Crime-proof Your Rental Car
It’s no secret thieves target tourists … and renting a car can open more opportunities for you to fall victim. Try these tips to keep your car – and yourself – safe.
Don’t leave valuables in the car. If you need to leave things in the car, put them in the trunk.- If you have a hatchback and it’s empty, roll back the cover so thieves know it’s empty.
- Look local. Throw a local paper in the back window and keep your maps and brochures out of site.
- Choose a parking spot in a well-lit area or near pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Be wary of being robbed while at a stoplight. Keep windows and doors locked in areas that make you feel uncomfortable.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Cruise Mismatch – You Picked the Wrong One
My husband and I once chose a 2 week Royal Caribbean cruise (we love that cruise line). Trouble is, more than 75% of the cruisers were over 75. People that age tend take longer cruises because time off work is no longer an issue. It was nighty-night for most of the ship before we finished our dinner at 10 pm. And there were three deaths on board…
We’ve been on the opposite side of that disillusion too – tucking in early in hopes of waking up at dawn for a day of adventuring. But then rowdy neighbors kept us up all night.
What’s a girl to do?
Start researching cruise review sites like CruiseCritic.com. They have extremely detailed information about the ships and ports of call and as an added bonus (because bonuses are always nice) they have very vocal and helpful community.
TripAdvisor.com is another favorite of GoGirlfriend’s, though reviews are not as extensive in the cruising area. And don’t forget about independent blogs and websites that make it their business to be travel specialists.
From there, talk to your travel agent and be honest about the kind of vacation you want. Kirsty Connolly (travel agent and GoGirlfriend contributor) makes knowing insider info her priority.
Finally, tap into the power of social media. You never know when a friend of a friend of a friend might be able to help steer you to the ship of your dreams.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
What’s More Important – Polite or Polished?
I know some people who travel in their business suits so they arrive meeting-ready. What’s more, they believe being well-dressed conveys importance, which results in better service.
I fly in comfy clothes and shoes that allow me to walk the length of the airport (for exercise between flights). My business suit (a wrinkle-free dress) gets packed in the carry-on, which I slip into in the washroom before I leave security.
I get great service.
The moral of this story? The service you receive has more to do with the smile you’re wearing and kind words your sharing than the cut of your jib.
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Hotel Toiletry Kits
If you pack your toiletries in your checked luggage (thanks to TSA regulations) you understand the increased horror of lost or delayed luggage. Instead of dropping a bundle at the nearest department store, ask your concierge how he/she can help.
Most hotels will offer you the basic shampoo and soap, but a few go beyond.
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Best Western will supply shaving foam, razor, toothbrush and sanitary napkins for no extra charge.
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Kimpton Hotels offers sunscreen, hair styling products and even a wrinkle remover (for your clothes) at no charge or for a small fee.
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Wyndham Hotels remembers what you forgot: deodorant, sanitary napkins, shaving cream, razor and other toiletries for no charge.
~ GG Staff
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Disney parking lot nightmares
Disney parking lots are more challenging to navigate than the theme parks. And forget trying to remember where you parked after a day of upside down rides, cotton candy messes and meltdowns (yours and your kids).
Disney Parking LotAfter you lock the car in the morning, step back and take a picture of the section you're in with your digital camera. Getting back to it after dark will be a dream - one that doesn't leave you searching aimlessly in a sea of mini vans.
~ GG Staff
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Contact the U.S. Embassy
Do you know how to contact the U.S. Embassies and Consulates when you're traveling outside the U.S.?
Protect YourselfBefore you leave home, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs for information you may need while abroad. They're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Another source of help in an emergency is the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
You can reach them at 888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
~ GG Staff
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
Shopping Anyone?
When I travel, I always pack a scrunchable duffle in my bag for the return trip. Even if I fold everything neatly again, I've usually bought too many extras to get into 1 bag.
Remember to distribute heavy items through both bags though so you don't max out the weight restrictions.
~ Pat, Philadelphia
Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!
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