No question is more divisive among flyers than whether or not to recline your seat on a plane. Either you feel like you should be able to recline fully and everyone else should follow suit to gain space (except the poor person in the last row), or you’re firmly of the opinion that airplane seats are small enough already and no one should recline and take away the limited space of the person behind them. 

Some flyers believe in a middle ground, feeling that reclining should be done only in certain situations—like on a long-haul flight when everyone is sleeping and not on a short flight immediately after takeoff. 

We want to settle this question once and for all by asking SmarterTravel readers:
Do you recline on a plane? 

Stay tuned for the answers, which we’ll share in an upcoming newsletter.

The post Should You Recline Your Seat on an Airplane? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Certain phrases and requests have become notorious pain points for flight attendants who fly hundreds of times a year. They’re guaranteed to make any flight attendant mentally roll their eyes, even as they maintain their professional smile. Before you join the ranks of passengers who unknowingly commit this mile-high faux pas, consider the impact of your words on these hardworking crew members. Flight attendants aren’t just service providers; they’re trained safety professionals whose primary responsibility is ensuring your well-being during the flight. The following ten phrases represent a compilation of their most cringe-worthy passenger interactions—those special moments that make them wish they could temporarily disable the call button or, at the very least, serve your drink with an extra helping of disdain.

Can You Watch My Kids?

You’ve paid plenty for your coach ticket, so now it’s time to relax, take a nap, and maybe let your kids run wild. After all, the flight attendants are just sitting at the back of the plane—they will be happy to watch your little darlings, right? Wrong.

“I’ve had passengers get mad at me because we didn’t have a play area on the plane. Another passenger came to the back of the plane and asked me where she could put her baby. She didn’t want to hold it,” flight attendant Heather Poole told Parade Magazine. Flight attendants already have enough to do and can’t take on babysitting duties.

This Drink Is Too Expensive!

Yes, that in-flight drink is too expensive. But whining to the flight attendant isn’t going to change anything. Do you really think the CEO of a major airline consults with the flight attendants before raising prices on drinks? Trust us, the flight attendant to whom you’re complaining is not making a commission off overpriced gin and tonics. (Starting salaries for flight attendants can be as low as $27,000 per year, and there’s definitely no kickback from expensive drinks factored into that.)

Fetch Me …

We all wish we had a personal butler we could summon with the ring of a bell. However, despite the presence of a call button above every airplane seat, the flight attendant is not that butler. Demanding that the flight attendant “fetch” you something is a sure way to get on a flight attendant’s bad side. 

Use the call button only when it’s really necessary, such as times when you can’t get out of your seat and genuinely need something. If you want a glass of water or a blanket, walk back to the galley and ask for it in person.

Hey, stewardess!

The word “stewardess” is about as contemporary as the glamorous coach-class experience of yesteryear. Both are gone forever. “Stewardess” was in vogue when women were the only people hired as flight attendants. 

Nowadays, both men and women work as cabin crew, and the term “flight attendant” reflects not only this but the expanded duties that they are responsible for onboard. 

Wait, What Kind of Drinks Do You Have?

The beverage service doesn’t just magically appear in front of you. The start of the service is usually announced on the PA system, along with a list of the beverages available on board that day. Couldn’t hear the announcement? You can usually find a card in your seatback pocket that lists what you can order. The snacks and drinks on offer are also usually listed in the airline’s app, if you have it downloaded. 

So if you’re craving something out of the ordinary (“Do you have any Diet Mountain Dew on this flight?”) or exotic (“Man, I could go for a can of cran-pineapple-berry-tang juice!”), consult your in-flight card to see if it’s being served. Flight attendants hate having to run down the list of available drinks for every passenger who asks—and they’ll be even more annoyed if you ask what’s on offer after they’ve just told the person sitting next to you what’s available. 

Can You Help Me Lift My Bag?

Congratulations. You’ve managed to cram everything you own into your carry-on bag. There’s no way you’re gate-checking it now, even if it does weigh 100 pounds. Who cares if you can’t lift it—you’ll just ask one of the flight attendants to heft it into the overhead bin for you. They’re basically baggage handlers that come along for the ride, right? Wrong. 

During flight attendant training, crew members are advised never to lift baggage for passengers because it’s a common cause of injury. Repeatedly hefting heavy suitcases into the overhead bins can cause health issues, and if a flight attendant is hurt loading bags, it could cause a flight delay or cancellation. 

It’s not a flight attendant’s job to help you lift your bag, so make sure you can actually lift and stow whatever you pack. 

I Will Blow Up This Plane If I Don’t Get Bumped to First Class!

Your terrorism jokes aren’t funny. Ever. Instead of laughs, the joke’s on you: That idle threat will get you kicked off the plane and possibly arrested.

I’ll Turn Off My Phone in One More Minute!

Different airlines have different policies about using electronic devices during takeoff and landing. Once you’re on the plane, though, the flight attendant’s word is law. So when you’re asked to turn off your phone or laptop, it means now, people. Holding up your finger to signal one more minute is rude. Stop it.

Can You Throw Away This Bag Of Vomit For Me?

Flight attendants see enough gross stuff already. They don’t need to be tasked with throwing away your used air-sickness bag or your baby’s dirty diaper. Walk to the lavatory and throw it away yourself. (And if you’re throwing away a dirty diaper, that raises another question: Where are you changing that kid? Please don’t do it on the tray table.)

Nothing (In an Exit Row)

While most passengers appreciate a quiet flight, there’s one crucial moment when your voice needs to be heard: the emergency exit row safety briefing. That seemingly simple “yes” you’re asked to provide in response to the question about being willing and able to perform safety duties in an emergency isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement. Flight attendants must verify that every passenger seated in an exit row can both understand and respond to verbal and visual instructions, as these individuals could play a vital role in an emergency evacuation.

If you remain silent during this safety check, the flight attendant will have no choice but to relocate you to a different seat. This policy isn’t about being difficult; it’s about ensuring the safety of everyone on board. Remember, those extra legroom seats come with extra responsibility, and your verbal confirmation is the first step in accepting that duty.

The post 10 Things You Should Never Say to a Flight Attendant appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Food You Can’t Finish

If you decide that a long flight is the time to enjoy a special treat, more power to you. Just make sure you have time to finish it—or that you’re okay with throwing it away before you land if you’re on an international flight. In most countries, you’ll have to declare any food (even packaged items) before entering, and something that you’ve opened up might not make it in.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat usually won’t be allowed in, due to agricultural concerns. (The U.S. Customs and Border Control Agency offers this helpful guide, but other countries will have different rules.) Know that this rule applies even to food that you were given on the plane—if you toss the banana from your in-flight breakfast into your backpack, you’ll need to declare it upon arrival in another country.

Instant Soups

Some people will tell you to bring a cup of noodles or other instant soup aboard a flight for a filling meal. Once in the air, you can ask the flight attendant for boiling water during meal service. Although a mug of hot soup may sound enticing, it’s a bad idea to keep a cup of scalding liquid near your lap when turbulence could strike at any second.

Plus, many prepackaged ramen cups have close to half of your daily recommendation of sodium, which certainly won’t help you fight jet bloat.

I actually tried out this trick on a flight once, and the flight attendant told me that she did not recommend consuming the hot water offered on planes, as it comes from water tanks that are not cleaned regularly. (Keep this in mind next time you order coffee or tea as well.)

Noisy Foods

Crunch… crunch… crunch. Put down the chips or raw vegetables—your seatmate does not want to listen to you chew. Crunchy foods can sound louder than a jet engine when you’re basically chewing right in your seatmate’s ear. Remember that the person next to you has nowhere to go, so save the noisy foods for when you land.

Messy Foods

If you’d struggle to tackle what you’re eating on a full-sized table with actual metal utensils, don’t attempt it on a tiny tray table with flimsy plastic forks and minimal elbow room. Airplanes aren’t given a deep cleaning between most flights, so you might be leaving crumbs or other leftovers behind for the next occupant of your seat.

Smelly

If you’re tempted to bring hardboiled eggs, tuna fish, or other strong-smelling food aboard, stop and think about whether everyone trapped in the small cabin with you wants to smell what you’re eating. (The airlines are big offenders on this one, too—often offering a fish option at dinnertime.)

Greasy Foods

Grabbing a fast food meal can be the cheapest and easiest airport option, but it’s really not the best choice for flying. A greasy meal ticks both the “smelly” and “messy” options, and the often-high sodium content of fast food options can make you swollen and bloated, making you uncomfortable for the rest of the flight.

Peanuts

Tiny packets of complimentary peanuts have mostly disappeared from planes due to the growing number of peanut allergies worldwide. If the only snack you’ve packed is a peanut butter sandwich or bag of nuts, you might not be able to eat it if the flight crew announces that there is a serious peanut allergy onboard.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 7 Foods You Should Never Eat on a Plane appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You may think it’s easy to communicate when you’re visiting another English-speaking country, but think again! Certain words mean something entirely different on the other side of the world. Read on to see which eight words could cause you embarrassment across the pond or down under.

1. Pants

Be careful who you tell in the U.K. that you have to go pants shopping—across the pond, “pants” means “underwear.” When you’re talking about jeans and khakis, you should call them “trousers.”

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland

2. Fanny

Own a fanny pack? In most other English-speaking countries, they’re called “bum bags” because “fanny” is slang for a part of the female anatomy (and no, we’re not talking about the rear end). So don’t tell someone to stop being lazy and get off their fanny, either!

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

3. Pissed

In America, we may get “pissed off” when we’re angry, but the Brits and Irish who are “pissed” are extremely intoxicated. “Taking the piss,” however, means “to make fun of,” not “to get drunk.”

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand

4. Bangs

Prepare for weird looks if you’re bragging about your new “bangs” in England. A forehead-covering haircut over there is referred to as a “fringe” instead. Overseas, “bangs” is more commonly used as the somewhat vulgar slang that it is interchangeable with in America.

Avoid Using In: Anywhere outside of North America

5. Knob

Americans hear the word “knob” and think “doorknob” or “lever.” It has a much dirtier meaning in other countries, like Australia and the U.K., where it’s an insult or slang for a part of the male anatomy. Now you’ll know to be offended if someone calls you a “knob head.”

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

6. Root

Americans may “root around” looking for a lost object, but Australians and New Zealanders use the term to refer to having sex.

Avoid Using In: Australia, New Zealand

7. Bugger

If you affectionately call your child or pet “little bugger,” you might want to reconsider doing so in pretty much any other English-speaking country. In most other places, from Canada to Australia, it is commonly used as an expletive similar to the f-word.

Avoid Using In: Most places outside of America

8. Pull

If someone “pulled” last night in the U.K., they’re probably not talking about pulling a muscle or drawing something apart. It’s commonly used as slang for successfully picking up someone while out on the town. Likewise, “going on the pull” means that someone is going out with the express goal of getting some action.

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 8 English Words You Should Never Use Abroad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Don’t Use the Remote Control

Study after study has confirmed what germophobes everywhere have long believed: Hotel rooms are disgusting, fetid pools of fecal bacteria. We won’t get into the specifics just in case you’re reading this on your lunch break, but suffice it to say, you wouldn’t be out of place wearing a hazmat suit inside your room. And while there’s no shortage of filth-ridden surfaces to be wary of, the nastiest culprit by far is the TV remote control. You’ve got a few options here: Bring some antibacterial wipes with you, download a smartphone app to control the television, or just avoid TV altogether. Oh, and while we have your attention … don’t sleep on or under the quilt, either. Just trust us on this one.

Don’t Leave Valuables Lying Around

Perhaps this seems obvious, but we’ve heard enough stories of hotel-room thefts that we think it bears mentioning: Hide your valuables. Put them in the safe if you can (even if that means paying a small fee—it sure beats the cost of replacing that nice watch or fancy earrings). If there’s no space available, and you don’t want to carry them with you at all times, stash your valuables in an inconspicuous place, such as inside an empty vitamin or aspirin container. Hotel thieves know all the usual hiding spots, though, so an even better plan is to leave all or most of your valuables at home.

Don’t Forget to Put up the ‘Do Not Disturb’ Sign

People tend to get frisky in hotel rooms. Maybe it’s just the natural aphrodisiac of being someplace new. Who knows? The point is, it happens—a lot. But here’s the thing: Your hotel room isn’t exactly private until you put up the “do not disturb” sign. So if you want to be alone, make sure everyone knows it first. Otherwise, Murphy’s Law suggests your intimate moment may not be so intimate after all.

Don’t Reveal Your Room Number

Don’t say your room number aloud at check-in, at a restaurant, or to that friendly stranger you’ve just met. It’s just not a good idea. If you want to meet up with someone new, agree to meet in a public space—preferably one that’s not even at your hotel. The last thing you want to deal with on your vacation or business trip is a break-in.

Don’t Open the Door

It’s an automatic reaction for some people: There’s a knock at the door, so they answer it. Not a good idea. Make sure you know who’s there before you open the door—even if you’re expecting someone, like room service. Similarly, don’t leave the door ajar if you leave to get ice or, in some places, use the bathroom across the hall. You might return to find your room ransacked. Or worse yet, you might catch an unexpected guest waiting for you. And as long as we’re on the topic of leaving your room for ice, don’t do it au naturel either, or you may end up a hilarious Internet sensation like this guy.

Don’t Go Anywhere Near the Minibar

The good old days of perusing the minibar “just to see what’s in there” are long gone at many hotel chains. Those exorbitantly priced snacks are now more booby-trapped than the golden idol at the start of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Even jostling the Snickers bar a little could trigger the sensor, and just like that you’ve run up an automatic charge on your room bill.

Don’t Forget to Look for Bedbugs

They’re small, they’re nasty, and they’re pretty much everywhere these days—even at high-end hotels. Bedbugs are the world’s first (and worst) souvenir: They love coming home with you. Look for the incriminating signs of these little creepers before you put your bags down on the hotel bed or furniture for any lengthy period of time. Keep an eye out for the critters’ blood or fecal stains on your sheets or mattress and for the little buggers themselves on the mattress, headboard, couch, chair, and any other furniture.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

Did you hear the one about the nice British couple who noticed a funny taste in the drinking water at a downtown Los Angeles hotel? It turns out the couple (and the hotel’s other guests) had been drinking from a corpse-tainted water supply for weeks. You read that right: There was a dead body floating around and decomposing in the rooftop water tank. And while this may be the most extreme case of tainted water we’ve heard in a while, it’s certainly not the only story of good water gone bad. Our advice: Don’t drink the tap water, no matter where you’re staying. Nothing good ever comes of it.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 8 Things You Should Never Do in a Hotel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Stopping in the Middle of Sidewalks

Being in the big city is magical for you, the tourist. For the locals rushing by trying to get to work on time, not so much. Treat sidewalks like streets—don’t stop abruptly in the middle to check your directions or snap a photo. Instead, pull over to the side where you won’t be in the way.

Taking a Cab During Rush Hour

Hailing a cab or calling a rideshare might be easier than walking to your destination or trying to navigate the subway system. But during rush hour, it will likely take you much longer to cross the city in a car than it would via public transportation.

Standing on the Wrong Side of the Escalator

Despite having different rules of the road, the escalator rules are the same from London to New York: stand on one side, walk on the other. This allows people who are in a hurry to climb the escalator quickly, while those who need a rest can ride up (usually on the right-hand side). Recently, some cities like Hong Kong and London have tried to convince riders to stand on both sides of the escalators based on the theory that it actually moves people more quickly, but these campaigns have been largely unsuccessful.

Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

Walking is by far the best way to explore a large city. You’ll get to stroll through new neighborhoods and discover gems you won’t find in any guidebook. So don’t let your wanders be cut short by foot pain. Make sure you pack shoes that you can walk for multiple miles in—and don’t worry, there are plenty of stylish options out there that won’t mark you as a tourist.

Pushing Your Way Onto Public Transportation

People can’t get off the train or bus if you’re pushing your way on before they have a chance to exit. Be polite and stand to the side of the door until everyone who needs to exit can get off before you get on.

Feeding the Pigeons

Feeding the flocks of pigeons that live in cities is so popular that places like Venice have imposed fines (of hundreds of euros) on the tourists who engage in the behavior. Although it may seem like a fun activity, it’s actually bad for both the birds and the city. When pigeons are fed human food, they lose their ability to scavenge on their own and start eating food that’s not in their natural diet. It’s also bad for the city: Pigeons carry diseases that can infect humans, and the leftover food also attracts rats.

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2019. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 6 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Major Cities appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Travel to Popular Parks Without a Plan

The annual number of visitors to national parks has exploded recently. In 2023, national parks reported 325.5 million recreation visitors, an increase of 12 million visitors from 2022.

A number of popular national parks have implemented reservation requirements in an effort to control the crowds. When planning your visit, make sure you research reservation requirements, know what is open within the parks, and whether you can drive your car or will need to take a shuttle. Don’t show up without accommodation booked, thinking you can just have a spontaneous trip, especially during peak season. Nothing would be worse than buying flights and booking hotels only to get all the way to the park and not be able to go in because you don’t have a reservation.

These national parks will require reservations in peak season:

• Arches National Parks 
• Glacier National Park (Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork)
• Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor)
• Shenandoah National Park (Old Rag)
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Bear Lake Road Corridor and “rest of park”)
• Yosemite National Park 
• Zion National Park (Angels Landing)

Leave a Trace

The first rule of national parks, or any outdoor environment, is to leave no trace. Simply put, this means to have as minimal an impact on the environment as possible. This means not only leaving nothing behind (like trash), but also applies to not tampering with the environment by taking things with you. For example, you shouldn’t pick wildflowers or collect stones to bring home as a souvenir 

Get too Close to Wildlife

There are news stories of national park visitors getting gored while trying to snap a selfie with or even pet bison. Although the animals may look adorable, you have to remember that these are wild animals, and you must keep your distance. It’s for your safety and the animals’ safety. 

Most national parks require you to stay a minimum of 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves. If animals react to your presence, you are too close. 

If you’re bad at eyeballing distances, a good trick is to follow the “rule of thumb.” If your thumb can cover the entire animal you’re looking at on the horizon, you’re at a safe distance.

Remember that national parks are wild places, so even if you think an animal needs help, don’t approach it. A pair of visitors to Yellowstone National Park infamously decided a baby bison looked cold and loaded it in their car to “rescue it” by taking it to a ranger station. The ranger tried to reintegrate the calf with its herd, but it was rejected by its mother and had to be euthanized. The tourists were fined for interfering with the wildlife. 

Underestimate Hikes

It can be easy to underestimate trails in the national parks. Many trails are short and leave directly from a parking lot, lulling hikers into a false sense of security. Unfortunately, these trails are still in the wild, and things can easily go wrong. Hikers have gone missing and died in national parks on trails that are as short as half a mile round trip. 

Even if you’re going on a short walk, wear proper footwear and carry plenty of water and supplies.

Get Distracted by the Scenery When Driving

Vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death in national parks. Roads within national parks are attractions in their own right, winding through stunning scenery. 

As tempting as it can be, keep your eyes on the road when driving through national parks. There are plenty of pull-offs where you can take a break to snap a photo or admire the view. 

Always stay alert for wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn when animals are most active. Keep an eye out for human visitors as well, who may unexpectedly dart into the roadway. Go slow and always follow the speed limit. Many roads are twisty and run alongside steep drop-offs. Exercise extra caution when driving at night, as there won’t be any street lights. 

Feed the Wildlife

The National Parks Service (NPS) doesn’t mince words. “Feeding wildlife is actually a form of animal cruelty.” When animals become accustomed to human-provided food sources, they may lose their natural foraging behaviors and become dependent on humans for sustenance. This also makes wildlife more comfortable around humans, increasing the risk of aggressive encounters.Being fed by humans lures animals into populated areas, like roads, where they are more likely to be hit by a car. 

Additionally, many human foods are unsuitable for wild animals and can cause malnutrition, disease, and even death. Even if you’re not intentionally feeding wildlife, leaving food scraps behind on a hike or picnic, littering, or not properly securing your food can have the same impact. 

Go Off Trail

Going off trail can be dangerous for both you and the environment. Veering off designated paths can easily damage or kill plant species and contribute to trail erosion. In many national parks, it can be extremely easy to get lost, which is why it’s important to stay on the trail. 

Fly Drones

Drones have crashed in geysers in Yellowstone National Park, fallen into the Grand Canyon, and disturbed wildlife—which is why they are banned from national parks. 

Unmanned aircraft, aka drones, are banned in all national parks, so please leave them at home.

The post 8 Things You Should Never Do in National Parks appeared first on SmarterTravel.

We’re not saying that you can’t strike up conversations and enjoy being on your own while traveling, but creating at least the initial illusion of a safety net with a fictional travel companion (who just happens to not be around at that moment) can help keep you safe.

Here are some situations we can think of in which this solo travel safety tip can come in handy:

• Fending off unwanted advances.
• An easy out with persistent sellers: (for example, “Oh, I can’t buy that without consulting my husband, but he’s back at the hotel. Maybe we’ll come back later”).
• An excuse not to join an activity that you don’t want to do—”Sorry, my friend is waiting for me at the hotel; I have to get back!”

If you want to go even further, embellish the story by picking up two room keys when you check in (you never know who might be watching).

Caroline Morse is a Senior Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her adventures on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.

The post The One Lie You Should Always Tell While Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #1: Failing to Double-Check Your Bill

Hotels are notorious for tacking on hidden fees. While some are unavoidable, you’ll want to scan your bill for anything that looks fishy—such as charges for snacks or drinks when you didn’t touch the minibar, or a dinner in the hotel restaurant that was charged to the wrong room number. Be sure to dispute these charges and get an updated copy of the receipt before you check out.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #2: Leaving Something Behind

My parents once made it all the way to the airport in Paris before realizing they had left their passports in the hotel safe. Needless to say, they missed their flight—and had a stressful ending to an otherwise pleasant trip.

Their story isn’t uncommon. In addition to leaving things in the safe, travelers often forget about toiletries in the shower and phone chargers in out-of-sight, out-of-mind electrical outlets.

Pack as much as you can the night before, when you’re not stressed for time. Then, right before hotel checkout time, do one last sweep of your room. Peek under the bed for things that might have fallen, pull back the shower curtain, check all the outlets, and open up the safe.

One trick long recommended by savvy travelers: Put one of your shoes in the safe the night before so you can’t leave without opening it. Another option is to bring along your pre-trip packing list and go over it to make sure you have everything before you leave the hotel.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #3: Forgetting to Leave a Tip

Don’t forget your hardworking (and often underpaid) housekeeper in your rush to get out the door. If you don’t have small bills handy, the front desk can make change for you. Consider leaving the equivalent of $2 to $5 each night of your stay, depending on local tipping norms and how messy you are.

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Hotel Checkout Mistake #4: Not Allowing Enough Time

In an ideal world you’d step out of the elevator, hand the keycard to a front desk staffer, and complete your hotel checkout in about 90 seconds. Don’t count on that—especially if you’re staying at a large hotel that caters to conventions and/or tour groups. Such properties often have long lines at the front desk during the most popular checkout times.

If you’ve got a plane or train to catch, allow yourself plenty of extra time to check out—just in case.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #5: Letting the Hotel Call You a Cab

Yes, it’s convenient, but travelers on a budget should order themselves an Uber or Lyft instead. Not only will the fare likely be cheaper, but you’ll also save a few bucks on tips for the hotel staff.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #6: Failing to Reserve a Spot on the Airport Shuttle

If you’re staying in an airport hotel before an early flight, chances are the property offers a free shuttle—but don’t assume you can just show up at 5:30 a.m. and hop on. Shuttle spots can be limited, and many hotels recommend (or even require) that you reserve your place the night before.

Once you make a reservation, be sure to arrive on time. The front desk might give you a courtesy call if you aren’t in the lobby when the van is ready to leave, but with other passengers in a hurry to make their flights, the shuttle might not wait long.

Hotel Checkout Mistake #7: Overstaying Your Welcome

Normal hotel checkout time for most properties is 11:00 a.m. or noon so housekeepers have time to clean rooms for the next guest. Be sure you know the deadline at your hotel so you can plan accordingly.

If you need a little extra time, call the front desk as far in advance as you can and see if they can accommodate you. Don’t just stay in the room beyond the checkout time; you will disrupt the housekeeping schedule and could face extra fees.

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The post 7 Things Not to Do at Hotel Checkout appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Make Your Bed More Comfortable 

Relegated to a futon, air mattress, or pull-out couch? There are a few things you can do to make your sleeping arrangement more comfortable. Air mattresses get colder than real beds (the air inside cools overnight, making you chilly). Pad it with extra blankets, or use a sleep sack, which is easy to pack and provides a ton of warmth.

Push the air mattress up against the wall if possible so your pillows don’t fall off while you sleep, and put a blanket or a yoga mat underneath the mattress to make it less noisy when you move around.

For futons or rock-hard mattresses, an inflatable sleeping pad is easy to use and will save your back.

Even if you’re staying in a great guest room, most normal bedrooms don’t come with blackout curtains like those you’ll find at hotels, so be sure to pack an eye mask that will block out light. This mask is contoured to allow for eye movement during sleep, but still prevents light from getting in.

Earplugs are also essential if you’re a light sleeper (or just go to bed earlier/get up later than other people in the house). Or bring a travel-sized white noise machine if you really want to drown out the world.

Stuck in the living room? You could go all out and pack a privacy pop-up indoor bed tent if you want to make a statement about the importance of alone time.

Don’t Forget to Breathe

Getting stressed? Take a deep breath to help relax. If you’re staying in an environment that you’re not used to (for example, sharing a house with smokers or pets when you’re allergic), bring along a tiny travel air purifier for your room. This can make a big difference and help you breathe easier.

Get Some Quiet Time

Spending time with other people 24/7 can be tough. But you’re going to be a better guest and family member if you take some solo time to decompress each day. Take a walk, or excuse yourself to take a nap and use the time to sleep or read. If you’re coming home to a deadline-driven family, you could appear busy while also carving out alone time by offering to run errands on your own.

Stay Charged and Connected

If a big group is staying at your family’s house, the Wi-Fi will get overwhelmed quickly. If it’s important to you to stay online, bring along a Wi-Fi hotspot so you avoid the frustration of slow internet. A travel-sized power strip can also save the day if everyone is fighting over one outlet to charge gadgets.

Work Out

There’s a reason the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is so popular. Whether you head out in the morning for a quick run or get a day pass to a local gym, working out can give you an excuse to get out of the house for a bit. Exercise is also a proven stress reducer and mood enhancer, and will also make you feel less guilty about eating all that home-cooked food.

Knit running shoes like Nike Frees are lightweight and easy to pack, so bring a pair with you. You can also use them to go for a walk with the family after a big holiday dinner.

Can’t get out of the house? Pack exercise bands, which take up minimal space and can be used for an easy at-home workout (or to stretch after a long travel day or a rough night on the couch).

Don’t Dominate the Bathroom

Chances are, you won’t have a private bathroom while staying with family, so don’t leave your toiletries scattered all over the sink and shower. This innovative bag is a great solution, as it lets you lay out all your toiletries on a flat surface to use; when you’re done, simply fold it up and take it back to your room.

Be Your Own Climate Control

Unlike at a hotel, you don’t get control over the thermostat when staying with family. If you know the house is going to be cold, pack extra layers. In shoe-free houses, travel slippers keep you comfy. Merino wool sweaters are easy to layer without looking out of place, and a pashmina can double as a blanket. House too hot? A portable fan can be a lifesaver, and also act as a white noise machine at night.

Pack Modest Pajamas and a Robe

You probably don’t think twice about what you pack for sleepwear at a hotel, but you might want something a little more modest if you’re staying in someone’s home. Don’t forget to pack pajamas and a robe you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in, for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

Bring Board Games

Worried about being bored? Pack travel-sized games that are fun for the whole family. Family Feud, UNO, and Scrabble are all good choices (depending on how competitive the crowd is).

Offer to Grocery Shop, Cook, or Buy Dinner

Try to make your visit as easy on the host as possible. Just because it’s your family doesn’t mean they’re responsible for cleaning up after you and cooking every meal. Show up with a restaurant gift card to let them know a few meals are on you, or offer to go grocery shopping and cook for everyone while you’re there.

Be Appreciative

Your presence is not your present. Make sure to show appreciation to your host for putting you up. A thank you note is never a bad idea. Some good gift ideas include: a bottle of wine and a wine chiller, a gift basket full of tasty treats, an easy-to-care-for plant, or a framed family photo.

Caroline Morse Teel is a Managing Editor at SmarterTravel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world. 

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