20 Travel Tips

Patricia told me the first item here is her #1 travel piece of advice:

Buy distinctive looking luggage and put a unique marker on your suitcase (mala) so you can easily recognize it on the baggage claim (reguerimento de bagagem) carousel.

When choosing a seat (assento), ask the customer service agent where she or he would sit. - OR - Unless you are traveling children, always ask for an exit-row seat. You’ll get more legroom. web sites like SeatGuru help you find the best seat on airlines by plane type.

Men and women: Don’t wear thong underwear. It's called creeping agony.

While on the airplane (aviáo) for long international flights (vôo internacional) write letters (carta), keep a journal (diario), or jot down ideas or to-do lists.

Pack a bag of Goldfish or cookies in your carry-on — not for yourself or your kids to eat, but to quiet the screaming kid three rows back. Works every time and costs only pennies.

In some South American countries it's possible to bargain with a thief. Usually they don't want to hurt you, so just explain to them you really need your money but you're happy to give over a portion of your funds. Suggestion: $20

Always dress nice or classy yet try to remain comfortable. You will be treated better everywhere in the world if you don't look dirty and sloppy.

Wear slip-on/slip-off shoes (sapatos) to make your security entrances and exits easier.

Cross-pack. Put some everyday cloths into your carry-on in case the airline (linha aérea) looses your luggage (bagagem).

Eye masks.

Never unzip the zipper around the seam of your luggage and expand the bag -- once you've opened Pandora's box you'll never close it again.

Listen to an audio book. It takes up more time than the in-flight movie, and is better exercise for your mind.

Dab a little antibacterial ointment in your nose to help protect from the myriad airborne contaminants circulating in the cabin.

Never let a snake charmer convince you to put a snake around your neck. Especially if the self-identified snake charmer only has 4 fingers (total for both hands). Just because he wears the "garb" and calls himself a professional doesn't mean a thing.

Take sanitary wipes or wet towels with you. You will frequently need to clean or disinfect something onboard.

Always, wear shoes to the restroom (banheiro).

Never place any important document in the front seat pocket — especially not your passport!

Use saline spray. Colds and respiratory illness are common after a flight, but using a saline spray can prevent an illness after flying.

Carry extra zip-lock bags in your luggage, they are useful in collecting small items and sorted small items that get strewn all over in luggage and can serve to protect important and/or fragile documents.

Bring dollar bills, and if a kid starts kicking your seat from behind, bribe him with money. Tell him if he’s good for the remainder of the flight, he’ll get $5. Works like a charm.

Make photocopies of official documents or ID so that, if possible in public places, you can leave original documents in a safe place and carry the passport, ID and/or marriage certificates in the form of a copy. However, do not try to present photocopies at border crossings or to immigration officials - you're only asking for suspicion and trouble.