From talking to other travelers from all over the world we have accumulated what would amass to a few travel tips that might make your life easier at some point or another. These tips will of course help you whether you are coming to Kenya or hoping around the rest of the globe. Please check the disclaimer before implementing any or all of these ideas (from the lawyer inside us).

What to Wear

On airplanes we have always found that there should be a good mix between what is comfortable and what looks good. It might be the most comfortable thing in the world to wear just some old ripped t-shirt and sweat pants but also realize that you get treated the you look. We find that while a coat and tie might not be the most relaxing you do get a bit more respect and the chance to be upgraded (they are looking for people who are dressed nicely). Also, you loosen the tie and take off the coat in the plane and then you are just wearing slacks (much better than jeans for long plane flights) and a shirt.

As for Africa we know the temptation is to go out and get as much "safari" gear as Banana Republic can make but resist it. The best things are the most versatile things. Again t-shirts might seem like a good choice but in actual fact they are too light and can't really be worn out in a pinch. Collared shirts are the best. They protect your neck from the sun, look better overall and can be worn into "nicer" areas. For Africa at least we would suggest sticking to a dark greens, khakis and less bright colors. White might be the coolest color but it is the first to get dirty and when packing for a long vacation the less laundry stops the better. The one thing you should not wear is camouflage as it is only to be worn by the Kenya military. All sorts of greens are ok, just make sure they are solids.

Changing Money

The worst place to change money is the airport banks. They have an agenda and that is to make as much money as possible off of everyone walking through the doors (it is called a Monopoly). They know they have you trapped so they take advantage of that fact. The best place is to go to is either the central bank (in a major) city or even the local banks in the smaller towns. They will give you a better rate. Also look at the difference between exchange rates for travelers checks, cash, credit cards and different currencies. Some of the best rates you can get are taking out a cash advance on you credit card or through an ATM. We have also found that when you pay for something with a credit card when you get back you find that the rate they charged you was much better than the rate you were looking at in the bank. Some cards offer a floating rate that holds for 30 days or so and actually gets one of the lower rates. Try it and see.

A reader recently pointed out that the fee difference between the airport and the rest of the city is about 3% and might be worth it for the 24 hour convenience especially if you are traveling on a weekend when the banks will be closed. Also, ATMs are much more prevalent in and around Nairobi so that is yet another option. Just be double careful about who is around you when you take out your cash.

The Zip Lock Bag Trick

Not much of a trick just fold all your clothes before you travel and put them in the large zip lock bags making sure to press out all the excess air before closing. At first this might seem silly but it allows you to look through all your stuff without really disturbing anything. It keeps everything neatly folded until you need it. The bags also keep them dry in case of spillage and packing and unpacking is an ease. You just fling everything into and out of shelves never having to fold things again. It also keeps the dirty (back in its own bag) separate from the clean.

Mileage

If you have not already signed up with one airline carrier or another to collect your mileage you are throwing money out the window. Upgrades and free flights come after saving up and you will be surprised by how much you accumulate flying from here to there and back. They sometimes offer 'buy one get one free' for so many miles which makes flying with a companion that much easier. Just make sure to check in with your card handy and to keep all old tickets in case they 'forget' to credit you. Some credit cards offer one or more miles for every dollar spent.