Is It Strange to Make a Vacation Out of Going to a Theme Park?

I know it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but is it considered strange to make a vacation out of going to a theme park? I was starting to make plans to visit Universal Studios Orlando because I'm now tall enough to ride the rides there. I went with my mom, dad and sister when we were younger, but it was useless; we were too short to ride any of the big rides. Now the park has changed rides. The Jaws ride, where you ride in a boat and get "attacked" by a shark, has been cleared out to make way for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Back to the Future Motion Ride was cleared out to make way for The Simpsons Land ride Kang & Kodos Twirl 'N' Hurl, the Twister Storm Simulator was cleared to make way for a motion simulator called Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon

And in years past, they've added rides. Such as Jurassic World Velocicoaster while the old original Jurassic Park River Adventure still remains (and frightens the living daylights out of anyone towards the end). I will especially enjoy eating in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter because the restaurants in the park, The Leaky Cauldron, The Hogs Head Pub, The Three Broomsticks, all serve English food, in addition to food from the US and other typical theme park fare. I will look forward to eating good food from the UK, but nothing would compare to eating that food while actually in England!!!

I was recently reading a book about roller coasters and it mentioned this park in England called Alton Towers. The rides this book mentioned were The Smiler, Oblivion, Nemesis Reborn and Wicker Man. When I looked at the site for the park, it looks so beautiful. Now, if I get the chance to go to England, I want to make a small trip within a trip to this park. I want to ride Oblivion because the book said that someone who used to do special effects for five of the James Bond films helped create the concrete area around it, making it look like the lair of a supervillain. As for price, online tickets were only $38 in US dollars. I did the conversion using an app on my phone!! That is fantastic!! Especially given that I would pay between $48-$60 to get into Kings Island, a theme park local to me. Now I want to to go to Alton Towers; I've added it to my travel bucket list. If I go to this park, I will most definitely be purchasing my tickets online. And eagerly awaiting their arrival

Wicker Man. Definitely a ride I need to go on!

15 Red Flags to Keep an Eye Out For When Checking Into a Hotel

Like the old saying goes, "You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." This phrase is an apt phrase that can apply to hotels. Hotels pride themselves on making for a good first impression. They want their guests to have clean, comfortable rooms and provide great service to ensure these guests become repeat guests. But when hotels are less than clean and comfortable, and provide less than stellar service, problems will arise. According to MSN.com writer Mia Roberts and from the MSN.com page Beyond the Journey, here are 15 red flags to look for upon checking into a hotel

Also, you might see me add a few bits of my own advice. From times I've stayed in a hotel while on trips. You also might see me put a little of what I have experienced from each of these on each one

1. Strange smells

-When first entering a hotel room, were there any odors that seemed like they didn't belong? Musty? Mildewy? Moldy? Those are immediate red flags. Unpleasant odors indicate poor cleaning skills or hidden threats such as mold and mildew

-Mold and mildew can play merry havoc with those who have allergies or breathing difficulties. This is a good place to question the hygiene standards of the hotel. Prior to unpacking, consider asking to change rooms or inspecting the room to find the source of the smell. Minor hints can lead to major discoveries. Like you trust your gut, your nose never lies. Your sense of smell is reliable in detecting unseen hygiene concerns. If you address this immediately with staff, it will have a huge impact on your stay

2. Sticky surfaces

-In your room, if you touched something and immediately felt some resistance upon pulling your hand back or felt sticky, that's a no no. No room surface should feel sticky. Sticky surfaces are a clear indicator of poor cleaning practices and poor sanitation. These surfaces can harbor germs, creating health hazards. It's important to address this ASAP!! Wipe down the surfaces with a disinfecting wipe and or then alert hotel staff. Being ahead of the game can drastically reduce the chance of taking home germs or viruses with you. Health is key, and it should not be put into unnecessary risks due to poor cleaning

3. Noisy environment

-Sleep is vital for many things. But what to do if your hotel is noisy? What if there are kids running up and down the hall at all hours of the night? What if it's next to a busy train track that has freight trains running at all hours? Consistent noise can reduce your sleep and make for a poor stay

-Check to see if there were noise complaints made against the hotel. Check for notices of construction prior to booking. Sometimes hotels will not, unfortunately, put notices of construction on their sites. If you've already checked in, request a room away from elevators or frequently traversed streets. As for the train running at all hours, unfortunately the only thing that can be done about that is checking out and checking into a different hotel farther away from train tracks. Earplugs can save lives. Especially the thick foam ones. Address these noise concerns with staff immediately

4. Inconsistent front desk service

-The front desk is your first point of contact when staying in a hotel. When the staff seems less than interested in assisting guests, and more interesting in socializing or messing around with their mobile phones, that can set a bad mood for your stay. It signals bad management. Picture this. Standing in a line for what seems like ages with out help. This is a strong suggestion of poor management and equally poor training. Well-trained hotel staff do not let guests stand around waiting while they check their social media to see what their friends are up to. Well-trained hotel staff attend to guests and ensure they are receiving top notch service.

-Do not hesitate to address concerns if you feel the service is less than stellar. Feedback is vital to improving the hotel's service. First impressions are key, and if your first impression is less than stellar, that can hurt your stay

5. Broken / malfunctioning amenities

-Amenities are needed during some people's stays. They book these hotels sometimes just for the amenities in addition to their stay. What if they are not working as normal? Broken TV or air conditioner can become more than minor nuisances. This is a red flag for poor maintenance. Check the amenities when you arrive. If you discover these broken or malfunctioning amenities right away and address it with hotel staff right away, it can be fixed faster. Remember this. You are paying to stay in a hotel, and as such, amenities need to be fixed right away to get the most for your money. Being up front and assertive about getting repairs done will guarantee your stay is as comfortable as possible

6. Lack of security

-Safety is key when staying in a hotel. If you are bringing valuables with you, such as jewelry, keys, money, passport and more, it's important to stash those away in a safe, out of sight. When checking into a hotel, adequate lighting and functional locks are highly important. If security seems less than ideal, there's a red flag. It indicates a lack of concern for guest safety. You should address safety concerns with staff immediately. Peace of mind for guests is one thing hotel staff should keep an eye on. Trust your gut instinct. If a hotel just feels "off", like you feel the security is less than ideal, check out immediately or don't bother checking in and seek alternative accommodations. Your safety is important and you should not put yourself or others at risk just because the hotel was affordable or ideally located

7. Lack of basic supplies

-Have you ever walked into a room and noticed some basic necessities were missing? Such as towels, washcloths, soap or other items? This can be frustrating. Always check for the things you need, such as washcloths, towels, toiletries, bottled drinking water, etc. upon entering the hotel room. If these supplies are missing, contact hotel staff and kindly let them know these items are missing. This is a red flag signaling a lack of service standards. Contact the front desk immediately and let them know. Well-managed hotels immediately respond to this concern. As a guest, you deserve to have a good stay and all necessary supplies at the ready

8. Stained linens

-Hotel rooms are supposed to be cleaned after guests check out. That includes fresh, clean linens. What if you discover suspicious or disgusting stains on your bed linens? That's not only a health hazard, but a potential red flag. It indicates neglect of cleanliness. If you find stains on your bed linens, immediately notify hotel staff. Let them know you would like new, clean linens or request a completely different room. Comfort and peace of mind go hand in hand when you are the guest of a hotel. This should never be put at risk. Taking action guarantees you are not settling for less than ideal service. Because you don't know who was in the room prior to you. You don't know if the prior guest had a contagious disease and, if the linens are stained, you risk picking up a condition you don't want

9. Outdated decor

-"You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." This phrase can be used in so many situations. Including hotel rooms. If the decor is outdated, this is a red flag. It indicates neglect in other areas as well. It might not directly affect comfort, but it can reveal the hotel's obvious lack of upkeep and attention to detail. Think about whether this would affect your stay. If the room feels as though it's been abandoned or neglected, it would be worth it to address these concerns with hotel staff. They won't know about the problem unless you let them know. Hotel rooms should feel like an extension of home-fresh, clean and inviting

10. Poorly maintained grounds

-The surrounding area of a hotel will reflect the level of management on site. If the grounds are poorly maintained, this is a red flag. It indicates there is poor management, lack of resources or lack of care. You need to address these issues with staff. Let them know that the grounds are poorly maintained. That there is litter everywhere or that there are wildlife rooting through the overflowing trashcans. Surroundings need to be pleasant just like the rooms

11. Non responsive housekeeping

-Housekeeping is one of the crucial roles in hotels. They clean the rooms. They change the sheets. They help maintain cleanliness and comfort until the next guest comes in. But what if they don't seem to respond? This indicates a lack of staffing. This can reflect very poorly on the hotel operations. Communicate any concerns with hotel staff immediately. Well-managed hotels should address guest concerns efficiently

12. Seemingly "invisible" billing

-Billing should be clear and present. No hotel should secretly bill you for things you didn't already agree to or pay for. Hidden charges are one thing hotels are not supposed to push on to their guests. Unfortunately, some hotels do this. And they are slow to respond on refunds of money, if they do them at all. Some hotels refuse to dispute these hidden charges. Look at your bill with a detective's eye. Anything amiss should be addressed immediately. Reputable hotels should provide clear and precise billing and explanations for any charges. When you understand your bill, you understand you are only paying for what you agreed to. Clarity and conciseness in billing makes for a smooth check out

13. Limited dining options

-Dining options can make or break your stay. So what if you accidentally sleep in and go down to breakfast, only to find that the options are limited, or worse, the breakfast time is only two hours and the the breakfast items are already put away and the cleaning staff is cleaning up? Make sure to check for all and any available dining options prior to booking. If eating is important to you, do this. Look for restaurants around the hotel you're planning on staying in so that if the hotel staff decides to cheap you out with a limited set of options or limited breakfast time, you'll still be covered

14. Unpleasant staff attitude

-Warm welcomes provide a good impression for your stay. What if the staff is less than friendly? What if the staff has an attitude that says they would rather be anywhere but there? What if they actually say what they would rather be doing than working? That is a major red flag. Good hospitality depends on good customer service. If the staff seems like they could care less if a good job is done, that is a signal that the hotel is awash in poor management issues. Do not hesitate for even a moment to address this with management. Guest satisfaction should always be a number one priority. When guests are treated kindly, this will guarantee that the guest will come back and, better yet, put out the word that the hotel is good, thus bringing more guests to the hotel. Feedback can lead to positive changes. Kindness and respect are two things you should be treated to in your stay

15. Poor room ventilation

-Air quality can not only affect your stay, but it can also affect your health. If the room feels stuffy, something is off. Poor ventilation can affect sleep. Check for windows that open and close and air conditioning units that function properly. If either of these options are malfunctioning, request a change of room or a solution. You shouldn't have to worry about breathing easy in a hotel. Health and comfort of guests is important and addressing these concerns right away will improve your stay

A few tips of my own...

-Here are a few tips of my own. So you can avoid running into what I had to experience. They are sort of add ons to what is already mentioned above

Check the beds

-This is in relation to the stained linens. Check the beds!! Any sign of movement, meaning you see something crawling around that definitely does not belong, do not linger in this room! That means there are bedbugs or other insects present. The last thing you need to take home from your stay is an unwanted insect. If you find unwanted insects, immediately take your luggage and leave the room. Request a change of room immediately or check out and find other lodgings

-Experience: Me and my sister went to the Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, Ohio in 2015. It was out first road trip. We were going to see Linkin Park and Judas Priest, among other bands there. The only hotel we could get into was right off the highway, a Comfort Inn & Suites because all of the other hotels were booked solid. It was on the lower end of the hotel chains. Later on, when we got home, we didn't realize until a couple of days later that the room we stayed in had bedbugs. We accidentally put out luggage on the foldable luggage rack. We didn't know the room was infested with them. It was our first trip without our parents. We were kind of winging it and doing what we thought was right. And because of the bedbug issue, we had to have our house treated with high heat to kill everyone of the insects. I didn't mind paying the $600 extermination fee, but it was embarrassing. The exterminator kindly told us that it doesn't matter if our house is so clean we could eat off of the floor or it was a dirty hovel. Bedbugs can happen anywhere. There's nothing to be embarrassed about

Housekeeping Staff

-Some of the hotels I've stayed in within the US have employed Hispanic staff and they may or may not know much English. I've found it improves my stay and earns me good karma to greet them using a little Spanish that I do know. Treat the housekeeping staff the same way you would want to be treated. Say hello or treat them with kindness. Tell them to have a nice day. Compliment them. After all, it is them who is cleaning up after YOU! And also, do not litter you room. Pick up after yourselves. Make their job easier! Tip them for good service. Not everyday, but every other day. Just to let them know you appreciate their hard work

Limited dining options

-When you are going somewhere, look into dining options around the hotel you're staying at. So that if the hotel decides to limit options or operation time for breakfast, you'll still have options. You can either have a list of restaurants in the area or pull them up on your phone. But it's always good to have options or backup plans in case things go sideways, pear-shaped, however you would like to put it. I started researching hotels and dining options in the Orlando, Florida area last year because in 2026, I am planning on going on vacation for a week to Universal Studios Orlando. I have a list of all hotels within a reasonable driving distance of the park. I have the address and phone number for all of those hotels. I have the pros and cons for each of them, the amenities offered and restaurants near them. I could probably be a good a travel agent with the research I do. Most of the negative comments I seen about these hotels was noisy AC. That don't bother me; it's white noise

-This is what it looks like on my list of hotels:

Hotel name

-Address and phone number

-Anything it might be near, to use as a guide to get back from my destination

-Amenities offered

-Pros

-Cons

-Restaurants nearby

-Experience: Related to the dining option and me and my sister staying in Columbus, Ohio for the Rock on the Range festival, we accidentally slept in, as many of our fellow hotel guests did. We all went down to get the "free continental breakfast" only to find that the operating hours were from 6:00am-8:00am. I looked at my watch. It was 9:00am. Me and many of the guests had slept in. We all looked at the breakfast room and some staff were clearing up and cleaning while the other staff were eating breakfast from the hotel right in front of us. More than a bit rude if you ask me. The hotel staff clearly didn't understand people who go to music festivals tend to sleep in.

-Every guest proceeded to go to a local Bob Evans restaurant up the street. Most of the staff there at the restaurant had probably seen an invasion of rock and metal band-shirted people like this before. They knew around that time every year, which was around mid-May, a music festival was in town and usually that Sunday, the last day of the festival, everyone from the local hotels came here because their hotel staff were a bunch of cheapskates and shut down breakfast too early. One older woman asked me why everyone was wearing what looked like a music t-shirt. I, while wearing my Iron Maiden Killers t-shirt, informed her that there was a music festival in town and that everyone was staying at the same hotel and missed breakfast because it was only for two hours and everyone overslept

9 Mistakes Every Tourist Makes When Visiting London

When we travel abroad for the first time, sometimes mistakes happen. Sometimes they can be laughed off as simple, other times, not so much. You can be as prepared as ever to travel outside your home country. You can have practically a master's degree in currency conversion and be as fluent in the language as a native local. But sometimes, mistakes happen. According to MSN.com page Crazy Nomad, here are 9 cringe-worthy mistakes every tourist will make or may end up making

This city is my #1 location on my travel bucket list

1. Standing on the left side of the escalator

-The golden rule for navigating The Underground is stand on the right, walk on the left. NEVER stand on the left. The left side is for those who think they are qualifying for Formula 1 racing. Simply stand on the right and let the speed demons get to where they need. Not only that, but by respecting the rule of standing on the right, walking on the left, you'll earn respect from the locals and stand out a lot less

2. DO NOT call The Underground a subway

-First things first, for the love of all that is absolutely holy, DO NOT call The Underground a subway. Call it a subway and you'll get an annoyed look from the locals. Using the proper terminology will win you respect points from the locals while calling it a subway will show you have not done your homework. It can be referred to as The Tube or The Underground. If you learn to navigate it properly, you can go anywhere

3. You can get tripped up mispronouncing names

-A lot of city names in England look like they would be pronounced the way they look. That is not the case. Any city ending in "shire" is typically pronounced "sher." As in Leicestershire is pronounced "Lestersher." Or Lincolnshire is pronounced "Lincolnsher." A lot of locations in London are pronounced much the same way. Leicester Square is pronounced "Lester", Marylebone is pronounced "Mar-lee-bone" and Southwark is pronounced "Suthark." Pronouncing the area names correctly will win you big respect from the locals and also show you did your homework. If ever in doubt, ask a local how to pronounce the name. This will show you want to make sure you do things right. The locals will love that you're making a conscious effort. Mispronouncing names is a major red flag that you're not from around here

4. Do not expect customer service standards to match up to standards in the US

-First and foremost, remember this: You are in another country. They have different standards, rules and requirements they follow. You are not at home. Do not expect everything to match up to US standards. Being overly enthusiastic is simply something not done in England. Customer service is polite but not overly friendly. While tips are appreciated, they are not expected. Customer service is slower paced, while meals tend to be stretched out. When you want to cash out at a restaurant, you ask for the bill, not check. Make sure to understand these and your dining experiences will go smoothly

5. Don't be a sidewalk roadblock

-We've all seen it, no matter what country we live in. We're walking along, trying to get to our destination and then we run into someone who is looking at their phone, turning the sidewalk into a bottleneck and being a sidewalk roadblock. Don't do this! In London, sidewalks or pavements as they are referred to, are narrow and jam packed with people trying to get to one place or another. Locals will not outwardly say anything, but if body language could talk, the eye rolls would be screaming the obvious message. If you need to do something, step to the side, stand near a wall, sit on a bench or move close to the curb so other pedestrians can pass by. Be respectful of this tradition and you'll earn respect from the locals and show you have done your homework.

6. Don't forget to tap out on The Tube

-An Oyster Card is a helpful little tool that helps you pay for transportation. Tourists remember to tap it upon entering the station, but forget to do this upon leaving the station. Make sure you tap it on entering and leaving the stations otherwise you'll be charged the maximum fare, which adds up quickly. Tapping in and out guarantees that you are only charged for the zones you go through. You can check online or at a kiosk to fix it. It certainly helps to remember this, especially if you plan on using a lot of public transportation

7. Trying to visit too much in one day ruins your experience

-Anyone who goes to London has one or two destinations or more they want to see. The first mistake is trying to cram it all into one day. Take at least 1-2 weeks and spread out the sightseeing so that you're not running around, stressing out. Instead, spread it out so you can enjoy things. Take some time to relax in a cozy local pub. Visit a local market. Catch a theatre performance in the West End. Sometimes the best things to see in London are not the major sights-it's the little things that, to locals, are everyday things but to tourists, they have an extra bit of magic and awe to them

8. Don't assume everyone drinks tea

-First things first, NEVER assume everyone in England drinks tea. This is first and foremost a stereotype. The last thing you want is to insult the people of the very country you are visiting. Yes, while tea in the UK is consumed in times of crisis, to relax or reflect or other times, not everyone is walking around with a steaming cup of English Breakfast, Earl Gray or chamomile. You'll find that coffee is plenty popular here too. Just don't assume it's all tea, crumpets and scones. You'll find those in tea rooms

9. London is not a theme park

-This city offers so much to see and experience, both big and little things. Treating it like a day at a theme park guarantees you're going to miss something. Some tourists stick to only the areas where major sights are located. And with this, they miss out on areas that are vibrant in their own way-Brixton, Camden, Shoreditch, Hackney, Peckham. Experience the small things. Try food at the Borough Market. Catch a show in Soho. Board a double decker bus without a destination in mind. Go to Leytonstone and find the Cart and Horses Pub, which is emblazoned everywhere with the words "Birthplace of Iron Maiden." Experience London like a local would. Take in the small things and you'll get experiences that a travel book with a checklist can't beat

-Besides, if theme parks are your thing, head to Alton Towers in Stoke-On-Trent. They have great rides there, including Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion and The Wicker Man. Or head to Thorpe Park in Chertsey. They have great rides there as well. Or go to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Or head up to Yorkshire to see Flamingo Land, a combination zoo and theme park. The zoo part of the park features a large area called Flamingo Flats. There's also Fantasy Island in Skegness. There are two locations: one in Skegness and the other on Canvey Island

13 Ways to Enjoy Vegas Even With / Without Gambling

Las Vegas is known for its bright lights, casinos, entertainment. It draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Most people who go there want to gamble a little while others have specific destinations in mind. According to MSN.com page Crazy Nomad, here are 13 ways to enjoy Las Vegas

1. Art in plain sight

-Las Vegas does have a trendy, vibrant art scene everywhere you look. Located just off The Strip is The Arts District. This location is known for murals consisting solely of graffiti, odd sculptures and pop up galleries. It's like SoHo and Burning Man came together. The first Friday of each month becomes a giant block party, as musicians, artists, food trucks take over, lending a vibrant, party-like feel to the neighborhood. This neighborhood also includes live painting, quirky thrift stores and an overall laid-back vibe that seems at odds with the fast-paced lifestyle of Las Vegas

2. Eat your way through Vegas

-There are dozens of "hole in the wall" restaurants and world-class restaurants that can be explored. This is a foodie's paradise. From a $4 taco that tastes like you've just stepped into Mexico to high-end restaurants like Joel Robuchon, the food scene is vibrant. The local Chinatown is jam packed with ramen restaurants, Korean barbecue places and even hidden dumpling restaurants the locals guarantee is worth it. Check out The Strip itself for food. There are food courts inside hotels and if you're lucky enough to be in town during a restaurant week or food festival, there's a world of possibility

3. Take in a show

-Las Vegas is a highly popular entertainment capital. There are live shows going on at almost all times. Whether it be a rock or country artist doing a residency, a musical or some magician / illusionist doing a staged show, there's something for everyone. Going off The Strip also provides entertainment. There are risque cabaret acts, smooth jazz lounges and more

4. A hiker's dream come true

-For those who love to hike, there is something here for you! Red Rock Canyon offers spectacular views of scenic drives, sandstone cliffs and hiking trails. There is the option to bike, climb, walk or drive through this area. It is said to calm the mind and make you feel like you are anywhere but Las Vegas. For some truly breathtaking scenery, go out to Valley of Fire State Park or the Hoover Dam or even the Grand Canyon

5. There are secret cabanas and crazy pools

-Las Vegas is known for its hotels and resorts. And with that, are pools and cabanas. These pools can range from small to massive. The experience around them is not what you expect. This include DJ's spinning records while you float in what is almost like a floating daybed while sipping cocktails. The Venetian, Mandalay Bay and Wynn offer unique experiences with their pools. Their pools are like mini oases, offering private cabanas, lunch. You feel like royalty without going near the casinos. If you're seeking something a little more zen, there are adults-only pools and spa-related locations. Even during the high tourist season, you can find a quiet corner to soothe your troubled mind

6. Speakeasies and hidden cocktail bars take you back in time

-Las Vegas is known for its organized crime-related history. As such, hidden cocktail bars and speakeasies are common here. They make you feel as though you've stepped back in time. These places are hidden in pizza parlors, behind unmarked doors or even behind vending machines. The Laundry Room, for example, only allows a handful of guests at a time, and takes mixology seriously. Other mob-related sights that are a must-see include The Mob Museum, a museum dedicated to all things organized crime-related. They have an underground bar, giving the feeling that Prohibition never ended

7. Museums beyond belief

-One of the most popular museums in Las Vegas is The Mob Museum. This museum is dedicated to all things La Cosa Nostra (This thing of ours). It details the history of the Italian Mob, who once had a pretty good presence in Las Vegas. You'll get to see items related to real life Mafiosos, such as wiretaps, a barber chair a Mafioso was once gunned down in, learn about real life heists, such as the famed Lufthansa heist of the 1970s and more. Another one is the Neon Museum, which is little more than an outdoor area filled with old, disused neon signs. If interactive is more your thing, check out the Pinball Hall of Fame. Or Meow Wolf's Omega Art, a playground disguised as a supermarket

8. Thrill rides in Las Vegas

-Las Vegas is the last place you would expect to find thrill rides. Head over to the Stratosophere Hotel, the one that looks like the Seattle Space Needle. There are thrill rides here. Or take a zipline through Freemont Street. There's also rollercoasters galore in the city

Insanity. Located on top of the Stratosphere

9. The Fremont Street Experience must be done at least once

-This is a must for all visitors to Las Vegas. The canopy above Freemont Street is an LED screen with flashing images and pulsing music. It can be set to classic rock or any other genre. Street performers, live music, ziplining above the street and even open-air bars come together to make a once in a lifetime experience that must be tried by all. Unlike the glitz and glamor that the Strip offers, there is a gritty and retro charm to Fremont Street. Classic, retro casinos, neon signs and dive bars offer enough history to tell a tale or two. And if you love people watching, head over to Fremont Street

10. World class spas are perfect for those who need to hit the reset button

-Spas are always good places to go to wind down. "Sin City", as Las Vegas is known, has plenty of spas to help you press the reset button. Canyon Ranch at the Venetian or the Waldorf Astoria Spa offer services like plunge pools, saunas, salt caves and other various health options. You walk in one way but walk out another. Day passes are available for those who visit to use the pool without purchasing the services. You can feel like a high roller without paying the high roller price tag.

11. World class shopping and the window displays that are art in themselves

-Shopping in Las Vegas is one of a kind. The malls tend to be more interesting than the surrounding casinos. The Shops at Crystals and The Forum Shops at Caesar's are lined with high-end, luxury goods, mid-blowing architecture and enough marble to make you think you're in Italy. Just window shopping here is enough of an experience. There are also quirky places to head if you like the strange and unusual. Downtown Container Park offers up stores inside disused shipping containers. There, you'll come across vintage clothing, quirky souvenirs and good coffee. There's something for every taste and budget in Vegas

12. Quirky attractions with no point

-Las Vegas is a unique blend of tacky, glitzy, glamorous and weird. Where else would you find a museum dedicated to erotic history, ride a mechanical horse at a cowboy-themed bar or explore the miniature Eiffel Tower? Drive through wedding chapels are everywhere. There's neon mini golf, bars with axe throwing and even indoor rainstorms

13. Destination hotels that are, in themselves, a destination worth checking into

-Each of the hotels has its own unique things that make it stand out from the rest. Making them a destination within a destination. The Venetian has gondolas and an indoor canal. The Luxor is renowned for its pyramidal shape and bright beam of light shooting straight up at the sky. Resorts World combines the most modern up to date luxury with food halls and live music venues. The budget-friendly options are even mind-blowing. Smaller hotels laser focus on unique, but quirky charm or rooftop bars with great views

15 Things Hotel Workers Notice About You at Check-In

When checking into a hotel, there are subtle hints that tell the employees what kind of traveler you are. According to MSN.com, here are 15 things hotel workers notice about you at check-in.

Also, you might see me put my two cents in because I have either done those things or witnessed those things

1. Attitude and demeanor

-If you come in hot, with a bad attitude and wanting things to be done ASAP, that is going to set a bad mood for both you and the hotel worker. The old saying "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression" applies here. Your attitude and demeanor is the first thing hotel staff notices about you. If you come in with a warm smile and friendly attitude, along with politeness and kindness, that will lead to excellent service. Hotel staff will be far more likely to go the extra mile for those who treat them with kindness and respect

-My personal belief is that you should treat them the same way you would expect to be treated. If you come in with a raging temper and start treating the staff like yesterday's garbage, don't expect kindness in return

2. Luggage / personal belongings

-Your luggage can tell a lot about you. One single backpack might state that the person is either a minimalist traveler or not planning on staying long. Multiple suitcases can suggest a long stay or a family vacation, especially if you have kids with you. Expensive, designer-name luggage suggests that they should be handled with care. Well-worn, well-traveled looking bags indicates someone who might look like they are being budget-friendly, but this won't affect the type of services offered

-Anytime I've ever stayed in a hotel nearby, it's usually not long, so I'll take my backpack and put multiple days of clothing in it. For example, me and my sister stayed in the Hyatt Regency Columbus in October 2022 for two days because we were in town to see Iron Maiden at the Nationwide Arena, where the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team plays. We only stayed two days, so we both had one backpack a piece. And the staff at the hotel pretty much figured why it was so crowded in the lobby-they seen Iron Maiden shirts everywhere and figured that band was in town

3. Dress and appearance

-How you dress tells the staff what you're there for. If you come in wearing a t-shirt for a musician, that tells staff you are in town for a concert by said musician. Casual beachwear suggests some time to relax at a local beach or pool. Sharp looking business suits suggest a business trip who places high premiums on efficiency

-True story. When I was in Columbus in October 2022, I wore all of my Iron Maiden gear because I was in town to see them on their Senjutsu tour. When and if I go to Orlando, Florida, when I check in, I'll probably be wearing jeans, a t-shirt and gymshoes because I just got out of the airport and am looking to check in. Then I change into shorts because of the warmer weather

4. Being prepared

-Hotel staff do enjoy when guests arriving have everything they need right there, such as ID, form of payment, whether it be payment card / cash and reservation details. It's why it's important to print off your reservation details and bring it with you. It makes the process of checking in far more efficient and far smoother, thus allowing them to complete your check-in process and move on to the next guest. More patience and assistance are given to the guests who have to root around in their bags or luggage for important documents and items, such as ID, cash / payment card, reservation details

-Being prepared makes everything easier and faster. The staff will appreciate it. If you have everything you need right there with you, this makes the process of checking in faster and more efficient, for both you and the staff member. They appreciate when people are prepared with everything they need. Don't be the person that fiddles around with looking for their itinerary, reservation details, or worse, form of payment for the room

5. Traveling alone or with people

-Hotel staff notice if you are traveling alone or with multiple people. Solo travelers will often prefer privacy and less interaction, while couples may appreciate things like upgraded amenities and romantic additions, such as champagne. Families arriving with kids in tow may need extra towels, cribs, kid-friendly activities to keep them occupied. Groups of friends may be gathering together to celebrate something, reminding the staff to give gentle reminders to that group about noise policies

6. When you arrive

-When you arrive can tell the staff a lot about you. People who check-in early may have taken an early redeye flight or a long flight or their flight just happened to get in early. This will have staff ensuring that the room is ready to be used. Guests coming in late at night might appreciate a quick, smooth check-in with no fuss. Those checking in at close to midnight might be offered snacks or extra amenities to help them settle in after a long day of trying to get to their destination

-Anytime I've ever checked into a hotel, it's never been at a specific time. I've checked into hotels at 11am, 5:00 pm, all sorts of crazy times

7. Requests / special accommodations

-Guests can come with all sorts of requests / accommodations. This can give insight to the hotel staff as to what that guest might need. From dietary restrictions to room preferences to specific types of bedding helps the staff member personalize the experience for the guest. People who travel on a regular basis might have more particular requests, such as extra pillows or blackout curtains. First time travelers would need more information about the amenities offered by the hotel, since they are curious and unfamiliar with traveling

8. Body language / eye contact

-These two can tell a lot about you to hotel staff. Nonverbal cues can speak loudly. I know it sounds strange, but it's true. Hotel staff are trained to read subtle nuances in body language and eye contact. This tells them the level of comfort and emotions. Avoiding direct eye contact and being fidgety indicates a nervous nature or frustration. A relaxed posture and smiles reveal ease and satisfaction, even curiosity at being in a new place.

-Sometimes, guests who come in might be visually / hearing impaired and would need extra assistance in getting checked in. Some hotel staff are trained in sign language and will assist the hearing impaired while those checking in who are visually impaired are able to check in and also be provided documents and signs for things in braille. Or if a guest checking in speaks a different language, hotel staff will get an iPad or tablet with a translator service on it to translate for that guest, to make things easier

-Anytime I check in, I make sure to have a relaxed demeanor and maintain eye contact, because it shows you are giving that person your full attention. But, unfortunately, sometimes hotel staff will treat you a certain way only because of your gender, race or something else. In those times, maintain a professional, respectful demeanor and get through the process of checking in. I've had hotel staff treat me with contempt only because I am a woman. In those times, I maintain a professional demeanor and do not treat them the same way they are treating me- I treat them with kindness and move on. The less you say, the better

9. How you pay

-How you pay says a lot about you. Using a corporate credit card indicates to hotel staff that this is a business trip. A personal credit card suggests leisurely travel. Some guests prefer the option of pre-paying for a trip, signaling to them a strong avoidance of surprise charges while others might want to split the costs amongst multiple payment cards

-I almost always pay with a payment card. I only carry cash if needed

10. Style of communication / accent

-This tells hotel staff a lot as well. The way a guest communicates or if they have an accent tells of their reason for travel and even their background. This helps hotel staff adjust how they communicate to ensure the maximum amount of excellent service offered. International guests might appreciate tips and hints about local interests and customs, local attractions, even local places to eat. Guests from different parts of the country may also have unique requirements. They may even ask the hotel staff where are some good restaurants or attractions

11. Membership / loyalty status

-Hotel staff are trained to pay attention to those using membership / loyalty points for traveling. Frequent guests will have specific requirements. Members of elite loyalty programs may receive upgrades, such as late check-outs, welcome amenities and other perks. When longtime guests are recognized, staff personalize their experience and ensure that the guest remain a long-term guest and maintain that long-term relationship

12. Reason for travel

-Everyone who travels has a reason behind it. Whether it be a business trip, trip to see family / friends, a concert out of town, sporting event, vacation to go relax / sightseeing, the list of reasons are endless. Each traveler has a specific reason why they are traveling. Hotel staff will pick up on the possible reason why the guest is checking in. Those in business suits might appreciate a quick and efficient check-in, with a reliable spot for Wi-Fi. Those on leisurely vacations might appreciate local spa services. Those attending an out of town wedding, conference for work or a family reunion might need amenities specific to their needs

-If hotel staff ask the reason I am checking in, I will gladly volunteer the information. I'm the kind of person who turns into an excited little kid saying they can't wait to do this or that and I tell them the reason I am checking in

13. First impression of the hotel

-Like the old saying goes "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression." First impression is the most important thing when it comes to hotels. If the hotel looks dirty, rundown, with bad smells and an overall sense of unease or low safety, it's highly likely no one will want to stay there. But if a hotel is clean, tidy, smells nice, that sets a good mood of ease for both the staff and guests. When guests arrive, and they look around at the decor, this can tell you if the guest appreciates the hotel or not.

-When I was in Columbus in 2015 for the annual Rock on the Range music festival, the only hotel me and my sister could find a room in was a Comfort Inn right off of the highway. The lobby was okay, but the hallways smelled strongly of mold and the rooms, unknown to us at the time, had bedbugs. We didn't find out about the insect problem until about a week later when we found these little parasites crawling all over our furniture and had to have our house heat treated. The hallways had carpeting coming up at the ends and the staff held a wedding there, and as such, guests took up all of the parking. There was even an attendant in the lot asking those pulling in were they there for the wedding or something else. My sister told him "we're here for a concert at MAPFRE Stadium."

14. Tone of voice / choice of words

-It's always important to treat the hotel staff the same exact way you would want to be treated. Unfortunately, not all hotel staff do this. Some hotels have staff members who will treat people certain ways because of one factor another. The way the guest speaks, in both their tone of voice and choice of words, tells of their mood and expectations. A friendly, upbeat vibe tells the staff to provide warm, friendly service while a reserved or formal approach tells the staff to maintain a professional demeanor

15. Level of experience

-Depending on how often you travel, this will tell hotel staff if you're a seasoned traveler or a first timer. Seasoned travelers know how the check-in process works. They will move through the process with flying colors, knowing what to expect, knowing what the hotels offer and even requesting particular amenities. First time travelers may be unsure about what the hotel offers. This is where the hotel staff can show they know their job by providing guidance on hotel facilities, local attractions, options for dining and more. When staff can recognize what a traveler's needs are, this will help them tailor their service provided and ensure a good stay for the guest. And ensure that the guest feels well informed, making them more likely to return in the future

-Most of the time, when I travel, it's with my mom, stepdad and sister. It's usually out of the country, to either Mexico or the Dominican Republic, where they have "all inclusives." The only thing required at check in / check out is passport. Me and my family make things a breeze for the hotel staff because we have what they need to make checking in easy!

44 Travel Hacks to Make Travelling Easier Pt. II

"Hacks" is often a term used to describe unique tips to help you do something easier and more affordably. Here are 44 travel hacks

You also might see me add a few of my own. You might also see me add some info to each one if I have done it or seen it. My takes on each item will be listed after "Pro tip" because I have done that item and it works for me.

Save space by avoiding overpacking

-Overpacking is something we've all done at least once in our lives or it's something we know is done by someone we know. To avoid overpacking, leave out bulky items and consider where you are going, what you'll be doing and what the weather is like. This will ensure you don't overpack and risk those pesky overweight bag fees

-My stepdad does this EVERY TIME we go on vacation. I only overpacked once and it was when me and my family went on vacation to the Dominican Republic. I had never been there, and was unsure what the climate was like. I packed one too many shirts and there were a couple I didn't even wear

21. Mix and match clothing

-When packing, pack clothes that are of neutral colors that can be worn with multiple items. This will not only make it easier to choose clothing, you can also be stylish

22. Limit the amount of jewelry you wear

-Choose a few pieces of jewelry that goes with your outfits. Wear the larger items during travel to save space in your carry on

-Pro tip: if you bring a lot of jewelry on vacation, this just means more you have to put into a hotel room safe. And if the safe is not working, invest in a luggage lock that only you have the key to. Put your valuables into the suitcase and lock it. Sometimes maids will take items from tourists because they think tourists are rich. Hide anything you don't want stolen by the maids

23. Pack reusable travel bottles / tumblers

-Don't pack full size bottles. Instead opt for reusable bottles or tumblers. You can fill these bottles with your favorite drink. They not only save space but they also comply with airport security liquid rules. If you need to wash clothes where you are going, bring a small container of laundry detergent

-Pro tip: taking a reusable bottle or tumbler with you, especially if you are going to a tropical destination with a bar, will be easy for you. You can take your tumbler or bottle to the bar and ask them to fill it with the drink of your choice, even if it's juice or water. The steel tumbler will keep it cold for hours. When going through security, just get the tumbler or tumblers (if you plan on taking more) out of your carry on and put them in the bin you put your other items in. Security will see that there are just metal tumblers and nothing suspicious. And if they do ask about why they are in the bin, inform them that you are making their job easier by showing them that they are just metal tumblers, nothing more or less. They appreciate people making their job easier

24. Leave room for souvenirs

-Save some space in your luggage for souvenirs. Compression bags can shrink down clothes and save more space

-Pro tip: if you don't want your souvenirs broken, my suggestion would be to put them in your carry on. I've seen the way airport staff handle luggage. They don't care. Their mindset is "not my luggage, not my problem." They certainly wouldn't like it if someone did that to THEIR luggage. So they carelessly throw luggage into the airplane, not taking a second to consider that someone has souvenirs they don't want broken. Keep your souvenirs in your carry on. Prior to going through security, get the souvenirs out so that security knows they are souvenirs and not suspicious items. Also, if you buy something that is made of organic material, such as wood, you might get stopped by security only so they can examine the item. This is to check for any sort of invasive species of insect that might be hitching a ride into the country you're returning to. These invasive species of insects can mix with other insects and do massive damage to the local agriculture

25. Make a list before you pack

-This is the most important thing you can do. This ensures that you have everything you need. This prevents overpacking. Make a list of everything you will need for the destination you are traveling to. This includes clothing, sunblock, sunglasses, whatever you'll need for the trip. Triple check prior to your trip to ensure you have everything you need in case you need to make any last minute trips to the store for necessary supplies

-Pro tip: Start making a list at least 1-2 months ahead of time. Start getting items out and mark it off the list each time you collect an item. Triple check each item to confirm you have it so that if you are missing something, you'll have time to get that item before your trip. Once you have said item, put it in the correct bag or spot in your luggage. It's always good to have peace of mind knowing you have everything you are going to need. In the case of my parents, who take medication, my mother, who is probably the most organized person in the world, brings a list of medications for both her and my stepdad. She does this so that security knows the reason why they are bringing so many medications with them. They can look at the list and know they are legitimately needed

26. Use the "Last In, First Out" Method

-Put the items you'll use last at the bottom of your suitcase while the items you'll use first go up top. This will keep you from rummaging through your suitcase and making it look like security has already gone through it

27. Make your entertainment digital

-Instead of packing bulky books or magazines, go digital. Download your favorite movies, magazines or books on to a tablet. This is not only a space saver, but will keep you entertained once you are able to turn these devices on

-Pro tip: ensure any digital device is in Airplane Mode. This safety mode will not affect the electronic measurements on the airplane. Only turn on your devices when told it's safe to do so

28. Limit gadgets

-Bring only the gadgets you know you will use. Put cables and chargers in clear plastic bags to keep them together

Get the best deals for travel

-It always pays off, no pun intended, to get the most for your money. Look for discounts anywhere you can. If you are a retired person, and are eligible for AARP (American Association for Retired People), see if they have travel discounts. Seniors do get a lot of discounts on things. Look for any travel discount you can utilize.

29. Enable price alerts for flights

-Prices for flight and travel can change in a heartbeat. By setting up price alerts on the travel sites out there, you can know when a price gets to what you want and can afford. You'll know when the time is right to go. Google Flights or Skyscanner can help you with good, quick price alerts

30. Travel during the off-season

-It's always good to travel during the off-season. This ensures you beat major crowds and it's often cheaper to fly during the off seasons. There will be deep discounts on everything, from flights to accommodations and even local shops might offer you some savings. Local shops offer deep discounts when tourist numbers are low. September-November seems to be the off season for a lot of places, as there is not a lot of people traveling unless they are on vacation. Kids won't be travelling with them, as they will be in school, unless they are homeschooled. This time period tends to be incredibly affordable on flights, accommodations and more.

Pro tip: Do not travel around the holidays. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day tend to be the busier holidays, according to most travel companies. Airports can be busy. The roads will be backed up with traffic if people are driving. Also, do some research into local holidays where you are going. If you are going somewhere and there happens to be a local major holiday, you might run into a lot of people. But that's not a bad thing; it's interesting to see how the locals celebrate holidays. It's more of a "put it on your radar" type thing so you know. Also, travel during the summer tends to be busy because a lot of kids are on summer vacation, so you'll see a lot of kids at the airport. Just be patient when around kids. They are just as excited as you are to travel and it's always incredibly rewarding to see just how excited kids can get when they know they are going somewhere they've never been to. And they're cute as ever when they are excited about travel

31. Use the incognito mode for booking

-What you may not know is that sometimes prices can fluctuate based on your search history. To keep prices from changing, put yourself into Incognito Mode. Use this when booking hotels or flights. This keeps the search history relatively clean and prices reasonable. This ensures that online activity does not have an impact on the costs you're seeing

32. Join a frequent flyer program

-These programs offer great discounts to those who travel a lot. Airlines offer frequent flyer programs that can offer the chance to earn miles and points to use towards international travel or other benefits. When on the airplane, staff aboard will tell you about frequent flyer programs that you can join if you plan to travel frequently. They will hand out applications to those interested

33. Get accommodations with built in kitchen facilities

-Some people prefer to get accommodations with built in kitchens. Others do not. It's all down to what you personally prefer. The idea behind accommodations with built in kitchens is that it will save on food costs. It will allow you to prepare and cook your own food rather than eat at a restaurant every day

Pro tip: I did this when I went on vacation with my mother, stepfather, his sister Jeananne and her son Noah when we went to Florida one year. They all rented a condo with a kitchen that was right there on the beach. It, for us at least, was more trouble than it was worth. It was not much of a vacation when we had to hit up the local grocery store, Publix, and get food. Every night, we prepared food and had to clean the dishes that were available for use in the cabinet. All the stuff you can do at home with the expense of a vacation rental right on the beach.

-It didn't work for me. That's not to say everyone will feel the same way. It might work for some and that is fine. It simply didn't work for me. Not only that, that vacation was boring. All we did was hang by the pool and walk on the beach. I had to be extremely careful because back then, I burned incredibly easily (luckily my skin is a lot tougher now; I don't burn anywhere near as easily as I used to). We didn't go to any of the major theme parks like Busch Gardens in Tampa (we were in Tampa Bay, by the way), Universal Studios Orlando or Walt Disney World in Orlando. The only major thing we did was go mini golfing at a course two miles up the road in an area called Indian Rocks Beach. I was glad to go home.

34. Explore Local Tourist Passes

-There is such a thing as local tourist passes. These allow tourists to visit destinations at a deeply discounted price. They also offer savings on public transportation, which helps you get around

35. Eat like the locals

-Instead of hitting up the touristy spots, go to the local market or local restaurants. Eat and drink amongst the locals. Not only will this help immerse you in the local culinary scene, but you can also save money too. An added perk is that you might get the chance to talk to some of the locals and meet interesting people and you can heighten your travel experience

-This is what I plan to do if I get the chance to visit London. Nothing would fascinate me more than eating amongst the local residents. Getting to know their interesting stories. Seeing all of the unique architecture. And if I see locations from various films I've seen, I will have to exercise extreme self control from getting excited at seeing something in real life from a film I saw. For example, if I see the building that was used as the MI-6 headquarters in the film Skyfall, I will definitely be taking a picture

36. Use public transportation

-Learn the local public transportation. They are far more affordable than taxis or rideshare services. It's a great way to travel around like the locals do. You can find some great things that taxis or rideshare services might miss. You can save money by using public transportation and use that money elsewhere. Not only that, you might meet some interesting locals while using public transportation

Maintain health and safety and various other needs

-It's strongly important to make sure you are prepared. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst" is usually a good phrase to live by. When traveling, there might be unexpected situations that pop up. It's always good to be prepared

37. Make photocopies of important documents

-Make copies of your most important travel documents. This includes your photo ID, passport, travel itinerary. Keep these copies separate from the originals. This is with the idea that if the originals get lost or stolen, you'll still have all of your crucial information

38. Learn some basic phrases

-It's always important to learn basic phrases in the local language prior to traveling to that destination. It's not only respectful, but it will help you in the long run. Learn some vital words such as "help", "emergency", "doctor", "hospital", "allergy". Also, learn some basic greetings, like "Hello", "How are you?", "thank you", "you're welcome". If you need police / emergency assistance, learn what the local number is. In England, it's 999 for emergency services

-Pro tip: get a travel book. There are plenty out there. My suggestions would be Fodor's Travel, Rick Steves', Lonely Planet. They have everything broken down by price. 1 $ means affordable. 2 $$ means moderately priced. 3 $$$ means expensive. I have quite a few books by these companies and people at home about travel. I have one on England, one on London, one on Japan, one on New York, one on Australia and one on Hawaii. They're informative, helpful and offer helpful tips and hints about what to do, what to see, where to eat, where to stay, all based on your budget.

-Sadly, I've made a list of everything I would love to do / see when visiting these destinations. And it doesn't help when a British friend of mine from college told me about Alton Towers, a theme park in Stoke-on-Trent, England and how much fun he had there. He said if I got the chance to go there, I should. One ride he recommended was Oblivion because not only was it fun, but the concrete area around it was designed to look like a supervillain lair. It was designed by a production designer who worked on at least five of the James Bond films. I told him that now I have to go there and see it for myself. Of course, he sent back a bunch of laughing face emojis because we were chatting on Facebook

39. Check your travel insurance

-Verify that your travel insurance is up to date. Check that it covers your destination of choice. It should include coverage for accidents, illness, loss / theft. It will provide peace of mind as you enjoy your trip

40. Notify your bank prior to travel

-This will bring you peace of mind as well as that of your local bank. Notify your local bank about your intention to travel. Let them know when you are leaving, when you are coming back, where you are going. They will red flag any suspicious activity on your card and will even block / freeze your card from use in case of foreign transactions

-Pro tip: carry cash and / or cards. Depending on where you are going, if you plan on taking your card, do the above-mentioned advice. Not only will you have peace of mind, your bank will too. My mother worked in credit card fraud for a local bank for 10 years. She would block / unblock cards for the account holders for their protection. And, of course, they would always call and yell at her for this. She would kindly explain to them that she did this for their protection and explain that they should have notified the bank prior to travel

-A great example. A lot of former New York / New Jersey residents live in the Cincinnati, Ohio region. A woman who was from New York, but living in the Cincinnati, Ohio area had called in to complain that her card was blocked. She had planned a three week trip to the Far East, seeing places like China, Vietnam and Japan. My mom had blocked her card and this woman had called in, very angry, demanding to know why her card was not working. My mom had to educate her about the high risk of identity theft and credit card fraud that was prevalent in the Far East. That she should have notified the bank prior to travel. When my mom finished, the woman was deeply apologetic and appreciated what my mom had done. My mom had explained that it was her job to block cards from suspicious activity that is not normal for the account holder. My mom asked that, to prevent this from happening again, the woman needs to contact Card Services at the bank and let them know when she is leaving / coming back and where she is going. The person will put a travel advisory with this information on her account so that people will know that it's the card holder making those charges

41. Pack a doorstop

-For additional security, bring a doorstop. It sounds strange, but bringing a doorstop to use in your hotel room will keep unwanted guests from coming in

42. Check for Free Wi-Fi

-See if the hotel you're staying at offers Wi-Fi for free. It will help you stay connected and saves on expensive international data roaming charges

43. Carry reusable shopping bag

-Have a reusable shopping bag in your luggage. This will offer a convenient way of carrying items, such as souvenirs and it's eco-friendly

44. Research local customs and etiquette

-It's incredibly important to do research on what local customs and etiquette is. This will avoid not only cultural mistakes, but it will heighten your travel experience when you do what the locals do. Like the old saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." This phrase translates into "when in a city or country, do as the locals do." They will respect you when they see you are making a genuine effort to respect their laws and customs

Travel smarter, not harder

-These tips are designed to make packing for a trip a breeze. Use these tips to make your trip go more smoothly, not more stressful. Following these tips will heighten your travel experience and garner you respect from the locals

44 Travel Hacks to Make Travelling Easier Pt. I

"Hacks" is often a term used to describe unique tips to help you do something easier and more affordably. According to an Microsoft article by someone calling themselves Nomad Veronica LLC, here are 44 travel hacks to make travelling easier.

You also might see me add a few of my own. You might also see me add some info to each one if I have done it or seen it. My takes on each item will be listed after "Pro tip" because I have done that item and it works for me.

Hacks for packing

-We've all either been there or known someone who has been there. The person who has travelled all over the world and knows every little hack in the book. Here are some simple ways to make packing easier.

1. Roll your clothes

-This is a time tested and proven method of conserving space in your luggage. Not only does it save space, but it also is a nice way of folding your clothes to avoid wrinkles

-Pro tip: I do this and it works wonderfully. My clothes are not wrinkled, my suitcase has plenty of room. It works beautifully

2. Use packing cubes / crates

-These are a game changer. If rolling your clothes is not something you prefer, instead use packing cubes to put your clothing in. You can fold your items inside these cubes and it will keep them nice and tidy without looking like security already went through your belongings

-Pro tip: I also use packing cubes. I put my bulkier items in there, like jean shorts, t-shirts, camisoles, etc.

3. Pack a multi-use scarf or cover up

-Use a multi use scarf, cover up or sarong as a makeshift blanket, towel or accessory to outfit. Sometimes people bring blankets with them, but it would be wise to check with the airline or airport before doing this

4. Stuff small items into shoes

-Utilize the maximum amount of space in your luggage and also avoid losing small items by stuffing them inside your shoes. It not only keeps you from losing said small items, it helps you use every inch. Or you can put them into a plastic bag to keep them in one place

5. Put dryer sheets in between layers of clothes

-To reduce static cling and keep your clothes smelling laundry fresh, slip a few dryer sheets in between your clothes

6. Use plastic wrap under caps

-To keep hats from getting unnecessary spills on them, utilize plastic wrap on plastic bottles. Put a piece of plastic wrap on bottles and then put on the lids. For extra protection, use tape around the lid

7. Carry an emergency kit

-Always be prepared for the worst. Have an emergency kit on hand. This should be easily ready and accessible from your carry on. This emergency kit should include all necessary first aid supplies, medications and other items deemed important

8. Follow the 1-2-3 rule for shoes

-There is a rule for shoes in luggage. This helps people choose shoes. It's called the 1-2-3 rule. One pair of dress shoes, two pairs of casual shoes, 3 pairs of socks per pair of shoes. It also comes down to where you are going and what you'll be doing that determines the type of footwear you'll be wearing / bringing

9. Seal / separate toiletry bag

-Keep this bag separated from other items in your luggage and keep it sealed tightly. Use clear plastic bags to make getting through security easy peasy (they'll appreciate you making it easy for them)

-Pro tip: most travel sections at stores have clear bags for toiletry items that are safe for security. They have clear fronts so security knows there are toiletry items inside

10. Use the bundle packing method

-If rolling clothes doesn't work for you and the packing cubes don't suit you, try this time-tested method. Using a bundle pack method. This involves wrapping clothes around a central core, the wrinkle-prone items on the outside, the tougher stuff on the inside. The idea is that it will save space and reduce folding lines

Airport / flight hacks

-Now that you're at the airport, it's now time to get through security, sometimes called TSA. These people make sure you're not taking anything suspicious out of the country. Follow some simple rules designed to streamline your process through security and get you through faster and easier

11. Download boarding passes

-Make sure that you have all of your necessary travel documents in one place prior to leaving for the airport. Because if you leave for the airport and realize, when you get there, that you have forgotten something, you won't have time to go back and get that item without the risk of missing your flight. It's always good to triple check you have everything before you leave. If you are the kind of person who likes to take things digital, consider downloading your boarding pass on to your phone. It avoids the hassle of printing and making the boarding process easier. But if you like to keep the boarding pass as a memento, put the boarding pass inside the same folder as you keep your passport and then put your passport inside your carry on.

-Pro tip: Invest in a passport holder. Not only will this keep your passport secure, you can also keep other important documents in there as well, including boarding pass, flight information, a pen for filling out international forms and more.

12. Wear extra layers

-To save space in your luggage and ensure a comfortable trip, consider wearing extra layers. You can use these clothes for extra warmth

-Pro tip: look at the weather forecast for the area you are currently living in. Even if it's summer time when you're traveling, it'll be different temperatures up in the friendly skies. You'll want to wear long pants and bring a hooded sweatshirt to wear because once you're up in the skies, it can get mighty cold

13. Charge devices prior to travel

-Make sure all of the devices you plan on bringing are fully charged. Outlets at airports might be tricky to find or everyone is using them to charge their devices last minute. Making sure that your devices are fully charged will ensure that you keep informed and entertained

-Pro tip: invest in a universal adapter. These handy little devices allow you to charge things overseas. Just use the right adapter for the country you're in and you can charge your devices. These handy little devices will have the appropriate electrical prong setup for whatever country you're in because voltage differences can vary from country to country. These nifty little devices will run you no more than $10-$20 at most stores and will be found in the travel department

14. Carry portable charger

-This nifty little item is a game changer. Carry a portable charger with you to charge your devices. Keep it with you, along with a universal adapter, to keep you charged up on all of your devices

15. Bring your own snacks

-Airports can be expensive. The stores are counting on travelers being hungry. Bring your own snacks with you to keep hunger at bay. It means saving massive amounts of money at the airport and healthier options, especially if you have dietary restrictions

16. Stay hydrated

-Staying hydrated is key to fighting off and preventing jet lag. You can bring a reusable water bottle to fill up after getting through security to ensure you stay well watered throughout the flight, since flying dehydrates you

17. Choose an aisle seat for long flights

-Long flights can be tedious, especially if you are in the window or middle seat. Choose an aisle seat so you can stretch out without disturbing others. The aisle seat allows easier access to your carry on.

-Pro tip: store your carry on underneath the seat in front of you. Not only will you avoid disturbing others by incessantly getting up to go to the overhead bin, but you'll have all the important items you need closer

18. Wear slip on shoes

-While wearing flip flops to the airport might get you through security faster, they are not always the right choice of footwear, especially in the case of an emergency or once you get up in the air. Wear slip on shoes or gym shoes to the airport. Slip on shoes make it faster to get through security and also maximize comfort on the airplane. Not only that, but they keep your feet warmer too once up in the air

19. Keep a pen with you

-When travelling internationally, you will need to fill out entrance forms or other forms. Keep a pen at the ready to fill these out so you can enter the country. It will save boatloads of time to have a pen at the ready rather than wait for airplane staff to hand out pens. Keep a pen inside your passport holder

-Pro tip: invest in a passport holder. These can include slots for important papers, pens, your passport and more. When looking for a passport holder, invest in one that has a loop for a pen, storage for papers and your passport. This will keep you not only organized but ready with a pen and all your important documents together in one place

20. Book early morning flights

-To reduce delays and enjoy a quieter travel experience, book early morning flights. Statistics show that early morning flights are more enjoyable and a lot less likely to be delayed than flights later on

Questions and Answers for Those Contemplating Their First Trip to Hawaii Pt. II

Hawaii is one of those destinations that seems to be most people's travel bucket list. Unlike the "all inclusive" resorts commonly found in the tropics, where the only money you bring is for tips and souvenirs, Hawaii is somewhere that you pay for everything. According to Hawaii Travel for Kids, here are 36 questions asked to them when traveling to the Aloha state where palm trees sway

19. Will I need to rent a car?

-Unless Waikiki is one of the destinations you're staying in, renting a car would be advisable just so you can get from place to place. Rideshare programs such as Uber and Lyft are not common here, mostly on the mainland. The public transportation, usually buses, are reliable but not incredibly time-efficient. The recommended place would be Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They get deep discounts from places like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Payless

20. Are things expensive in Hawaii?

-YES! Because everything has to be shipped in from the mainland or elsewhere, such as food, gas and everyday essentials, the cost of items here is significantly higher. Instead of paying $3 to $4 for a gallon of milk, here you'll be paying closer to $6 to $8. Another reason for the high cost is that people often book pricey excursions while here. If you choose to do an excursion, such as a helicopter ride, snorkeling or boat tour, swim with dolphins or a luau, it's going to cost you. The most recommended way to cut costs is to shop at the local farmer's markets and roadside fruit stands. Not only will you save money, but you'll also be supporting local businesses

21. Is tipping in Hawaii necessary?

-The answer is yes! It's customary to tip in Hawaii. This shows that you appreciate the hard work of people. You can tip hotel staff, restaurant staff, tour guides, photographers, etc

22. Are there restrictions to buying alcohol?

-In Hawaii, you must be at least 21 years of age to buy alcoholic drinks. You also must be this age to consume alcoholic drinks legally. There are some "dry" towns, towns that don't sell liquor at all, such as Laie. And in other cases, some retail liquor stores stop selling at 11:00 pm. And locations that serve liquor stop serving at 2 am

23. Is there a currency for Hawaii?

-No. Since Hawaii is part of the United States, the US Dollar is also the currency in Hawaii. There are currency exchanges located throughout the islands if you are from another country and need to exchange your currency for US dollars. You can also head to the Bank of Hawaii to exchange out your currency for US dollars

24. What is the average temperature in Hawaii?

-Year-round, Hawaii is in the 70s-80s. During the winter months, the temperatures can go to about 60s, especially during the evening hours. During the summer, it can shoot up to the high 80s during the day. The summer months see a lot of dry weather while the winter months it gets a bit rainy. There are also tropical storm or hurricane watches as well

25. How long is the flight to Hawaii?

-It all comes down to where you are coming from. Most flights from the West Coast are only about 5-6 hours long. But, if you are coming from Chicago, it's 11 hours and if you're coming from the East Coast, it's 14-15 hours

26. Are there sharks in Hawaii?

-Yes. You can bet there are sharks in Hawaii. There is said to be at least 40 different species of sharks living in Hawaii. These can include whitetip reef sharks, great white sharks, sandbar sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and sometimes even tiger sharks. If you're feeling particularly brave, you can book an excursion on Oahu to go swimming with sharks! You can get an up close nose to nose dive with sharks!

27. Are shark attacks common in Hawaii?

-While it might be common to be fearful of shark attacks in Hawaii, there are not as many shark attacks in Hawaii as people think. The Division of Aquatic Resources states that in the years of 1980-2020, there have only been an estimated 164 shark attacks, with only 10 of those resulting in fatalities. Some useful tips for avoiding encounters with these watery predators include: don't swim at night (night time is their hunting time. They can see well in low light), don't swim in murky water (again, their vision far outstrips human vision), don't urinate in the water (strangely, just like blood, urine attracts sharks. That tells them prey is nearby)

28. Are there snakes in Hawaii?

-The answer is technically yes. Although there are no snakes native to Hawaii. It's completely illegal to own them as pets. Hawaii does have 4 brown tree snakes that can assist in training dogs to detect snakes that enter Hawaii. The reason it's illegal to bring snakes into Hawaii is because they have no natural predators and they can cause a lot of issues for the environment. In 2013, two species of snakes were found in Hawaii: the Island Blind Snake and Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake. The Island Blind Snake is a harmless species the size of an earthworm. The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake is rare, but highly poisonous

29. What language is spoken in Hawaii?

-There are two official languages spoken here: English and Hawaiian. There are language immersion schools where people can learn the language of Hawaiian. Many locals also speak "pidgin", which is Hawaiian Creole language. It originated on the pineapple plantations and uses words from the languages of Korean, Portugese, Japanese, Cantonese and Hawaiian. There are also other foreign languages spoken here. They include: Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Tagalog. Japanese is especially common here since Hawaii is so close to Japan

30. Where is Pearl Harbor?

-This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. The Pearl Harbor Monument is located on the island of Oahu, just a few miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Here, you can find the USS Arizona, the USS Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. When people go to Pearl Harbor, it's to not only see the monument, but also pay their respects. If you want to see everything Pearl Harbor has to offer, you'll need at least a full day to do that

31. Am I allowed to take fruit home?

-To an extent. You are only allowed to bring back packaged fruit that has gone through an inspection by agriculture and is approved for transport. That means boxed pineapple. You can find this at the grocery stores or airport. And, as long as they have been agriculturally inspected and approved, you can bring home coconuts. But don't think about bringing home fresh Hawaiian fruits, such as mango, lychee, papaya, lilikoi or guava. These might contain disease and pests that can do damage to the delicate agriculture of the mainland. TSA will tell you when you arrive that damage can be done to the agriculture because of the possible pests or disease

32. Can I bring pets to Hawaii?

-It's legal to bring cats and dogs to Hawaii, but there's a catch. They must do an extensive quarantine of 30 days minimum. It's also costly. The only logical conclusion would be that if you are moving to Hawaii, then you can bring your pets or visiting there for some time. If you are craving some time with a furry friend and you just so happen to be visiting Kauai, head to the local Humane Society and borrow a shelter dog for the day. Not only will you get some time with a cuddly dog, this helps the community and helps bring sunshine into a dog's day

33. Can you still get leis at the airport?

-The answer is no. It's been years since people danced the hula and offered leis at the airport for arriving tourists. You can pre-arrange a lei greeting party ahead of time for you. It'll need to be paid for ahead of time

34. Does Hawaii have all-inclusive resorts?

-To an extent. The Hana-Maui Resort offers dining packages to make vacations all inclusive. Unfortunately, other than that, there are no all-inclusive resorts here in Hawaii. The resorts in Hawaii are just as stunning as the all-inclusive places, with plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied and happy. You'll just need to pay separately

35. Is it legal to take a lava rock home?

-The answer is NO! NO! NO! NO! It cannot be emphasized more strongly enough that it's completely illegal to take lava rock home. It's not only disrespectful to the Hawaiian culture, but it would make you an irresponsible tourist. If everyone who visited the Hawaiian Islands took home lava rock, there would be none left. This "do not take home" rule also applies to coral, sea glass, shells and sand and all other natural elements in Hawaii. Simply leave them there so other people can enjoy them

36. Is there a royal palace in Hawaii?

-Absolutely!!! The famous and iconic Iolani Palace in Honolulu is where King Kalakua once resided. He built the famous palace in 1882 and lived there until 1893. It once used to throw fancy parties and even had electricity before the White House! In 1959, when Hawaii became a US state, Iolani Palace was used as a capitol building. It was 1978 when the palace became a museum highlighting Hawaiian culture and history. During a trip to Oahu, make it a point to visit Iolani Palace. They offer guided tours and it's a perfect way to learn about Hawaiian culture in such a way that school never did. Not only that, but those familiar with the newly remade television show Hawaii Five-O will recognize the building as being the headquarters for the Five-O task force