claim Lost Luggage Immediately! – If the airline loses your luggage, don’t leave the airport! Some airlines won’t honor passengers’ claims once you step foot outside!

  6. Do As the Locals Do! – Don’t just visit the touristy places! Break away from your tour group and talk to the locals! Use local transport (ask your hotel staff what areas to avoid, especially at night)… shop at grocery stores… street vendors… pharmacies… and outdoor markets. Ask hotel staff what the locals do for fun!

  7. Don’t Get Locked Out! – When renting a car, always insist on two sets of keys. If you lose your only set, you could waste a lot of valuable vacation time trying to resolve the matter. If the rental agency won’t give you an extra set, get one made at the nearest hardware store if your rental agreement doesn’t expressly prohibit you from doing so.

  8. Keep Photos Organized – Plan on taking lots of photos on your trip? Label your plastic film containers numerically! After shooting a roll of film, put it in a numbered container and enter the number and location in your Day-Timer planner. When you develop the film, if you note that same number on the developing package, it’ll be much easier to figure out where each roll of film was taken.

  9. Memory Makers – If your vacation includes different destinations, buy a postcard in each one, jot down a particularly interesting experience… affix local stamps… and then mail it to your home address. When you get home you’ll have a mailbox full of great memories with beautiful photos to boot!

  10. Take a Narrated Bus Tour – It’s probably the fastest (and least expensive) way to learn about (and experience) any new city where the service is available. It gives you a quick overview and enables you to choose which areas you’d like to explore in greater detail. You’ll be escorted to dozens of places that might otherwise take you days to discover!


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