Travel Tips

I'm currently writing from Vietnam and all I can think of are tips that I've picked up from traveling that have come in handy. I'll talk about food later...sun is coming up so I haven't ventured out for my 1st cup of Vietnamese coffee.

1. Pack a computer: this little computer has been such a saving grace on this trip and my China trip with Hannah. It's something that I'd normally leave at home since I strive to pack the least amount possible but I'll never leave home without it again. Nowadays almost everywhere you go has internet and wifi--even small towns in China--and most of the time it's free to connect. So much more peace of mind checking your emails and travel itineraries from your personal PC than from a clunky old computer that takes forever to dial up at the internet cafe a mile from your hotel.

2. Prep a medicine-for-every-ailment travel case: This too I figured out traveling to China. I didn't want to be stranded over there without essential toiletries. Who knew if I'd find a CVS or Rite Aid over so I brought one with me. I packed a medium sized toiletry case full of bandaids, lip meds, stomach meds, nyquil, toothpaste, floss, moleskin for blisters, claritin, eye drops, nail polish and remover, nail clippers, antibacterial gel, tissues (China doesn't supply toilet paper or napkins at restaurants FYI), sunscreen, facewash, lotion. When in doubt, always pack more toiletries. These little familiar luxuries also give a great deal of peace of mind. Like internet cafes, who wants to spend their time hunting down benadryl in the middle of an allergic reaction or rash when you could be enjoying the sights.

3. Bring lots of fruit on the plane: Another thing I wouldn't normally pack in the past. I'd think, I'll get fruit at the airport or they'll have some sort of fruit and nut mix on the plane. I don't think down that path anymore. If anything, the plane is a perfect opportunity to get in as much healthy food as you can before you disembark in an unfamiliar place where there's no guarantee of clean, abundant fruit and veg. What if you don't see a market or fruit stand for days? More than likely you'll eat whatever's cheapest and easiest for the road--a bag of chips, nuts, streetside falafel. And if you go to a restaurant they're probably not going to have a fresh fruit bowl on the menu. We packed a ton of cantaloupe, watermelon, dates, and tangerines with us on our flight to Hong Kong and walked off the plane feeling fresh not bloated from airplane meals. Starts the trip off on a good foot.

4. The concierge is always your friend: Even if you're not staying at the hotel, use the concierge. That's what they're there for. They're smart, trained professionals with a knack for customer service. In China, Hannah and I needed help with instructions for cab drivers and realized that the language barrier was too much for us to handle so we'd walk in the nicest hotel in the area and ask the concierge (who all speak English) to write down directions in Chinese characters and answer any other question we had--which bus to take, when to see this sight or that, how long to spend here, whether this restaurant is worth the hype etc. They're just as good as any travel agent. And they'd almost always let us use their phones. It's their job to be accommodating and represent the hotel as best as possible. Who are they to turn away 2 anxious little travelers in need of help? Whether you're navigating the city or about to leave the airport know that you're always in good hands with a reputable hotel's concierge desk.