Stuart Gustafson -- Travel Tips and Resources

Why read travel tips from an author?

Over 1,000,000 paid flight miles on a single airline in the past 15 years --that's why! And that total doesn't count the number of times I have
flown "for free" by redeeming miles, or when I've flown on a different airline. So, yes, I have a lot of experience as a traveler. Note: Websites
listed are sites I use and recommend; I receive no compensation from them should you visit their site and sign up or purchase anything
from them. I list them purely as a service to you.

TIP: Most hotel rooms in USA with 2 Queen-size beds have approximately 50 square feet more than the rooms with a single King bed. If you
don't need the King bed, the extra space (visual and actual) is nice. If you are by yourself, use the extra bed to lay out your suitcase and
organize your tech gear.

TIP: Try to stick with one airline if possible, and then enroll in that airline's frequent flier program even if you fly only once a year. One flight a
year should keep your miles active and they will accumulate through credit card and other programs. You'd be surprised how quickly they
can get you to a "free flight." Even if you can't stick with one airline, try to stay within one airline alliance. The three main alliances are Star
Alliance (www.staralliance.com), SkyTeam (www.skyteam.com), and Oneworld (www.oneworld.com).

TIP: Always carry a copy of your prescriptions with you when you travel overseas; not just medications, but also for glasses or contacts.

TIP: I use a travel toiletry kit with a hook that allows me to hang it on the back of a door, a mirror, or some other place out of the way, off the
sink, and out of the water. This has also freed up space in some bathrooms where counter space was very limited, such as on cruise
ships, trains, or overseas hotels. My wife and I both use ones from www.ricksteves.com.

TIP: If possible, book an airline flight before the last one to your destination. Go to the counter and ask nicely, "Do you need any volunteers?"
The gate/counter agents know what you mean (do they need your seat on the plane?). If they need your seat, you'll get confirmed on the next
flight and typically receive a voucher for a free flight and they might even upgrade you on your confirmed flight.

TIP: Want to know the seating arrangements (and airplane amenities) on almost any airline? Use the website I use -- www.seatguru.com.

TIP: When checking into a hotel,always ask the person if there are any lower rates available. Don't lie about your age or any affiliations, but
they might have a rate that is lower than the one you have confirmed (special deals, Auto Club rates, etc.) -- the corporate rate is not always
the lowest rate!

TIP: If you are traveling with youspouse/significant other, the two of you should NOT carry credit cards that are linked to the same account.
You should each carry a different card (more if you want). But if you have the same cards), and one person's wallet is lost or stolen, once
you report the cards lost/stolen, now the other person's cards can't be used because they are now invalid. (I've learned this the hard way).

TIP: If you are like most people, you do not have elite status with the airlines, and so you don't get to board first. Even if you really prefer the
aisle seat, book a window seat instead. Why? Window seating usually boards as Zone #2, while Aisle seating boards as Zone #4 (when
all the overhead storage bins are full). Once you get in your window seat, kindly offer it to someone who has an aisle seat. "Would you like
to watch the view?"

TIP: If you'd like to know what's going on in the travel world, then sign up for daily travel tidbits from syndicated travel columnist and
Consumer Advocate Christopher Elliott. I read his column every day; if you're an avid traveler, you should too -- www.elliott.org.

TIP: It might sound silly, but do use a hiding money belt when you travel overseas. Place your large bills, a copy of your passport, and any
credit cards you won't need that day in it. Only have in your pocket the small bills that you would need for the day. Never pull out your money
belt in an open area -- that's just an invitation to thieves.

TIP: When you are in line at an counter (ticket counter at airport or the check-in counter at the hotel), try to get behind the nastiest person
there. You know, the one who is screaming at the person even though the screamer is the one who was late for the flight, or didn't confirm
the room, etc.). Once the person finally leaves, slowly step forward, smile, and say, "Hi; he was a real jerk, wasn't he?" And then just stop
and take a breath. The person behind he counter will now treat you like gold. Believe me; I've done it; it works!

CLICK HERE to return to the Travel page.

Keep checking back for more tips. Hint: Enter Ctrl-d from your keyboard to bookmark this page.

Travel Tips and Resources from Stuart Gustafson,
America's International Travel Expert®