I was once dropped off at the wrong hotel, by a London Taxi driver. London Taxi drivers are world famous for their knowledge of the city. They have pass a detailed test to become licensed to drive in the city, and there I was at the wrong hotel, actually on the wrong side of the River. And it was at least in part, my fault. The hotel I was going to was relatively new, and I didn't have the address handy when I got into the taxi. I have struggled several times with take me to Hilton, only to be asked which Hilton, there are three of them downtown?
The solution is simple, before I leave home, no matter how simple or complex the trip, I find the address of the hotel(s), copy and paste them into a google doc, increase the font size to about 14, and print the address(s) out. When I get in the taxi, I hand the driver the address of the hotel. Even if I am renting a car, I do the same, then I have the address easy to find to program the GPS or satnav.
I print out copies of all of the travel details and put them in order in a file folder before I leave home. Phones can fail, you can't always get a signal, but printed reservations don't require power or a signal. I put everything on my calendar, this provides a cross check for dates.
Especially with carry on bags, if I can't heft it in and out overhead bins, I don't pack it. It seems like everytime I fly, there is a small person overwhelmed trying to lift a bag into the overhead bins. If you can't lift it, don't pack it.
On this topic, check a bag when flying. I have traveled a lot, hundreds of flights, and I can count on my fingers the number of times I have flown without checking a bag. I have had bags delayed a few times, only three times on outbound flights, and two of those were delivered to the hotel later the same day. I loathe that airlines have made checked bags an extra on most domestic flights. I get free checked bags as a credit card perk on the two airlines I fly most often. Well worth the small annual fee.
I avoid overnight flights when possible. If there is no way around an overnight flight, I book a hotel to check into as soon as I arrive. Even if it means paying for an extra night. In dozens of overnight flights, I have slept on just a few of them.
What is your best travel tip?
Best travel tip? Drink gin.
ReplyDeleteI should try that one.
DeleteThe last time we flew to Oslo, I had to give the taxi driver directions from start to finish when I saw him getting on the wrong highway.
ReplyDeleteI had one driver here, go the opposite direction of home.
DeleteOur hotel check out time is generally 10.00am and check in 2.00pm. I will no longer do the suitcase drop at the hotel and hang around until check in time, nor vice versa.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised by how often I can check in early, just by asking politely. And it may help that I spend 30 nights a year in Hilton properties.
DeleteMy advice is don't stress. Stuff happens. Don't let a travel snafu ruin your trip.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a hard copy itinerary that I carry in my purse. I take one carry-on bag (my backpack) that has my medications, some make-up, a change of undergarments, my computer, a travelog, pens, and a book. That goes under the seat in front of me. Like you, we have a credit card that takes care of baggage fees and also lounge usage. Also, being nice to the gate attendants, smiling at the TSA workers, being pleasant to the hotel desk employees makes the trip pleasant for everyone and can perhaps get an upgrade or early room check-in.
ReplyDelete