Want My Advice?

What's the best practical advice you've ever gotten? Perhaps to put all your toiletries in Ziplock bags before packing them, or that club soda is the best spot remover? Every month, we'll print the best Readers' Tips. Click here to submit your own tips and advice.

Here are some of this month's readers' tips.

FOR A LATE-GATE SNACK
It's not always easy, or cheap, to get a snack for the plane. For some needed protein, bring tubes of powdered protein drink mix in your carry-on. You can add the mix to a bottle of water near the gate, after passing through airport security.
—Kathy Bohlken
Caldwell, Idaho

THAT'S A WAKE-UP COOL-DOWN
I tend to get bags under my eyes when on a trip. In the mornings, I relieve puffiness by filling the hotel room ice bucket with cold water. Then I dip a washcloth into the bucket and place it over my tired eyes for a few minutes.
—Elizabeth Pyle
San Antonio

THIS TIP'S ON TAPE
After signing the back of a new credit card, place a piece of clear tape over your signature and the three-digit security code. This prevents the ink from rubbing off as you use the card over time.
—Tom Griffin
Cleveland

BABY NOT INCLUDED
Unscented baby wipes are a great travel tool, for both men and women. You can swipe them over your face as a quick way to remove makeup, clean your skin, or just freshen up after a long flight. The baby wipes also come in handy when cleaning up little spots and spills on clothing, and you can pack them flat in a Ziploc bag to get past airport security.
—Tracy Justinak
Paradise Valley, Arizona

BE A CARD-CARRYING TRIPPER…
When touring an unfamiliar city, make sure to pick up the business card of the hotel where you're staying and keep it with you at all times. Having that card on you ensures that you know where to head if you get lost, you can call the hotel's front desk for directions or assistance, or, if something happens, emergency personnel know where to look for your belongings or people traveling with you.
—Marsha Norton
Henderson, Nevada

…OR CARD-CARRYING TIPPER
Bring postcards from your hometown or state when you travel to show new friends where you're from. They also make thoughtful thank-you gifts to accompany tips.
—Lisa Pan
Scottsdale, Arizona

BUT DO REMEMBER STAMPS
Pre-print address labels for the people you want to write or send gifts to. They're easy to stick onto any package, and you won't have to remember addresses or ZIP codes.
—Bruce Brown
Hobart, Indiana

Share Your Advice, Personal Tips, or Secret to Success