Free Rentals and Luggage from National Car Rental!

October 22, 2012 By 164 Comments

I wrote earlier about National’s One-Two-Free fall promotion, and now they’ve asked me to help promote it further and make it even easier to qualify for a free rental. You can even enter to win a two-piece luggage set and $100 gift card! The contest will run from today through 11:59 PDT on Sunday, October 28. I’ll select a winner on Monday, October 29, and put you in contact with National to claim the grand prize.

What is One-Two-Free?

From now through January 31, 2013, every rental of two consecutive days or more will earn one credit toward a free rental day. You must rent a midsize car or larger to qualify. Two credits are necessary to get one free rental day. In other words, a minimum of 2 x 2 days will earn 1 free day, and the more rentals you make the more free days you can earn. You can read the full terms and conditions and register using this link. You must register prior to making your reservation.

One of the reasons I love renting with National is that as an Executive elite (free with a MilePoint Premium membership) I can pick any car I want from the Executive Aisle, paying only the midsize price. Check out my post here which details how to find a good rate, using National as an example.

Emerald Club promotion image

How do I get more free rentals?

National has made it easier to qualify for a free day. After you make your contest entry on this blog, take a screenshot of your comment (e.g., Command + Shift + 3 on a Mac). Send that image, plus the name of this blog (Hack My Trip) and your Emerald Club membership number by email to OneTwoFree@ehi.com. Your email will qualify you for one additional credit, meaning you only have to make one rental to earn your first free day!

You can also earn a free credit by referring friends through Facebook, etc. You’ll get a unique referral link after registering. I included mine above, but feel free to share yours in the comments after entering the contest.

What’s this about a contest???

picture of suitcaseIn addition to making it easier to get free rentals, National Car Rental has also provided me with a “Traveler Truth Pack.” Share your Traveler Truth to win this package with an estimated retail value of $499.98:

I’m a big fan of Victorinox baggage and carry a NXT 4.0 carryon during most of my trips. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the quality of construction.

How do you enter?

Tell me your “Traveler Truth,” your number one rule of the road that you follow to ensure that you have a safe, productive, inexpensive, and enjoyable trip. Do you sign up for every loyalty program you can find? Pack light to avoid checking a bag? Cook meals in a kitchenette so you don’t need to go out to eat? Ask for an upgrade every time you check-in? Whatever it is, National and I want to hear about it.

There are two ways to enter: posting a comment here or by using Twitter. I’ll select a winner at random, so use both methods and you’ll get two entries.

  1. You can post a comment with your Traveler Truth in this blog post. Just make sure you use a real email address. Don’t put the email address in the post itself; Disqus will prompt you for an address when you try to comment, and only I can see it.
  2. You can enter through Twitter. Follow @HackMyTrip and send me a tweet with your Traveler Truth. Include the hashtag #RentBetter at the end of your tweet so I can find it later and include it among the potential entries. For example:

Hey @HackMyTrip! My Traveler Truth is to take a picture of my airport parking space so I always remember when I return after a long trip. #RentBetter.

Good Luck! Please send me an email if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: I receive no compensation from this promotion. I do receive credit if you use my referral link above, but anyone can refer a friend. I encourage you to share your link in the comments below after registering.

Filed Under: Car Rentals, Contests Tagged With: , , ,
About Scott Mackenzie

Scott founded HMT while traveling on a budget during graduate school and stays loyal to United, Alaska, Hyatt, and Starwood.
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  • Ed

    Awesome! I normally rent from Hertz out of habit but will be giving National a try.

  • Marilynn

    My trick is never to have my heart set on just one destination. To be thrifty both the airfare and hotel Gods need to be in financial alignment. I’ve been lucky enough to scratch off quite a few of my most desired locations using this method.

  • sloan1109

    I almost always check via mobile apps for flights but out of after being burnt more than once I almost always with mobile boarding pass in hand print paper BP after being sent back when mobile readers aren’t working, mobile has died, and to have a record for expense purposes.

  • Amanda

    Always carry an empty water bottle (adorned with travel stickers of course) to fill after security to keep hydrated on the super dry plane.

  • ncosmas@gmail.com

    I try to use any discount I can. I’m in the Army, so I usually try that first, but if that fails I try asking for their employee discount, AAA, AARP, Senior Citizen, Student, Loyalty Club,etc. Sometimes, receptionists and others appreciate my persistence and give me some sort of discount. Other times, they don’t Either way, it gives them a good laugh and it typically puts them in a better mood

  • TerryRH

    Make the most of a free breakfast!

  • Adam G

    Rule #1)Everybody gets 1 “roller.” If the party is >2 it’s a pretty steep correlation between luggage=chaos. Rule #2)”I used to be that guy.” When pre-check doesn’t hit, the cabin bump doesn’t clear, the lounge snacks aren’t fresh or the suite upgrade isn’t that corner unit. I take 20 seconds to look around and find some gratefulness by remembering it wasn’t long ago that I used to get stuck with the compact rental car, or peered into the “platinum only” area, and getting the left-over double bed rooms. So: nothing worthy of being a golden rule just my truths.

  • Jon

    I usually book fully refundable hotel reservations to allow me to take advantage of lower rates or new promos that may pop up in the future.

  • Aleks

    My Travel Truth is “roll with it”. Something will always happen to mess up your perfect plan — whether it’s a flight delay, road construction, crappy hotel room… Most things can be fixed; just ask nicely and be reasonable. Getting all upset and screaming at someone will only raise your blood pressure and make others mad and less likely to help.

  • Naif

    I like to pack heavy but everything has to fit in the carry-on…

  • Steelsnow

    Not being set on going to any one destination most of the time – so many places to see, let the points and miles opportunities (and sale fares) make the choice.

  • Malcolm

    Mine is to always find out where the nearest grocery store or convience store is to the hotel i am staying at. Its always cheaper to grab water and a few essentials (fruit for me when travelling) at this than from the hotel itself. O and the nearest decent coffee place!

  • http://twitter.com/miffSC miffSC

    I have learned to plan for longer connecting times in the US at the beginning of an international trip to cover any unforeseen mechanical or weather delays. This usually means a layover of three hours or more if I can manage it. I have seen too many two hour layovers eaten up by problems and have missed two or three international flights in the past as a result. Sitting in a lounge for an extra hour or two is not nearly as bad as having to run like mad to try to catch a flight….only to miss it.

  • Alex

    I do my best not to check luggage and try to have everything in my carryon; regardless, i pack as light as possible to avoid hauling things through the airport, especially if connections are tight, running around the airport with a carry-on is no fun!

  • Ron

    I always stay in hotels with free breakfast and free in-room internet.

  • RKB

    Always check the area around my reserved hotel on Google Earth to make sure it is what I expect.

  • Grant

    If you travel out of the country (or somewhere in the US that might be in a remote area), it is best to call your credit card companies and let them know of your travel plans so they won’t freeze your card :)

  • http://twitter.com/rpk113 Ross Kronick

    Rule of the road: Rent what you need, not what you hope to get!

  • PH

    Don’t be a Type A personality.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7934720 Lance Bjerke

    I always try to pack light and never check bags. I have “trained” my wife to do this as well. We have lost too much luggage. Especially when abroad, this can be frustrating, so I only book rooms that have access to laundry.

  • HiIslands

    My “traveler truth” is to stack the upgrade deck in my favor by using a seat inventory service (like ExpertFlyer) to help me select a specific flight. This strategy usually works for me and makes for a MUCH more comfortable trip.

  • Adam1222

    My traveler truth: I always email myself a list of flight alternatives if I miss a connection or have an oversold flight

  • oneeyejack

    I will always carry extra clothes in my carry on when I have checked luggage. Saves me from going shopping if my luggage gets lost.

  • Doug

    My traveler truth: Do everything I can to automate the process. Online check in, carry on only, National Executive Selection. Much faster, easier, and more enjoyable not waiting in lines or dealing with unhappy people.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.1313 Bethany Johannessen

    EVERYTIME my husband and I rent a car we take photos of ANY damage to the car so they don’t try to blame us for anything that was there to begin with…we also take photos of our passports as you ya just never know….

  • Mike

    My travel truth is to always use Flight Track Pro to see whats happening with my flights. It lets me know there are flight issues often before even the Airlines native App.

  • Ethan

    If you have top-tier status with more than one rental car company, and prices are about the same, make reservations with each company and go with the one that has the better upgrade waiting for you

  • Hunter

    Always make sure to keep some trailmix in your under-seat bag. It stays good for a long time, and even in the bottom of the bag, is great for keeping you satiated on a long cross-country flight

  • FellowTraveller

    Even when in a hurry, always examine the car you renting for any previous damage, a quick video walk-around/pictures will go long ways if you have to dispute a damage!

  • murtuza

    Always check carrentals.com for best available rates. Do not carry anything which your hotel is going to provide with:)

  • http://www.facebook.com/ryankz Ryan Keone

    This might sound like common sense, but I’m ALWAYS cordial with the customer service staff – gate attendants, front desk clerks, rental clerks, etc…. as they can easily affect the quality of your experience. I see far too many people yelling and screaming at a gate attendant for an issue that is not their responsibility. You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar.

  • George

    Prepare and research your destination (and airports) well before the trip, double-check reservations, and take any travel disruptions in stride. And always remember that when you’re polite to employees you encounter, they usually have the power to make your day go a lot better when something goes wrong.

  • http://twitter.com/davisesq212 davisesq212

    My “Traveler Truth” is to be super nice, even more so than I usually am, to every person I come in contact with during my travels. You never know when you might need help later on from someone you previously encountered. I even toss in something personal about myself or engage the other person in conversation so they have something to remember me by….just in case I need to go back to them at some other time and so they remember me. KARMA!

  • Chris

    My travel truth is that it never hurts to ask. It’s amazing what you can get by simply asking for it.

  • Steve

    Research and planning pays off big time on a leisure trip – know which days to go where, what you want to see, and how you are going to get between locations. But, when you are there be flexible – don’t limit yourself to your predetermined schedule and be open to that one-off experience that really brings a place home for you.

  • Ryan K

    My travel truth is to rent a condo/studio where you are staying which is usually cheaper than a hotel and includes a full kitchen where you can prepare meals and snacks to take on your adventures. It is not only more comfortable, but saves money compared to a hotel and you don’t have to eat out every meal!!!

  • Chris

    My travel truth is I take full advantage of all the benefits that come along with my credit cards, of course the lounge access, but more important, GOES for speeding through security faster, and the immegration process for international flights.

  • Sandeep

    Mine is pretty basic. Just be as nice as you possible can (without being fake of course) to folks you interact with. Sometimes it can open many many doors, and sometimes you can just brighten up someone else’s day.

  • Lucinda Johnson

    We travel as a family. So my travel truth is, “always carry snacks, extra clothes and activities.” It’s seems so basic but we’ve been on 17 planes with our 2 year old and we are all still having fun!!

  • bmvaughn

    My travel truth is to always know my options. If I’m flying to a remote European airport, I look up what the various Star Alliance options are should I need to leave sooner than expected. If I’m driving somewhere, I look to see the various routes to take. Always be prepared.

  • Pointasaurus

    Always take a photo with your phone of your luggage, your passport and itinerary for reference in case something is lost.

  • bk

    My travel truth is to use my cell phone when I’m in a jam with a flight, rather than stand in line, and to bring the option to the agent. Usually resolves my situation quicker.

  • Jason

    My travel truth is to smile.

  • Joe Nevin

    My Traveler Truth is to NEVER, EVER check a bag. No, not under any circumstances. #RentBetter.

  • Judy Jones

    Always pack at least one outfit for the occasion you are going to rolled up in your carryon. I have had my bag lost on the way to a legal proceeding and had to run out to buy something “dressy” at the last minute!

  • TheInternationalLine

    Pack everything into a carry-on so you don’t need to pay extra baggage fees or risk lost luggage.

  • Jamie

    Always know other available flight options to be prepared to reroute when things go wrong.

  • Scott

    Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff. No one is going to die if you don’t get to [home | business meeting | beach] exactly at the appointed hour. Ok, if you’re trying to get on a cruise ship, a little forethought (like flying in the day before) does wonders for peace of mind.

  • Scott C

    Don’t leave points on the table. sign up for promos, you never know when you may book with that hotel or airline which gets you extra points. check evreward.com before booking anything. Leverage a few extra points per dollar, and use the CC that gets you the best leverage.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000525698772 James Helm

    Be flexible and plan ahead. Know your flight options just in case the mechanical delay or oversold bump comes your way. And never check a bag unless you have no other option.

  • Jane

    We stay at hotels with free breakfast, buy some French bread, cheese and meats and wine for lunch and then have a nice meal at dinner.

  • Blaine

    I go out of my way to help travelers with little kids. As a parent of toddlers myself, when I travel for work I try and pay it forward. Gave my row 1 seat for the back of the bus middle seat to a young dad traveling alone with his infant.

  • Taryn

    Always bring only carry on luggage and fill up on the free breakfast at the hotel.

  • wakemania

    pack light, have onthefly app on your phone in case of any cancellation

  • Brad

    Never check a bag, and make sure phone is fully charged.

  • http://www.facebook.com/ltoba1 Louis Toba

    Plan carefully but be flexible and look at turning surprises into opportunities – sometimes the unexpected can be serendipitous. And being polite, saying please and thank you can go a long way.

  • travelingfools

    Organize all your travel plans before leaving just in case you have a problem you have all your documentation handy!!

  • http://twitter.com/BuckyKKatt Bucky Katt

    Don’t overplan, because you’ll stress yourself out trying to complete your checklist, and might miss interesting opportunities to explore.

  • George

    Carry emergency clothes, shaving kit, etc in your carryon in case the luggage is lost or delayed-especially outbound.

  • Dennybob

    We always pack light so we only have a carryon. Look for international flights with layovers to discover new places.

  • Holly

    My husband and I always put a change of clothes in each other’s bag, so if one is lost we can get by until it is located.

  • Abhishek Duggal

    Always be polite!

  • Steve Kalman

    I stop en route from airport to hotel at a Walmart or similar place and buy an inexpensive pillow. (<$10, usually) I also carry a dark colored pillowcase. I use the pillow and my case all week, then keep the case, but leave the pillow.

    Hotels wash linens, but not bedding or pillows. If the guest before you had a cold, there's a good chance you'll get it from "his" pillow. In addition, it guarantees me a good, not dead, lumpy pillow.

    The reason for my own case is that by not having a white case, housekeeping will know to leave it alone; it isn't one of theirs.

  • Ralph L

    Always bring a small power strip cause you never know how many outlets will be readily available at the hotel!

  • ADAMK

    never overplan=always happy with what you end up doing!

  • http://www.facebook.com/sebastian.valmont.9 Sebastian Valmont

    Check for flight delays, ALWAYS

  • M Mac

    Rely on battery powered alarm clock and not electric plug.

  • FEV7

    My traveler truth is to be prepared. I double check all reservations and travel plans, have ready cash, credit cards, telephone numbers, etc. so that I have a clear picture of my trip (or at least as much of it as I have planned).

    I’m OK being flexible along the way, can find a computer and/or internet connection in most towns, and I can buy necessities on the road, but only have one chance to be prepared up front.

  • Jonathan

    Use Google Map to draw out the entire trip ahead, so I know how much time I need to spend on the road from point A to point B…

  • http://www.thesterlingtraveler.com/ TheSterlingTraveler

    I always try to pack light to avoid checking bags. I once spent several days in Europe with just a daypack though that wasn’t quite voluntary. Less is more.

  • Alan

    Traveler Truth, always bring a charged laptop or iPad for entertainment. Plus the correct adapter!

  • kodoma

    I do several things like pre program my gps, locate where the nearest Starbucks is, have a list of restaurants where I can get dining points, and of course follow the hotel promos

  • truthiness

    Never never never overpack, pack a carry-on only (week or less trips), print extra boarding pass (in case e-reader machine is broken or to give to gate agent if looking for VDB), keep a toiletry kit with an extra toothbrush, razor, deodorant, and tooth brush – they never come out when I get back from trips so I’m always ready to go.

  • Nina Demapan

    Use a smartphone, program the time zones so you’re never late for anything. If there’s free internet, which you can usually find somewhere, you have a nice way to link yourself with whatever is going on like catching a movie.

  • Rob Rich

    I always email myself the location of my parking spot. And carry an extra battery in case your phone goes dead!

  • Alex

    I will scan all important documents such as passport and email to myself so that when it is lost, I have a copy easily accessible.

  • Ryan

    This is a great contest- thanks for doing it. I try to focus on one hotel, rental car, and airline when travelling to maximize points. National/ Starwood/ US Airways.

  • rwftravel

    I always have my travel essentials (e.g. toiletries and adaptors) pre-packed and ready for the next trip.

  • Lee H

    Always make sure your wife and children are well rested ahead of your travel days, otherwise Daddy will not have a good day.

  • KK

    Always bring ear plugs. Always. You will regret it the time you don’t.

  • Johny Marsh

    this is really a great deal i have ever seen so far. When you get these kind of offers then I think we should avails them rather then thinking that will it be useless thing. I love traveling and i used to hire cars on rentals.
    Cars For Hire Adelaide

  • boxedlunch

    Wallet, phone, charger. Everything else is “fixable” once enroute.

  • K

    Always have my pouch with my passport, money, credit cards, itinerary and other reservation all-in-one.

  • CH

    Love to be a National Executive elite

  • Straightahead

    Pack food from home or stop to get takeout before your flight. You’ll be guaranteed to enjoy your meal or snack, without risking eating weird airline food. You’ll save a bunch of $ as well. Also, pack an empty water bottle that you can fill before boarding.

  • http://twitter.com/kalpeshnandu Kalpesh

    I carry my credit card wallet to maximize my points and have all my documentation in Dropbox as a backup.

  • Jeff the Wanderer

    Enjoy dinners out sampling the local cuisine, but make sure to stop by a local grocery store to buy food for breakfasts. You can save a lot on a trip by eating a quick meal before you head out for the day. This is, of course, only helpful if breakfast is not included with your stay.

  • bruce

    I always make a copy of my passport in case it is lost or stolen.

  • nelumbo

    I look forward to National locations to be open in my neighborhood.

  • barb

    I bring small bills for “tips”.

  • Sarah

    I only bring credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees.

  • Sam

    I always bring a ton of cash after running short in Mexico one time….MAJOR HASSLE trying to get cash in Mexico!!!!!!

  • maureen

    In addition to using TRIPIT, I always download all my travel info to both my primary & secondary email sites so I can easily access it while on the road.

  • PointsObsession

    I always create an experience for each trip; sometimes a couple. If we’re going to a concert or a show I’ll call and ask a lot of questions and find a way to meet the band, get backstage access…something. On the fly as well, I’m always talking with people trying to create that spark that leads to a truly memorable trip!

  • Jayhawk

    I print out everything (reservations, itineraries, maps,). My copies never failed me or never ran out of power.

  • http://twitter.com/TravelSummary Travel Summary

    Study a map before your trip! Nothing worse than being lost in a location that’s completely foreign to you (literally).

  • Eli

    When you pack your roller (because obviously you want to avoid checking luggage), make sure to pack in a way that let’s you quickly take out your valuables for the too-frequent mandatory gate check. Makes things much less stressful.

  • Pjihnson

    I use my phone to take a pic of the car and where I parked it

  • Les Silber

    When we are traveling to a foreign country or even on a large cruise ship, where mobile service is way too expensive, we always take walkie talkies when separated to keep in touch.

  • Shaun

    I always buy bottled waters at a supermarket and save money from paying $2-4 a bottle at hotels. Adds up especially for long vacations

  • Rob

    Use excel to make a spreadsheet, 1 column for each day, 1 row for hotel, 1 for car rental, 1 for activity, 1 for flight, etc. This way its easy to see if you missed something

  • PL

    Simple but holds true… always leave early and have a backup plan.

  • sil

    buy cheap plugs for the bathroom sink to do laundry. lately i noticed plugs are missing in sink to discourage people like myself to do laundry

  • Brian

    Being Centered before travel — a relaxed frame of mind prepares you for whatever travel quirks or problems find you.

  • geoff

    I keep all my essentials that I don’t use at home pre-packed in my carry-on; i.e: loyalty cards, plug adapter, passports, global entry card and any other items that are destination specific (vouchers, good road maps etc.)

  • Josh

    Plan ahead by figuring out what activities we want to do and glancing at what restaurants are near by.

  • alwaysbooked

    I follow the “one bag” philosphy. One unwheeled bag under 20 lbs – it’s never gate checked, ready to use public transportation if necessary, and useful on uneven or cobbled streets.

  • Suze

    I always try to remain flexible and keep my sense of humor. Most mistakes, errors, and adjustments can be accommodated with patience and friendliness. Additionally, I always keep my phone/charger and paperwork/passport on me.

  • Allen

    Before each trip, I cash a check and request $1′s and $5′s. That way, I’m never short of smaller bills for tips for porters, valets, housekeeping staff, etc.

  • Candace

    I keep some things in my carry-on, even while I am home: umbrella, poncho, corkscrew (!), and a list of other items that I sometimes forget.

  • david strawderman

    I always attempt to track my checked in luggage. It has saved me big trouble a few times

  • Frank

    I take pictures with my iphone. It is a great quatily camera, and i can immediately post them to the internet for my friends and family to see before i even get back home. It’s almost as if they are part of the journey to have them comment along the way while traveling on a long trip.

  • renee

    Traveling overseas for several months at a time each trip, I never leave
    home without an additional trip medical insurance policy – my favorite
    is the one from American express.

  • kshahk

    I always make sure to take, adapter, eye mask, and earplugs.

  • Steven

    I always print out a map of my destination city, especially if it’s in a foreign country. That’s saved me a few times when my cell phone has died.

  • Ari

    I always have spare clothing on the carry on just incase they lose my luggage

  • SF

    Don’t stress over the small stuff and remember to be flexible … You never know when a bump opportunity will present itself. When renting a car, be sure to walk around and check for dings before leaving the lot.

  • Dat

    Double check everything before you commit. Name, dates, destinations and then hit the submit button

  • Mike

    I always ask for upgrades, bring my own gps, bring my own food if i can, bring a carryon, and use online deal sites for activities and foods.

  • Ryan H.

    I always carry on my bags if I can, that way I don’t have to stand around waiting for them upon arrival and I can start experiencing the destination a little sooner (not to mention eliminating the risk of the airline losing my bag)!

  • Eager Traveler

    Sweet proze

  • JeffreyHP

    Interacting with locals enhance the experience.

  • joel

    Smile, and ask workers how their day is going.

  • Dave

    I make PDFs of all travel docs and keep them in a top-level folder on my laptop. Easier to access–no worries about wifi connections, and convenient when it comes time to do expense accounts. Also, jot down zip codes for destinations. Makes searching for restaurants, etc, easier.

  • Jason B

    I always pack very light. Make sure you have shirts and pants that you can mix and match well.

  • wln

    I’ve slimmed down my toiletries so that they all – wet and dry – fit in the ziploc, but are enough to keep me clean for a couple of weeks. Just grab that bag and go.

  • Lucy

    i always take photocopies of my passport, have enough in small bills for tips, carry no foreign transaction fee cards, and in most cases i just travel only with a c arry on and no checked luggage.

  • Maher

    I learned to make sure i book flights with enough time between connections, i missed quite a few by trying to go for the shortest connection time, plus always make a photocopy of my passport for international travel

  • Scottman

    I always confirm my reservations the night before. Came in handy last week when my. “guaranteed” hotel reservation was nowhere to be found and the hotel was 100% booked.

  • Al

    I aim for planned flexibility when I travel: lots of reading up and planning on where I’m going, but going with the flow once I’m actually there.

  • Al

    Always search travel blogs first for all possible promotions, then make my reservation. I Carry printouts or screenshots of confirmations. And always pack my own snacks!

  • Kevy

    I always check for last-minute price drops, particularly when it comes to hotel rates. To do so, however, make sure that you do not book a non-refundable rate, unless the difference in rate is huge.

  • Mark

    I’m a recovering over packer and every trip now I make it a point to take less than the last. Over the past year and a half I am down from two checked bags for a week trip to just a carry-on for a week and a half trip.

  • Ari

    Don’t check a bag, check for alternatives, pack your sense of humor

  • Scott S

    My truth is to always be aware. Be aware for pest lurkers in your hotel bed that might get into your luggage. Be aware of where your clear bag of tolietries are for ease of producing them when going through the check point, and be aware of areas of town that your should avoid when visiting a new town.

  • Stephen

    Always call the hotel ahead of time to let them know of elite status and take one last peak at TripAdvisor reviews before leaving to be updated of any important hotel news, all of this to avoid any unwanted surprises.

  • http://twitter.com/talljames James Merrill

    I always print all travel confirmations in case my iphone cant be scanned or the vendor loses the record.

  • Minos

    PhD in training would love to win rental car credits to visit the SEA are!

  • RKB

    Always use Tripit to keep trip info in one place

  • Joel

    Couch surf to enrich your experience and arrive with an open mind.

  • Adevins76

    Make as few concrete reservations as possible, pack light, be open, make friends and wing it.
    Always ask for an upgrade, it can’t hurt.

  • Sandeep

    Always be nice. Something as simple can really open up a lot of doors at times, and even if it doesn’t, I am sure it will brighten the mood around you.

  • Rundead1

    I tried using those plastic vacuum bags for a long overseas trip – I only wanted to travel with one checked bag – they worked pretty good! I’d use them again to save some room for an extended trip where space is everything!

  • John Walker

    My Traveler Truth is to never, ever check a bag. Only carry-ons for me!

  • http://twitter.com/haonanzhang haonanzhang

    Awesome contest.

  • http://twitter.com/gadha Abhinav Gautam

    My Traveler Truth is to put all my travel documents on Dropbox to sync and have it across all my devices.

  • http://twitter.com/MediaAlert Terri

    I make sure to have print outs of everything related to my trip.
    If perks/upgrades are offered, I have it in writing.
    You need to empower yourself when you travel.

  • lb

    my TT is I always pack lite to avoid working to hard carrying my bags, and I always have my wife look on a good car rental deal while I’m on the way so to insure confirmed reservation [mainly with Avis since I have the highest possible status with them ]

  • CD

    My Travelers Truth is to always, ALWAYS use Tripit and FlightTrack Pro. I travel 40 weeks a years and the more organized, the easier my life is.

  • Betty Baez

    I plan! And I always plan for things to go wrong, usually people plan every second of the day what they will be doing without room for down time, or for when p,and go awry. I create a check list of the items I must take with me.

  • BillnDC

    I always take my mints

  • Jay Hawk

    For domestic travel, travel with carry-on bags only and have plenty of water and food/snacks for inevitable delays.

  • Hilary

    With my Kindle and iPod Touch fully charged, I am good to go!

  • carwag25

    Read a similar tip not too long ago: always carry a wireless pocket router. In the day and age of smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc… it can save tons of money because some hotels charge per device. With the pocket router, there is only one charge for one device (the router).

  • Shnaz

    I always pack a change of clothes in my carry on (Pants t-shirt and undergarments)

    You never know when it might just come in handy. Whether it be a baby’s vomit, a down poor, lost luggage or just want to shower a change quickly after a long trip!

  • Matt

    I try to only have a carry on so it saves me time.

  • Hans

    Always pack a phone charger as you can’t live without your phone.

  • Kristi

    I always try to print off my itineraries ect. as you never know why you might not have your phone and useful numbers.

  • SBG

    So fast and easy to get free rental days!

  • Robert

    My travel trip is to register my passport with the State Department to expedite a replacement passport

  • Vince

    I always take screen shots of rental/flight interaries, so if my cell doesnt work, it’s in my photostream. I also am registered for EVERY possible program I can. Never know…

  • DB

    Take/have/e-mail double copies of everything.

  • Aldwin Ryan

    I am a travelling freak and like to visit new places. Recently I visited Sydney and hired a car from http://freecarrental.com.au/ and enjoyed a lot.

  • shonpaul

    Small bits of content which are explained in details, helps me understand the topic, thank you!