Tips for the Savvy Traveler

Make Every Moment Memorable; and Learn from My Mistakes

I love to travel and discover new places. I feel like a child again, bubbling with anticipation and awe as I uncover the wonders of my newfound destination. With some planning and forethought, your travels can instill that childhood rush.

Planning Your Trip; Getting the Best Price

First, a little planning before traveling can save time and inconvenience. I like to use several websites to find the cheapest and most convenient itinerary. My favorite is Kayak.com, but lately, I have used several other websites to compare. Some websites I frequent are google flight, momondo, Trip Adviser, eDreams, booking.com, and Skyscanner. Surprisingly, some desirable options may only appear on one of these websites. It may be time-consuming, but it will save you lots of money. For example, Google flight and Kayak follow daily trends to your desired flight and will suggest whether the airfare is expensive, reasonably priced, or a screaming buy. If you are not ready to purchase or think the price may fall, you can arrange for a notification to be sent to your email when the price drops.

Once I find the itinerary I like, I book it on the airline website. Unfortunately, booking on third-party websites have two significant disadvantages. First, any changes or cancelation requires contacting the third party's customer service — which is difficult to reach or requires contacting via a Chatbot or email. Very time-consuming, lengthy, and frustrating. Second, any booking on a third party's website requires using their rewards program. Any miles accrued from the airlines are forfeited. I prefer the airline miles; it's a matter of personal preference. The advantage of accruing points on third-party websites is that you can use them across airlines, car rentals, and properties within their site.

Being flexible with your dates may also make flying affordable. Weekend travel dates are more expensive and sell out quickly; booking early will usually reward you with better airfare prices. I have opted to travel to a neighboring city with a larger airport and more airline options the night before. I have no problem driving the night before for five hours. I am usually rewarded with saving five hundred to a thousand dollars on my airfare. For a family of four, that is no pocket change. I fly out to the neighboring city the night before and make it a mini trip within a trip. I enjoy dining out with my family the evening before, staying at a comfortable hotel, and flying out the next day. Some hotels have deals where you can leave your car in their parking lot and pay a fraction of the airport parking fees during your trip. So ask the hotel if they offer discount airport parking and their terms before booking.

Flight Insurance

Before Covid, I never bought flight insurance or purchased a refundable ticket. But I have changed my tune recently. Thankfully, Covid has waned its grip on travel, but the travel and hospitality industry still needs more staff. After seeing several airlines suffering from unexpected cancellations, having travel insurance protects you from the unforeseen hassles of trip delays and outrageous prices of last-minute hotel bookings. You can get travel insurance online instead of buying it from the airline when you book your tickets. Some independent travel insurers require at least a week's advance purchase before departure.

If the unexpected happens and you suffer an extreme delay or cancelation, you will be thrilled with travel insurance. Also, consider that European delays and cancelations abide by EU rules and regulations that are more favorable to passengers. In the US, passengers hampered by delays and cancelations must beg and plea for the airlines' help. Act quickly because the airlines close their information desk when the last flight leaves the terminal. You may be stranded at the airport without anyone at the counter. Good luck calling customer service during massive cancellations; you may be waiting on hold for over an hour. If you do find an agent, be courteous. I've seen irate passengers be verbally rude and belligerent, and the flight attendant at the counter left and never returned. One unruly passenger ruined it for all of us as he rolled his oversized luggage at the attendant while lashing with a few cuss words under his breath.

Airline agents follow the rules and will issue hotel, meal, and transportation vouchers. There are always catches to the vouchers. Let's talk about my pet peeve, the airline voucher. Vouchers have their limits. Usually, they are good at the airport terminal and immediately surrounding area, think hotels and hotel restaurants. The restaurants at the terminal close early; good luck using your meal voucher. Once you claim your bags, you are expected to exit and leave. Heaven helps you find your way back to the terminal where all the restaurants are located. Most restaurants are past security; you must enter with a valid same-day travel ticket. Don't make a scene with a TSA agent. Many terminals are like giant octopuses. Ultimately, you are frustrated and tired by now, and all you can think about is going to your hotel and sleeping.

I have had meal vouchers that were only usable at the airport. If the meal vouchers are usable outside the airport, they may still be worthless. In a long line, I waited patiently for customer assistance at the ticket counter. I received my rescheduled flight, hotel, transportation, and meal vouchers due to my canceled flight. Adding all the time waiting in long lines, getting rescheduled for my flight, getting my vouchers, taking a Lyft to the hotel, staying in another long line at the hotel lobby check-in, getting my room, and dropping off my luggage, I discover to my shock, all the restaurants in and around the hotel close at 10 pm. My dinner voucher became worthless. I'm flying out the following day.

In the past, the airlines would book you in a convenient hotel at the airport. Most of the airport hotels are usually very clean and comfortable. Lately, airlines have become cost conscious. My recent flight cancelation resulted in the airline booking a hotel one hour from the airport. It was considerably cheaper to stay at that three-star hotel with a Lyft voucher than at an airport hotel with a free shuttle. The airline saved $150. I checked and compared prices on hotels.com.

As you can see, having travel insurance takes care of all the hassles. If you are delayed, you have to book your hotel accommodation, but you decide where you want to stay. Submitting all receipts to your insurance once you arrive home, and you should be reimbursed within three months. Check your policy for cost limits and restrictions. For example, I wouldn't book the most expensive room on the property.

Where to Stay Once You Arrive at Your Destination

Once I book my airline ticket, I look at my hotel options. I reserve the hotel near the popular sites and attractions of my destination. This way, I can see whatever I want without paying for taxis and rental cars. I checked out the reviews of the hotel and located the highly-rated restaurants in the area. I try to avoid a car rentals. Nowadays, parking downtown can be expensive. Why rent a car when it mostly sits idle in a costly parking garage? One is better off taking taxis or Uber to your destination than renting a car during a holiday. The better option is to book a hotel close to the attractions and walk or take a short taxi ride to those sites.

I use a hotel if I stay for three days or less. Usually, if I'm in a new destination for three days, I want all the conveniences of a hotel. Many major hotel chains are centrally located near the sites I want to visit. The front desk or concierge can help suggest the closest cafe or bakery for breakfast. I also ask the hotel staff the best way to reach an attraction. Can I walk, take the subway, or take a taxi? How much should I expect to pay for the taxi fare? What neighborhoods are safe, and which should I avoid late at night? These and hundreds of other questions will occur, and it's nice to have the hotel staff guide you around the area.

I love Airbnb. I prefer them when my stay is longer than three days. I get a kick imagining myself living like a local. Your Airbnb host or hostess usually has printed a list of stores and popular restaurants within the area. The host will usually greet you and give you valuable tips about the neighborhood. I like walking to the nearest grocery store and getting a few lunch staples like sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. Go out in the morning to an outdoor cafe and relax. It's fun to talk with your spouse and catch up amidst the people-watching. This is where we plan what attractions to see today and tomorrow, where to dine, and what to do late at night. Even sitting on a park bench at a busy plaza, watching people going about, is fine with me.

I spend the month before my departure researching activities, tours, and restaurants at my destination. Travel books are fantastic and reliable. One tip, go to a book reseller and buy guidebooks. These guidebooks are only two or three years old and still have relevant information on attractions and restaurants. Attractions stay the same, and great restaurants have staying power. TripAdvisor and Google are very good at checking out the reviews of restaurants and tourist sites. If you see a recent lousy review, save yourself the possible hardship and stay away. If an establishment gets two or three bad reviews within the past two months, say, 'hasta la vista baby.' As a foodie, I search for the best places for traditional dishes and desserts. It is always a treat to sample the local cuisine. I am always satisfied with the dishes, the presentation, and the restaurant's ambiance. And frequently, I am pleasantly surprised by the spectacle of live entertainment that many restaurants have once or twice a week. And the best part, the cost of a night out on the town pays itself for the unforgettable experience.

The 'Unexpected'

One of my favorite experiences was discovering a well-known neighborhood bistro in a small town called Rio. It wasn't on TripAdvisor, but the hotel clerk highly recommended it. An open-air bistro with seven tables, two servers, and a cook. One of the servers was also the owner. The owner recommended their specialty. My palate sizzled after tasting their herbs and citrus pork chops. But when the owner brought a local wine carafe to the table, I went crazy. It was the most delicious red wine I had ever tasted. I quickly asked what wine this was and implored him to add a couple of bottles to my tab. I wanted to fly home with them. The owner frowned apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, sir, but the wine is from a local winery. I don't have any bottles, just the barrel it came with." My heart sank. The house wine was incredible, and it was only 7 Euros. I would have packed that barrel in my suitcase if I could. The meal and wine were the most fantastic dining experience of my life. And the best part about it; it happened serendipitously. I will never forget that evening. It is 'the unexpected' that makes life extraordinary.

A week before departure, I start to pack my suitcase. I prefer hard-shelled suitcases, especially if returning home with bottles of wine or spirits from my destination. The hard-shelled case protects wine bottles and delicate souvenirs for the trip back home. Packing one carry-on luggage and checked baggage for departure is the smart way to start a vacation. Unfortunately, the unthinkable can happen, and the airline may lose your checked luggage. Contact the airline immediately, fill out their lost luggage form, and give a detailed description of your suitcases. Take a picture of your luggage before your trip. Also, take photos of your luggage tags. You have a digital record if you lose your luggage tags. As an insurance measure, I carry carry-on luggage with three or four days worth of outfits. If my checked baggage is lost, I can still enjoy my vacation. Usually, the airline will have my luggage at my hotel on the second or third day of arrival.

Preparing Your Suitcase

I also gather my electronic and tech gear. I always travel with my laptop and tablet. So I can stay in touch with my emails and with work. Inevitably, something that requires my attention is a bill to pay while away or a pressing issue at work. I want the ease of mind that I can correct a problem with my computer while on the road.

I have learned my lesson and traveled with a light, powerful, and long-lasting laptop. Apple laptops are the answer to my prayer. Either the Apple Mac Air or Pro is perfect. Lightweight and lasting beyond fifteen hours on a single charge. Now I can take my office anywhere. On the terrace of my hotel room or the quaint coffee shop down the street from my hotel. I am not chained to my hotel outlet. I can still sip my cappuccino from an outdoor bistro, soak in the sun, enjoy the people-watching, and keep in touch with the office. It almost feels like I'm cheating at the office, but I'm not.

Noise-cancelling Earbuds and Headphones

Spend the money and invest in a good pair of noise-canceling earbuds or headphones. You'll thank me when you are in your later years. The constant rumble of jet engines while flying will take a toll on your hearing. Avoid the grief and the need for hearing aids later in your life. Great brands are Sony, Bose, LG, AirPods, and Beats.

Chargers and Outlet Adapters

Often people need to realize that outlets are different from continent to continent. Fortunately, today's power supplies work for both 120 V and 220 V. Unfortunately, the plug outlets are various and require adapters. Make sure you have them with you before your travels. Also, double-check that you have all the charging cords for your devices. It's frustrating to forget to pack your charger and charging cables for a holiday—even more frustrating shopping for a replacement at thrice the price but half the quality.

As a techie, I invest in power bricks to recharge my phone or computer when traveling internationally. No need to worry about finding an outlet. Since transoceanic flights can be lengthy, phone batteries are close to depleted upon arriving at your final destination. I also like carrying three in-one charging cables to charge any device with only one cable—no need to have USB C, lightning, and micro USB cables separately.

Have a Digital Copy of Your Reservations

A copy of my itinerary and hotel reservation on my phone is always a smart move. This avoids carrying paper copies of your reservations. And nothing is handier than your phone.

Beach Gear

Any beach holiday requires three items. Swell containers to keep your ice-cold drinks on the beach or by the pool. Pack your swell in your luggage and be styling on the beach when you arrive at the resort. The last thing you want is a glass container to break into pieces by the pool or beach. Sunscreen prices at hotels or tourist shops are costly.

Finally, what is beachwear without dark sunglasses? One should always have more than one pair. Sunglasses must fit your mood. Styles vary from cool and mysterious to wild, fun, and dangerous.

Great Beach Footwear

I have seen cheap flip-flops result in broken ankles. Instead, invest the extra money in a good pair of comfortable sandals. Also, if you plan to do watersports, invest in a good pair of water shoes that will protect your feet from shells, rocks, and pebbles.

Tip for Exceptional Service

Tip those that help you. Many of us are on a budget when we travel. Allow for tips in your budget. I met a man at a Mexican all-inclusive who always carried one hundred single dollar bills. He would reward good service and hard-working wait staff with a few dollars in tips. Many workers at these all-inclusive resorts could make a better salary. Rewarding staff for hard work ensures they continue their enthusiasm for other future customers. Think of it as a stimulus toward Paying forward. He didn't do it because he was trying to get more out of the waitstaff; he genuinely appreciated their efforts.

In Summary:

Planning for your Holiday will eliminate many headaches. The adage, "Failure to plan, plan for failure," bodes well for travel. Travel smart and lay out a plan before you leave for vacation. Enjoy yourself on your next Holiday.

1) Purchase your airfare, hotel, and car rental ASAP. The sooner, the better (cheaper).

2) Review travel guide books and websites to plan the tourist sites and restaurants that you want to visit

3) Rent a Hotel near the sites you want to visit.

4) Use hard shell luggage to protect the bottle of wine and souvenirs you bring with you when you return

5) Invest in an Apple MAC Air or MacBook Pro. These laptops are phenomenal and light; they are the undisputed champs regarding battery life.

6) Save digital copies of your reservations and itinerary on your phone and cloud account

7) Dont forget Sunglasses, Sandles, and Sunscreen

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