Weekly Wanderer's Travel Tips

Locate the Local Newspaper

2013-03-05T15:59:33Z

Once you get to the area you are traveling to see if you can locate the city's local newspaper. It's a good source for local events such as street fairs, farmer's markets and local theater and concerts.

Roll, Don't Fold

2013-03-05T15:58:23Z

When packing your suitcase, roll your clothes instead of folding them. You will be quite surprised how much more will fit!

Tipping Etiquette #6: Restaurant

2012-11-15T19:29:02Z

15% is the standard rate, however, exellent service deserves more. If the food is not satisfactory, speak to the manager, don't just leave without tipping. Make sure and check your bill carefully. In some restaurants, the tip is automatically added. If there is a maitre d' that helps you get a table, tip him/her $5 to $10. If you check your coat, tip the person $1.

Tipping Etiquette #5: Hotel

2012-11-15T19:28:37Z

If the bellman helps you with your bags, you should tip him/her $1 to $2 per bag. You should do this at check-in and if he/she assists you with your bags at check out, you should tip him/her again. If you use the concierge to acquire dinner reservations, show tickets, etc., tip him/her $5 to $10. If you order room service, tip them 15% of the bill unless it is already added. If you ask for fresh towels or a forgotten item to be brought to your room, tip the person bringing it $1 per item. Make sure and leave a tip for the maid. This can be done each day or a total sum for each day stayed at the end of your trip. The standard rate is $2 per day.

Tipping Etiquette #4: Shuttle Van or Bus

2012-11-15T19:28:09Z

If you take a shuttle van or bus to your hotel or elsewhere, tip the driver $2 per person in your party.

Tipping Etiquette #3: Valet Parking

2012-11-15T19:27:28Z

If you are driving your own car and utilize valet parking, $1 to $2 is standard.

Tipping Etiquette #2: Taxi or Limo

2012-11-15T19:26:43Z

If you are arriving at your hotel or other destination in a taxi or limo, 10 to 15% of your total fare is the standard tip.

Tipping Etiquette #1: Airports and Train Stations

2012-11-15T19:18:06Z

If a porter helps you with your bags, the standard rate is $1 per bag. If you have packed "everything but the kitchen sink", you might consider more. If you ask a doorman to hail a taxi for you, $1 is standard, unless he/she helps you with your bags.

Make your own snacks before traveling

2012-11-14T18:43:58Z

It's always nice to have a snack while on the road or on the plane Why make an extra stop and pay extra when you can whip up some easy snacks at home? Here are a couple quick and healthy snacks that you can make beforehand and bring with you on your trip: 1. Vegetables with a dip 2. Cheese & Crackers 3. Granola Clusters 4. Clementine's or other fruits 5. Hard Boiled Eggs 6. Avocados on Bread - Avocados are easy to carry around, and soft enough to spread onto a slice of bread. They're also heart-healthy with monounsaturated fat and they are filling! 7. DIY Trail Mix - Put together some dried fruits, nuts, M&Ms, and whatever else you want in your mix. The possibilities are endless! 8. No Bake Energy Bites - Made with oatmeal, peanut butter and other healthy ingredients, you'll be ready to take on anything! You can find the recipe here.

Touring a new City?

2012-11-14T18:15:58Z

Check for the best ways to get to the tourists' attractions you plan to visit. Is there a train/metro/subway/underground system? Some attractions might even be so close to each other that you only have to take one train and exit to visit them all. Additionally, you should look into the daily rates for your mode of transportation. This could end up saving you a lot of money!

Hide your valuables

2012-11-14T17:58:42Z

Try cleaning out a sunscreen or old lotion bottle to hold your money, phone, keys, etc. This will not only keep sand from damaging your stuff, but you can also safely head to the water without worrying about your exposed valuables.

8 Things to Keep Close to You on a Plane

2012-11-14T17:43:59Z

1) Headphones 2) iPod 3) A good book or two (if you have an electronic reader, download a few books before you leave on vacation) 4) Contact solution if you wear contacts 5) Travel- sized toiletries 6) Over the counter pain relief medicine 7) Blow up neck pillow (for easy storage) 8) Earplugs

Slight chance of rain?

2012-11-14T17:38:13Z

Make sure you check the weather report of the city you are visiting Be prepared and remember to pack a mini umbrella in your carry-on. You don't want to rummage through your luggage in the middle of the airport.

FlightStats.com

2012-11-14T17:35:01Z

Check out FlightStats.com for updates on your flight, including possible delays. There is also a free sign-up option to receive alerts about departure and arrival times that can be sent directly to your e-mail inbox or cell phone.

Check into your flight online

2012-11-14T17:28:54Z

Nowadays, most airlines let you check-n online to save time. Although you may have to still wait in line to drop off your bags, checking in online early lets you confirm your seat and frequent-flier credits, save your ticket electronically, and pay baggage fees in advance (often times with a discount).