Dress Like A Priest If You Don’t Want To Be Hassled (And Other Travel Tips From Mobal Members)...
Dress Like A Priest If You Don’t Want To Be Hassled — Chuck sent me this brilliantly left-field suggestion, that he discovered by accident, if you want a little more respect when you’re abroad…
“Hi Michael,
My partner and I have been traveling in Europe each year for a long time and we have found one interesting travel hint, that for us, has made all the difference in the world on how we are treated by the people that we have met along the way.
We always travel in very conservative clothing, predominantly blacks and greys. That is because it is very practical and these colors travel well. In addition, one does not stand out in the crowds. We have never been mistaken for typical American Tourists. We have been known to wear black mock turtle sweaters with a hint of white around the neck, say, in the form of another white mock turtle underneath.
On first glance, we might very easily be mistaken for priests.
Believe me, there is a remarkable difference in the way people treat us. We are not bothered by street peddlers, we are usually given excellent seats in restaurants and we are treated with respect and courtesy everywhere we go. It is amazing how that little touch of white at the neck proves to be such an asset.
Thanks for a great newsletter,
Chuck”
How To Save Luggage Space And Protect Against Leaks — Marty Phoenix tells you why this little tip is a “no-brainer”...
“Hi Michael, Gallon Ziplocs are a great way to organize socks, u-wear, etc. You can draw the air out, and they compress down, EZ to unpack, and stay simply organized, and then reuse for needed launder. And if something breaks, or leaks they are protected, this is pretty much a no brainer. Marty Phoenix”
Keeping The Bugs At Bay Using Drugs — Buddy Roberts’ doctor recommended some antibiotics for him to take while traveling, and after a trip to Croatia, he’ll never travel without them again.
“Hi Michael, I never travel without an antibiotic. My Dr. gave me Zithromax, which is a full course of therapy in 5 doses and takes up the size of a few index cards. It saved the day when we were in Croatia,
Buddy Roberts”
Turn On Your Noisy Air Conditioning To Get A Better Night’s Sleep (And Other Tips) — our second Chuck of the month has sent me a whole bag of tips (figuratively speaking), including this novel way of getting a better night’s sleep.
“Hi Michael,
[On Noisy hotels…]
I have learned that taking Melatonin (3 mg) for sleeping in loud hotels (whatever) can really help. For those really loud hotels in Mexico, I take an Excedrin PM with it and get the sleep I need. It's a lot better than being half groggy the next day.
I also turn on the air conditioner fan to drown out the noises.
What? You say a lot of hotels out side the US don't have or need AC? Ask the front desk for an electric fan. That has saved us in Mexico, the UK, Ireland, Scotland and many other places where all the street noises come right through the walls and doors.
And those hotels can be so called "Super First Hotels", which are much like the US motel 6 types. Don't believe the land travel descriptions of how good the hotels are on their literary, because they flat out lie like a dog and they don't care.
[On taking a big enough supply of medication]
I told my son before his last trip to Spain and France to take the really big bottle of IB Profine, not the little one, because if he's walking a lot, then he would need it to reduce the pain, etc.
He did not.
He ran out quickly of his small supply and had to purchase the same pills in Spain at an unbelievable high price.
Since we travel a lot, we know to bring extra med's of all sorts. Therma Flu packets, Aspirin (big bottle), IB Profine (really big bottle, enough for at least 4 people at 8 pills a day), upset stomach pills, sinus pills, a few small salt packs for sour throats, Melatonin for peaceful sleeping, etc. Leave all pills in their original bottles as some countries may require it.
This may sound like a lot, but it is not. All this is in my carry on bag with the other medications. A few coffee and tea bags and away we go, ready for all things that come our way.
Of course we get medical insurance, best deal going for most situations that you may find yourself in.
[On reducing your luggage size]
As for packing, most people should lay out all the clothes they want to take on the bed and then take away 25 percent of the duplicates, but 25% none the less. Smaller suitcases are so much easier. And yes ladies you know I'm talking to you. Bless you all.
Cheers,
Chuck Huntoon”
The Secret To Packing Light Is To Throw Your Underwear Away — Angie Morris has a ruthless way to pack light, or to create room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
“Hi Michael,
If you’re really trying to travel carry-on or need room in the suitcase for new purchases: pack along items that you will not need to bring home (as in throw away). It’s difficult to say this but items that fall into this category are - undergarments, nightshirts, socks, etc.
Basically – items only your travel mate will see and not the public. I’ve also been known to add shirts, especially if I buy something new.
And my favorite rule for new or inexperienced travelers:
As you plan for the trip and remember items that need to be packed – place them somewhere together – I use the formal dining room table. This would include items such as the travel umbrella, books, clothes, translator, etc. Then pull out all the clothes you plan on packing – place them on the bed – and put ½ back!
Thanks,
Angie”
Got an amazing travel tip you want to share? Email it to me now at michael@mobalphone.com
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