September Travel Tricks

When packing, we’ve found it’s best to mix items between suitcases. We don’t have a “his” suitcase and a “hers” suitcase—we have “ours” and “ours.”

Splitting each person’s clothes and essentials between both bags is a simple way to prepare for the unexpected. If one suitcase gets lost or delayed, you’ll each still have some of what you need.

Traveling with someone? Consider sharing suitcase space. Traveling solo? Be sure to pack enough essentials in your carry-on to get you through a day or two if your checked bag doesn’t arrive with you.

A little planning can make a big difference!

Sip, sip, hooray!

Don’t let dehydration crash your travel plans. Keep that water bottle full and stay hydrated wherever your adventures take you!

Plane etiquette 101: When it’s time to deplane, let’s file out from front to back!

If you’re sitting in row 28, there’s no need to make a break for the door like you’re competing in the Airport Olympics.

Give the folks in the rows ahead of you a chance to grab their bags and go. Your turn is coming!

Be patient. Be courteous. And let’s keep the aisle moving!

When traveling in Europe, remember that public restrooms aren’t always free!

Yesterday, after arriving in Frankfurt, Germany, our bus stopped on the way to the cruise ship. We discovered it cost €1 to use the restroom. Thankfully, they accepted Apple Pay, so Andrew used his phone to purchase two visits.

The best part? Our restroom passes could also be applied toward €1 off a purchase in the shop. Creative marketing!

A few years ago, while traveling through Spain and Portugal, we quickly learned a similar lesson: you either paid to use the restroom or bought a pastry at a café or pastry shop and used their facilities. Andrew would tell you that we ended up eating some amazing pastries!

So, when traveling in Europe, be prepared with a few euros or Apple Pay—or simply enjoy a pastry or two!

When traveling abroad, here’s one little credit-card

tip that can save you money: always choose the local currency when given the option.

This came up last week while we were shopping at a shoe store in Germany, which reminded us so much of the local shoe store . The young man helping us reiterated something we kne

w, select euros—not U.S. dollars—when paying by card.

Why? If you choose USD, the merchant gets to set the exchange rate, and it may include a markup. Choose the local currency instead, and your credit-card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) handles the conversion—often at a better rate.

 Abroad? Choose local currency.

 Terminal offers to convert to USD? Decline it.

One caveat: check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee.

A simple button choice can save you money!