Originally published Sunday May 7, 2006
10 Tips to Get You There!
By Tricia Jo Webster – Awayfinder Managing Editor
1) Years ago, before Mapquest, affordable hand-held GPS devices or cell-phones-for-everyone, a girlfriend and I took a weekend trip to Seattle. It was our first trip away from Spokane – sans parental units – and we were determined to make it on our own. There’s a difference between Sea-Tac and Seattle – who knew? The pizza delivery guys we tracked down after 90 minutes of winding our way through unfamiliar streets, that’s who! And so, here’s a no-brainer domestic travel tip: When you think you’re in the right general area, but just can’t seem to find the place you’re looking for, pop into a place that delivers. It’s their job to get mu shoo pork to the door of every address within a 3-mile radius, so if you’re anywhere close, they’ll help you find your way. Say thank you by ordering a little something for the road.
2) Nothing sullies a day trip that could have turned into a magical overnighter more quickly than an unpacked pair of undies. Likewise, that long-planned destination vacation could turn into hell-on-Earth should you forget to throw an extra pair of contact lenses into your toiletry bag. You can’t plan for everything, but you can pack the important stuff – extra cell phone battery, camera battery, additional meds (even if you are just heading down the highway for a day trip – you never know!), non-perishable eats and drinks, change of clothes (always include socks and skivvies), diapers, a few extra dollars … Sometimes things are going too well to come home. Be prepared for a good time. Pack a spare – whatever.
3) Goop up early, goop up often. Don’t let the sun destroy what could otherwise be a perfect day of Vitamin D drenching. Slather on the SPF, no matter your skin tone, no matter the cloud cover. Why subject yourself or your kids to pain and possible long-term damage when there are so many quick, pleasant-smelling (or odor-free) options? Always remember the tops of your feet (and the bottoms if you’re lying on your belly for a while) and the top of your head if your hair’s getting a bit thin up there – there’s a delightful array of SPF spray gels that work perfectly for this purpose! And don’t forget to slather it on during your car trip – the sun’s rays can do damage right through the glass.
4) Most hotel prices are negotiable. If you’re comfortable haggling you can usually get yourself an easy 10% discount, sometimes more, you just have to be courteous and crafty. If the hotel’s parking lot is already full, however, don’t even try. Keep in mind that weeknights will usually be cheaper, too. Oh, and if you’re traveling without reservations, or on a whim, always ask to inspect your hotel room before you pay. Remember to ask the desk clerk if you can earn air miles for your stay – most larger chains offer this perk.
5) Flying high, baby! Next time you check in for a flight ask if there’s stand-by room in whatever class you’d like to upgrade to. If you’re holding a Coach Class ticket and there’s an empty seat in First Class at take-off time, don’t be surprised to pay just $50 for an in-flight upgrade. After a seven-hour layover in Atlanta during our honeymoon trip to the Mayan Riviera, my clever husband surprised me with this little gem of a travel tip. If you’ve never flown first-class, let me tell you, it’s worth the $50! The drinks are free and the seats are like sofas. What a dream. But do everyone a favor once you’re seated, and keep your bargain price on the down-low. That seat next to you cost someone else an extra $400. Not everyone is as savvy a traveler as you.
6) Vacation is no time to iron. To minimize the need for this chore while you’re on the road, roll your clothes instead of folding them when you pack. Larger garments, like dresses and slacks, will stay even neater if you lay them on an empty dry cleaner’s bag before rolling them tight. But T-shirts, shorts and skirts do just fine if you simply fold them in half, then roll them up like a sleeping bag before plunking them into your case. You’ll fit a lot more in your suitcase this way, too!
7) Packing gets even simpler when you think in mix-and-match terms. Black, tan and white go with just about everything so pack these basics for your bottoms (guys and gals) and throw in some color for your tops. Don’t sweat it if you wear the same outfit twice – you’re on vacation, not at the office! But, if the thought of wearing your clothes more than once while you’re on the road gives you the heebie jeebies here’s a quick and simple solution. Wash out your garments in the hotel sink using the shampoo they provide – it’s usually mild enough for almost any fabric. Hang them to dry overnight. Looking good!
Always carry a fully-loaded calling card. Yes, you have a cell phone. Yes, you have a laptop. But communication breakdowns have a way of happening when you least expect them. A calling card can be used almost anywhere – lonely roadside telephone booths, the truck stop on I-95, in the lobby of the Davenport. Sometimes kicking it old school is the best way to go.
9) If you’re packing electronic equipment that requires standard batteries – little armband-type workout stereos, the kids’ handheld games, your electronic Sudoku puzzle – be sure to turn the battery wrong-side-out, disconnect it, or remove it from your gadget altogether. Those little on/off buttons have a way of turning on, and staying that way through the duration of your transport. Your suitcase may enjoy the din, but searching for fresh batteries before you can tune out the rest of the world doesn’t exactly sound like a great way to start a vacation.
10) Handy wipes are one of the most useful inventions on the planet. Keep a fresh supply in the car – you never know when that on-the-go cheeseburger will flop right onto your lap. Sometimes you just don’t have the luxury of washing away road grime in a hot shower. No worries – you have handy wipes! A quick swipe to the back of your neck, between your toes, at the back of your knees, all over your hands, even across your face … Aahh you’ll feel refreshed in no time. Many brands are drenched with aloe and moisturizers so you won’t feel dried out after your wipe-down. Pocket-sized hand sanitizer is another travel-must. Keep one in the glove box, one in your backpack, one in a Ziploc bag in your cooler. Clean as a whistle!
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