Earlier this week Brent Ozar blogged about some tips for those that do not travel frequently. It is a good starting point for anyone that travels on an infrequent basis, but I felt it was lacking a few items and wanted to do my best to help out. As a crime fighter, I spend a lot of time on the road, and have come across a variety of tips and tricks. Some were given to me by others and some I learned from experience, but I want to share the most important ones with you right now.
When checking into you hotel, ask if your room comes with a plunger.
Believe me, if you ever do need one, you will be glad you asked. It is one of those things we all have within reach in our homes, but is nowhere to be found when you really need one. Plus, the expression on the person at the front desk is priceless.
Have the airline gate-check your carryon from the plane.
If possible, cram everything you have into one suitcase that you will be allowed to carry onto the plane. Wait until the last moment to board, so that there is no chance there will be any space left in the overhead bins. Tell a member of the crew that they need to gate-check your bag (bonus points if you manage to identify and hand your luggage to the captain). When you land, your bag will be the first one on the belt at baggage claim, allowing for a quick exit from the airport.
No matter how thirsty you may get, never, never, ever, ever drink from the glasses found in your room.
If you want more details, watch this investigative report. Yeah, suddenly asking for a plunger does not seem so crazy, huh? Perhaps I should travel with my own cleaning supplies. If you do give in to your thirst and reach for the glass, just use your bedsheets, pillow case, or comforter to wipe out the glass before drinking. Oh, and do NOT walk across your hotel room in your bare feet. Trust me.
Read the details about your room service bill.
Often times gratuity is already included in the total. Check the fine print on the receipt, on the menu, or simply ask about the gratuity charge when you place your order. Feel free to tip above and beyond if you want to (I usually do, especially if I am there for a week), but just be aware of all the charges on the bill.
Carry cash.
You will need it should you decide to purchase a drink, a sandwich, or two pounds of Cheez-Its during the flight. Airlines: They do not care about nutrition, and they do not take American Express…or any other credit card. Headphones cost money too. And cash is also handy in a variety of situations, such as tipping the bellhop, the cab driver, or the captain after he gate-checks your bag.
If at a restaurant in another country, make sure you speak English slowly and loudly so that they can understand you better.
I have lost count of the number of times I have witnessed how well this works. Bonus points if you get the captain to do this for you.
If you are out of the country, not only cash cash. Carry local currency. Some place have beer vending machines!!1one
Actually, Southwest has recently gone cash free. Any libations must be paid for with credit/debit card. Beyond that cash is very handy to have on hand as you pointed out for cabs, skycaps, etc.