Join the Fun!

thisisnotmyrealemail , Nick Webb/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#2

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Never forget your Towel.Just about the most massively useful thing any interstellar Hitchhiker can carry. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the beady sea vapours; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a miniraft down the slow heavy River Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand combat; wrap it round your head to ward of noxious fumes or avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (a mind-bogglingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you — daft as a brush, but very very ravenous); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course you can dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.

More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: nonhitchhiker) discovers that a hitchhiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume that he is also in possession of a toothbrush, washcloth, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet-weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitchhiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitchhiker might accidentally have "lost." What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the Galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.

Hence a phrase which has passed into hitch hiking slang, as in "Hey, you sass that hoopy Ford Prefect? There's a frood who really knows where his towel is.

A proud salute to the all-mighty Douglas Adams.

Final score:

180points

POST

censorshipsucks 4 months ago

towelie-66...4bbfc.jpeg

25points

#3

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Clean up your home/room before you leave. Once you return home, possibly exhausted from all the travelling - you can just crash.

CakesForLife Report

Final score:

153points

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JoNo 4 months ago

I agree with this! It's enough having to unpack, without having to clean the house as well.

46points

DerThan , Vasile Cotovanu/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#4

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Try the local food! I can't believe how many people are travelling to foreign places and mainly eat McDonald's etc.

Final score:

129points

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Mimi La Souris 4 months ago

try local cooked food, bacteria are not the same from one region to another and stomachs can support them differently.

48points

[deleted] , Garry Knight/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#5

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers If someone tries to hand you something on the street, IT IS NOT FREE. They will expect payment.

Final score:

127points

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White Sauce Hot Sauce 4 months ago

If you do end up with something in your hand, put it on the ground or a ledge and just walk away. The scammer won't take it back from you and they can't claim you stole it.

64points

IoSonCalaf , Sasha India/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#6

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Make sure you know what vaccinations you might need before going to a foreign country. Trust me...

Final score:

113points

POST

JoNo 4 months ago

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade website, "Smartraveller Advice" is a wealth of information for travellers. An important reason to have a look is the travel warnings - perhaps your destination is a no-go zone!

36points

skinnypup , César/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#7

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Don't be of those jerk tourists...respect the local laws, rules and customs.

Leave your stupid selfie stick and drone at home.

Final score:

112points

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Marianne 4 months ago

While I don't like selfie sticks, it's not against laws and culture to use them in typical tourist spots. (Of course it's different when you're at a place of worship or remembrance etc.)

46points

Wadsworth_McStumpy , Can Pac Swire/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#8

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers For a trip of a week or more, sit down and figure out what clothes you'll need and how much money you should bring.

Then bring half the clothes and twice the money. You'll probably still bring back unworn clothes, and be out of money.

Note: This does not apply to underwear. Bring all of those.

Final score:

107points

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Trillian 4 months ago

Bring fast drying T-Shirts and some travel detergent.

40points

TheBassMeister , Daniel Flathagen/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#9

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers My tip is to download the map of the towns you are visiting. You can do that easily in the Google Maps app. If you have the map downloaded on your phone you can easily find your way around town even if you don't have any internet connection. It won't show you the route you should walk from A to B, but through the magic of GPS you will still see where you currently are and if you are moving in the right direction.

Final score:

100points

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Ace 4 months ago

If you have offline maps loaded you don't need a connection for directions, either for a new trip within the same area or for live updates on your cirrent trip.

29points

imgur_is_spamming , Laura Mason/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#10

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Never keep your wallet in your back pocket.

Final score:

95points

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Just-4-2day 4 months ago

Don't pat your wallet when you see a "Pick-Pocket Alert" sign. All that does is tell them where you keep your wallet.

56points

Mary_Jayni , Mike Mozart/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#11

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers I know I’m going to get slack for this because Walmart. But I like to put in an order at the Walmart for pick up when we go to Orlando. I order diapers, snacks for the kids, sun screen etc. I pick the order up when we get there. We save $$$ because we have snacks and breakfast at our hotel. Plus then we don’t need to pack diapers and other baby items.

Final score:

91points

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Annik Perrot 4 months ago

That's what we do when we rent a holiday place. Put in a to-go order of groceries at the local supermarket, and pick it up on the way. Saves us having to go out again after arriving in our rental, and trudging through the crowded aisles of an unfamiliar market with all the other people who also rented from saturday to saturday, and have to shop because it's closed on sunday.

36points

crocoduckhunter , Sam Felder/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#12

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers If you're traveling in the US and want to find a good place to eat, ask a cop. They eat out every day, usually at smaller non-chain places.

Final score:

88points

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pep Ito 4 months ago

In any Spanish city, if you see public workers (police, ambulance crews, street cleaners, etc...) having breakfast in a certain bar, they are eating well and cheaply. If you see it full of tourists and non-Spanish compatriots, well, you know.

72points

keluvsorangesoda , Lawrence/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#13

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers For international travel, I'd say call your credit card/bank ahead of time to let them know what country you'll be staying in. Make copies of your passport, and know where the embassy is located. Make sure you know the rules, customs and laws of the country you're visiting. And never put your money in one place, split it up and put it in your front pockets.

Final score:

84points

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Zadigrim 4 months ago

You can also get a money belt to stash your cash in. Be sure it's one that looks like a normal belt.

24points

madboredyo , Rosanetur/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#14

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Always be aware of your surroundings. If someone/somewhere gives you sketchy vibes, there's a reason! Don't ever go near places/people that make you feel uneasy.

Final score:

83points

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censorshipsucks 4 months ago

Dress like a local and keep away from places where people are just slacking off for no reason (unless it's obviously an upmarket restaurant). Don't flash jewelry, cameras, phones. Keep in your tour group. Preferably drive everywhere with the window up and a/c cranked. Seriously. South african here.

38points

Ashiiiee , Adriano Gasparri/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#15

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Pack a complete outfit in your carry-on. Delayed baggage is extremely common and it's best to ensure you have backup clothes so you can at least wash them without having to hang around a hotel in a robe half of the day just to have some clean undies.

Final score:

82points

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goldenwood_cottage 4 months ago

Pack the outfit you want to arrive in! When going from someplace cold to someplace hot, I pack a simple, light weight outfit and change the last hour of the trip. who wants to arrive from Michigan to Kona in January in pants and a sweater?

10points

[deleted] , Jirka Matousek/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#16

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Be early. Wherever it might be, show up early.

Final score:

75points

POST

censorshipsucks 4 months ago

yep, I hate missing flights. My SO once made me miss a flight because she was f*****g around in a bookstore. I made her pay the tarrif to change the flight / ticket to a later flight and glared at her for five hours while we waited for the carrier to re-open their desk.

16points

alexiagrace , Ian T. McFarland/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#17

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Learn a few key phrases in the language of the country you're in. Ex: hello, thank you, I am lost, where is the bathroom, etc. Have a phrase book handy. Many countries now have a high English-speaking population but you never know. And it makes you look like a more considerate tourist.

Final score:

73points

POST

Guess Undheit 4 months ago

Lonely planet phrase books are cheap. And pre-print a LOT of phrases (via google translate) for things you need specifically, not general phrases in books. Also, many countries offer free PDF phrasebooks for download. These were readily available: English to Samoan [ https://www.mpp.govt.nz/assets/Resources/2023-Language-Cards/Samoa-Language-Card-web-Mar2023.pdf ] English to Fulani [ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED403752.pdf ]

25points

p0mmesbude , Teresa Trimm/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#18

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers For photo equipment or all kind of expensive stuff: put some duct tape on it. If it looks broken, nobody wants to steal it.

Final score:

70points

POST

Jan Rosier 4 months ago

Yeah right, mess up your gear with tapeglue which will never come off. Picture shows masking tape btw, big difference.

89points

#19

I recommend shopping in Supermarkets when traveling internationally. You get to understand what the locals buy for their daily groceries, get to discover new foodstuff, and get much cheaper souvenirs to bring home.

Sumtinkwrung Report

Final score:

70points

POST

Guess Undheit 4 months ago

Some have takeout precut fruit and vegetable places. Buy a container's worth and keep it in the hotel fridge for breakfast along with bread and deli meats, instant oatmeal, and other in-room breakfasts or late night snacks.

18points

anon , Mussi Katz/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#20

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers When in unfamiliar places use your phone to take pictures of landmarks that stand out. That way if you want to get back to a certain place you have a picture on your phone.

Final score:

66points

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JoNo 4 months ago

Take photos of place names and street signs. Most importantly, either take a photo or get a business card for your hotel. It's priceless for cab rides back to where you're staying, particularly in countries where the language is not your own, both verbal and written.

51points

EthelredTheUnsteady , Ansy Dupiton/Flick (not the actual photo) Report

#21

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers When you pack, roll your clothing. I can fit 10 t-shirts, 12 underwear, 2 sweaters, 3 pairs of pants, a hoodie, socks, and pajamas in a carry-on bag and still have room for books and toiletries.

Final score:

64points

POST

Just-4-2day 4 months ago

Once you roll your clothes, put them in the travel compression bags. Then put them in your carry-on.

33points

Cubanise , Kevin Gessner/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#22

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers If you're taking a taxi, always agree on the price before you get in. Cab drivers will sometimes try to rip you off just because you're a foreigner.

Final score:

64points

POST

Guess Undheit 4 months ago

ALWAYS carry small bills, NEVER expect them to have change. They'll lie and say "I don't have any".

55points

#23

If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts, bring an extra pair in case you lose or break them during your travels.

Final score:

61points

POST

Guess Undheit 4 months ago

Glasses, AND contacts. You don't need special solutions with disposable contacts, a bottle of sterile saline solution (like an IV drop bottle) will do. You can find them in most pharmacies.

18points

Trillian 4 months ago

Don't disposable contacts come in blister packs?

4points

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NotMykl 3 months ago

I just bring an extra pair of contacts as I'm not going to go through the expense of getting daily wear contacts for my blind self.

3points

Vera Diblikova 3 months ago

In my young days I worked with Professor Wichterle, the inventor of soft contact lenses (quite ïnteresting story about his whole life). The solution for contact lenses in these days was a pure (or overcooked) water and a bit of salt (taste like a teardrop),

0points

Upstaged75 4 months ago

If only I had more than one pair of glasses! In the US they're obscenely expensive.

6points

Squirrelly Panda 4 months ago

Some online retailers, like zenni optical, have decent prescription glasses at decent prices. Shop around.

3points

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Mine Truly 3 months ago

Get a better optician. Like, not a big box optician, but a small business. They'll usually be much more cooperative in finding hacks to help you out. My optician is very aware of warranty -- if my Crizal lenses get scratched within a year, I get free replacement lenses. My optician pulled other strings to get me a backup pair. You also should never throw out your old glasses when you get a new prescription -- keep them as your backup.

1point

Vera Diblikova 3 months ago

You can buy all on route. Donˇt think that all over can destroy you.

0points

PJN 3 months ago

Bring spare pair of ANYTHING that will cause misery if lost/broken. I always keep and bring my last upgraded pair of eyeglasses,

1point

Susan Cooke 4 months ago

I managed to break both pairs in Scotland in 2017.

1point

Irishwoman abroad 3 months ago

I bring a pair of really cheap reading glasses from Primark - last ones only cost me 2€! They're much lighter than my good glasses, so ideal for shoving in a bag for going out, and they're ok for short periods. My actual prescription glasses are kept for when I'm going to be reading for longer periods, but for reading a menu or directions, the crappy ones do fine.

0points

Outspan , HS You/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#24

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Toilet paper. Always have an extra roll in your backpack, you'll be a hero at least once a month. Also extra socks, dry clean socks are an amazing luxury when travelling.

Final score:

61points

POST

Just-4-2day 4 months ago

Hand Sanitizer + Toilet paper. If they don't have TP, don't count on being able to clean your hands.

33points

Scrappy_Larue , liz west/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#25

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Put a big ribbon on your big black suitcase to distinguish it from all the others at baggage claim.

anonymous:

My parents used to travel a lot, and every piece of luggage they owned was emblazoned with a wide strip of bright yellow duct tape. Headed off a lot of problems that way.

Final score:

60points

POST

JoNo 4 months ago

Here on BP I've seen suitcases emblazoned with a photo of the traveller's face in all it's full sized glory.

58points

HobbitFoot , wamdé/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#26

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Give yourself breaks when traveling. A lot of people try to pack everything in and all it causes is stress.

If you are traveling in a group, give yourself breaks from others. Some people want to do everything together, and that can lead to a lot of fighting.

Final score:

60points

POST

goldenwood_cottage 4 months ago (edited)

I plan one day 'off' every forth day of vacation. Or if gone a week, a day in the middle.

14points

Mr_Pat_Bateman , Kevin Jump/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#27

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Always bring baby wipes. They saved my life in China.

Final score:

59points

POST

pipboo@live.co.uk 4 months ago

Love the name of that product!

16points

perseus287 , Karl Baron/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#28

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers ALWAYS have a list of the belongings in your checked baggage, and make two copies- keep one with you, and leave one sitting on top of your items inside your bag so it's clearly noticeable to anyone who opens your stuff.

Final score:

54points

POST

censorshipsucks 4 months ago

your stuff WILL get stolen in african airports (speaking as an african) so make sure your bag is vacuum sealed and don't put anything special in there. Take leather shoes and electronics onboard with you. Cargo hold only stupid things like jeans and teeshirts.

43points

Globeninja , sean hobson/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#29

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers I've got a couple,

1. Always make a photocopy of your passport.

2. For tall travellers. Try get the emergency row seating, I know this one is obvious for frequent flyers but for those who are less experienced, the emergency row seating has more legroom, and will make the flight far more comfortable.

Final score:

45points

POST

censorshipsucks 4 months ago

I usually choose the bulkhead seating, there's generally a much bigger gap between the chairs and the toilet than the other rows in cattle class.

16points

americano22 , Moresheth/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#30

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Mine is to never use the coffee makers in hotels!

As a former airline crew member - I can't tell you how often we would use those to wash a pair of socks or underwear. The women routinely washed their pantyhose in them. Gross!

Final score:

33points

POST

Ace 4 months ago

I frankly never believe these tales - why would anyone use the kettle or coffee machine instead of the bathroom sink? Much more difficult, you're gonna get water everywhere, you'll need several trips to rinse them and wring them out in the bathroom... naah, I'm not buying it.

81points

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#31

Don't Panic! Its not just a hitchhikers guide reference, it's good advice. When travelling stuff changes, things go right, things go wrong, stay cool and you can really make it work. Best example: my passport got taken from my bag in a hostel, panicked, cancelled my passport (like you're meant to) and the wallet with it was found the next day (sans cash)... Now I needed a new passport in a foreign country. Later in the trip (after lesson learned) I missed the only train to city where our accommodation was booked, didn't panic, booked train to a different city which I could make a connection to the right place, used the time between trains to see an exhibit of da Vinci's codex. TL;DR: Don't Panic!

LinkStorm Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Andi 4 months ago

'when is the next bus to Nairobi? Tuesday. @do you know somewhere to stay? My sister has a small hotel - very clear, good price. Ok, thanks - and she was a great cook too!

4points

#32

If you've got a long flight ahead of you, consider checking yourself into the airport lounge. For about £30, you can get three hours of free food and drink, unlimited free WiFi, charging stations for your electronics, comfortable seating, a great view of the planes taking off (usually), lots of boards around so you can see your flight times...

Forget upgrading to business class or whatever. You can have a pleasant airport experience for a fraction of the cost, and that'll make the eight hours you're about to spend on a plane that much less stressful.

Portarossa Report

Final score:

15points

POST

Nicky 4 months ago

Or go out and see the extra city! I had a four hour layover in Maui and asked the info desk staff what I should do in the airport. He said, the beach is a five minute walk!

4points

biggman57 , Frankie Roberto/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#33

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Don’t wear polyester on a plane. Polyester traps oil which is what makes you stink. Merino wool everything on flights.

Final score:

15points

POST

Marianne 4 months ago

Merino wool is a great choice in almost every scenario. It keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It's antibacterial, so you can wear it forever without odor. It has great moisture-wicking properties, so you will sweat less and it dries in no time. Also it's a lot less itchy than classic wool.

5points

chaudyman , Matt Perich/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#34

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Don't be afraid to do some unplanned stuff! People always map out exactly what they want to do and I've found it's nice to talk to some local people and just see what happens instead of being all timetabley and stressy and stuff.

Final score:

14points

POST

Mimi La Souris 4 months ago

yes and no, especially in places with dangerous areas

4points

#35

I travel for work constantly, I'm actually writing this in an airport. My best tip is to eliminate checked baggage. This won't help if you're going on vacation, but I can't tell you how many time this has saved me.

Tight connect? Your luggage doesn't get left behind.

Want to grab an earlier connecting flight? The first thing they'll ask is if you have checked luggage.

If you eliminate checked luggage, you can literally walk off the plane and to your car or hop into a cab without breaking stride.

This goes without saying, but the airline can't lose your luggage if its with you.

Note: Please use only approved size luggage for carry on travel. If I see you on a flight with your whole life in multiple suitcases, I'll recline my seat into your lap as far as it can go.

dbones81 Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Michael Largey 4 months ago

If you're going to be changing flights, always bring a change of clothes in your carry-on.

2points

#36

My advice, having flown over a million miles on business to over 40 countries:

1. Purchase some anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking undergarments and take them on any trips that may involve high temps, a lot of walking, excessive physical activity, or prolonged wear/re-use of said undergarments.
2. Carry the travel-size packets of laundry detergent (Tide makes good ones) so you can wash clothes in your bathroom sink. This works surprisingly well, particularly for undergarments and socks. And hotel laundry fees are insane. Avoid at all costs, unless your employer is footing the bill and won't reject the expense
3. Pack up a small first aid kit that includes pain meds, anti-diahhrial, laxatives, Benedryl, cold meds, Tums, sore throat treatment, bandages, disinfectant, and other things you'd want if you we're sick and didn't have easy access to them. Always keep this in your bag.
4. Buy a $20 phone calling card in case you get stuck somewhere and don't have money or phone. Keep this away from your wallet and somewhere that it's least likely to disappear.
5. Similar to above, buy a Visa gift card with $100-200 on it and keep in a similar safe, hidden location. This is only to be used for emergencies. Losing your wallet and having no ID nor money while traveling abroad can be a nightmare.

mdowney Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Marianne 4 months ago

Merino wool undies are great for travelling!

2points

#37

After having my pocket picked in Piccadilly Circus, (Out of my FRONT pocket, the sneaky little bastard!) I bought a money belt. I wear it under my shirt and carry a small amount in my pocket. I also have a pouch that hangs around my neck, inside my shirt, with my passport and a little money. Travelsmith is a great site for stuff like this.

Final score:

14points

POST

VNES101 4 months ago

My cash goes inside my bra. You want some boobie bucks???

5points

AVeryMadFish , Engin Erdogan/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#38

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers If you're an American, just say you are Canadian.

Final score:

13points

POST

LaserBrain 4 months ago

No, please don't do that, it gives us a bad name -a Canadian

20points

#39

Don't unplug your brain because you're on vacation. Bad people look for people who are in La-La land to rob.

BombayTigress Report

Final score:

13points

POST

censorshipsucks 4 months ago

see earlier post where they tell you to just get lost and walk around. NOPE. Only in disneyland aka western europe.

1point

TripleThreat13 , MIKI Yoshihito/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#40

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Put a decoy wallet in your back pocket with nothing in it.

Final score:

13points

POST

Miliukov Oleksandr 4 months ago

put something in the decoy wallet, or you will be mugged twice

16points

#41

If you're going on a long flight get one of those neck-pillows - you will look stupid but it will be worth it x100.

Chinstrap_1 Report

Final score:

13points

POST

Helen Taylor 4 months ago

I like the inflatable neck pillows. They're not weird to carry around because they fit in my purse. When inflated, they are terrific. And, the covers are machine washable.

6points

#42

If you have an extra day to spare between two places, consider booking a flight with an overnight layover in a third city somewhere along the way. Last year, instead of going straight from Iceland to Ireland, I took a 24 hour layover in Oslo, Norway. It gave me the perfect amount of time to see the city. The flight didn't cost any more than a direct one would've (I actually think it was cheaper) so the only extra cost was a night in a hotel, which I would've been doing anyway in either Reykjavik or Dublin.

0321654 Report

Final score:

13points

POST

Nicky 4 months ago

Yes! En route to Egypt, I would always do a day in Spain, Germany, or the Netherlands. Plus, trips with 20 hr layovers were often cheaper. Two trips in one!

5points

wastingtoomuchthyme Report

#43

Always pack stuff to help your stomach - tums/gasx/Zantac/Pepto/dramamine.

Final score:

13points

POST

Cindy Brick 4 months ago

Our stomachs were saved over and over, particularly in Mexico, by taking a tablespoon of Pepto first thing in the morning. Every morning. I'm not sure why -- but it works keeping stomach bugs at bay.

5points

#44

Jet lag cure:

Once the plane takes off, set clocks to destination time. Try to stay awake until something like a normal bedtime at your destination (this will be easy or hard depending on direction of travel and the time you leave).

Get a small rest on the flight if you can. Try not to get up again until it's in the AM at your destination.

Once you land, DO NOT HAVE A NAP unless you have seen the sun go down (unless your flight is weird and arrives at night time). You need that melatonin to start flowing. Use (legal) substances if you have to.

Just as important: once the sun is down, and it's a reasonable bedtime, GO TO BED. Again, use (legal) substances if you have to.

Repeat on your second day (seeing the sun set is vital, don't stay in that hotel room!) and you should be gold.

Source: regularly fly across the Pacific, hasn't failed me in 5 years.

LaunchAllVipers Report

Final score:

12points

POST

JoNo 4 months ago

Great advice - in theory. My problem is I am rarely able to sleep on a plane regardless of the time.

8points

d33p_blu3 , David Leo Veksler/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#45

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Put your change, wallet, phone, keys, and whatever you have in your pockets into your carry on so that you dont have to fumble with them at security. Also, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Bonus answer: Dress for the climate that you are going to, not the one you are leaving. I took a trip with my family to Hawaii from Denver, in December. I wore shorts and a t-shirt and they all wore jeans and sweaters. Yeah, I was cold for bit when we left the house until the car warmed up, but when we got to Hawaii and were waiting for the rental cars, and then more waiting at the hotel check-in, I was way more comfortable than everyone else.

Final score:

12points

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goldenwood_cottage 4 months ago

Pack the outfit for your destination, change on the plane!! I do it all the time. Usually my blouse will match both outfits, change pants for skirt/shorts - ditch the cardigan and socks.

1point

NewGuyCH , 401(K) 2012/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#46

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Have plenty of money but don't appear rich.

Final score:

12points

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censorshipsucks 4 months ago

No need for cash in South Africa. Use applepay, zapper, snapscan, tap to pay etc

1point

#47

Pack light. Especially if you're backpacking/sole traveller. Everything in one bag!

Roll your clothes when you're packing. You can really compact bag this way.

Plastic bag for your dirty clothes.

Ear plugs. If you're travelling on a budget, you will probably be staying in some noisy located places. They really help.

Be wise. Scammers like to pick out tourist and do what ever they do.

Photocopy or take a photo on your phone of your passport/other docs.

Look up local tipping custom.

Don't rush everywhere at once. Do your own thing.

Have fun!

anon Report

Final score:

11points

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Marianne 4 months ago

Never take more luggage than you can manage yourself!

6points

#48

Pack up the night before. That will save you time and you won't be rushing out the door to catch your flight/cab/what have you.

Brewza Report

Final score:

11points

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Nicky 4 months ago

My math teacher once said that packing takes as long as the amount of time you have. You can pack effectively in 2 hrs. Also, do a week´s laundry and then pack it - you have everything you need!

3points

#49

If you need to rent a car, rent from a place that is within a short cab drive distance to the airport as opposed to the car rental locations at the airport itself. The difference saved me $500 on a recent trip to Florida.

mtg-Moonkeeper Report

Final score:

11points

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Connie Hirsch 4 months ago

A lot of airport/city rentals have EXTRA taxes on the rental fees, going five miles to a suburb may save a whole lot.

2points

#50

The concierge at your hotel is your best friend. If you’re looking for something interesting to do off the beaten path, ask them. Need directions? Ask them. Best food in town? Yup, they know.

While staying in Madrid one year, my mom and I decided that we wanted to see a flamenco show. We asked the concierge for his recommendation. Instead of just telling us where to go, he called up the venue for their showtimes, booked our tickets, gave us written directions for how to get there on public transportation, and told us the best place to sit when we got there. It was a fantastic night out, and he earned himself a nice tip when we left.

lunaismyhomegirl Report

Final score:

10points

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Nicky 4 months ago

The concierge often suggests expensive things. In San Franccisco, the library offers 70 free walking tours of the city, run by retired volunteers who completed a six month training. The hotels suggest expensive tours instead.

8points

mrlr , Jellaluna/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#51

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers When I make a packing list, I sort the items by which room they are in so I'm not dashing from room to room to get them.

Final score:

10points

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Fry Day 4 months ago

I just make a staging area next to my luggage.

8points

Solsed , amazon (not the actual photo) Report

#52

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Get a multi power converter and a multi-plug power board to plug into it. You'll always be able to power your devices, and you'll make heaps of friends. :).

Final score:

9points

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#53

Don't go with your family. Last year I went to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by myself. I had the greatest time of my life. In February I went to Toronto by myself. I ended up getting into Rebel Nightclub (one of the top night clubs in Canada) and even got the VIP treatment. Two months ago I went to Lisbon, Barcelona and Rome with my sisters. There was nonstop arguing and bickering and whenever we were together we had a horrid time. I also went to Copenhagen during that trip. I met up with a friend from home and we had an awesome adventure. Don't go on adventures with your family. I love my sisters. I love them very dearly. But they're shi**y travel partners.

jeebus224 Report

Final score:

9points

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Just-4-2day 4 months ago

Pick your travel partners carefully.

16points

no_talent_ass_clown Report

#54

Ask your hotel staff what the charge should be for taking a local taxi to/from your sightseeing destination. Then learn 'I know the rate" in the local language. Say it when your taxi driver tries to charge you 10X the right price.

Final score:

9points

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pep Ito 4 months ago (edited)

On a 5-day trip to Brussels for work, every day we take a cab from the hotel to the offices. On the fifth day the cab driver started pointing out monuments, etc. while the meter was running fast. We had to tell him that we knew how much the fare was and that we were not going to pay that. In the end he turned off the meter, took us to our destination and did not charge us anything.

4points

#55

Always pack a large binder clip. If you check into a hotel room that has those drapes that wont quite close...use the binder clip to hold them shut.

BaconReceptacle Report

Final score:

9points

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Just-4-2day 4 months ago

If the hotel has hangers with the pants clips, use them if you forgot your clothes pins for the curtains.

5points

#56

Don't open up your luggage on the floor or bed until you've inspected your room for bed bugs. When you return home, immediately wash all of your clothing. If you're really paranoid about beg bugs (as I am) you can put wool items in the freezer to quarantine them in case any bed bugs have hitched a ride.

Bob_Gila Report

Final score:

9points

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Jeff White 4 months ago

NEVER put your luggage on the bed for any reason. That luggage you just dragged trough an airport, train station, taxi ride, you know through dog poop on the ground, should never go on the bed. Use the luggage stands provided and keep the sidewalk dirt off the bed.

3points

#57

On the plane, when you go to sleep, disconnect your headphones from the seat.

Irregardless (not a real word) of the volume you were watching that rerun of friends, the announcements come through at 139 1/2 decibels, and it takes a good 45 minutes for your heart rate to return to resting, let alone sleeping

whatsupskip Report

Final score:

8points

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censorshipsucks 4 months ago

*regardless. Irregardless means not regard not, or not-not-regard, or regard. (two negatives = postive in english).

-3points

#58

Find out the dollar conversion rate or download an offline app to do it for you before you leave. I once paid a crazy amount for airport sushi in Japan because I didn't know the conversion rate. Most every airport has an ATM that will dispense cash in local currency when you leave the terminals. Call your bank before you go or they will likely put a hold on your account for suspicious activity.

schneems Report

Final score:

7points

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Frozengeckolover 3 months ago (edited)

I always get cash from a local ATM, just in case (the ones in the airport may not dispense local money). One time, while travelling through Honduras, I went to an ATM in a well known grocery store before heading to a remote village (I worried they would not have card readers, and may not want American money). Everyone told me that ATM was safe. The text was in Spanish, and the amounts were displayed in Lempira. That's what I wanted. I selected 2,000 Lempira, which is about $100. That machine spit out American money! And not the equivalent! It gave me $2,000 US! I had to call my bank to make sure the charge was correct. My cell didnt work there, so that was complicated. Later that day, my bank flagged my account because of it, and I had to call them again to confirm that I did withdraw that amount. And I had to walk around with $2,000 on me in a remote area. That is the only time it has happened, but I am still parinoid. I always choose a small amount first now, to make sure the machine works correctly.

1point

#59

If you have wanted to travel for a long time but can never work up the courage to take a trip, do this:

Buy the plane ticket before planning anything. Put a google flights tracker for where you want to go, and when the prices get cheap, buy the tickets without hesitating.

Now you have to do it. Only now do you find a hotel, ask off of work, worry about packing, etc.

Just buy the plane ticket and you will force yourself to work out the rest of the plan.

Source: Am a loser who talks themselves out of things often, but have also traveled extensively.

Final score:

7points

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KM 4 months ago

Uhh, no. Before paying for the plane ticket absolutely check whether or not you need a visa, how to get said visa and how big of a budget you need for a day in your chosen country. Otherwise you buy a ticket for 10 euro and find out that the cheapest hostel costs 150 a day

12points

#60

Fold up a $100 bill and put it under the sole of one of your shoes. That way in case your stuff gets stolen you have some money.

REDeyeJEDI85 Report

Final score:

7points

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ShaZam 4 months ago

My best friend .... I put money in my shoe too ... if too much, I'm limping 🙄

2points

#61

I'm stealing this from an ex. I'd never seen it before but I though it was genius. Don't make fun of me if everyone already does it. Put your clothes in a space bag, you know the vacuum flat ones. And you can fit so much more stuff! I'm definitely trying it for my spring break trip.

Final score:

7points

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Dogcat vet (retired) 4 months ago

But what about the return trip if you don't have a vacumn handy?

6points

#62

Regarding attractions:

Get a map and mark all the things you want to see. Use different symbols for museums or town squares or parks. Group them by vicinity and divide the groups by the days you'll be spending there. At this point the different symbols you used might get in handy because you can estimate how long it takes to see a museum vs. a square so you can lay out your visiting plan for the entire day.

floiancu Report

Final score:

6points

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Beth B 4 months ago

I do the same thing using Google My Maps.

0points

#63

Mystery hotels. You select a star rating and area(s) of town and then choose how much you're willing to pay, either by bidding or by selecting an offer. When the payment is confirmed it's revealed at which hotel you'll be staying. It's so much cheaper than booking a known hotel. 50% or greater discount. I have had a $42 room at a 4 star business hotel before. Not the $220 that other guests were paying according to the reservation website.

le_petit_dejeuner Report

Final score:

4points

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Ace 4 months ago

No. Just no. Thanks all the same but I want to know where I'm going and what I'm getting before shelling out for it, even if it is only half price

8points

#64

intermediate travel advice: read into the history of the places you're visiting. start from a general idea of where the country came from, then narrow down the specific places you are going within the country to understand the historical significance of the place.

it'll make your experience so much more meaningful, and you'll have a more appreciative time there :)

also, learn stickshift and rent a car. it'll be freaky as s**t but you have unbound freedom to move about the country (depending on the country of course) and given how europe is comparatively small, you can plan multi-national trips to broaden the scope of your vacation.

joeinfro Report

Final score:

3points

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Ace 4 months ago

Don't make the mistake, shown here, of thinking that Europe is "comparatively small" so you can pack it all into one trip. Europe is not small. (About the same land area as the USA, with more than twice the population).

6points

#65

If you're running late for your flight you can go to the first class security line and explain that your flight is about to leave. They always let you through.

c_ross Report

Final score:

1point

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Ace 4 months ago

No idea where you think this might work, but I'm pretty sure that the security staff will not give a flying fsk about you missing your flight, and even if they did they're already looking at your boarding pass so will quickly spot if you're lying about it.

2points

crankyoldlibrarian , Brian Evans/Flickr (not the actual photo) Report

#66

“Nobody Wants To Steal It”: 30 Helpful And Clever Tips For Travelers Eat anything & everything that looks delicious. In many countries (especially in Southeast Asia) the street food is amazing. If locals are eating there, you (most likely) won't get sick. But, you should always bring antibiotics with you just in case.

Final score:

1point

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Ace 4 months ago

Bring antobiotics just in case? In case of what? What sort of antibiotics? How many? .... No, do not even think about self-medicating with antibiotics. An emergency supply of imodium may be a good idea though.

14points

#67

For peace of mind- and from personal experience. I always register with the government before traveling anywhere abroad.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

huazzy Report

Final score:

1point

POST

Ace 4 months ago

WTF? I have no idea where this would even be a thing, but unless you're travelling to a war zone I cannot imagine why you'd want to do this.

4points

#68

Get lost. Seriously, the best way to discover a city is to just start walking.

anon Report

Final score:

-5points

POST

censorshipsucks 4 months ago (edited)

no this is a very bad idea in South Africa. You might be an amusing naïf for about two or three hours but eventually some gangsta is going to decide you are easy pickings. And in morocco you might be minus your head. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49029505

6points