Tips For Traveling

Travel with a cell phone, and if you don't have one, borrow it from someone who trusts you not to abuse the privilege.  I ordinarily use my mother's cell phone, and call her as soon as I arrive at the hotel to let her know I'm okay.  Give someone your itinerary, flight or train numbers, and name and phone number of the hotel so your loved ones are aware of your whereabouts.

Having a cell phone can come in handy if your flight is canceled or delayed.  Because everyone else's instinct will be to head to the ticket booth to reschedule, if you have your carrier's phone number programmed into your cell, you can call up to reschedule and avoid the long lines.  When my friend Merry did this, she got a flight the next morning, as opposed to the people who were shut out.

Download classical or other soothing music to your iPod or MP3 player to listen to in transit, if that's your cup of tea, or other favorite tunes to relax by.  Use a portable iPod charger so you can charge it in your hotel room and have enough song power for the return trip. 

Be aware of your surroundings in an unfamiliar city.  Research the local subway and buses, museums and restaurants on the Internet before you go, and print up the information to take with you.  There's a tendency to be friendlier when one is traveling. 

Again, be safe.  Keep your personal information private. 

If you withdraw money from an ATM, place it in your wallet and secure your wallet on your person before you turn to leave the ATM.  Banks like Citibank have a WorldWallet service that can convert U.S. dollars into the major local currencies before you arrive at your destination.  You simply pick up the new money at the bank in advance of your departure.

Budget in for a tee shirt or other souvenir.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!