Gadling

Always expect the unexpected and do get off the beaten path. As Peter Greenberg says, some of your best travel memories will come out of the biggest disasters.

Reply

My travel advice is to research the places and culture thoroughly before you travel, but once you get there, I would still recommend getting at least one guided tour. The guides can key you in to pieces of history and culture you may have missed, plus you get all the insider information in your language (so you can relax about translating for the moment).

Reply

My best travel advice is to travel lean - as little luggage as possible. Carrying just a simple backpack will make getting around Europe so much easier.

Reply

I think my best tip is, don't plan so much... it's nice to leave afternoons or evenings or entire days open to explore the destination and see what kind of trouble you can get into. Far better than having every hour arranged before even getting there.

Reply

For short or medium length airline trips, reduce your luggage to one "carry on" sized bag.
With many budget airlines now charging $$'s for hold baggage and numbers of "lost" bags rising exponentially, you know it makes sense.

Reply

If planning a lengthy trip and you want to save on travel expenses consider joining a volunteer organization which covers room and boarding. A great way to avoid hotels/hostels and meet people from the host country.
An example is WWOOF
http://www.wwoof.org/

Reply

Use credit cards for purchases and ATM's for needed cash; don't bring lots of cash from home and only bring the credit cards you'll actually need to use.

Reply

Get plenty of rest! The more in a hurry / tired / stressed you are, the less fun you'll have! :)

Reply

I always bring plastic zippy baggies with me on trips. The large, gallon size freezer ones are a much cheaper alternative to "space saver bags." Put your tshirts, underoos, swimsuits, etc. in them, then sit or kneel on it before closing. On the way home, they can be used to store dirty laundry, shoes, wet items, shampoo, postcards, and other items you want to keep separated.

Reply

figure out if you really need the digital camera, or can make do with a small point and shoot film camera.

if you're still taking the digital camera, take the one which uses regular batteries, to lighten the bulk of your load. and don't forget the extra flash cards

Reply

when on a cruise, bring clips for the curtains in the room. also, bring your own hair dryer as the cruise ships' hair dryers is very weak for those with thick hair like i have.

Reply

Send yourself an email with passport scan and other important travel documents.

Reply

Don't waste your money on travel insurance -- or at least read this gadling article before you spend money on travel insurance...

http://www.gadling.com/2007/04/12/dont-waste-your-money-on-travel-insurance/

Reply

There's no better way to see a new country than on a bicycle tour. You see so much more traveling at 10-15 mph than you would in a car, and it's much easier to stop and take photos. Plus, all those wonderful meals on the trip are 100% guilt-free thanks to extra exercise.

Reply

When traveling overseas, on my outward bound flight I often wear only the most comfortable, well-worn clothes...ready to discard once I arrive. On landing, at the airport I will briefly freshen up, toss the old clothes, and put on a fresh outfit, strategically packed in my day bag. This lightens my load once there, I look less traveled when meeting friends, reduces washing, and I am very, very comfortable on the way over. No loss.

Reply

Not only is your iPod great for listening to music it can also be very helpful when traveling.
Use it as a night light by activating the back light to help you find the bathroom in an unfamiliar hotel room.
Store all of your address/emails to communicate home in the contacts files (Will import from Outlook or Windows Address Book).
Use the clock function to keep track of multiple timezones.
Use any extra space to store travel documents on its hard drive.
And, of course fill it with podcast and audiotours to listen to on the plane or at your destination and learn even more about the place you are visiting.

Reply

Not only is your iPod great for listening to music it can also be very helpful when traveling.
Use it as a night light by activating the back light to help you find the bathroom in an unfamiliar hotel room.
Store all of your address/emails to communicate home in the contacts files (Will import from Outlook or Windows Address Book).
Use the clock function to keep track of multiple timezones.
Use any extra space to store travel documents on its hard drive.
And, of course fill it with podcast and audiotours to listen to on the plane or at your destination and learn even more about the place you are visiting.

Reply

Whenever you fly, bring a small luggage scale, such as this one (http://www.luggage.com/Travelon-19325-Luggage-Scale-JF1056.html). We always way our bags before we get to the airport so that we never have to rearrange things and open up our suitcases while we're in line. We can do everything at the hotel, and avoid fines and embarrassment!

Reply

Whenever you fly, bring a small luggage scale, such as this one (http://www.luggage.com/Travelon-19325-Luggage-Scale-JF1056.html). We always way our bags before we get to the airport so that we never have to rearrange things and open up our suitcases while we're in line. We can do everything at the hotel, and avoid fines and embarrassment!

Reply

Flexibility is key in travel. Remember that weather can change, tours can be cancelled, and new oportunities may come up. Make sure to leave some room for a change of plans and keep an open attitude.

Reply