Traveling to a new and exotic city can be very exciting. Arriving in a city that is brand new and exciting to you is always a sure bet for adventure. When the big day finally arrives, here are some pointers to ensure a relaxing and fun trip. The bad side to arriving to a strange environment is that simply everything IS new. You are not familiar with your surroundings; receiving and understanding directions to the motel, restaurant, etc. can be very difficult; and you will likely have a complete feeling of loss and panic.
One important step to help cut the feeling of helplessness is to gather information regarding landing times from your airport and select a departure flight that coordinates with a daytime arrival time. Usually an early check in can be arranged with your hotel. This way you are not caught at the airport/bus station at four a.m., praying for daylight. Another topic to cover is cash. Being in a new city, you will not want to wander all over to find an ATM. Always have cash on hand, and preferable smaller bills. Some hotels and taxi cab drivers will not break a $100 bill. Also, trade in some ones for quarters, for water bottles and such. This will ensure that whatever situation you find yourself in, you will be monetarily prepared. Researching how much time and money it will take to get to your motel is important also. You do not want to reach the end of the taxi ride, only to find you are short the fare money. In addition, knowing ahead of time the duration of the trip will come in handy also, especially if on a time itinerary.
Another survival guide on your journey is to either bring a map with you, or purchase a detailed, specific map of your city. Wandering to find your way is one way of becoming familiar with the layout of the city, and asking directions from a local always is not very reliable either. If you have printed directions for mapquest.com or a store bought map, this will ensure less time trying to find your way and will free up more time for sightseeing.
By keeping these few tips in mind the next time you set off for an adventure, you can be sure of saving time, money, and your peace of mind.
Posts Tagged ‘Quarters’
Arriving in a new city
June 30th, 2009 
Tushar Mathur 
Posted in 
What To Expect From A Sailing Vacation
December 6th, 2008 Tushar Mathur A sailing vacation can offer you the chance to take in the sights of a leisurely ocean sail again and again.
Depending on the type of travel package you purchase your vacation will vary. However, you should at least be able to look forward to comfortable accommodations.
More economical vacations will offer your own room, but you might have to split a bathroom between several other rooms. Naturally the more you are willing to pay, the more desirable your quarters will be, with the most expensive trips being able to offer your own luxury suite. 
Your meals can also range from simple fare for budget sailing to the fine dining of high priced ventures. Either way you should expect a decent meal the entire time you’re at sea, so make sure you research this before you book.
Another aspect to inquire about when planning your sailing vacation is what types of activities they offer. Besides providing time to enjoy the sea air, some packages include snorkeling, swimming, and even stops to some beaches. Keep your camera on hand to capture all the fun and exciting moments of your sailing adventure.
As for what to pack, make sure you have everything you need before you go. The main essentials for any sailing vacation are, of course, a swimsuit and sun block. You will also need to take sunglasses and a head covering of some kind. You should dress casually and remember to bring a sweater or two, as nights can get quite cold.
Heading West…
October 15th, 2008 Tushar Mathur Sitting in a President’s Club, while far far better than sitting in a general waiting area, can get old when you do it for a couple of hours. I’m connecting through McCarran Intl in Las Vegas on my way to San Francisco. I’m about to have my first experience with Ted, the airline that one fellow passenger on Continental referred to as the airline that almost brought down United.
McCarran is a very nice airport – everything seems shiny and brand new, probably paid by some pretty stout gaming taxes. That’s my guess anyway. Plenty of shops and a handful of restaurants abound… and more Starbucks than I’ve seen in one terminal. Of course, there are the ubiquitous slot machines… no shocker there. Rather than dropping a few quarters in a slot machine, I decided to temporarily pause my mid-week Starbucks diet and get a latte. Ahhh…
Next up… South San Francisco
