Travel tips from an old road warrior

I love to travel. I come from a family of travelers. I've had the pleasure of cruising all around the country over the last 15 or 16 years. If I'm not out of town every 6 weeks or so, I get restless. Two months and I'm pacing.

I've learned a few things along the way that I'd like to share with you. I enjoy a very casual, relaxed traveling style that may not be your cup of tea but perhaps some of what I'm about to say might be of use. The links on the left side of the screen point to specific topics.

I'm not a Big Chain Hotel fan. I'm not looking for some spa experience with room service and a big ass bed. In fact, I don't leave town to stay in a hotel. I'm sleeping in a hotel because I'm not at home. In my bed. The hotel is the least of my worries.

I think travel is as much a state of mind as it is what state you're in (double entendre intended).Good travel is more than expensive luggage and a ticket to a faraway place. You can have both and still have a miserable time. Many do.

TO me a good trek is a qualitative experience. It's about being a new place elegantly with a sense of joy and wonder. It isn't about chalking up miles or bragging about the latest hotspot you frequented. At least not for me. What neighborhood did I discover and why did it appeal to me? What physical characteristic do I now associate with a place I'v been? Or maybe it was the weather or the landscaping or the signs I see.

Misc. advice: Always, always have small bills, ones and fives, handy. Call them tips, call them bribes, call it social lubrication. Relatively small amounts of cold hard cash have gotten me a ride in the rental car I just returned instead of waiting for the shuttle in order to make my plane. On another occasion cash to the person in the rental lot let me get the same car I owned, the same car the desk clerk told me was unavailable.

Never trust the time on a hotel room's clock. Check and adjust it yourself. Pack a stamp in an enevelope; you may need to mail a letter on the road. Stores like Whole Foods are wonderful pitstops as are old school full-service delis. Somewhere between between picnicing and gourmet grazing.

Being relaxed before I even leave home has made for more relaxing travel. Not that I haven't sprinted for planes before. Even missed a few. But a calm attitude when dealing with flight crews, front desk staff, and waitrons has gotten me further than a harried, late demeanor. YMMV