TOP 5 HOTEL HACKS

Here are our top 5 hotel hacks to help you guys get free upgrades, discounted rates and additional perks during your hotel stays abroad. Enjoy! :-)

1.    Twenty Dollar Trick

As far as we know, this only works in selected Hotels in Las Vegas. If you happen to be travelling to Las Vegas definitely try it and see what happens. Sometimes it will work, sometimes it won’t. This is what you do:-

When you arrive at check-in, you provide your debit/credit card and ID and put a $20 bill in between the cards very discreetly and give it to the check-in staff. As you do this, ask if there are any upgrades available. If they find you an upgrade they keep the $20 bill, if not, they will simply decline and give it back to you. If successful, you could get a king size room with an amazing view and indoor Jacuzzi. It’s definitely worth a try.

2. Offer to write a review

It helps to mention that you are on TripAdvisor as you check-in. You can also offer to write a review of your experience. In response, you may get extra special treatment or even an upgrade from the hotel.

3.    Use the Do Not Disturb sign for security

If you are staying in a cheap hotel or hostel and unsure about the safety of your belongings, leave the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door when you go out; this will deter intruding thieves by giving them an indication that you may be in your room (even though you might not). This sign is effective in helping to keep your stuff in your hotel room safe from intruders and will give you some peace of mind while you are out and about exploring the city.

3.     Call the hotel to speak to Hotel Manager or the Front Desk before you arrive

If you have stayed at the hotel before mention it. As an effort to ensure you come back the Hotel Manager may give you a special offer or special perks as a reward for being a regular customer.  If it is your first time staying at a particular hotel do not hesitate to ask for additional perks.  If it is a special occasion, anniversary or a birthday, mention it. If you don’t ask you don’t get. People underestimate how much power hotel staff have, they have the power to upgrade for free or for a good rate to make your stay even more enjoyable..

4.    Be Nice

Being nice and friendly can go a long way in getting extra perks during your stay.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING AS A COUPLE

(1) Choose a destination you are both interested in

Choosing a destination that interests you both is key to your trip as a couple being a success. You do not want to start off on the wrong foot where one of you is not happy about being in a particular country or city. It will just lead to tension and bad vibes, which will ruin your holiday. So to avoid such negativity, sit down together and decide as a team where your next adventure will be.

(2) Decide on a budget

Planning your budget is extremely important, especially when it comes to things like food and entertainment. In order to add structure into your spending, try and set a daily budget. Get a sense of how expensive things will be at your destination by checking TripAdvisor. Another useful tip is to watch Youtube videos about the particular country you will be visiting. All of the available content will get you both mentally prepared on what to expect and it will give you both a good reference point on how to decide on your budget. This is key to really getting the most out of your trip together and your wallet will thank you later.

(3) Do Something Romantic

Do something romantic everyday. This will give you guys a chance to communicate and remind each other why you fell in love with each other.

(4) Laugh when things go wrong

Things will definitely go wrong during your trip. It may be missing your flight or even arriving at the wrong hotel. When things go wrong, avoid blaming each other and try and see the humour in the situation. Good memories together can often come of situations that seem bad.

Situations that go wrong can even bring you and your partner closer together. In a few years down the road, both of you will look back and laugh.

(5) Compromise

Compromise is the golden relationship rule. On holiday you may not always see eye to eye, but try to compromise so you can both can get the most out of your trip together.

Be flexible and spontaneous. Things may not always go according to plan, but as long as you are both comfortable with that, your trip together will be one to remember.

TOP 5 TRAVEL HACKS FOR LONG HAUL FLIGHTS

(1) Good Seating

When it comes to good seating. You cannot leave it to chance. When booking your flights see if there is a way to select your seats beforehand. The exit aisle on the plane usually has more space. On the day of your flight don’t be shy to ask at the check-in if exit aisle seats are free. Also another hack is that if there are 3 or 5 seats in a row that are free, you pretty much have a bed.  

(2) Exercise

To avoid getting cramp while on your flight it is important to take a stroll down the aisle in order to get blood flowing through your body. You can do other light exercises such as knee ups and shoulder rolls to loosen your body up. You can do these light exercises in between films and game sessions to create a bit of routine.

(3) Entertainment

Remember to preload your tablet or smartphone with some movies or TV shows to watch. Create a flight playlist and download a few games that you know you can play for hours. Remember to ask the airline if they will have WiFi or USB outlets on the plane. It is also important to have noise cancelling headphones to get you in the zone and fully relaxed for your flight. Also, remember to carry a high capacity charging battery for your devices.

(4) Pack smart

When everything important is in your backpack you will sleep so much better on the plane knowing all your stuff is with you. 

So much time is wasted waiting to collect your luggage from the carousel. When you have your backpack with you it’s nice to be able to get off the plane and head out the airport and begin enjoying your trip.

(5) Catch up on stuff

A long flight is the perfect opportunity to finish editing those images, organise your photos and finish that blog entry you never had the time to get round to. It’s also a great time to think of all of the things you aim to do and the places you want to see once you get to your destination.