Why read travel tips from an author?
Over 838,000 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.
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: 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: 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: Before you book your airline travel, check online to see what type of plane is being used on the flight you are going to book (called
"the equipment" in industry lingo). Then go to www.seatguru.com and see what the seating arrangement is on the equipment that your
airline is using. Not all Boeing 737's or Airbus 320's have the same seating configuration.
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: 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!
Keep checking back for more tips. Hint: Enter Ctrl-d from your keyboard to bookmark this page.
Over 838,000 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.
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: 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: 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: Before you book your airline travel, check online to see what type of plane is being used on the flight you are going to book (called
"the equipment" in industry lingo). Then go to www.seatguru.com and see what the seating arrangement is on the equipment that your
airline is using. Not all Boeing 737's or Airbus 320's have the same seating configuration.
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: 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!
Keep checking back for more tips. Hint: Enter Ctrl-d from your keyboard to bookmark this page.
| Travel Tips from Stuart Gustafson, America's International Travel Expert |
| Copyright (c) 2009-2010 by Stuart Gustafson Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. |
TM