filed in Excursions
How to Get Out More
I recently found my way to Marybeth Bond, an intrepid traveler, who has written countless books on the subject. I consider myself a travel wimp, and by that I mean, I’m mostly a fan of upgraded flights and lovely hotels with all the amenities. For years, I’ve considered camping the “C” word. Marybeth has been everywhere, the hard and the easy way, and I’ve got a lot to learn from her experience.
Tips from Marybeth Bond, author of 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America.
BE SKEPTICAL OF HOTEL BROCHURES AND WEBSITES: Think of what you do on your own website, you don’t post a picture of yourself that shows anything unattractive. RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION: Call and ask specific questions (Is there construction going on? Are you located near a train track?), consult a reputable travel guidebook and read online feedback from actual travelers.
TAKE EXTRA ITEMS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG: Between August 2007 and August 2008, the number of lost pieces of luggage increased by 33 percent. I recommend taking extra items in your carry-on bag and following “RULE 3-1-1: liquids and gels in a 3-ounce or less container, stored in a 1-quart sealable clear bag, and one bag per passenger.
PREPARE FOR A THEFT OR LOSS: In the past the rule was to make a photocopy of your passport and all travel documents and keep them in your luggage. The new rule is to scan your documents and email them to yourself … reachable from any internet café. Emergency lists should include: credit card and bank phone numbers, health insurance cards, personal physician contacts, airline and hotel info.
DON’T BUY TOO MUCH CAR RENTAL INSURANCE: If you’re renting a car, don’t make the mistake of buying too much car rental insurance. BEFORE YOU GO, ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT: Do I have complete policy coverage? And if planning to rent a luxury car or SUV, confirm they are covered. Also check with your credit card companies. Many credit card companies have insurance coverage included.
5 – STAR DINING FOR LESS: Here’s a little secret — go for lunch. The top restaurants in major US cities and in Europe offer superb pre-fix lunch deals. So make lunch your large meal of your day and order a price-fixed three-course lunch for $20-$30 at a fine restaurant.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Most travel insurance policies are priced between
3 percent and 8 percent of the total cost of your trip. If you have elderly parents or have any doubt about your plans, don’t risk it, get travel insurance. For expensive trips with large deposits, fixed date bookings or when adventure activities are included, play it safe and consider insurance.
SWAP YOUR HOME: Home swaps are increasingly popular. In the best house swaps … I’ve had people leave their membership cards to museums and detailed lists of their favorite restaurants and places to go in the neighborhood. BENEFITS OF A HOUSE SWAP: no lodging costs, the comforts of a real home, meeting neighbors, and living like a local, not a tourist.
CALL THE LOCAL HOTEL NUMBER: Avoid using the 800 number. Talk to a local person instead. A warm, polite voice and a little charm goes a long way.
DO WHAT THE LOCALS DO and LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Get up early, go to farmer’s markets, do exercises in the park with the locals, take public transportation and talk to people … or at least try to. Even if you only learn some basic phrases.…It’s an entry into a local culture. People really love it if you show an effort. WORDS TO LEARN: Hello/Goodbye, Please/Thank you, Beautiful, Delicious, My name is.
BE INFORMED ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS: Rule 240 is a powerful tool and great secret in the travel industry. If your flight is cancelled or delayed for any reason besides weather, the airline is required to put you on the next flight to your destination even if it’s not on their airline. These airlines honor the 240 Rule: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways. Note: this is not valid if weather is at fault, not valid on some “newer” airlines. You’ll get farther if you’re polite when invoking rule 240.
DON’T GET LOST – GET A GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING DEVISE): It’s a must-have gadget for travelers to all kinds of destinations. If you’re in a city for the first time, reduce stress, save time, and avoid the difficulty of trying to communicate in a language you may not know or understand. GPS FACTS: price range $200 to $900, car rental agencies offer day rentals and many telephone providers offer GPS service.
THE EXTRA SAFETY OF A DOOR-STOPPER: When you enter your hotel room, always engage the safety chain or security bar to double lock your door. Some hotels don’t have these safety features so I always pack a cheap simple rubber door-stopper. It’s light to pack, inexpensive and give you peace of mine. The main door may not need it, but if there is an adjoining room, it might have a flimsy lock, especially in older hotels.
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