Here is a space where I put down things I have found useful while travelling. So many things seem like basic common sense but it's not until you're standing on a train station in Tokyo with a broken suitcase that the become relevant.
I am happy for anyone to add to it - anything you've learned that might be helpful to others can be posted in comments and I'll move it to the main page.
So here goes:
Travel Tip No 1 - Carrying your stuff.
Small bags - no matter how much you're allowed to carry, make sure you can lift whatever you have up three flights of stairs in one trip, on your own without killing yourself.
Travel Tip No 2- Freshening up in transit.
On long trips, the following are recommended. Cool, nice little hand and face wipes; a toothbrush or a wee container of mouthwash; chewing gum for additional teeth cleaning and ear popping; lip balm and a small tube of moisturiser.
Travel Tip No 3 - Women only
On really long trips it can be hard to stay felling clean and fresh. One tip is a pack of the really thin panty liners - they take up next to no space but can make you feel as if you've had a wash-up in terms of freshness.
Travel Tip No 4 - Neck Pillows
Small, inflatable neck pillows are NEVER a waste of space.
Travel Tip No 5 - Toilet Weirdness.
- I know every McDonalds in Rome. Why? Well it's certainly not for the food! It's because these chains have nice toilets. When travelling overseas, following the chains is a good trick to learn and can often save you from some very "interesting" local toilet experiences.
- Always, always, always have a small pack of tissues on you. Many places do not have toilet paper.
- Many toilets charge for entry and coins are necessary - ask a local what you might need as it's really bad to get there and only have your credit card
- When in toilets, protect your stuff. Try to find the toilet where there is a solid wall so no-one can pull stuff out from under the stall wall. If there isn't one, keep you stuff right at your feet or hang in on the back of the door. Try not to leave it leaning against the open space to the next stall.
Don't carry stuff in back pockets, particularly wallets.
Travel Tip No 7 - Passports
Always carry them zipped in to something, not loose in a bag or purse. Always have a copy of the info page in your main luggage away from the original. Don't keep them with your wallet. If you are robbed, the wallet is much easier to replace than the passport.....
Travel Tip No 8 - Cards
- Make sure your bank knows you're travelling or they can freeze your cards.
- Have a backup card and keep it somewhere away from the others (zip it in to your jacket pocket; leave it locked at the accom; have it in an inside pouch in your backpack or travel bag as distinct from in your wallet etc)
- Have photocopies of the card or at least the details written and stored away from your wallet. Include the number you have to ring in case of loss or theft.
- Keep all receipts and check them against your bill.
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