Ranging from the practical to the profound, the travel secrets they reveal offer insights and ideas for every type of traveler
- Be curious -- and humble
- It sounds morbid, but one of the most interesting (and usually free) ways to learn about a city is to explore its cemeteries. These spaces are often beautiful and can offer insights into the history, architecture, art and religious beliefs of a city. Major cemeteries are usually full of elaborate monuments, interesting folklore and even celebrities (their headstones at least). Despite being such treasure troves, cemeteries are rarely crowded and make a nice escape from the urban jungle
- Trying to get into a sold-out hotel? Find out when cancellation penalties set in for the date you want to arrive, then call the property on the morning of that day. You can scoop up rooms made available by people who've just canceled
- Put almost every dollar spent on a American Express Gold card that gets Membership Reward points -- even mortgage companies takes it for monthly house payments! When you use the points at American Express Travel (online), they're good on any airline, hotel or car rental. Because almost all of my spending goes on that card, you can have enough points to travel (nearly) free all year long. Other airline credit cards like (Visa) are good for those few places that don't take American Express
- It's harder to receive than to give. We're naturally suspicious of local people's motives when offered friendship or shelter. Be open-minded
- You should always carry a copy of your passport when you travel, but more important is keeping that copy safe. In the event your bags are lost or stolen, what are you going to do if your passport is in the bag? Keep a copy of your passport in the sole of your shoe. Most tennis shoes have removable inserts -- tuck the copy of your passport under the insert and go about your merry way. You won't lose your shoes if you're wearing them, and if you're robbed in a foreign city, the mugger won't go after your tennis shoes -- so you'll still have a copy of your passport
- Always pack zip-lock bags. They are ideal for packing things tighter, separating wet from dry and managing small items like batteries. I always pack a few bags in a variety of sizes before every trip
- Connect with locals living in your destination via Facebook, Twitter or blogs, and make a point to meet them for coffee or even couch surf with some of them. You'll find yourself getting deeper under the skin of the country, and understanding a bit more about local culture and lifestyle than you usually would
- Question charges like resort fees or valet parking at hotels. Often they will be removed from your bill if you question them at check-out
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