Travel Tips from a Hospitality Manager
Ranked by Chicago’s leading hotels as the number one Chicago program for preparing students for hospitality management careers (ORC International – 2011 Survey), the Kendall College School of Hospitality Management is led by some of the top professionals in the industry.
As an expert in international hospitality, Jeffrey Catrett, dean of the School of Hospitality Management, would like to pass along some tips to make your worldwide travel as safe, enjoyable and economical as possible.
Transportation
If you are seeking to bounce around Europe, look for low-cost airlines such as Ryan Air, Easy Jet and TUIfly. But keep in mind, these airlines are not built for luxury as flights are often quick and they will charge 10 euro/kilo for excess baggage.
To avoid having to tear apart your luggage, bring a regulation size carry-on bag according to the specific airlines’ allowance, split the weight equally if you are traveling in a group, and make sure your personal bag will be able to fit in your cabin bag.
Additionally, traveling for 3-12 months will best be served if you invest in a train pass, as train travel is the premier way to navigate Europe or Asia.
Accommodation
When selecting a hotel, it is crucial to remember that Europe’s hotel star system bears no relation to that of the U.S. There is no unified standard as to what is a 3-star hotel, for example. Ratings are often provided by the government, which utilizes a quantitative measure to determine the price range of the hotel and the amount of tax the hotel pays annually.
However, you can qualitatively evaluate a hotel by relying on other sources such as a Michelin guidebook.
Food
Another important factor to consider is dining. To achieve the true local experience, you will need to wander off the beaten path. Speak to the locals about where they like to dine— avoid the tourist centers that overcharge! Sampling the country or town’s specialty dish is a must and oftentimes you can speak with a guide about the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal from a local.
A tip for spotting traditional cuisine is to look for menus posted outside the restaurant that are small and in the local language. Avoid restaurants that post “tourist” menus printed in English. However, keep in mind that dining etiquette abroad is quite different than in the United States. Tipping at 5-10 percent is the norm and dining is typically two hours whereby individuals socialize and unwind.
Another point to consider is when dinnertime is wherever you are. Restaurants may not open until the traditional dinner hour – after 7:00 p.m. or even as late as 10:00 p.m. in countries such as Spain.
Safety
Finally, safety should always remain your primary concern. There are many products on the market, such as portable door alarms that somewhat resemble an iPod, that are easy to carry and affordable. Also, try to blend into the crowd by wearing clothing that does not advertise you are an American.
Kendall College School of Hospitality Management has generously offered its space to host our Chicago Meet, Plan, Go! Event on October 18, 2011.
Register now and be ready to you’re your bags!
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.