Hotels offer several different “Meal Plans” depending on the hotel or resort. Having some meals included can make a big difference in your overall vacation expenses.  Check to see what time of the day the meals are offered. There is no sense paying for something you won’t be there to eat. Find out how many people staying in the room the “Meal Plan” will include. Many times the room will hold more people than the “Meal Plan” will provide for so you may be required to pay for additional guests.

(AL) All inclusive Plan (also called Full Pension, or Full American Plan) Check what they mean by all inclusive it could be just 3 meals a day with drinks, dessert, snacks etc. or it may include some meals but not drinks

(EP) European Plan – No meals included

( CP) Continental Plan – Continental Breakfast: This varies by hotel. Usually it is pastries and coffee. I have been in several hotels where it includes fruit and cereal, tea, coffee, juices and hot chocolate so you will have to check with the hotel.

(AP) American Plan – Includes three meals daily

(MAP) Modified American Plan (sometimes called demi-pensions, half pension or half board depending where you are in the world) – Includes some meals

(B&B) Bed and Breakfast – Some sort of breakfast is included with your hotel night stay. The breakfast can range from a drink or coffee with a roll to a full breakfast buffet.

Each hotel, resort or accommodation may interpret the meaning of these terms differently so this is another reason to check exactly what is included before you book your hotel. We always try to have meals included as it usually costs more to purchase meals independently than to have them included in the room rate. It is always good to check and see if the meals that are included in the rate make it a better deal than booking a hotel without.

The invention of mobile applications has made getting information while you are traveling so much easier. It used to be that you would have to go to the library or book store and check out or buy a travel book on the destination where you were traveling to. Then came the internet with the ability to look up information from the comfort of your home but you still couldn’t get real time on the spot information. Now we have mobile apps that provide immediate results and information.

The mobile apps can supply you with real time weather, tour information, airline check in, maps, and even information for opening and closing times of the places you are visiting.

What’s even better is most apps are very inexpensive compared to buying all those books, maps, and printing costs for printing from the internet and it eliminated the bulk of room all those things took up. With airline weight restrictions we really need our apps.

Quick Tip #20b Don’t get caught without the right clothing because you didn’t think ahead. Travel clothing tip.

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Last week I shared 5 must have travel accessory essentials that make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.  These are simple travel items that will help you avoid travel delays and travel frustrations. Here are 5 more travel accessories that are simple & inexpensive but you will find very valuable for your must have travel packing essentials.

1-Safety Pins:

• Temporarily repair clothing
• Pin a broken strap
• Never carry your wallet in your back pocket. If you do choose to carry a wallet be sure to put it in your front pocket and secure the pocket with a couple of safety pins. Prevent pickpocket

2- Skin Glue: Dermabond

• Close paper cuts
• Seal down hangnails
• Seal skin cracks

3- Duct tape:

• Prevent shoe blisters
• Bandage cuts
• Fix broken or ripped luggage

4- Night light:

• Plug in to navigate to the bathroom
• Find things without turning on the lights
• Small amount of light for those afraid of the dark

5- Portable electrical power strip & mini surge protector:

• Additional plug-ins in hotel
• Share plug-ins at conventions
• Share plug-ins at airport
• Protect electrical equipment

Quick Tip #19b Video of a fun way for a couple to spend an evening when they travel. Making Lingerie from things found in your hotel room.

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