Tink's Trip Tips

Google Maps is the Best!

2010-08-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

For the last 6 months I have been helping my sister plan a trip to Scotland. Since vacation perfection was the goal, I researched everything. My new favorite way to find restaurants, accomodations, and tourist sites is to use Google Maps.

First, I type in something like "bed and breakfasts aberdeen scotland". Then when the google list of sites come up, I choose the map function. Up will come a map of Scotland with a bunch of red dots, some containing letters. At the side of the map will be a list of the lettered dots; addresses, phone numbers, and even some reviews included. If you move the curser over the dots, details of the place will open up in a small window and many include the b&b's website address. You get so much in one place it's fantastic! Google Maps often includes many places that haven't been reviewed on travel sites such as http://www.tripadvisor.com/ so you may find an undiscovered gem you may otherwise have overlooked.

Don't Forget

2010-03-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

To avoid some of the hiccups that can happen on a vacation, here's a few things to make sure you do before you leave:

1. If you are taking a train or commuter flight between cities on your trip, check to see the baggage requirements and limits. They often differ from a regular flight. Most times you can pay extra, but often for small planes, they will only allow one bag, no exceptions. This is due to weight restraints. You wouldn't want to have to leave all your souvenir goodies behind, so check first and make arrangements. It may mean taking another form of transport.

2. Call your credit card company and notify them that you will be traveling out of state or out of country. Most will freeze your account to protect you when they see unusual charges. And although the protection is necessary, it can be a pain to reinstall service when you are out of the country.

3. Make sure you have given someone you trust your travel itinerary and any phone numbers, beside cell's (such as your hotel numbers), that they can reach you at in case of emergency back home. If the power goes out at your home for 3 days, things might be spoiled when you get home (happens all the time on the Olympic Pennisula during the winter). The neighbors or a friend can advise you on the situation and help you rectify it before arriving home.

4. Bring appropriate baggage so that you'll have room for anything you plan to bring home. It's cheaper to pay the $35 extra bag fee upfront then needing to buy a new suitcase on the road.

5. If you take perscription medicine, and refill monthly, did you get enough for trip? This can be a bit tricky if your insurance company will only allow a month supply to be issued around the same day each month. Either plan the trip around those dates, or arrange ahead of time with you doctor and insurance to have the medicine you need. This is especially important if you are taking a long trip.

The Perfect Souvenir

2010-02-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

When going on your vacation, you want to bring home that special souvenir. The best things to bring home are often those that represent the area you visited, or that the place is known for. In some instances it is obvious: ie.- England is known for beautiful ceramics; Murano, Italy is known for glass. It seems that we may know the wares of far away places better than those closer to home. Did you know that there are some fine glass blowing factories in Kentucky and West Virginia that give tours and sell to the public? In any case, do some research. Then when you arrive at your destination you'll have some ideas of what treasures you hope to find. You can always change your mind if you see some unique item you just have to have, but by having an inkling of what you want, you save precious time. Instead of hunting hours or even days, you can find the store you want, spend a couple hours or less making a choice, and then go back to sight seeing and enjoying local entertainment.
So often the typical souvenir is what is found in "tourist traps", aka: stores that hold cheap touristy items. They can be fun, and if you like that kind of thing, go for it. But although these stores can be easily accessible, they aren't always where the real treasures are found. And be careful, many items have been "made in China" or other places out of the country. Before you leave, look up stores, via the internet, that carry your items. Take the address and directions with you. Also, you may want to step out of the large cities and shop in the small towns and villages for more authentic items and lower prices. For example, when we stayed in Garmisch, Germany, I wanted a wood carving that the area is known for. By going 15 minutes south, the stores were less crowded and the carvings about 20% less, and just as breathtaking. You can also call in advance. Switzerland is known for large, carved bells. My in-laws purchased a custom made bell while living there two years ago. It takes over a month to make the bell. Travelers don't often have the luxury to wait that long, but if you call and order a few months in advance, it will be ready by your vacation. You can take it home with you and save on shipping, and insure it arrives safely.
Another great souvenir idea is to collect similar items each place you go. I don't mean a mug, though that's fine if you enjoy them. I mean something on a bit more personal level. I started collecting paintings and prints from local artists where I go, either of the local landscape, or of something that just catches my eye. You can usually find them in the tourist areas, or again, plan ahead and go when there is an art fair scheduled.
And if you see something you just love, no matter what it is...GET IT! Don't wait for something better at the next place or worry about spending $20 more than planned. It's worth it to get your treasure. You may not get back and it will bug you when you get home. Having the phrase "If only I had got it," repeating in your head, is not worth saving a few bucks.
Here's to the perfect trip treasure!

Ride A Bike

2009-04-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Suzie goes to Paris almost every summer. She swears the best way to see this amazing city is by bike. After visiting Paris last year, I saw her point. The traffic is crazy, the roads are in no discernible pattern, and parking is expensive. A bike allows you to see the area at a slower pace and without the hassles of a car.
This is true for many travel destinations. When I was in Bavaria, I wished I had the time to bike through the hills. Here traffic is heavy in the tourist towns; between them, the streets are sparsely traveled, in great condition, and have a country feel. I live a few hours from Moab, and biking takes on a different take there. It's not just for a leisurely tour but for a physical challenge. So whatever your purpose for travel, consider renting a bike.
Most cities and tourist sites have travel brochures you can request by website or phone, which will include local bike rental information.

Here are a few websites to get you started:
1. http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/comment_ca_marche - Velib is an ingenious idea. You subscribe to this rental system for 1 day, 7 days, or more and then have access to bikes that are parked literally all over the city. The first 30 minutes are free. There are details on this site. I saw these bikes when I was in Paris, but didn't know how it worked and missed out. Wish I had known before I went. Why walk the 20 minutes from the hotel to the museum, when you can bike for free! (This site http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/articles/paris-bike-rentals.htm has details about this bike program as well.)
2. http://www.zioncycles.com/ - See a breathtaking national park, Zion National Park, at a pace to enjoy the details.
3. http://www.bikerentalsplus.com/index.php?id=49 - This company was started by an American family over 30 years ago and has expanded to Europe. When I was in the Loire Valley in France, I saw many bicyclers and wished I had the time to join them because this area is a GEM. Bike Rentals rents on a daily basis at several locations in France, as well as Italy and Costa Rica. They also do tours. Check it out.
4. http://www.detours-in-france.com/bourg-rando.php

Websites for Accomodations

2008-10-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

At times, your lodging can make or break a vacation. I really enjoy staying in Bed and Breakfasts over hotels. They have a more personal touch and you can meet some great people from the area you are visiting; and out of the country, they are often cheaper than hotels.
A top-notch hotel, at a great price, can also be wonderful. The trick is finding the right place. Following this entry, I have listed two very helpful travel sites that rate and review accomodations. Here are some specific websites that can aid in the search for the perfect place to lay your head.

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/
- This site has the most comprehensive selection of B&B's around the world
http://www.bedandbreakfastnationwide.com/ - England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales
http://www.hotels-paris.fr/en/ - Hotels all around Paris, many that are small and not the normal chains
http://www.visitfrance.co.uk/ - Lists hotels, apartments, Bed and Breakfasts, and Holiday homes available in France, along with photos, arranged by area

(If you are going to be in a place for more than 4 days, consider a holiday house. They are amazingly affordable and you usually get the entire home to yourselves, with all you would need for day to day life.)

Conde' Nast Traveler magazine, Nov. 2008 issue, has an informative article about B&B in large cities in the USA, "Big-City B&B's". Included in the article are helpful tips on choosing and using B&B's, as well as descriptions of a few Bed & Breakfasts in a few metropolis areas.

virtualtourist.com

2008-10-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is a travel site where people from around the world give personal travel tips of their homeland and the places they have visited. You can find recommendations for hotels, restaurants, places to see (even those that only locals know), and find out dangers to be aware of and to avoid. You do not have to be a member, but if you are you can email and receive email from other members around the world and ask for tips on specific towns, areas, etc. It's hit or miss to get a reply. Before our trip to Europe I received several emails from a great guy in southern France, as well as a reply from a gal in Switzerland about where to find great fondue. However, some emails remained unanswered. It all depends on how often a member checks their email. www.VirtualTourist.com

TripAdvisor.com

2008-09-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is a GREAT travel website! People from all over the world have added information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, places of interest, etc. There are also reviews from "real" people for just about everything: ie. restaurants, hotels, etc. Often you can even log onto websites for the hotel, etc. from http://www.tripadvisor.com/ . I like to research hotels in an area and then go to this site and see what the reviews are on the place. I trust these reviews more than I trust reviews and descriptions given on the hotel site. You don't have to be a member to access the information. If you choose to be a site member, you get periodic emails highlighting areas and travel information. There's no fee. Check this site out! You'll love it too!

Example of Review: subject: Neuschwanstein
What Our Users Are Saying Results 1 - 10 of 1,492 for neuschwanstein
Review: Wellvital Hotel Ruebezahl, Schwangau
Great place near Neuschwanstein October 16, 2005 Pesca7, Denver, Colorado ... Had a great view of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwanstein ... ... was great with lavish table settings and fresh flowers. Staff was attentive and pleasant. The hotel arranged our tickets for viewing the Neuschwanstein castle

Car Rental

2008-09-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have found that the best deals are usually on the internet. Also, the farther out you make a reservation, generally, the lower the price. Reserve the size of car that you will need. Notice I didn't say want. If you have 4 people and 5 suitcases, don't reserve the cheap compact car, hoping that the car company will have overbooked and upgrade you to a midsize for the same price. This can happen, but often does not. Book the size of car you must have and then be pleasantly surprised if you are upgraded to something even bigger. If you want luxury, go ahead and rent luxury.

Also, be aware that some travel sites (such as travelocity.com, etc.) offer cheaper prices if you book the hotel and car rental with them. However, this is not always the case, so check the car rental site and hotel site and see the separate prices and then compare the package price and choose the best deal.

If you are traveling through Europe, and plan to visit England as well as mainland Europe, you might want to rent the car from a mainland nation, unless you don't mind driving a car with the driver's seat on the right-hand side of the car during your entire trip. Also in Europe, you might prefer a mid-size or smaller car because the roads and parking spaces are smaller than here in the US. I don't recommend taking a car into London or Paris unless absolutely necessary. The traffic is heavy, the parking impossible and expensive, and it can take an hour or more just to get out or in the city to main highways.

Rental insurance: See my notes below for more information, but I want to touch on a few points. First let me say I'm all for opting out of the companies insurance coverage, but there are a few things that you might want to consider before doing it. In 2008, many car rental companies have included a "Loss of use" clause in their policy. This means that not only will they bill you for any damage that occurs in an accident, but they will also charge you for the time the car was out of commission and unable to bring in revenue from future rentals. Many companies will not tell you about this clause, so do some asking yourself and read the fine print. Some credit card companies and regular car insurance will not cover this "loss of use expense". This is probably a way for the car rental companies to 'encourage' us to buy their coverage, but whatever the reason, it is something to seriously consider. As always, check what your credit card and car insurance covers before your trip.

Personal Experience: When my husband and I were in Europe for two weeks, we opted out of the insurance. We backed into a french detective while in Paris, and later took a huge rock chip that became a spider while driving up to the English Channel. In hind sight, $300 would have lifted a lot of our subsequent worry and stress. (Our credit card company ended up paying for everything, but it took over 3 months to get reimbursed and was a hassle. This was on top of the added worry for the remainder of the trip while we wondered if we would be reimbursed.)

Cash For Your Trip

2008-09-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

When traveling within the US, getting cash along the way is rarely a problem. All you need is a Debit Card and a ATM or use the "cash back" feature at a store, and you are on your way. It is still a wise idea to have a few 20's stashed somewhere for emergencies. I like having "untouchable cash" on the trip - money that is only for emergencies, not inconveniences. It can make a tough situation go a lot smoother.

When traveling outside of the US, having the right currency is a bit trickier. Here are a few tips:
1. Track the exchange rate between the dollar and the currency of the country/countries you plan to visit as soon as you decide to travel. If the dollar looks like it's weakening, you might want to exchange some cash early. If the dollar looks like it's gaining strength, waiting until the date of travel is near to exchange your money is better.

2. Where to exchange your money before you leave: I have found that large financial institutions can be best. For members, the exchange is often free, and for nonmembers it is usually a low, flat rate. (For example: I was charged $5 at a bank to exchange $500 for Euros in December and then $5 when I exchanged $900 in the spring.) Then the money is changed at a slightly higher rate than posted on exchange sites. Shop around before you exchange.

3. Plan what you want to spend on souvenirs, eating out, odds and ends, and see what Accomodations require cash only. Take the total amount for cash only lodging and add that to 50% of the total of the other items. This is how much cash you will probably need. This is how much cash I like to take with me. If you do not feel comfortable with that much cash on hand, take at least half of the amount.

4. Currency Exchange locations in foreign countries can charge a high exchange fee. You will usually get a better rate on a Debit Card. Check with your finance institution to see what their charges and fees will be.
*One thing to note, when using an ATM in a foreign country, there is the usual charge from the ATM company, which can be higher than ATM fees in the States.

5. Traveler's Cheques can be an option. I would not recommend using these as your main form of payment. They have the convenience of being easier to replace than cash, but many places do not accept them. Small towns and villiages and small local shops and restaurants do not accept Traveler's Cheques, so check out the places you plan to visit and get a feel for what you will likely need as a form of payment for goods and services. Places that cater to tour groups tend to be more Cheque friendly. Check with you tour company for more information.

Credit Cards

2008-09-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

A credit card is a useful accessory on a trip. When traveling internationally, many places, such as small stores, attractions, and gas stations, do not accept "American" credit cards. It's something about the card reading system. European credit cards have a chip in them. Our card did not, so they couldn't always be read or the owners were nervous to take them, thus weren't accepted. Be prepared with cash on hand.

Check with your credit card company for their coverage and charges on the following items:
1. Does it cover rental car damage/theft/claim copay?
2. What are the fees/cost of international currency exchange?

*It is also a good idea to notify the company that you will be traveling, so they will not suspend use of the card when they see charges in areas other than your home local; especially if you plan to be traveling across state or national boundaries.

*Most Credit Cards are second insurance to your primary car insurance. They will pay the deductible that your primary insurance company charges. Some then become primary once you leave your country.

*There is also a limit of the car rental period they will cover. It ranges from a week to 30 days. Check with your company before reserving the car.

*Each card has some countries they will not cover car rental issues if you rent the car there. You can often return the car in those countries, just not rent from there. As with everything - Check First.

*Most credit cards require that you decline all coverage from the rental car company (though not liability coverage if the card doesn't offer it) ie: theft protection, damage, etc., or they won't cover damage. Check.

I have only had experience with a few credit card companies, but this is what I've found (again: I do not guarantee any info - make sure you check with your credit card even if listed, because policies change all the time. This information is from Sept. 2008):
Citibank Card: (Platinum)
Car rental: Doesn't cover liability. Becomes primary insurance outside of US. Covers up to 15 day rentals. This card covered the windshield damage to a rental car in Europe in 2008 without fuss, though it did take 8 weeks for them to finish processing the claim. We needed a note from our primary car insurance company to prove that they didn't extend coverage outside the United States.
International Currency Exchange: 3% Foreign Transaction Fee (charged at end of statement in one lump sum); Exchange rate taken from day of charge

American Express: (Gold)
Car rental: Doesn't cover liability. Becomes primary outside US. Covers up to 30 day rentals and $50,000 or less vehicle. Does not cover rentals in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Jamaica, Israel.
International Currency Exchange: 2% fee per transaction (included in each individual charge); Exchange rate taken from rate posted day of charge
*On the toll ways in France, American Express was the only "American" card accepted. Our MasterCard and Visa would not work. Due to the high cost of the tolls and the frequency we used the freeway system, having this card saved us from using all our cash.

Capital One: (Platinum)
Car rental: Doesn't cover liability. Becomes primary outside US. Does not cover any type of truck, recreation vehicles, motorcycles. Does not cover rentals in Ireland, Jamaica, Israel. Covers up to 15 day rentals in US, 31 day rentals outside US.
International Currency Exchange: No Transaction Fee; Exchange rate taken from day of charge - and rate for each charge is shown under transaction
*We could have saved $50 in Internation Finance Exchange fees if we had checked first and used this card for all purchases.