Q: Any tips for not getting sick from all the germs on planes?
A: “Don’t overdo it on the cocktails!” says Erik Torkells, the editor in chief of Budget Travel. “Seriously, though, there’s not much you can do other than avoid putting your hands in your mouth, eyes, or nose. Even then, spending a lot of time in a cramped space has inherent risks, and for now that’s just a part of life.” So you should apply the same common-sense tactics you use in everyday life to avoid catching your coworkers’ germs and keep your immune system healthy: Get plenty of rest, eat vitamin-rich foods, and wash your hands before meals. That means not waiting until the last minute to tie up loose ends, then staying up all night to pack and grabbing some fast food as you rush to the terminal.
Q: Are there any tricks for not getting jet-lagged?
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A: “It all comes down to sleep and exercise,” says Erik Torkells, the editor in chief of Budget Travel. “I try to sleep on the plane, even if it means taking a sleeping pill as soon as we’re in the air, and then I get some exercise, no matter how tired I am, right when I arrive.” Then, the next day when you wake up, have a big breakfast, work out again in the afternoon, have a drink or two with dinner, and try to stay up until your normal bedtime. Voila -- the next morning you’ll be ready to shop ’til you drop, climb Mt. Fuji, or, as the case may be, take a lazy nap on the beach.
Q: Any practical tips for not over-packing?
A: Don’t pack anything unless it goes with at least two other pieces. Try to pack so that each piece of clothing can be paired with everything else, every top with every bottom. Also, it’s better to re-wear clothing than to carry around items you don’t need. To figure out what you don’t need, talk to someone who’s already been to where you’re going. For instance, if you’re going to the tropics, don’t take jeans. Once they get wet, they won’t dry, and then you’re stuck with a mess and a heavier bag. And if you’re one of those people who comes home and sighs, “I didn’t even wear this,” then you know less is more, especially when you’re trying to avoid checking bags.
Q: What’s the most eco-friendly means of travel?
A: “Travel isn’t great for the environment,” says Erik Torkells, editor in chief of Budget Travel. “Flying is bad, driving is worse, and cruise lines have a spotty record, so I personally believe we can have more of an impact if we change the way we live 50 weeks out of the year rather than obsessing over our two or three weeks of vacation.” When you’re booking your flight, keep this in mind: “Direct flights are better because connections add more takeoffs and landings, and that’s when planes burn the most fuel. And red-eye flights are worse for the environment than day flights,” says Samantha Brown, host of Travel Channel’s Passport series. Once you’ve done the dirty part of getting there, you can fix your eco-karma by being as eco-considerate as possible: Use public transportation or walk, don’t use a lot of disposable crap, and recycle whenever you can.
Q: How can you get a hotel room upgrade?
A: “By being loyal to a hotel,” says Ayse Boykin, an award-winning travel specialist at the TravelStore Platinum in LA. “If you find yourself visiting a city over and over again, stay at the same place. Hotels always treat their repeat guests better.” If you book a room through a well-connected travel agent, especially one who has a relationship with the property, they might be able to get you an upgrade too. Sometimes hotels that aren’t full will also dole out a nicer room to get you hooked. Of course, there’s always telling the spouse to hide so you can flirt with the hotel clerk.
Q: When taking a road trip, how many miles should you plan to cover in one day?
A: “After six to eight hours of driving, most people start to feel tired, and going longer than that not only starts to get monotonous, it also starts to get risky,” says Michael Pina, the national director of public relations for AAA in Washington, DC. He suggests taking turns at the wheel, especially on longer trips, to stave off accident-causing fatigue. To find hotels along your route, check MapQuest, Yahoo, or Google maps. AAA maps are free to members, and they list hotels (including a rating and price information) and gas stations. A vacation isn’t an endurance test, so use your resources to avoid the Big Three road-trip buzz kills: getting tired, getting hungry, and getting lost.
Q: Is the hotel star system reliable? Who determines the number of stars?
A: “There’s no one rating system,” says Erik Torkells, editor in chief of Budget Travel. “AAA has one, as does Mobil, but it’s a bit of a relic from the days before you could go online and read a million reviews and see photos of any property you’re considering.” Even though the Mobil and AAA rankings are good indicators of a hotel’s quality, you might want to ask yourself if you’re in need of a golf course and spa, or just a place to sleep. Then take it from there.
Q: Any advice for taking scuba-diving lessons on vacation?
A: “To start, you need at least four to five days at a location to complete an open diver course,” explains Ayse Boykin, an award-winning travel specialist at the TravelStore Platinum in LA. “And make sure it’s a PADI facility.” Most beach hotels near good diving are associated with a school, so call the front desk before arriving to inquire about costs and times and to make a reservation. The average price to get PADI-certified is $250+, though you can also sign up for a one-day dive for around $60. Say hi to Nemo for us!
-- Cemile Kavountzis
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