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| Something In The Air |
| The air in the cabin of an airplane is exceedingly dry. The lack of moisture in the air can create a number of problems including headaches, itching, and sore eyes. Here are a few tips that will keep you in better shape when you fly and feeling better once you have arrived. |
| Drink water every hour. Yes, the colas and mixed drinks look good, but they contribute to dehydration. You will arrive more tired and more dehydrated if you consume caffeine or alcohol during your flight. · If possible, wear your glasses instead of contacts. As the air is dryer, so are your eyes, and contacts can become very uncomfortable. Use a moisturizer before you travel, and during the flight if more than five hours. · If you have a cold, try to avoid the trip as the dry air will make your sinuses feel worse. If you are taking medications, carry them with you in the cabin. Also, your fellow passengers will appreciate it because everyone is more susceptible to catching a cold in dry air than in moist due to the effect on nasal membranes. |
| Finally, consume more water on your arrival. These few simple steps will at least ease some of the discomfort associated with the dehydrating effects of air travel! |
| Combatting Jet Lag! |
| Much like the common cold, jet lag is a condition that seems destined to defy prevention. In fact, it even defies precise definition! But air travelers know all too well when they're suffering from it ~ some of the most aggravating symptoms include disorientation, irritability, fatigue and broken sleep after arrival. |
| While the jury's still out on prescriptions intended to prevent jet lag, here are a few things you can do to help minimize the condition's disruptive effects: |
| Do stretching exercises in your seat to avoid cramped muscles Walk around the cabin during your flight, if possible. Yawn or chew gum to avoid pressure build-up in the ears. Avoid alcohol and coffee before and during your flight. Carry drinking water with you and drink an 8-ounce glass each hour. Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. Be well rested before you leave. Make sure your pre-flight diet contains plenty of starch, carbohydrates and greens. Try to stay awake during meal and beverage service, and sleep only when the cabin is darkened. Arrange in-flight meals to reflect the time-of-day at your destination. Set your watch to the time of your destination before you board. |
Air Travel with Infants - Some Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind |
| 1. Consider purchasing a ticket for your infant. Most major airlines in the US are charging 50% of the lowest adult ticket price for children under two. International flights offer similar discounts. 2. Use your travel agent! Let us know the ages of all the children traveling with you so we can find the best airfare and most comfortable seating for you. 3. Avoid peak flying times. If possible choose a flight that coincides with your child's naptime. Try to avoid early morning/late day business flights. Also consider flying overnight if you are making a longer trip over several time zones. This may help your child avoid jet lag and help make the trip more comfortable for you. 4. Bring a car seat. The FAA recommends child restraint systems (specifically approved for flying) for children up to 40 lbs. Other products exist, but the FAA has not approved them. For more information, contact them at 800-FAA-SURE. 5. When traveling with a lap child, be sure to check with the airline to see if they provide a bassinet, free of charge, as most of the major ones will. Keep your child in mind when requesting seats: smaller infants will be most comfortable in bulkhead seating, while larger ones should avoid it because the fixed armrests will make it difficult for them to stretch out and sleep. |
| Quick Tips to make your life easier: |
| Feed your child during the flight. If you are bottle-feeding, ask a flight attendant to warm the bottle, and always bring juice in an infant friendly container. Change those diapers!! The more often, the better…For everyone Bring a change of clothes for you and your child. Food spills, gets thrown, and usually ends up everywhere, so be prepared. To help prevent earaches, get your infant to swallow during take-offs and landings. It is ok to nurse or bottle feed your infant during these times, and more importantly can help prevent your child from unnecessary pain. These simple steps will help ease your anxieties about flying with your infant and make the trip more comfortable for everyone! |
| AIR TRAVEL FOR THE DISABLED |
| Airlines are required by law to make air travel more convenient for passengers with special needs. If you or someone you are traveling with is disabled, here are a few things to keep in mind: |
| Airlines may require up to 48 hours advance notice and up to 1 houradvance check-in for accommodations that may require extra personnel or preparation. |
| No airline may refuse to accept a disabled passenger or limit the number of disabled passengers per flight. Carriers may only require that an attendant accompany the passengers if they would be necessary in an emergency situation. |
| Airlines are required to provide wheelchairs at the passenger's request, as well as make other accommodations as is necessary, such asassisting the passenger in making connecting flights. |
| If a passenger's wheelchair is stored in the cargo bay, then per theirrequest, they have the right to be met at the plane with their chair. |
| Additionally, airlines are required to provide assistance to the passengers while they are boarding and exiting, as well as helping them to move around the cabin and retrieve their carry-on luggage. |
| While airlines may limit the number of carry-ons per passenger, theymay not count assistive devices against that limit. |
| For more information on this important topic: http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/horizons.htm |
| If you experience any problems or have complaints, write to: The Office of Consumer Affairs, 400 7th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 Or call 202-366-2220. |
| Passport Basics |
| You can get there from here....but often only with a passport! A passport is the document issued by your home country that permits you ingress and egress from its borders and into other countries. Many countries, notably Mexico, Canada and most Caribbean Islands, do not require passports of US Citizens, although other documentation may be required. Most other countries, however, do require passports of American citizens. Here are a few passport basics that can ease the trials and tribulations of the "red tape": |
| Let us help! Need an application or more information? Give us a call or an e-mail and we will get you started! Prepare early! Don't wait until the last minute. Try to start the process for getting your passport at least two months prior to your departure just to make sure that everything you need will be in order and that passport agency backlogs do not hold you up. If you need a passport in a hurry, we can help. There are companies that specialize in "fast tracking" applications. Your local congressional office can also help. If you already have a passport, pay close attention to its expiration date. Your passport must be valid throughout your entire trip, not just at its beginning. As you travel, keep your passport in a safe place. Keep photocopies in bags with you. |
| Before You Go ~ Invaluable Tips from the Experts |
| Millions of U.S. citizens travel abroad each year and use their U.S. passports. When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favorthat you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, thingsdon't always go as planned. Here are some steps recommended by theU.S. State Department to help minimize unpleasant experiences abroad: |
| WHAT TO BRING |
| Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can markyou as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence. |
| Always try to travel light. If you do, you can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be lesstired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended. |
| Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and creditcards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets which are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap wornacross your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. |
| If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicinesyou need in your carry-on luggage. |
| To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescriptionsand the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first. |
| Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash. |
| Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen. |
| Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality and if possible, lock your luggage. |
| Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in many international newspapers. Find out your access number before you go. |
| WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND |
| Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home: ~ Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry ~ Irreplaceable family objects ~ All unnecessary credit cards Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in casethey need to contact you in an emergency. |
| A FEW THINGS TO BRING AND LEAVE BEHIND |
| Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, drivers license and the credit cards that you plan tobring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry your valuables. |
| Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list. |
| All About Visas |
| While passports are issued by your home country, a visa is issued by the country to which you wish to travel. Most European countries do not require visas of United States citizens, nor do most countries in the Caribbean. |
| Visas come in several varieties and are issued for particular purposes. The most common is the tourist visa which permits stays of short duration. There are also business visas permitting visits for business purposes and work visas which allow the visitor to engage in gainful employment. Most visas carry with them a specified time limit before which the recipient must depart the country or have the visa renewed. |
| Because of the importance of the visa, it is usually advisable to research the entry requirements of the country or countries you are to visit as one of your first planning tasks. Call the embassy or consulate of your destination country to determine the entry requirements, or we will do so on your behalf. |
| Insuring Your Vacation! |
| Comprehensive travel insurance is one of the best investments you can make when planning a vacation. Let's face it, no one likes to spend money on insurance. But the consequences of not having travel insurance can be so significant as to warrant the inclusion of a good policy in every vacation you take! |
| Travel insurance basically comes in two varieties. The first is a minimal plan typically provided by tour operators that covers trips cancellation. With these policies, you are protected against an unforseen cancellation of your trip for a limited number of prescribed events. Most often, these events include sickness, medical emergencies or death of an immediate family member. The second type of policy is a more comprehensive protection typically offered by third party companies. These policies protect your vacation against a much wider range of events such as: |
| Sickness injury or death; Bankruptcy of the tour operator; Work stoppages; Weather delays; Loss of employment; Terrorism; Medical Evacuation/repatriation; Baggage loss or delay; |
| Policies vary in price depending on the degree of coverage and the length of your vacation. A recent innovation with many policies allow for a waiver of any "pre-existing" conditions that might prevent you from traveling. |
| In the event that you purchase insurance and must avail yourself of any of the benefits, the most important step you can take is to keep good records. If sickness is the reason for your trip cancellation, be sure to obtain a doctor's recordation of an office visit as proof of your claim. Keep receipts of all expenditures and be prepared for the 'red tape' that inevitably follows any insurance claim. |
| We can assist you in walking through the insurance claim issues any time you travel with us! |
| When Illness Attacks!!! |
| Unfortunately, disaster can strike at the most inopportune times. Illness and accidents aren't impossible just because you're on vacation. Because so many countries operate on different medical systems than our own, a little precaution can go along way to saving you headaches. Follow these simple steps to ensure that you're prepared for anything on your next international trip. |
| In many Western European countries, such as Italy, hospitals are run on a model of socialized medicine. That means that the state pays for resident's healthcare, and that tourists pay for their own. If you need to see a doctor of visit an emergency room for any reason, bring money. Be aware that the most accepted means of payment is always traveler's check. |
| If at all possible, bring a native speaker with you whenever you make a medical visit. Sometimes a simple confusion in terminology can make a trip to the doctor's scarier than it has to be. Having someone to speak for you can help avoid any miscommunications. |
| Overseas doctors will not have access to medical records, so the more you know about your health the better you are. Basic items to remember are; blood type, allergies and any drugs you are currently taking. Sharing this right up front will prevent any unnecessary tests at the doctor's office. |
| Trouble is usually considerate enough to stay away from happy vacationers, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Knowing the right information and items to keep with you will help expedite any problems and get you back to enjoying your trip pronto! |
| Helpful Packing Tips |
| Bringing liquids like shampoo and suntan lotion? The best way to keep your clothes and other items goop-free is to make sure the bottles are tightly capped and to seal them in a freezer bag. |
| Afraid of spoiling your film? Carry all of your film in your checked bags. Some retailers offer special cases that protect film, so if you are wary, check into that option. Also, if you must, you can ask for a manual inspection of your carry-on to avoid x-ray inspection and potential damage. The best, although not the most cost effective, method is to buy your film after you have arrived and get it developed prior to your departure. This method ensures that none of your film will be damaged. |
| Bringing valuable items? Obviously the safest place for valuables is at home, but it is often necessary to bring them along. Try to avoid putting valuable in checked baggage, however, as they are safer in your carry-on bags so you can keep track of them. Use the locks on your luggage, if you have them, but they are generally flimsy. I recommend buying a combination lock to secure the double zippers of your checked baggage. It may be cumbersome, but especially on long overseas trips with multiple transfers, it provides better protection. Be sure to keep the combination in a place other than inside the checked baggage! |
| Need to bring your medication? Always carry your medication in your carry-on bags, which are less likely to be lost. Make a list of the generic names of your medication because in some places, brand names differ. To avoid security problems, keep your medicine in its original container, and if you are transporting a large quantity or a questionable drug, bring a letter from your doctor saying that you are legally allowed to have the drugs. When traveling abroad, be aware that some drugs are illegal, so be sure to check into that before you depart. |
| A few essential things to include in your carry-on: A change of clothing Passports, itineraries, and other important documents Any item of particular value · A list of everything in your checked baggage, and if you had time, photographs of the contents Any medications Emergency contact numbers (friends, relatives, doctors, etc.) Camera, batteries, and film Copies of your credit cards, travelers checks, and contact information for both Money for miscellaneous expenses like buses or porters. |
| Bag It! |
| What to do when you and your bags don't arrive at the same time and the same place? Besides counting to 10, there are a few important rules to follow both before and after your bags become missing in action: |
| Put nothing of a critical nature in your baggage. Medicines in particular should be carried on. Likewise, if there is anything that you absolutely must have when you arrive, carry it! |
| Cameras and Jewelry should be carried on, not packed. Don't tempt baggage handlers! Lock your bags if they have a lock. If not, place sturdy baggage straps on them to make pilferage less likely. |
| Put identification both on your bag and in your bag! It is a good idea to place a photocopy of your passport or other ID, along with notice of your destination accomodations in each bag checked with the airline. |
| Carry on a change of clothing, if possible, just in case. |
| Check in early. When you check in at the last possible moment, your baggage is less likely to make it on board the plane on which you are traveling. Also, verify that the check-in attendant properly tags your bags for your destination. |
| If your bags are lost or delayed, report this immediately to the airline's baggage department before leaving the airport. The airline will provide you with a form to fill out. |
| Airlines will typically reimburse you for minimal expenses resulting from delayed baggage for the purchase of toiletries and basic clothing. The airlines will also typically deliver your bags to your destination accomodations once the bags arrive. |
| If your bags are truly lost (a very infrequent event) the airlines are by law liable for demonstrable damages, however minimal. The liability limits are $1,250 for domestic flights and $9.07 per pound for international flights. |
| Lost Luggage! |
| You have arrived! Unfortunately, your luggage did not. Now what? Most luggage that is lost is found quickly. But not always. Here are a few tips to help you keep track your luggage. |
| Make sure your luggage has a name tag on it. Also, place some kind of distinctive marker on the bag to distinguish it from the other look-alike bags. · Watch your bag as the porter or gate attendant tags it. Make sure that it is tagged for your destination. The attendant will give you a claim slip, typically stapled to your ticket jacket. · Place a piece of paper with your name and address on the inside of the bag as well. It is also advisable to place information on your destination as well, so that if someone gets your bag by accident, they can reach you directly. · If your luggage is lost, make a claim directly with the airline, immediately, before leaving the airport. You must have your claim slip, so do not throw it away! · If your luggage is missing for over 90 days, the FAA provides for a $1,250 allowance per passenger for an international flight and $635 for a domestic flight. These limits mean that it is important for you not to pack valuables. Keep your valuables with you, not in your bag! |
| Money Makes the World Go Round... |
| One of the easiest pitfalls for travelers to fall into is the curse of excess currency. As you make your way through Europe, South America or any other region it is easy to collect unspent monies from each country. While the size of this horde may seem like a lot of money at first, you'll be lucky to have a fraction of it left after you factor in service charges and low exchange rates. It is essential for a smart traveler to be as aware as possible of how much cash he will need. |
| Remember that not every currency is the American dollar. Your Italian lira will be no good in Paris or London, so spend off any leftover money under $75-100 before leaving a country. If for some reason you have more than that amount, exchange it in the country of origin where you'll receive the best rate possible. |
| Credits cards can be your friends on international trips. All purchases made on the card are converted back to dollars at the end of each business day, and the purchases are granted the best exchange rate of that day. What that means for you is a great exchange rate for your shopping, without any of the hidden charges a money changer will hit you with. |
| Don't worry about running out of cash too quickly as long as you have a bank card. Most international ATM's now accept cards operating on the Honor, Plus and Cirrus networks. Call your bank to see how useful your card will be. |
| Never leave your hotel without $25 in American cash squirreled away somewhere on you. No matter what problem arises, from parking fines to surprisingly exorbitant bills, your trusty greenbacks will be able to smooth things over. Dollars are also the only currency universally accepted by rail systems, for those times when your ticket doesn't quite match your seat... |
| The bottom line is that the best way to hold onto your money is to plan ahead. Assess your needs before you leave, and know all of your options. When you leave a vacation, you should leave a bit of your heart behind, not your wallet. |