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1. Wax can free a stuck zipper

If the zipper on your luggage or clothing is giving you trouble, rub some lip balm or candle wax onto the teeth to loosen it.

Lesa Geraci, Blairs, Va.

2. Bring your own windshield-cleaning kit

Whenever I know I’ll be renting a car, I pack a couple of folded paper towels and two small spray bottles.  One filled with a window cleaner and the other with Rain-X, a product that repels rain drops.  It’s hard enough driving an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar location.  At least with a clean windshield I’m able to see properly.

Lawrence Goodyear, Glencoe, Calif.

3. Follow the crowds for safe street food

If you looking for authentic street food, don’t buy from the pitifully lonely vendor who has no customers.  Head to the cart with the longest line in front of it.  Locals know which vendors serve the best (and safest) food.  Even if you have to wait a while, your stomach will thank
you.

Laura Hacker, Frederick, Md.

4. Geography lessons can be fun

We laminated a large foldout map of the US and tacked it up inside our garage.  With coloured pushpins, we mark the places our family visited—vacation spots, grandparents’ homes, etc.  We also flag the places we’re heading to next, giving our kids something to look for.

Laura Hanna, Philadelphia, Pa.

5. Making friends by learning the locals’ favourite pastime

In Provence, my husband and I befriended some locals by joining them in a game of petanque.  It was a memorable experience.  Now we brush up on games each time we plan to travel abroad.  We’ve played dominoes in Spain and bocce in Italy.

Katrina Harwood, Swiftwater, Pa.

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