Lost items, overstuffed luggage, sore feet—even the best-laid travel plans can be derailed! From Italy, to Greece, to Turkey and beyond, veteran Oldways traveler Laurie Cammisa has seen it all. Over the course of her travel adventures, she’s accumulated a wealth of tips to make travel easier, safer, and more fun. Here’s Laurie’s advice for your next trip, whatever the journey may bring. 

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Keep a business card in your wallet so you can always find your way back to your accomodations, like the beautiful Sir Paul hotel we stayed in during our tour of Cyprus.

1. Always keep your hotel’s business card in your wallet.

At check-in, take one of the hotel’s business cards and place it in your wallet. For one, you’ll have the name and address handy in case you get lost or need help finding your way back.

But on a trip to Vienna, Laurie discovered another business card benefit. After dropping her wallet in the crowded city, she returned to her hotel to find it waiting at the front desk. How? A good samaritan found it in the crowd, saw the hotel’s address on the business card within, and knew exactly where to return it!

2. Pack an empty, flattened duffle bag at the bottom of your suitcase. 

You may not have planned for a shopping spree during your trip, but most travelers end up purchasing more souvenirs than they expect. If you’re packing light or in a carry-on only, place an empty, flattened duffle at the bottom of your bag. You may not need it, but just in case you end up taking home more than you arrived with, you have the option to pack the duffle and check it on the way back.

3. Keep your keys and wallet separate.

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Extra baggage comes in handy—you wouldn’t want to leave our culinary journey in Crete without taking home some of this beautiful pottery!

Keep your important items separated in case anything is misplaced or stolen. Your keys and your wallet are a good example. If you lose your wallet, you don’t want to find yourself locked out of the Airbnb, too! Try keeping your keys in a separate pocket or compartment in your bag. 

4. More than one credit or debit card? Leave one in the hotel safe.

If you have more than one credit or debit card, bring it. But keep it back in your room instead of carrying it. If your wallet gets lost, you’ll have a back-up card to use while you sort things out. 

5. Toe socks! 

Comfy feet = happy travels. Pack a pair of toe socks to wear with your flats and slip-on shoes. Toe socks have a comfy place for each toe to slide into, like gloves for your feet! The socks will keep you from slipping and sliding in your shoes. And, unlike peds and shoe liners, they won’t bunch up or slip off of your heels. 


If you’re ready to take your next trip, browse our upcoming culinary travel tours!


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