Having a bit of Covid "cabin fever?" Once Covid has subsided, here are a few tips to help you travel easily, and please remember: travel with handy wipes, wear your mask, keep your distance and wash your hands often.
15 Smart Travel Tips:
1. Drink plenty of water when flying, and avoid too much alcohol and sodas as these will dehydrate you.
2. Ladies: invest in one neutral colored (grey, black, beige or navy) very light, very thin, wool pashmina. I wear mine as a scarf in the winter, on train trips, on my lap covering my legs at the movie theatre and even on flights to warm climates!
3. When first on the plane set your watch if changing time zones.
4. Eat when you are hungry. E-mail or call ahead to your hotel and ask what type of coffee makers are in the rooms and bring those coffee pods/bags. Hotels charge a fortune for extras. Also, if your Country allows, pack a bit of half & half pods, travel sized salami, cheeses, olives, nuts & chocolate (the kind that do NOT need to be refrigerated) and crackers (& other foods you may like that do not need to be refrigerated) so you will have a bit to eat if you arrive late and everything is closed. Can't tell y'all how many tapas style dinners we have had this way while traveling! Save your bottled water and nuts from the plane too! Also, bring a few kitchen zip lock bags for leftovers as those "doggie bag" boxes are huge and take up too much room in your mini-fridge. Leftovers and plane food can be easily stored in any hotel room mini-fridge and you will save money and waste nothing!
5. Get up and walk around and stretch as much as you have opportunity on long train trips and flights.
6. Be alert always. When entering any room or theatre, look for the exit signs and doors, and remember where they are located.
7. Blend in. Do not be loud or boisterous. Ladies, if an establishment allows you to sit at the bar by yourself, just be mindful. Do not ever leave your drink on the bar to use the restroom, and return to drink the rest of your drink. Please take care and be careful. Do not give out your phone number. Have the gentleman give you his phone number, then you are in control.
8. Travel lightly. Many people duplicate and triplicate pack. You won't use half the clothes you will pack. No matter how long the trip, pack for 6 days & nights only. Stick to one pair of nice looking, yet comfortable black shoes for the day and 1 dress pair of shoes for evening, and pack black & navy clothing. One jacket. One skirt. One pair of casual and dress pants. One black sweater. A few light jewel toned shells or beige shirts to mix & match will do. Travel websites have washable under garments for ladies and gentlemen that will hand wash & dry overnight!
9. Use covered luggage tags.
10. Bring extra copies of your passport, prescriptions & important documents. I store mine inside my makeup case.
11. DO NOT travel with any valuable or sentimental jewelry, engagement rings or watches you cannot live without. If you do, keep them on your person. Don't wear fake bling jewelry either as muggers don't know the difference. Tuck your necklaces IN. Muggers will rip them off your neck & knock you down, even if they are fake. They won't know the difference or care. Ladies: if you must wear rings, turn them around when out on the street.
12. Seek out a local Pharmacy and go inside & ask for the business card of the pharmacist, usually available on the pharmacy counter. Ask for a fax and an e-mail incase you need to have your Doctor fax in or e-mail a prescription.
13. DO NOT wear a "fanny pack." This item in particular screams "Mug me here!" Travel catalogues have reasonably priced belts, shirts, and pants with interior hidden zippered pockets. They have annual sales too so with a bit of planning ahead, you may purchase these items on sale!
14. Always walk where there are people. If you feel you are in danger, dodge into any building with a doorman, a hotel, or any restaurant. Don't yell "help." Yell "Fire!" People always run towards a fire to help out.
15. Just use your common sense and don't be where you're not supposed to be when you're not supposed to be there. Gas up your car when reaching your destination. Always travel with a lighter, matches and a flashlight. Lock your car. Lock your door.
Top 10 list of travel faux pas:
1. Don't assume things outside of America will be the same as within America.
2. If abroad on business, relax, socialize and develop your business relationships a bit first before getting down to business.
3. Don't compare customs, quality of goods and services or business practices inside the United States to those outside of the United States. Check guide books on local customs and business practices before you travel.
4. Even though in some countries and cultures (one example is Malaysia), it is proper to ask how much someone makes for a living, don't talk about money. Ever. For any reason. Inside or outside of the US. It's considered by most to be déclassé.
5. Don't misinterpret body language, such as standing too close, "close talkers", bowing, staring or not smiling. Different cultures have different mores and manners. Know before you go.
6. Don't fidget with your feet. Don't touch or point with your feet. Don't show the soles of your shoes. Feet and the soles of one's shoes are considered "dirty" or bad luck in many countries.
7. Watch your hand gestures. Many hand gestures have obscene meanings abroad. Also, keep your hands out of your pockets. Don't stand around with your hands stuck in your pockets. Europeans will wonder what you are doing in there. Pockets are for making change only. Also, don't touch anyone. Don't point with your finger. Don't point with your feet. Best to simply keep your hands at your sides.
8. Try to dress up a bit. Dress simply and be clean. Don't "go native." Just try to avoid looking like you are cleaning out your garage. No bra straps showing or tube tops. Tuck your shirt in. Clean your shoes. Wash your hair. It is also best to wear covered shoes. No one wants to look at your dirty toes, filthy feet or gross sandals on a plane. If you are late and need to run to your plane or train, tripping on flip flops is not the best way to get anywhere or exit quickly from a building or plane. Remember: Casual chic will admit you anywhere. Blending in is the best way to go. Black or Navy always works, and you can mix black and navy with either beige shirts or jewel toned blouses. You'll look thinner in black or navy too! This way, you can pop into the best hotel in the city and use their lovely, clean restrooms, and after, have an ice cream or drink in their cafe or bar. You'll look nice and fit in anywhere, because half the fun in traveling is treating yourself and enjoying your trip to the fullest.
9. Always veer towards the formal. Always use proper and correct titles and surnames until invited to do otherwise, especially with elders.
10. Always follow the appropriate dining etiquette and customs. In Europe, and especially in Germany, you will be considered dishonest and hiding something if you eat in the American style and place your hands in your lap. Eat in the Continental style! Even today, they will think you "have something up your sleeve." In many countries, it is considered crass, or strange, to eat while walking down a public street or drink your coffee while riding in a car. As a general rule, do not chew gum in public. Do not decline food or drink from your host. Never show displeasure with a particular food or drink you may not like.
Remember to use your magic words ("please", "thank you", "may I" and "you're welcome") when traveling and save your change all year so that you may tip often & generously. You will receive better service, better tables, better seats, better travel!
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