Travel Tips

We've told you before that the easiest and best way to access and carry money in a foreign country--or anywhere, for that matter--is to use an ATM. Please remember that there is generally a charge placed on your use of an ATM, so when you use one, withdraw enough money each time you use an ATM to last you for a week or so. You don't want to be taking dribs and drabs of $20.00 each and having to pay numerous charges. More Tips

Speaking of people with disabilities, if you have trouble walking, speak with the Concierge or Purser (depending upon whether you are on land or sea) and he or she may just supply you with what you need for sightseeing or tours.

If you do buy from an art auction onboard a cruise ship, try to buy something that is "take off". You can enjoy the piece from the moment you buy it and the shipping charges (which are pretty high) are nonexistent.

Would you like an up-side to the new passport rules? I found one. You will be traveling into and out of the United States with only people who have at least minimally high morals. Passports are not granted to just anyone, and folks in trouble with the law will be denied a passport--at least, that's what the law states. It will be nice to know that the cruisers in the next stateroom are probably not wanted for some major violation--of course, they probably didn't have a warrant out for their arrest the last time I cruised next door to them, either.

Speaking of limousines, try to have a limo pick you up wherever you go if you can. Sometimes it costs money--but then, so do taxis; and sometimes it's free. It's great fun, and makes your vacation so much more unforgettable!

Some of the greatest cruise deals can be found on Repositioning Cruises. All of the major cruise lines 'follow the market' and move their ships from Europe to the US and back or from Alaska to the Caribbean and back during the year to keep up with where they believe consumers want to sail. And we, the consumers, are the winners. The cruise lines would rather not sail away empty, and we can purchase a stateroom for a minimal cost.

If you have never visited Walt Disney World and enjoy wine, this is a must-do! Every October/November, Epcot hosts the Wine and Food Festival and nations around the world send their very best for you to try. There is an added cost, of course, but it is very much worth it. Some of my favorites are Australian, Polish, French, Italian--well, okay. I love them all. Take my advice and enjoy the Festival! It's like visiting 20 countries (for a lot cheaper) all in a few days.

Airport delays are common--especially during winter flights originating or ending in Northern climates. Be sure that if you are traveling with children, you have plenty for them to do. Carry a separate small bag filled with enough toys, crayons, and paper to keep them busy. Have them make drawings for Grammy or color pictures for Auntie Nana. And don't forget that they will need to run around and expend some energy during layovers, but the LAST thing they should do is run freely through the airport or the waiting areas! Take them off to an area that is empty (or nearly so) and lay down a portable Hopscotch game or some other running/jumping game and let them go! Also, many airports now have children's play areas with toys, slides, and things to climb on. Check with the ticket agent for your airline to locate the nearest to you.

With that secret in mind, I have even been known to pack a small suitcase inside a larger one for big trips where I know I'm going to be buying a lot of presents. I can fill the empty space with all those goodies no one wants! Just be sure, as Lindsay says, that you stay within the weight limits on planes. They are much stricter than they used to be.

If you decide to take part in one of the 'volunteer vacations', pay close attention to the items you are asked to take with you. There are reasons for what you can and cannot take, so check with the organization before you leave home. Packing a curling iron for a trip to count dingoes in the Australian outback may not be your best use of limited luggage space.

I purchased a huge coat that almost touches the floor before I flew to Russia in March. This was my best investment, ever. I curled up on the plane and slept under my warm and heavy 'blanket' instead of those useless, flimsy things the airlines sometimes have available 'for your comfort'. Pay a little more for the best travel accessories and you will be happy you did.

If you are driving in Mexico, pay extreme attention to speed limits and the rules of the road. The last thing you want is to have problems in any country when you travel, so don't be the "Ugly American" on any road. Your way of driving at home may not be the best way of driving elsewhere.

Did you know that Holland America Line requests that you do not tip their staff? If you tip as requested on most cruise lines, tips can run up to $100 per person for a 7-night cruise. Although we generally leave tips on Holland America for the excellent services their staff provides, it is not requested or required. Try Holland America Cruiselines for your next vacation, and save some money!

Travel Tip: If you are a senior (that's one of us old folks) and do not belong to AARP, it is well worth your few dollars a year to join. There are many, many benefits--everything from lower insurance rates to discounted travel.

Remember to check the prices of products in the Duty-Free shops on board a cruise (or any other location designated "Duty Free"). You may not be saving as much as you think if you pay more for the product and less in taxes. Get the best deal by knowing, roughly, the prices of items you want, making sure they are truly priced within that range, and then you will really save when you shop "Duty-Free."

While you are at the State Fair, take advantage of the prize drawings that are going on. There may be cars or trips or any number of incredible prizes awaiting you. Remember--the money goes to a good cause, and because the drawings are limited to the few hundred or thousand people who enter, your chances of winning are super! Good luck!

For the disabled passenger, make sure that the cruise line or tour company is aware of your limitations. If you, for example, don't have your own wheelchair but need assistance walking, let the company know that you will require one of their wheelchairs. Generally, the company's wheelchair can only be used during embarkation and debarkation, but even that much can help you enjoy your vacation!

Try not to travel to Florida during the hurricane season. If you must (of course you may find really great deals during hurricane season), please see the above secret. Can you guess where Kate and Kris have traveled to this week 9/25? Yes, it's sunny (not) Florida! Hey, but Disney World is still open!

If you have booked a 'Swim with the Dolphins' excursion for your cruise, be absolutely sure that you purchase a video--or have someone take a video--of your swim. It is a once in a lifetime experience and you will want to relive it over and over. The videos are expensive ($20.00 to $40.00) but some of the money goes directly back to the care and protection of the dolphins. Don't miss out!

Keep a good chunk of different denominations of coins in your car as you travel. Why? Because in some states, you will drive on toll roads that take "Correct Change Only". I, for one, hate to give up too much cash when I don't have to.

If you travel into New England you will most likely venture through Boston. Take advantage of the subway system (also called "THE T"). It is a very inexpensive way to see Boston, and they do stop at many of the main sites to see, especially Government Center where you can learn the history of not only Boston, but much of New England.

Outdoor fun - Don’t overplan your outdoor vacation. Whether you are looking forward to scuba diving off the Florida coast, hiking the Pacific Coast Trail or skiing the Alps, make sure you take time to relax and regroup. Just being outdoors and doing almost nothing can be far more tiring than wandering through a museum—add to that the strenuous activity most of us go outside to enjoy, and you’ll find yourself tiring more quickly.

- National Parks are prime areas for outdoor activities. Remember that they are prime areas for everyone, and with each passing year, you’ll find more people and less private space awaiting your visit. Although America’s National Parks are considered the crown jewels, don’t forget that America also has many priceless gems in its State Parks. Summer or winter, the state parks can be more restful and enjoyable than the more heavily promoted federal areas.

- Be aware of the altitude. When you are flying in a commercial airplane, the inside ‘altitude’ of the plane is generally the same as if you are sitting at about 8,000 feet. If you sometimes feel uncomfortable in that ‘altitude’, don’t push yourself when you are outdoors in that same altitude. There are people who, when driving through Yosemite National Park over 9,945 foot high Tioga Pass, for example, experience signs of mild to moderate altitude sickness—nausea, headache, shortness of breath.

Tip 8/21/04: When traveling by air, try to bring only carry-on luggage and you will save yourself about 30-45 minutes dealing with extra luggage. Using space-saver bags can really help to cut down on packing space (plus they double as laundry or wet swimsuit bags). If you only have 2 bags and aren't sure, wait until you get the gate to check the bag. If the flight isn't full you may be able to carry-on a larger bag.

* Even though the rooms on board a train are cleaned in between passengers, take an air freshener with you and place it on the window sill. I like to carry a little vanilla-scented candle and light it in the evenings. It just makes the whole train experience more enjoyable. Be sure that you are careful with any lit object.

* The little credit cards that you can attach to your key ring cannot be used for payment at some car rental agencies. Another form of payment may be requested.

Don't be surprised if, when you enter a museum, you are asked to put little booties over your shoes. Some areas in Eastern Europe have been having their floors polished by the visitors for years. In our opinion, it's a great idea.

If you decide that this is the year that you want to see the fall foliage up north, we hope you already have your hotel reservations. Fall is the busiest time in New England, thanks to the incredible beauty of the leaves as they change from green to red, purple, yellow, or orange. You can pay as much for a couple of nights in a hotel as you could for a New England cruise where your hotel travels with you! Check our Travel Deals for New England cruises that are still available.

We have three different and very current books informing a traveler that certain hotels and motels allow pets in the rooms. Instead of relying only on that information, call the hotel's/motel's direct-line phone number for the final word (don't call the national 800 number). We've been stuck over and over with requesting a room which allows dogs only to be told that "We don't allow pets". It doesn't make a bit of difference when you show the reservationist that the book says they do.

While on the subject about traveling with pets--most hotels/motels only allow pets in smoking rooms. That makes it tough for us non-smokers. Make sure you ask if there's any way you can be transferred to a non-smoking room.

Make sure that when you travel to an area that may have problems (example: you decide to vacation in the Caribbean during hurricane season), you cover your expenditures with insurance. If you are evacuated and your trip becomes a disaster, at least you can save part of it with insurance.

* Book your cruise as early as you can for the best value, but keep an eye out for those great deals 60-90 days out. If cabins aren't full, cruise lines may offer a huge discount for a sailing next month. This is especially true during off-season (September is a great month as kids have gone back to school).

* If you are traveling with children, many lines offer special children's programs and activities. If you have kids, ask about children's facilities before booking. The Disney Cruise is definitely the best all around for cruising with children. They have many separated areas for children and adults, where a lot of other cruise lines do not offer this.

* Ship size can be important according to what style cruise you would like. Smaller ships (accommodating 500 passengers or less) are good for an intimate environment that tend to feature highly personalized service and, often, unique itineraries. Medium-size ships (accommodating between 500 and 1,000 passengers) have a fair amount of onboard activity and entertainment without the volume of people from a mega ship. Large ships (accommodating over 1,000 passengers) cater to travelers who crave great, diverse amounts of organized entertainment, high-tech facilities and plenty of new friends.

Privacy statement Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to The webmaster Copyright © 2004-2006 MyTravelSecrets.com, Cleveland, Ohio About Us. All rights reserved. Last modified: Monday December 04, 2006.

Privacy statement

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to The webmaster
Copyright © 2004-2006 MyTravelSecrets.com, Cleveland, Ohio About Us. All rights reserved.
Last modified: Monday December 04, 2006.