Vacation Planning Yields Big Dividends

When planning your family's vacation this summer, a little preparation will go a long way to providing peace of mind.

Meals: Will you have to eat every meal in a restaurant? Are there some kitchen facilities in the room?

Getting around: Is the lodging close to restaurants and activities? Will you need a car or is there transportation available?

Safety: Will you need to bring outlet covers for the hotel? A toilet lock for the bathroom?

Family Fun: What is there to do? If there is a pool, does management allow a baby in diapers to take a dip?

Sleep arrangements: Are there cribs and cots available so you don't have to haul them from home? How about extra pillows and blankets?

Emergencies: Where is the closest hospital? What health insurance information will you need to bring with you?

Though planning does require time and effort, the rewards of doing so will yield big dividends.

Travel Light by Packing One Color Scheme

The easiest way to "travel light" is to choose one color scheme for the entire trip. You can mix and match your items to create several different outfits, and wear the same clothes several times.

Suggestions:

Aim for neutral colors such as black, white, brown or tan, and toss in a couple of bright shirts for a splash of color.

Add color with scarves, ties or other "totable" accessories.

Bring a neutral-colored formal jacket to dress up any outfit.


Advance Planning Will Prevent Theft

While most of the “friendly locals” are just that, a few thieves may be lurking among the natives.

One popular scam involves “friendly locals” who approach tourists on the street to warn them about pickpockets. They suggest that travelers store their money or valuables in a safe place as they wander the city.

After receiving this “valuable advice,” travelers pat their pockets to recheck their valuables or pull them out to restash them. Meanwhile, the “friendly locals” discover
exactly where the valuables are hidden.

Your best bet is to plan in advance. Always carry valuables in a front pocket or hidden away in concealed pouches or bags. Whenever “friendly locals” approach, simply give them a cheery, “Thank you!” and proceed on your way.

Source: Rick Steves, freelance writer and expert on European travel


Booking a Sold Out Hotel

You’ve done your research, and you’ve found the perfect destination, bargain basement airfare and an ideal hotel. However, when you make that final call to reserve your dream accommodations, you learn the hotel is sold out. Your dream vacation suddenly has an ugly blemish.

Read more about Wendy's book here.

Yet, all is not lost. With a bit of strategy, you may be able to secure that “unavailable” room:

Call again just before late penalties set in. Other travelers with reservations will often wait until the last minute to cancel their reservations. Find out when the hotel begins charging cancellation fees and call a few hours before that time.

Call the hotel directly. While 800 numbers offer convenient location and pricing information, they’re often out-of-date with regard to recent cancellations.

Check with a wholesaler. Hotels often have an ongoing contract with wholesalers such as tour companies or airlines. Ask the hotel for this contact information, and call these companies to inquire about any available rooms.

Source: “Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know” by Wendy Perrin