Colorado for Newcomers Travel Tips Submit Your Travel Tips
Solo Travel Tips |
| Carry-On Restrictions Eased | |
| Should You Leave Home Without Your American Express Card? | |
| When is a $100 Bill Not Worth $100? | |
| General Tips | |
| Travel Books |
Update: The rules have been eased a bit for carry-on water. To the relief of many frequent flyers, travelers are permitted to bring water and other consumable liquids such as coffee purchased in a secure area at the airport with them on the plane. Health and beauty aids are now allowed in limited quantities for domestic US travel. Travelers are allowed travel sized containers (less than 3 oz. each) that will fit into a one quart clear zip top plastic bag. The bag will be inspected separately. Medical supplies and baby food are also allowed however they have to be listed on a form provided at the TSA website.
Items that contain water are permitted in checked luggage. Use travel size containers enclosed in leak proof plastic bags.
If you like to travel light and put everything in a carry-on bag, there are other things that you can do. If you are visiting friends or relatives, you could ship those supplies ahead or purchase them when you arrive. Depending on your relationship with your host(s), you could leave your supplies there for the next time you visit.
If you are on vacation, buying supplies when you arrive in quantities that you will use during your journey is probably the best option. If you are traveling to a foreign country, it would be a good idea to get a list of the items that you will need in the language of your destination. You could shop at the destination airport but you may find better prices outside the airport. Alternately, a savvy hotel concierge would see this as an opportunity to provide a service and provide (sell) supplies to their out of town guests. You could check with your hotel prior to your trip to see if they provide such a service.
Another option is to take dry shampoo for your hair and a cleansing bar soap for your face. Toothpaste can also be found in a powder form. Pack an inexpensive mosturizer in your checked luggage or pick it up at your destination.
Finally, decide which items you absolutely need and which items you can live without for the duration of your trip. Most people agree that sunscreen is a necessity but do you really need your expensive perfume?
Suppose you are looking for a travel companion and a friend or acquaintance expresses an interest in taking a trip with you. Do you set a travel date and start packing your bags? Not if you value your sanity and your friendship. Take some time to determine your travel personality, and then get to know the potential travel companion to see if you get along. Start out by going for lunch or coffee. If the first meeting goes well, take a day or overnight trip together.
Travel personality refers to personal habits and preferred travel activities. For example, you could be a(n):
The level of rapport that travel companions enjoy directly affects the quality of a trip. Take your time choosing a travel companion.
Money I: Should You Leave Home Without Your American Express?
Americans who recently traveled to Europe are reporting that American Express traveler's checks and credit cards are not as widely accepted as they were at one time. If you do find yourself stuck with traveler's checks and no place to cash them, locate the closest American Express office. Almost every major European city has one. The office will cash your traveler's checks in American money or the currency of the country.
A friend who travels frequently takes a Visa debit card. It is linked to an account earmarked for travel and is separate from her main household and investment accounts to limit her exposure if the card is lost or stolen.
A monthly automatic deposit into the account is a great way to put aside money for your next trip.
Money II: When is a $100 Bill Not Worth $100?
According to a recent article (October 2006) in the Wall Street Journal, merchants and moneychangers in some foreign companies suspect all but the most current series of hundred dollar bills. In other words, bills signed by John W. Snow tend to keep their face value in exchange but bills signed by Robert Rubin trade at a discount. Here in the US, we rarely think about the policy of the US Treasury that currency in good condition will retain its value regardless of age. People in some foreign countries, however, do not have the same level of trust.
Travel Advice: Make sure the hundred dollar bills that you carry are recent, signed by the current secretary of the Treasury, and in good condition, especially if you are traveling to Asia or Africa.
Do a bit of research into the area you are going to prior to travel. It helps to know where the hotel is, if you can safely walk alone, what services are offered, etc. Find out about transportation and directions to the hotel. --Tracy
Pay attention to what is going on around you at all times. Learn to observe everything. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Don’t give anyone the opportunity! --Penny
New Book! Traveling Solo: Willow Woman on the Road by Maria Richard
Books on personal growth through travel by Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem M.Ed., R.M.F.T.
Copyright © 2008 by Maria Richard