As a team of hotel and travel experts, Oyster.com has some great insider tips and tricks for traveling. And so do the staffers over at SmarterTravel, one of Oyster's sister companies that's dedicated to travel deals, ideas, and guides. But both teams find we spend just as much of our time reminding friends about the no-brainers that they should be sure keep in mind while traveling; to be honest, it's the simple, easy things that we often forget! So don't laugh at us by how stupid-obvious these five travel tips may seem -- you may even be guilty of letting one or two of them slip your mind!
-- Jane Reynolds, Oyster.com
1. Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Oftentimes travelers feel awkward or embarrassed to ask hotel staff for help, but that's just silly -- that's what they are there for, and they do it all day long. Trust us, a concierge or doorman won't be weirded out by your request for dinner recommendations. And best of all, they're often the most in-the-know people in their cities! Fellow hotel guests are also great resources; many times a handful of them have stayed at the hotel before, or at least visited the area before, and therefore will likely have suggestions on everything from what the hotel front desk can provide to the must-visit tourist spots. See, the doormen at The James New York (pictured) always have a smile!
-- Jane Reynolds, Oyster.com Editor
2. Pack All of the Essentials.
You should always pack a portable battery for your smartphone (since you know you're going to run out of juice taking tons of photos and videos), empty plastic bags for laundry, wet clothes, and dirty shoes, and a hard copy of your travel plans and of your passport.
-- Caroline Morse, SmarterTravel Features Editor
3. Sign Up for Free Loyalty Programs
If the hotel has a free loyalty program, sign up! A lot of times you'll get free Wi-Fi or other perks as a result. On the other hand, some luxury hotels (like The Greenwich Hotel pictured above) give all guests special, personalized treatment.
-- Kelsey Blodget, Oyster.com Executive Editor
4. Know How to Get from Point A to Point B
If an airport is your final arrival point, knowing how to get from the airport to your destination is key. I usually spend time researching my transportation options, weighing cost against convenience. Often, shuttles to city centers or central hotels are a great option. And if you're not concerned with finding the fastest option, the local metro system is usually the most affordable way to go, and is often still pretty convenient as well. Airport metro stations (or traveler information desks) often have special tourist discounts on public transportation cards as well, so it's worth checking out in advance.
-- Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel Executive Editor
5. Don't Waste Time Worrying About Cleanliness, But Know What to Look For
Travelers often ask us how to know if the hotel they're staying in is clean, but unless you sit and watch the cleaning process, you can't know for sure. Of course, there are telltale signs: Are there smudges on the glasses, dust in the corners, mold in the showers? Some cleaning practices, like the use of chemical cleaning products, can cause serious health issues, so you can avoid this risk by booking a LEED-certified hotel, like the Orchard Hotel (pictured), that only uses chemical-free products. Another way to ensure a fresh room is booking rooms at hotels that provide air purifiers upon request; both the Grand Hyatt Seattle and The Four Seasons Denver do.
-- Jane Reynolds, Oyster.com Editor
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.