In transit and once you are there

Posted on 07/23/2015 | About New York City, New York

In Transit

• Beware of free public Wi-Fi. Many are unsafe.
• I always carry some sox or "footsies" if I have to take of my shoes going through airport security.
• Always wear shoes in the airplane lavatory. It’s just disgusting not to.
• If you have a smartphone and leave it on, remember to set airplane mode to “off”, when you are not using it, so that you don’t come home to a huge data usage bill.
• Don’t forget your charger!

In Destination

• Eat like a local. Avoid places with menus in English. 
• Engage the services of the hotel concierge.
• Never carry your wallet in your back pocket and never carry your purse on just your shoulder.
• Be sure to get small change in local currency. You may need it for vending machines, tips, even public restrooms.
• Bring your sense of humor. 
• We can plan everything, but inevitably, things happen. Embrace it and have a good time anyway.
• If possible, use credit cards instead of debit cards. Credits cards offer a higher level of protection if lost or stolen. Debit cards are linked to your assets. It may take a while for banks to reissue stolen funds to your account.
• Tip housekeeping staff each day. Housekeeping is instructed not to move money or personal items, so leave a note with the tip.
• Check out the emergency exit at your hotel.  Count the number of doors from your room to the emergency exit.
• Carry a small flashlight or enable the function in your smartphone.
• Always wear sunscreen if you’re going to be outside regardless of temperature or weather.