It was actually over a year ago when I first wrote about SafeKeys a great little application that you can use to protect yourself against keystroke loggers. It’s also one of the 12 best USB drive applications to use while traveling and has been chosen as Lifehacker’s featured download. Thanks!
Keep light on your next trip by leaving your laptop at home and bringing along a USB drive with the applications you’ll need to use most. Finding a decent Internet connection in many places in the world is not only difficult, but can leave your machine vulnerable to viruses, stolen credentials, and simple theft.
Many of the applications (and their settings) such as Firefox, Pidgin, and Winamp can be run from a small thumb drive. Virtual Hosting has a good list of 50 applications that can be run with only a USB drive and an Internet cafe, here are 12 (free) ones that apply to travelers.
Spice up your next bland airplane meal by saving little condiment packets and adding spices from airport restaurants. Before you hop your next flight stop by any airport fast food joint and get all the ketchup, mustard, and salt you might need.
A savvy traveler will have pre-ordered their meal so you know what to expect and which condiments to bring. You may have a hard time getting these items during dinner on your next international flight. (These little packets are also below the TSA’s 3 oz. liquid ban.)
If you’re passing through Europe or some parts of Asia, stop by McDonald’s and try some curry ketchup, or cinnamon mustard. Not only are these flavors not available in the United States you’ll be charged extra for them outside of the airport.
[photo by: Boya?Sa3odeyah]
The BBC has a good rundown of how much you are expected to tip for various services across the world. Americans who are accustomed to leaving 15% at restaurants often leave too much when tip may be included in the final price.
You’ll never have to tip anywhere in China. It’s the one consolation from the fact that foreigners are charged more as a matter of government policy.
Canadian waiters will often bluntly tell you they don’t work for nothing (read: Montreal) and remind you to tip generously for their service. (A good range is 15-25%). In general, tipping is catching on in many parts of the third world but still make sure check if it’s a faux pas before dropping some change.
[photo by: alberth2]
I’m going to take a break from posting to recharge my creative batteries. I’ll resume next Monday hard and heavy – until then feel free to leave any ideas or stories you’ve found interesting. Random comments also welcome.
Staying overnight in an airport can be a fun adventure and save you money but leaves you vulnerable to theft. Many opportunistic thieves (including airport staff) may try to make off with your bags as you sleep. A good way to prevent this is to bring along a laptop lock (an essential if you bring a laptop) and lace it through the handles of your bags.
Make sure that each suitcase, backpack, and gift bag handle is connected by the lock and then secured to your leg or around your wrist. This simple technique will help to alert you if your bags are moved by anyone.
As much as possible, try to sleep on your bags – use your suitcase to put you feet upon. Although any lock will do, try to find retractable ones to reduce the amount of slack so that you’ll be sensitive to any movements. Finding a good place to sleep, setting an alarm every 2 hours to wake up, and staying connected with your baggage will help reduce you being picked out by a crook.
[photo by: Satoly]
Hi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More 
