Travel Hacks/Tips

[QF029]

We keep all important travel documents , bookings, car hire and passports, CCs etc as colour scans in PDF in Google Drive so accessible from phone, tablet or computer. Also important to keep copies of TI T&C plus copies of last CC statement showing purchase in case of TI claim.

+1 (Dropbox).

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I don't carry my passport with me unless there is a specific reason.
However in many countries where there is a requirement to produce ID on request I carry my drivers licence.
All it really means if I lose it is that I may have problems hiring a car.
Although I have used a photo of my licence on my phone for that before.

 

[travs]

FWIW, My random travel habits/tips:

1- If you're traveling to the US and know someone in the states, sign up for a Google Voice account - Free and doesn't expire. You can use the account for reservations, calling the states (works via wifi too!) and sending SMS etc. You can also sign up when you land if you have a US number they can call (activation requires them to call a US number with an access code.) I find my GVoice # super handy. You can also port an existing US # to the service.

2- When I get on flights, I have a small pouch with plane essentials that is in the front pocket of my backpack that I can quickly pull out when we board so I can get settled faster. Eye drops, fave eye cover, ear plugs, USB cable (never leave home without!), pain killers, sleeping pill, pen, saline nasal gel, etc are in there.

3- Everything else i need on flight - aka bulkier items - is in the main compartment in a plastic bag that I can easily throw away. Water bottle, kindle, Bose headphones, laptop adapter if needed, etc. I tend to leave in backpack at least past the gate so I don't get hassled by anyone for carrying on "another bag", but usually like to be hands free if it looks like the person in front of me might need some help

My goal is to get my bag stowed and put away as fast as possible and clear the aisle. I hate when people take 2-3 mins to take their seat upon arrival to their row. i consider it a personal failure if I take longer than 10 seconds for my b*tt to hit the seat.

4- I keep all my country specific currency, SIM cards, loyalty cards, adapters in labeled plastic bags in a drawer so I just grab a country bag when packing (US, Hong Kong, etc.) I tend to swap these things mid flight so when I land, I'm all set with currency, my travel credit cards, etc.

5- I keep shampoo/conditioner samples (I seem to always have these) in my travel toiletry bag for lounges w/o conditioner (pet peeve.)

6- As I always bring back the duty free limit of wine, I keep "wine diaper" bags (zip bags lined w/ diaper material) in my suitcase for easy wine storage. I've never had a wine bottle break (and the TSA sometimes rips the bags (grrr)) but I'm a bit paranoid when I see baggage handlers throw bags around.

Apologies if some are repeat. Didn't feel up to reading the entire thread yet

 

[cove]

The most important part of my packing is putting prescription medication for the first fortnight in my carry on. A second pack of 14 days prescription medication can go in my packed luggage. If I were to lose my checked bag and it never came back I would reduce the prescription dosage a little by buying a pill cutter if it was a 16 or 17 day trip.

 

[JohnK]

In a week in the USA I may use as much as $40 cash on tips ... using very little cash on anything else - it almost all goes on cards tgat earn points

And I am the opposite. Apart from pre-paid accommodation, flights and some golf games most things are paid using cash.

 

[SuzieQ68]

The only thing I'm not sure I agree with is to carry your passport 24/7. I think the chances of loss/theft/damage of said passport are far more likely than being stopped by police/government. Carrying a photocopy of the info page is easier.

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

 

[JohnK]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

I don't carry a passport with me and most people I know leave their passport in the room safe.

I did make a credit card sized laminated copy of my passport which cost THB100 and keep that in my wallet at all times. It's accepted as ID in most places as well as hotels.

 

[marki]

FWIW, My random travel habits/tips:

1- If you're traveling to the US and know someone in the states, sign up for a Google Voice account - Free and doesn't expire. You can use the account for reservations, calling the states (works via wifi too!) and sending SMS etc. You can also sign up when you land if you have a US number they can call (activation requires them to call a US number with an access code.) I find my GVoice # super handy. You can also port an existing US # to the service.



Apologies if some are repeat. Didn't feel up to reading the entire thread yet

Wow thanks for that hack

 

[Jmrocky]

The only thing I'm not sure I agree with is to carry your passport 24/7. I think the chances of loss/theft/damage of said passport are far more likely than being stopped by police/government. Carrying a photocopy of the info page is easier.

Door alarm... most hotel rooms these days have those sliding lock things as protection.

I read a book once where apparently 2 Mossad agents gained entry to a hotel room using a fishing rod and line (under the door, loop line to pull chain and pull down handle), as part of a hit. Granted we're all not likely to have the Mossad after us, but it's a security measure easily defeated.

For those not taking your passport, where do you leave it? I used to leave mine in the safe, but they are notoriously insecure. Now I tend to hide it in my suitcase, with some telltales on the bag zip.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

I don't know how many times I've been to Thailand... Perhaps for something like driving (car or bike) you might need your passport, but for regular sightseeing, restaurants, bars/clubs, going to hotels - nothing needed. This includes plenty of times being in Bangkok during curfew.

TBH I wasn't aware of the requirement to carry the passport - and I don't recall seeing it on the landing card or any tourist info (not saying that it's not a requirement, just you'd expect there to be some warning if it was so).

 

[flyingfan]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

I have travelled extensively in Thailand by car (not motorcycle though) and the only times I've been asked to produce my passport was at hotel checkin a few times. Apart from that (and airports etc of course), let's just say that had an official demanded it, I'd be confident of talking my way out of it. IME you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Boca68]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

No, I have not heard this. I've only been to Thailand twice, so not an expert. But, given the Thai polices' rather underwhelming reputation (and a couple of other SE Asian neighbours), I'd suspect the fine might have been an 'on the spot', cash only type of fine.

I would has it a guess, that in a normal circumstance, the copy would do. If pressed, I'd say, follow me to the hotel.

 

[Ausbt]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so?

I read a book once where apparently 2 Mossad agents gained entry to a hotel room using a fishing rod and line (under the door, loop line to pull chain and pull down handle), as part of a hit.

My understanding is Mossad agents, when in Thailand, frequently carry a few Australian passports with them just in case.

 

[Foreigner]

I guess with passports you do what you're comfortable with. I keep mine in my pocket when travelling to most overseas destinations.

 

[Gold60]

Was in HKG last October, fronted up to the hotel reception desk; no go with the credit cards, luckily i had AU $50 in wallet, able to pay the deposit without further adieu. Upstairs for a good-night's sleep, then up and early tomorrow to tackle the issue. Cards worked fine in the ATM down the street, never worked at the hotel during my whole stay though. One of the mysteries of life on the road i guess ??

one good reason for carrying a small amount oif local currency with you ?

 

[Dr Ralph]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

I've lived in Thailand and worked there before. It's definitely mandatory to carry your passport. But the law is rarely enforced.

 

[Archphoto]

Has anyone else had experience in Thailand with not carrying a passport with them? I believe it's mandatory to do so? We have been stopped by the police whilst riding a motorbike and our passports requested. We had them with us - and the officer advised we would have been issued with a fine if we weren't able to provide them.

I don't carry mine, although I do have a copy of my photo page in my phone. If I get stopped, I'll show that and if pressed would be happy to present to the local police station for verification.

I do understand the reasoning behind it, but it's the most coughbersome and annoying document to carry everywhere. I carried for 3 months when I lived in London and got caught in a torrential downpour, resulting in getting soaked and the cover peeled apart!! Thankfully, the guy at the AU Embassy told me to glue it with a UHU stick and it served me well until I filled it up. (Could have paid 250 quid to replace, but a it was brand new and wasn't wanting to spend yet another $500!!)

When I've been asked for ID, my licence has been always acceptable, so I'd rather keep it safely tucked away, rather than risk it being stolen. John, your idea of a laminated version is rather a good idea - could easily put it in with my umpteen other CCs, though I've been able to board a domestic flight by showing the photo on my phone, so maybe not needed.

 

[Foreigner]

Language is no barrier with this iconic t-shirt:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/t...icate-using-39-easily-understood-symbols.html

 

[AnnaB]

One of my best investments was a set of fluro orange suitcases. Absolutely awful colour, but they never go missing. I invested in those after my black bag with orange-pink straps got lost in Bali and took over an hour to locate. It can be spotted a mile away.

Another thing I always bring is roll up compression bags. I use them for washing, shopping bulky items or just to keep things in order in my suitcase. Sometimes great as I can fit as much into a small suitcase as I normally would need a big one for.

 

[cove]

A suitcase inside a suitcase is helpful if it is a shopping trip in the US.