Hi there!

We're currently in production on two new shows for the Travel Channel called The Top 50 Travel Tips and The Top 50 Family Travel Tips. As part of the show we'd love to hear pieces of advice from Travel Channel viewers that have proved invaluable on their trips.

We really want FRESH, AMAZING and SIMPLE tips that anyone can use! Whether it's how to score a hotel upgrade, packing tips for your suitcase, how to get the most out of a day at a theme park or the best ways to save time or money.

The tips need to be GENERAL so please don't recommend specific hotels or attractions. We're looking for those extra nuggets of information that anyone can use to make the most out of their travels...

The shows will be airing in 2008 and all the best tips will be part of the show!

Thank you!

howdy!! i am new to this site, and posted my tips as another topic, but i did a copy and paste of my tips here.

2 years ago, we took our first vacation out of the country(u.s.). we went to cancun, and last year, we went to aruba, both are wonderful places in their own right, so, for the "first time traveller" here are some hints/tips that we started using and will continue to use every time we travel.

1. apply for your passport at least 6 months before you actually want to go on your trip, so there wont be any "last minute delays" and undue stress.

2. research, research, research. before you decide on where you want to go, do your research to make sure that is exactly where you want to go, and offers the activities/sight seeeing that you want to do. research everything from the "normal" weather, to the heavy tourist season(off season will save you a lot of money), to the local currency, as well as if immunizations are needed before you depart, as some are "series" and can take several months.

3. if budget is a problem, we have found it best to go "all inclusive". many hotels offer "AI" or "all inclusive" which can, in the long run, save up to hundreds of dollars. the "AI" packages that we get, include round trip airfare, round trip ground transfers, all taxes, all of the food and beverage that you can ingest, as well as all tips, with the exception of "transfer drivers". with the "AI" plans, you know exactly how much money you will need, but we always take extra money for extra tippage as well, it doesnt neccessarily mean better service, but the employees at those hotels do work hard and really do appreciate the extra tips.

3. always leave room in your carry-on for swimming attire, reason being, most hotels dont allow check-in until approximately 3 p.m. local time, as most arrivals are mid morning-mid afternoon, your swimming attire is packed away in your luggage, but the beach/pool looks so inviting and you really want to relax after you reach your destination. your luggage will be put in a locked room, while you venture off for a quick bite/grounds tour, etc...BUT!!! with your swimming attire in a carry-on, you can dismiss yourself to a lobby restroom or a courtesy room and change, and make your way to the water(in some instances, you may wear your swimming attire under your travel clothes).

4. check the hotels website for dress codes for dinner/special events, and pack accordingly. the easiest way to pack lightly, yet have many different outfits would be 2 take possibly (ladies, 2 skirts and 3 different tops and a various accessories, and maybe 1 really nice outfit*semi-formal*) (men, 2 pairs of nice slacks and possibly 3 dress shirts*with collars* and maybe 1 tie) the hotels do offer laundry service, dont be afraid to use it if you have to. pack shampoos, conditioners, shave gels/creams, mouthwashes etc, in seperate zip-lock bag in case of leakage, and pack in your luggage to be checked, take along those "mulit-packs"(10 packs) of gum and leave the toothpaste in your luggage, it is easy access, will keep your breath fresh, and offering a pack to a customs agent in a foreign airport doesnt hurt either.

5. make at least 2 photo-copies of each and every travel document that you have, drivers license, itinerary, passport, etc...give one set to a family member at home, and keep one set in your purse, carry-on, or luggage in case your originals are lost or stolen.

6. when taking local transportation, ie: taxi cabs, consult with the driver and find out the exact fare to go a certain distance, or to a certain place, and agree on that price, in many places, taxi fares are controlled by the government, but as well, not so, in other placves. you may find it is less expensive to take the city bus, and sometimes safer too(i have ridden in cabs, where the driver, drives like my grandmother...scarey).

6. take along a small to medium size collapsible cooler, if your hotel room has a stocked mini-bar, you can put hotel ice and soft drinks/bottles of water in it to take on excursions. and for the return trip home, you can use it to store extra trinkets/souvenirs in, as most airlines allow 1 carry-on, as well as 1 other "personal" carryon item.

7. some places, it is a waste of time/money to send postcards, we sent post cards 2 years ago from caucun, havent received them yet, so it's best to just buy the postcards ans some stamps while there, stamp the postcards, and bring them home as inexpensive souvenirs that take up practically no room at all in the luggage.

8. local currency, is just about the least expensive souvenir that money can "buy" lol, any cashier/sales clerk/currency exchange is always more than happy to exchange your money for theirs.

9. visit that country's/cities website about making phone calls back home, in some placves, you can buy a calling card, rent a local cell phone, or even buy international calling cards, but never, never, NEVER call home directly from your hotel room, some hotels charge up to $10.00 USD just for a connect fee and 3 minutes of talk time, in some places, for that same $10.00, you can get up to 30 minutes of talk time using an international calling card from a pay phone.

If you like to visit National Parks, or you visit alot of National Parks, a good tip is to buy a National Park Pass for $80.00 which allows for entrance into all the parks as well as other thing associated with the National Parks.

Leave early for your destination. You avoid traffic and get a head start on whatever it is you are doing.

Have a compass so that when you exit a subway or a building you can figure out which way to turn to get to your next site. A Sports Seat is invaluable when you reach your 50's. You can sit down any time, anywhere and can use it like a cane when going uphill on uneven surfaces + it's very light to carry. These are the 2 best items I've bought and used.

If you're visiting a theme park and plan on going on the water attractions, pack extra dry socks for the family in a zip lock bag. You can switch out the wet socks for the dry ones after the ride.

Hi.
No one like to think about accidents and illnesses happening while on vaction -- but they do. Medical evacuation services are an affordable way to get back home if you are hospitalized while traveling. Some medical evacution services offer individual, family, and student memberships starting at $250 a year, which covers all ground and air transport even if the person is overseas. Beware, however, some don't promise to take you home or to the hospital of your choice so read the membership agreement thoroughly. Also, some large insurance carries are partnering with medical evacuation providers, too, so people should see if their plans offer this benefit before enrolling.

As far as family travel is concerned, we just used the services of www.vacationkids.com. They offer lots of travel tips for families on their website but the best bit of advice that helped our family was their family of five vacation page...
http://www.vacationkids.com/famfive.php
When you have three children, it's almost impossible to find hotels that will let everyone stay together in the same room. The explanation and advise here was invaluable...not to mention the value of the money we saved on our vacation!

Hello there,

I have a few tips that I use every time that I travel. First, I always pack my shampoo and all other liquids in a Ziploc bag to prevent leakage all over the rest of my luggage. The last trip we took to Vegas, I had packed everything like this and boy am I glad that I did. When I opened my luggage, my shampoo and hairspray had leaked, more like exploded inside the baggie ! ( Most likely from being at a high altitude in the plane )
Another item that I always pack are Baby wipes. It is like having a wash cloth at you disposal at all times. I keep them in the car always, and bring them along on trips. They have proven to be very useful after eating, being at the beach, etc..
I always pack my shoes inside a bag also to prevent dirt on my clothing. You never know what you may pick up on the bottom of your shoes !
I bring a pair of flip flops to wear around the hotel room, as I hate to walk around on the floor, bacause you do not know what has been on it before you get there. I especially wear them in the bathroom and into the shower. There are too many germs around that one can pick up in any public place.
I recently found that renting a condo verses staying at a hotel can be alot cheaper ! First of all, you save a ton on food. You can go grocery shopping verses paying a restaurant for every meal. I realize that you are on vacation and do not want to do dishes, so make sure that the condo you stay at has a dishwasher so you do not have to wash dishes ! Many condos have washer and dryers so you can pack lighter and do not have to bring so many different outfits !

I hope that these ideas help some of your readers with their vacation travels!

Happy travels !

As an airline pilot, I go to Europe Weekly and found the best deals. We in the airlines all share our best tips. The best tip I have for you would be for Jet Lag. Your European Flight usually arrives in the morning. First, expect to wait for your room. While you are waiting, get your pass on the Hop-on-Hop-Off bus. First, you can use it like a taxi, second, you can find all the spots you would like to visit, third, many of these buses give you discounts at the hot attractions, and finally, you have a tour guide who can answere all your questions. The real beauty of the bus is you can just sit and get use to the time difference, maybe even close your eyes for a minute.
So once you get into your room, take a two hour nap, get on the bus, and enjoy. If you need any more ideas, just ask. I most likely will have the answer for you

I always take a few photos of our luggage. It proved to be a good idea. On our recent trip the luggage did not arrive on the flight with us. When filling out the claims form the description was easy, we just pulled out the photo and left it with the agent. I put copies of our itinerary in the front pockets of all checked luggage. If the luggage does get lost, they know where we are and where to forward them once they are found. This can be very helpful especially when taking a cruise. To identify our luggage easily on the carousel, I put strips of colorful duct tape on all sides of the luggage. We were without our luggage for 2 days and they arrived at our hotel the night before our cruise.

When we travel I like to take bubble wrap with me that way if we buy something breakable I can wrap it securely and not have to worry. We have not had any accidents yet!

Also I like to take along air freshers. You never know when you will have a room that smells. If you need to use one the best to take is the peel and stick ones. I stick one on the register vent to freshen the air.

I like to send away for free laundry soap samples. They are prefect for doing laundry when you travel. Another good tip if you are traveling with liquid soap wrap it in the new press and seal saran wrap it prevents leaking. Never had one leak on me yet. After I wrap it in the press and seal I also put it inside of a zip lock bag along with dryer sheets and a very dollars worth of quarters so when I need to do laundry I have everything I need in one bag.

COLOR CODED STUFF SACKSOne color for toiletries, one for utencils, one for underwear.. what every you want to organize! Stuff sacks come in an assortment of colors and sizes. Super light weight, and good ones are made with neoprene or rip stop materials.
I have many other travel tips! Worked for and managed Whole Earth Provision Company (travel gear)in Austin, Texas for 7 years. I'm an expert on assisting people, traveling by back pack to Denali or Flying to Europe, find the right items to make the trip go off without a hitch.

I have a tip for the family show...

I always get the kids treats I don't ususally let them have or a little inexpensive toy. Then when they are getting bored they get something they were expecting. The real tip is put something in your suitcase for the trip HOME! Don't use all your tricks on the way there.

All of these tips are based off of my recent trip to Egypt with tours based as far north as Cairo and as south as Aswan

1. The best type of clothing to wear in hot dry areas is surprisingly long sleeve shirts and pants that are extremely light. I found shirts that are 100% cotton and almost see through are the most pleasant.

2. When water is a necessity throughout the day it is best to have a hydration pack with you filled with cold water. Most of these packs are insulated very well and can keep water cool through the entire day.

3. It is very helpful to carry multiple one dollar bills with you (at least in egypt) because most people you buy things from WILL want tips. Be sure to Budget in tips for at least $100 or more per day.

4. For European flights I have often found that a bit of strong coffee (if your from the US the normal coffee will do fine ( European beats Starbucks any day)) and some non-airplane food will help in adjusting to the time.

5. When you travel, take pictures of venue passes, street signs and even maps to make remembering the location of the picture a breeze.

I travel to Europe 2 or 3 times a year and have found that Traveller's Cheques are a waste of time. First, you often pay a fee to buy them. They can be impossible to cash at anywhere but the bank, and they will charge you a fee or you will be hit with a bad exchange rate.
It's far better to use your ATM card at the destination. You will usually receive a better exchange rate and lower fees and have easy access to your funds. Plus. no Traveller's Cheques to worry about or loose.

I've found a good idea on road trips, (espeically if you have kids) is before the trip go to your local deli and pick up some meats and cheeses. Pick up some deli meat, cheese, pre sliced buns, and some squeeze mayo or mustard. Stock up the cooler w/ some drinks and these things and you have a quick, easy, cheap meal. Stop anywhere and have a picnic and there really is no clean up besides throwing away some paper plates. If you have kids food costs on trips can add up fast. And this tends to be a bit healthier then your cheap roadside meal. It costs aprox. 30 bucks to buy some cheap lunch supplies that can last a family of 4 anywhere between 3-6 meals depending on portions. As compared to 15-20 dollars per meal for a family of 4 at a basic fast food place, its much more economical and much healthier.

Some top 50 travel tips? My wife and I have a bunch.

1.) Purchase a money belt, especially for traveling abroad. There is not a lot of violent crime, but tons of petty thievery. We traveled to Europe in 2002 with another couple, talked them each into wearing money belts. Arrived in Schipol in Amsterdam and viola, someone steals their bags out of a locker later that day in Station Centraal. Because they had their railpasses, return tickets, big bills, debit and credit cards, and passports in their belts, they got to buy all new European clothes, some new bags and we were in action. It made for a very small bump in the road, where it could of been a disaster. Get the belt that is nylon, with a non-metallic zipper and clasp, so it will go through the metal detectors at airports. Don't put anything else in it but the items listed above, except for a copy of your passport.

2.) PACK LIGHT...PACK LIGHT...PACK LIGHT. There, I've said it three times, and so should you. One carry-on each is all we take, if we are going somewhere for a week, or 7 weeks. I have a model that converts to a backpack, and my wife has a small roll-aboard. We check nothing!!
Why would anyone carry a huge tube of toothpaste or shampoo with them? Buy it there.
I love the people in the train stations trying to transfer from train to train with 4 or 5 bags, then try to find a place to stack them, after bashing everyone's knees going up and down the aisles.

3.) Eat at European restaurants that have hand-written menus outside. Small Mom and Pop places will offer what is fresh at that time of year. Go for the specials, take risks, try something different, its why your traveling. If the menu has English translations, its probably going to be expensive. Don't ask the hotel clerk where to eat, (He usually gets a cut.) Ask the cop on the corner where he eats, or the tram or bus driver where he takes his family to eat. You will be amazed at the number of little, cheap places, with fantastic food.

4.) Try to go to Europe in March through May or September through November, especially if you are going for the first time. Hotels are cheaper, (ask for a discount if paying in cash), no crowds at the attractions, and no scorching heat. We loved seeing the Statue of David with no one in there but us, or cruising a Louvre that is almost empty.

5.) This is the hardest one. Get your head straight about traveling. You can have a terrible time, griping and belly-aching about why things here aren't like in the states. Complaining and bad-mouthing other peoples countries is not going to enhance your trip. Don't be the ugly American. SMILE, please, just smile. I have memories in my head that are amazing, sleeping in the night train with my wife in a little couchette bunk, drinking wine and munching snacks, rocketing along in the dark at over a hundred miles an hour! Watching a full moon rise over Mount Vesuvius, lined up right in the crater, at the sea wall in Naples. People who we have met and talked to about their lives. That is what makes travel great.

I'm a woman who most often travels alone and on a budget (now there's a show you guys need), and so here are some of my better tips for people like me:

1. When In Rome... Too often people get caught up in trying to do The Tourist Thing, seeing the big, crowded sights and forgetting that there's more to France than the Louvre, more to England than the Tower of London. Don't forget to wander. There's a lot to be said for just taking a stroll around whatever town you happen to be in. Set aside several days at a time for *nothing in particular* - no plans, no tours, no maps even. Sometimes, the best things in the world can be found when you're not even looking for them, and the best bit is that you'll miss out on the crowds and meet some of the locals. No one wants to travel thousands of miles just to hear a bunch of accents just like their own!

2. Join frequent traveler clubs. Even if you don't plan on using an airline again, join their club. You never know. I'm going to Australia because I joined a frequent flyer club I never thought I'd use again. Turns out I liked them, so I did - and saved up enough miles to get me halfway to Sydney.

3. Find out how the locals travel. There's a lot to be said for that commuter train out of the city, or the local budget airline. You can often hop around Europe for literally dollars a flight. And don't underestimate the bus, especially if you're traveling somewhere with scenic highways. Combine travel with sightseeing and you're golden.

4. When I was in Hawai'i for the first time, the first thing I did was buy a weekly bus pass on the local mass transit. Turns out that in Honolulu, there's a bus that takes you all the way around Oahu, right on the coast, and it's cheaper than the tourist buses. Plus, you can get off and on whenever you want. Local transportation is your friend. Get a bus map or a subway map, study it. Make it your friend.

5. Invest in a pay-as-you-go mobile phone for whatever country you are in. Some phones can be purchased for less than US$100 and you can buy minutes online or in convenience stores. It makes a world of difference, in communicating with friends, hotels and travel agents, and it provides a neat little souvenir that can be used again if you or someone you know returns to that area of the world. Some mobile phone companies have kiosks right in the airports, and you can do your research online before you even leave.

6. Use the internet to phone home. Voice Over IP is a traveler's dream. All you need is a computer, a headset and an Internet connection. The computer and Internet is often offered by hostels, or you can bring your laptop and hook up in your hotel room. Buy a headset, download a program such as Skype, and for rates MUCH cheaper than any phone card you can call home and check in to make sure you did not, in fact, leave the oven on.

7. Nothing you need cannot be bought in wherever you're going, unless you're going to the outback or Antarctica or the jungles of Africa. Avoid TSA restrictions on liquids by waiting until you land to buy things like shampoo, toothpaste. Make that trip to the foreign grocery store part of your trip, because nothing's more fascinating than the weird (to you) stuff they have in other countries. I loved shopping in Finland. Sometimes I had NO idea what I was buying, which made for funny stories later on.

8. Don't forget to see what bands are playing wherever you're going. It's great fun to see a good band live in another country, and you get bragging rights later on.

9. If you're a woman, make sure someone has a copy of your itinerary and that you let someone - a friend, family back home, the front desk of your hostel/hotel - where you're going before you go. That way someone knows where to start looking if you don't come back.

10. Travel insurance, travel insurance, travel insurance. I had a tooth become infected while away in London, and had to have it extracted in an emergency. If it hadn't been for my insurance, I'd have been out several hundred dollars. You never, ever know what might happen away from home, so spend the extra bucks on insurance. It's worth it, to know you're covered.

Hope that helps someone out!

I have 3 tips, some of which have been hinted at before.

- Grocery stores or markets in foreign countries are a great place for low cost souveniers. Many of the local specialties that are pricy in the tourist shops are also sold in grocery stores for the locals at a much lower price without the fancy schmancy packaging. Plus, grocery stores in other countries are a blast to walk through, you can buy cheap tasty snacks and the people watching is often really fun.

- If you have to check your luggage, carry on your toiletries and a change of clothes in a bag or backpack. I didn't follow our own rule when going to Costa Rica and our luggage was stolen out of our car at our first stop from the airport. We all had our backpacks from the plane with us and I alone ended up without my toiletry bag. Buying all the toiletries you need in a rural foreign town on a Saturday night is not fun. And don't get me started on buying all new underwear.

- When you find a great restaurant or bar that you really like, talk to your barkeep or serving person, first saying how much you like it there and then asking what other places they might recommend like the one that you are at and/or ones they like to go to typically only locals know about. We first did this in New Orleans and spent a great weekend finding all the coolest bars and restaurants - many we never would have found on our own.