HowToDoThings.com Recent Trip Preparation & Tips Articles

How To Fly First Class Cheap

gdstravel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:58:30 -0500

How To Get Fit for the Footpath

Journey Beyond Travel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:48:38 -0500

You’re out with your friends hiking in Colorado. It’s a day’s jaunt, up and down through pristine woods and azure lakes with some of the starkest scenery statewide. However, your friends are good-humored, talking and jabbing jokes the whole way while you gasp for every breath. You’re the one they have to wait on; you’re the one they constantly ask, “How are you doing?”; and, worst yet, you’re the one everyone at some point asks, “If you’d like to turn back?” You gasp and say, “No” (yet again). Get fit the next time you take to the footpath by following these "how to" steps:

How To Improve the Chance of Your Luggage Arriving with You

aesta — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:29:00 -0500

How To Stretch Your Travel Money

aesta — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:02:43 -0500

How To Be a Responsible Tourist

aesta — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:20:43 -0500

How To Travel Safely With Your Valuables

aesta — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:54:52 -0500

How To Pack Lightly

amymanikowski — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:48:33 -0500

How many times have you gone on trip, checking heavy luggage and dragging it awkwardly around, only to get home and realize you didn’t need or wear half of what you packed? Make your vacation more of a stress-free getaway by packing light and leaving the burden of those heavy bags behind.

How To Travel to Maui with Children

lstoller — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:12:18 -0500

Dreaming about a family trip to Maui? You're sure to have the time of your life, but before you say "aloha," you've actually got to plan your adventure. Each family has its own set of needs, and traveling with children can be overwhelming. What do you want out of the trip? Here are a few points to consider as you plan your family trip to Maui:

How To Survive the Bonnaroo Music Festival

danielledescarfino — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:50:17 -0500

Bonnaroo is an amazing time for fun-loving music fans, but four days of camping can be a little overwhelming for some people. Don't let it ruin your fun! This festival held on a huge campground in Manchester, Tennessee draws in nearly 100,000 people each year from all over the country.

How To Stay Healthy When You Travel

aesta — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:34:20 -0600

Okay, okay, okay, sometimes you are going to get the colleywobbles, as my grandma used to say, but you can reduce the odds and get some sensible management techniques when the inevitable strikes! In today's world, most people just can't avoid traveling. And because of the mobs of people going to the same airport, the stress has increased tremendously. Guns everywhere, bad tempered dogs glaring, cameras peeking at your every move...stressful! By the time you get to where you are going, you are tired out and yet you are expected to perform immediately.

So, how do you improve your odds against digestive tract rebellion (plus or minus), terminal tiredness or just a complete energy collapse? Here are 10 steps to reduce the risk of getting ill:

How To Keep a Travel Journal

aesta — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:25:25 -0600

Journals have become as much a part of our lives as they were for our counterparts in the 19th century and before. We have facebooks and websites and diet records and even the diary has snuck back into use, electronic or otherwise. But, hold on. What about travel and vacations? We just take for granted that the camera will be our memory for the most interesting experiences. But our pictures show only what we saw, not how we felt or the context. They record for only one of the five senses, and they leave out so much. When we see the pictures, they often seem empty and we wonder, "Why on earth did I take that picture?" A well done travel journal can take the image and add the sounds and smells and textures, and then, your feelings and more. It turns a snapshot into a kaleidoscope of remembered smiles. So try the following:

How To Travel With Kids

lashawn — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:11:42 -0600

How To Travel with Your Pet on the Open Road

harryoakes — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:49:12 -0600

Overall safety is your # 1 concern for your trip. Please plan ahead. Ask yourself, do I have enough survival equipment in case of a disaster? Tornado, Earthquake, Flood, Hurricane, Avalanche, other disaster while I'm on the road?

How To Plan for International Travel

apolman — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:42:13 -0600

Embarking on overseas travel is often very exciting and is something that we plan for months or even years. When you arrive at your destination you want to have everything you need and not experience that last minute panic. Following these simple steps will make organizing your international trip and enjoying it a breeze.

How To Pack for an International Trip

jrcmoura — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:44:10 -0600

Packing for travel can be a daunting task if one is not prepared. The process of gathering personal items and then packing them into appropriate luggage can be simplified by following these basic guidelines for packing checked and carry-on bags:

How To Pack for Warm Weather

Adrina_Deben — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:27:19 -0600

If it is your first time traveling to the warm Caribbean, or you just aren't sure exactly what to pack, this guide is for you. Traveling to the Caribbean can be tricky due to the somewhat unpredictable weather. It also depends on what time of the year you are traveling; for this reason, this article is divided into three categories: fall/winter, spring/summer and year-round/general tips. Here, you will be provided with a simple yet accurate guide for packing all the right goodies, whether it is the appropriate clothing, accessories or the right type of sunblock.

How To Drive Long Distances Safely

omehaney — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:43:40 -0600

It's inevitable that we have to drive a long distance at some point in our lives and we would like to do so safely. Whether we are going on vacation or moving cross-country, getting the drive over with as quickly as possible is usually the objective. Before embarking on your next four-wheeled adventure, consider the following to help you stay alert and safe:

How To Enjoy Angkor Wat in Cambodia

aesta — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:27:10 -0600

Angkor and its temples is one destination you don't want to miss. Siem Reap, Cambodia, the town and the Province where Angkor Wat is located is only at the beginning of modernization and urbanization, so there are still interesting rural communities around the temples. Neat little markets with wonderful village folks who could really use your business. The Province is really poor...even though it has one of the world's greatest heritage sites!

The learning and fun in your visit will depend mostly on the time you have, your itinerary, your energy levels and your visit objectives. Some people may just want to see a few temples and relish the experience of imagining life in what may have been the world's largest urban area a thousand years ago! Others may want to see it all. Here are some suggestions gathered from several trips to Angkor:

How To Select a Travel Guidebook

pacifico — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:13:38 -0600

The travel sections of major bookstores are overflowing with travel guidebooks tailored to all tastes. Selecting the right guide can make the difference between a successful and a disastrous trip. There are a few simple things to look for, and with a little care, you'll get the guidebook that is right for you.

How To Plan a Tour

vaisakhan — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:08:14 -0600

A good tour requires good planning. Here are some tips to plan a good tour.

How To Discover the Beauties of Rome

jannuzzi — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:00:56 -0600

Well done. You are going to Rome! Having decided that, you are certainly a person who gives value to history, arts, culture and of course, ice cream! This article is a starting point for a traveler to discover the beauties of this amazing city. Rome has several angles to be looked at. This is an attempt to put together theses perspectives into a general guide or, dare I say, a meta-guide. Once in Rome, you can go and explore these suggestions in more detail and plan your itinerary the way you like.

How To Rent an RV

n0b0dyz — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:47:56 -0600

Smelly hotel rooms. Hard beds. Carrying luggage in and out every day. Miles to drive to see the sights. Or…

Setting up a tent in the rain. Sleeping on the ground. Stashing your stuff in odd corners of a tiny tent. But the sights are right there, if you could straighten your aching back to look at them. Or…

Your own space. Your own beds. Your belongings stowed neatly for the length of your vacation. AND, the sights you came to see right at your doorstep.

Renting an RV can be comparable in price to staying in motels—and less then staying in higher-end lodges and resorts.

How To Bike Around Holland Alone and Over 50

wintergreen — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:33:00 -0600

Dream big and bike around Holland by yourself. Holland is the ideal country to bike solo for anyone with an adventurous heart. Many people travel in a group, however, biking by yourself has wonderful advantages and there is no better place than Holland. I took a 28-day bike trip this September. It was my first ever bike trip! This didn't take courage, just an awareness that I'm now 63 years old. Either I do what I've always wanted to or sit back and let life pass me by. Here are some tips to biking around Holland:

How To Pay for Things on a Cruise Ship

bronwyn — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:56:06 -0600

After planning and booking a cruise, many people forget that there is still more money to be spent - aboard the cruise ship. Cruise ships are a fun way to travel but there are plenty of additional costs to plan for while on the ship. To make things more confusing, there are a variety of different ways to pay for things on a cruise ship. Here are the most common.

How To Pack Light

Mz. Claudya Q — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:33:10 -0600

Tickets? Check. Destination? Check. Packing? Trying to avoid it? There is a way to pack so that you end up not wasting space in that hot real estate that is the carry-on bag. So, how do you get your things into one NY-apartment-sized luggage? Read on and find out.

How To Have a Great First Day in London

jonathan priest — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:23:38 -0600

If you have never been to London before, what do you do on your first day? Visit Buckingham Palace, see the Changing of the Guard, take a tour of the Tower of London?

How To Travel on the London Underground

jonathan priest — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:26:40 -0600

If you visit London you will likely need to use the London Underground, commonly known as the Tube (probably because most of the tunnels are round). The Underground has been burrowing its way through the Capital since 1863. The first trains were steam driven (imagine the smell and smoke in the open carriages). Electricity didn’t arrive until 1890. Over 400 miles of Underground lines criss-cross London with frequent trains and station stops and many interconnections. To some extent London has grown up around its Underground stations and their names have become identified with their localities such as Leicester Square (pronounced lester) and Knightsbridge.

How To Cope with Increasing Travel Restrictions

triple1 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:52:23 -0600

Unfortunately, rules and policies for public transportation evolve with every new terrorism threat. If you print out a list of restricted items six months prior to your vacation, it may be completely out of date when you are ready to pack your suitcase. Here are some important facts and tips.

Transport carriers and governments are continually adding and revising security measures. Although they have developed many safeguards over recent years, they amend the rules and guidelines with every new terrorism attempt. Post 9-11 safeguards include:

read more

How To Pack for a Cruise Vacation

bronwyn — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:08:18 -0600

A cruise is the ideal vacation for many people! Before going on a cruise, make sure that you have everything that you will need, so that you don't have any unnecessary stress on the ship.

How To Save Money on Accommodations by Hostelling

triple1 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:23:33 -0600

Backpackers and students have known about hostels for generations. Nowadays, the differences between hostels and hotels are diminishing. Many adults, including those with families, save money by staying in these cheap accommodations.

Modern establishments often provide many unexpected extras like:

Shuttle service to and from airports, railway terminals, etc.;
Comfortable guest 'common areas' with cable or satellite TV;
DVD players and extensive DVD libraries;
High-speed Internet access - free or at a price;
Safety deposit boxes for guests' possessions;
Guided city tours;
Building or guestroom access doors with computer key-cards;
Private rooms and private bathrooms.

Many of these amenities are what you might expect from a high-class hotel. However, accommodations do differ.

How To Keep Your Legs Pain-Free When Standing Still for Many Hours

ronkhare — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:35:45 -0600

We've all been there: A long, long line that crawls along at a snail's pace, a job that requires standing up for long periods of time, and other situations that don't allow for the normal flexing and stretching that even regular walking provides.

The younger you are, the more important it is for you to pick up these habits now, as the older you get, the more you may notice that it is increasingly difficult to do them. Even if you can't do the full cycle, do as much as you can as often as you can, and you may notice you'll be improving in no time.

How To Prepare for a Stay at a Bed and Breakfast - 7 Tips

triple1 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:44:41 -0600

Staying at a bed and breakfast can mean many things. It can be a romantic getaway for two in a Mom and Pop operation - with Jacuzzi and evening champagne - or a family holiday in a country inn with a petting zoo and onsite restaurant. Whatever type of B&B you choose, there are some key details to take into account.

How To Pack a Tank Bag for a 6-Day Motorcycle Trip

mcdesign — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:20:15 -0500

The motorcycle tank or tail bag taunts you, as it rests next to a looming mound of personal items -- items you want to take on your planned 6-day motorcycle trip. But the bag has very limited space and you can pare down that looming mound by packing smart, folding with precision, and finding those hidden pockets of space. Plus you need to consider the order in which you pack what you finally decide to take.

So here goes. Keep in mind that you want to pack as little as possible. Beginning with your empty bag (this one measures 15" long x 10" wide x 10" high), pack the following items in the following order:

How To Book a Cruise

bronwyn — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:26:30 -0500

Nothing beats an all-inclusive cruise for relaxation and a vacation you will always remember... if you do your research and find the cruise that fits you! Booking a cruise does not have to be difficult, however, you will have to make some important decisions to find your ideal cruise vacation.

How To Plan a Trip to the Holy Land

nancylapid — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:37:27 -0500

Do you keep putting off your visit to Israel, as if it's a trip you can make only once in a lifetime? Are you intending to go someday when your kids are grown, or your life is in better order, or maybe after you've won the lottery? I'm here to tell you: Stop putting off your first trip. Go this year! Here's how to plan it.

How To Plan a Solo Backpacking Trip

ronkhare — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:48:22 -0500

First, a warning: Solo backpacking trips are extremely dangerous. Many national parks will not allow a person to travel alone, be it hiking, backpacking or any other outdoor sport. Before you decide to risk it, check with the rules and laws of the parks and wilderness areas beforehand.

That said, there are rewards along with the risks. Backpacking is a great way to escape the insanity of the modern world, and traveling alone allows one to soak in nature without the constant interaction and chatter a partner would provide. However, without the extra pair of hands, feet and eyes, the dangers of backpacking increase exponentially.

This is for experienced backpackers only. If you are a new backpacker, go on a few trips with experienced friends first.

How To Prevent a Shark Attack

teacher — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:57:48 -0500

Oceans are undoubtedly one of the biggest tourist attractions worldwide. Although its natural beauty puts surfers, divers and swimmers under its spell, oceans also have some dangers lurking in their depths. One of those dangers is the possibility of a shark attack. In fact, even some rivers are home to a particularly aggressive type of shark: The bull shark. Although shark attacks on humans are rare, they do happen approximately 56 times a year, worldwide.

In fact, 100 millions sharks are slaughtered every year as they fall victim to human hands. Shark fins are used for a culinary delicacy that is popular in Asia: The shark fin soup. Once the fin is removed, the shark is sometimes thrown back into the water while still alive to die a painful death.

How To Pack as Little as Possible

ronkhare — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:48:24 -0500

Tried of lugging hundreds of pounds of luggage? Too much stuff can ruin a trip, from holding up buses or airport security, even requiring hotel staff, friendly passers-by or anyone around to help lug your stuff from here to there.

Rid yourself of excessive stuff, and revel in the freedom and ease of traveling unburdened!

Pack normally. Go ahead, just cram in everything you think you might want to take with you.
Unpack and spread everything out. Now that you can see everything you wanted to bring, we can begin to prune.
What are you actually going to wear? Honestly, pick out the few, best clothes and items, the ones you know for certain you enjoy wearing, and will often. Set them aside for the moment.

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How To Find Your Natural Walking Pace

ronkhare — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:53:26 -0500

Ah, the slow walker. A rare find these days, but as the world drives further towards insanity, more and more people are realizing that, just because everyone else is rushing along, it does not mean they have to.

Our fast-paced society, which values speed and efficiency, tends to look down upon a slow walker. Viewed as lazy, slothful, strange and perhaps even outright dim, the slow walker ambles on at a pace that, to the rest of the over-clocked world, seems to be maddeningly unconcerned.

The primary motivation behind finding one's natural pace is in the idea that life is a journey, not a destination. Certainly if one is in a hurry, getting there faster is important. Odds are, however, that wherever it is you are headed, it can wait for a moment while you enjoy the sights and sounds of an eased pace.

How To Pack for a Guy's Golf Trip

catsfan — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:24:16 -0500

Follow these tips, add to them if you like, and you'll be set when you're on the road to your next great golf destination.

Get your money together (it will be short trip if you don't). Take a variety of "purchasing power," i.e., cash, credit/ATM cards, and checks.
Get plenty of golf balls -- good ones, not the cheapest. After all, this trip is a big deal.
Put an abundance of tees in your golf bag. No one likes to get to the 1st tee box and realize they don't have tees.
Buy a cool divot tool. You'll look like a good player even if you aren't.
Get sunscreen. There are some good, spray-on brands that are perfect for golfers.

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How To Travel Without Planning

ronkhare — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:04:37 -0500

It's happened to the best of us: a flight delay, hotel booked solid, vacation ruined due to weather or other tourists. Many people shrug and chalk it up to life... no matter how well-planned a trip is, things can and will go wrong.

What would happen, then, if one simply did not plan the trip at all? To declare a destination is to set a goal, but if you fail to reach it, then you have failed your goal. To say you must take this plane means you may miss your plane. But what if you traveled with only a vague idea of direction? Life may reveal to you a far better trip than you planned...

How To Travel from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, by Car

titosarah — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 22:55:55 -0500

Travelers to the state of Oaxaca frequently inquire about the drive from the City of Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, expressing concerns about the length of the drive, quality of the highways, and the overall advisability of driving versus flying or bussing. This essay speaks to the doubts tourists might have regarding the journey using their own or a rental vehicle.

We’ve driven the three main routes on a number of occasions over the past several years, at different times of the year.

How To Handle a Gun Safely

The2 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:25:41 -0500

You should never handle a gun unless you know how it operates.

How To Overcome Fear of Flying

Staff468 — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:13:00 -0500

Many of us are afraid of driving because we consider it too unsafe. That fear is considered legitimate because the high frequency of car accidents tells us there is a substantial risk to driving. But the ultra-low frequency of airplane accidents would indicate to us the risk involved in air travel is extremely minimal. And yet the fear persists, which is why fear of flying is considered a phobia - aviophobia, an irrational fear. But given that humans only developed this ability to fly within the last hundred years or so, should it come as a surprise that not all of us are comfortable traveling miles above solid ground in a metal tube?

How To Find the Best Travel Agents

Sandy608 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:48:00 -0600

A good travel agent can be an invaluable ally in helping to plan your vacation and in saving you money. Like every type of service provider, however, there are good agents and mediocre agents. In addition, many travel agents specialize in certain types of travel, such as business travel, cruises, and adventure travel.

Using a travel agent's services is usually free; agents are paid by the vendors whose products they sell. Some low-revenue services such as discount airline tickets, or labor-intensive services like creating a detailed day-by-day itinerary, may carry a small fee.

You've decided that you'd like to use a travel agent to help you sort through the myriad of travel choices, but how do you find the agent that's right for you? Consider the following:

How To Plan a New Year's Vacation

Beth141 — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 19:37:00 -0600

The coming of the new year brings not only a fresh beginning but also an end to the busy holiday season. A New Year's vacation can be a great way for people who want to celebrate the New Year to do so in style. A New Year's vacation can also help a person relax after the stress of the holiday crunch. If a New Year's vacation is on your wish list for either of these reasons, or one of your own, here are some tips for planning a great time.

Solidify the group. A New Year's vacation can be a great time for a couple to unwind, for families to play, for friends to reunite. Who is coming on your New Year's vacation? Decide this and a host of new questions will come up regarding times, places, activities and prices. But as long as you know who's going on this trip, all the other questions can be answered.

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How To Plan a Christmas Vacation

Beth141 — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:46:00 -0600

For many people, the perfect Christmas is one spent at home, sitting around their own Christmas tree, opening gifts and eating a home-cooked meal. For many others, though, Christmas is a great time to get away, to go some place exotic, or to take a traditional trek to a favorite resort. If you're thinking that Santa's got the right idea - traveling the globe during Christmas - and you'd like to plan a Christmas vacation of your own, consider the following trip-planning tips.

How To Book Discount Travel Packages

Sandy608 — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:36:00 -0600

Nothing is more frustrating than spending hours (or days) seeking out the best price on an airline ticket (or cruise or hotel) only to find that the person next to you on the flight paid significantly less. Sometimes it seems that everyone knows where to find travel bargains except you. For your next vacation, consider the following tips:

How To See the Grand Canyon

The2 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:09:00 -0600

The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural geological formations in the world. Words like stunning and breathtaking don't even begin to describe the view from the rim or the experience of cascading through the Canyon in a wooden boat or inflatable kayak. Describing a trip to the Grand Canyon could never do it justice, which is why it's on most people's "must-see-before-I-die" lists. Or if it's not, it should be.

But getting to the Grand Canyon is just the beginning. You'll have to decide how you want to experience this gorgeous, awe-inspiring landscape. Your trip will no doubt depend on the number of days you're planning to spend in the vicinity. If you need help deciding how long you should stay and what you should do while you're there, you can read up on your Grand Canyon viewing options below.

How To Pack for a Spring Break Trip

Joan598 — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:33:00 -0600

Ahhh, Spring Break. You've busted your you-know-what all year and who better to enjoy a little well deserved fun in the sun or on the slopes than you? Before you hit the beach or the mountain, though, be sure you're prepared--you don't want to waste a single moment of the week waiting in line at the drug store because you forgot something important.