Got a travel tip you would like to share? Send it off with Travel Tip in the subject line. - Thank you!
02/10/00
Travel Tip - Mobile Make-up
I have used the same products for years, and many are not available in travel sizes. In an
effort to pack light, I buy the refillable small containers available at most stores that sell
beauty products. But filling them with thick shampoo or moisturizers is a challenge. I have
found that if I mix the product in a measuring cup, with very small amounts of hot tap water, I
can get the product just thin enough to easily pour it into my container. By using the
measuring cup, it makes pouring a breeze too. Just remember when using the product, you have
diluted it slightly and may need to use a touch more.
01/29/00
Traveler's Tip - Viva la Kleenex
Since most European Countries do not give you a wash cloth or bath
cloth when you travel I have found a nice throw away solution. I
either take old wash clothes and toss them after a day or two or buy
the Viva by Kleenex wipes @$1.09 from Food stores and use them. They
are 6 to a package and do dry quickly. Right before I am ready to
discard them- I wipe off my shoes or suitcase and then throw them out.
01/13/00
Traveler's Tip - A Different Kind of Nightlight
I am a freelance video cameraman and frequently travel with a dozen
equipment cases. For security reasons we usually bring the more
expensive items into our sleeping room at night. If you get up during
the night the cases can form a real mine field of shin barkers, toe
tormentors and trip hazards. Even without the cases, an unfamiliar
hotel room can be confusing in the dark. My solution is to tune the
TV set to an unused channel and turn the volume down. It makes a
very serviceable night light. (I find that if I leave the TV on a
working channel, I get interested in the program instead of falling
asleep).
01/07/00
Traveler's Tip - Cleansleeve
I recently purchased a new travel product that I wanted to let others know
about. I am the mother of three young chldren and using public restrooms has
always been a hassle. I've tried the paper covers, covering the seat with
toilet paper, but nothing really works. This product is a new toilet seat
cover, CleanSleeve, that is made of plastic. It slips on the seat which
makes it really nifty because it doesn't fall off. I bought a roll of 10 for
$2.99 and inside the box I got a free travel bag. It's very handy,
especially with the kids, and I finally feel protected. I'm not sure where
all you can buy them, but on the box it says you can order at
www.cleansleeve.com. What a relief!
12/11/99
Traveler's Tip - Babywipes for Adults?
When I travel, I take along a plastic zip closure bag with a few thick,
fresh smelling baby wipes in. They're good at removing make up, which
tends to get horribly blotchy on plane trips, as well as generally
freshening up and cooling off without climbing over fellow passengers
or braving the dodgy facilities. I use them on car trips and train
trips as well, and arrive feeling not quite so wilted.
12/02/99
Traveler's Tip - The Beauty of Toiletry Bags
When flying in business class, you always get those little toiletry
bags with toothpaste, a toothbrush, a sleep mask and some other
cosmetics. These little bags come in handy later on for your next
trip as they can be used to put in all the little travel stuff like
socks, travel medication and underwear in separated little bags. They
can easily be put anywhere and give your suitcase or your pilot case a
tidy impression. And should your suitcase fall open in the middle of
the airport, you would be able to easily pick up your stuff.
11/24/99 Traveler's Tip - Portable Clothesline
When cruising with my family we always find it handy to bring along
one of those portable clotheslines you can string up in your shower
area. There are not alot of places to hang up wet clothing in those
smaller bathrooms! With a family of four we did all the extra space in
a cabin we can get! These are also handy for hotels, camping trips,
and any trip abroad. You never know when you might need a
clothesline!
11/19/99 Traveler's Tip - Youth Hostel Association
Even if you don't stay in Youth Hostels, it is well worth being a
member of your national Youth Hostel Association as lots of places give
discounts to YHA members. New Zealand is particularly generous, with 30% off
intercity coaches and similar discounts on some tickets for internal flights.
YHA membership is not restricted to young people: a recently-retired
friend was travelling in NZ and had the following conversation at the airline
ticket desk
"Can I have a Senior Citizen's discount on that flight?"
"Sorry, there are no seats available"
"How about Youth Hostel discount, then?"
"Certainly, Sir!"
The people behind him in the queue were amazed.
11/11/99 Travelers' Tip - Careful With Those Radios!
In the last issue of Here's The Deal we relayed a tip concerning the
use of handheld radios to keep in touch when on vacation. There are
very strict laws in some areas concerning the use of these radios and
also some safety issues to keep in mind. The best thing to do is be
sure to check out any laws or regulations in the area you plan to
visit. Many of our readers sent in e-mail advising us of this issue.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Be sure to
travel safe!
10/21/99 Traveler's Tip - The Benefit of Rental Insurance
If you rent a property in any hurricane prone area, get the rental insurance.
We rented a house in Nags Head, NC the same week that Hurricane Dennis hit the
coast. We arrived on Sunday and were evacuated on Tuesday. When reserving the
house I spent the extra $21 for the rental insurance, never thinking it would
come in handy. I sent in the forms as soon as we got home and one month later I
received a check from the insurance company for the amount of the five nights we
didn't get to stay in the beach home. Get the insurance, it is well worth it!!
07/22/99 Traveler's Tip - Travelling with Kids
Travelling in a car with kids? Plan ahead to reduce problems and make
the trip more pleasant for all involved. Consider renting a van or SUV
with more seat room, leg room and windows than most cars. Plan games for
the trip that will keep the kids busy, not bored. Plan stops that you
and the children will enjoy along the way. There's more to a road trip
than the destination!
