1. GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE Why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they're busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don't recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have less leg room, but no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row. Each airline configures its aircraft differently, so check out www.seatguru.com before your next flight for the scoop on which seats to ask for.
2. THE ARMREST SKIRMISH IN COACH When too many people are packed in coach. it's claustrophobic and uncomfortable. So who gets the middle-seats armrests? The aisle person argues that he's the largest and needs it because aisle traffic bumps his arm. The window person says the fuselage curves inward cheating his head space and window elbow room. Middle seat person figures he has people on either side with no personal space and needs to mark his territory by the armrests. I say communicate. Ask seatmates if their arms are more comfortable to the back of front, sharing the armrests. It’s that or “finders keepers” every time someone shifts their position.
3. PLANE ETIQUETTE Believe it or not, there is an unwritten code of polite behavior for sharing tight airplane space. We all know there are more elbows than arm rests, so whose space is it? The aisle seat gets the outer one, and the window seat gets the one under the window. That leaves the middle passenger, who gets his choice of one or both! Let him choose, then claim the leftovers. As far as storage space goes, you are entitled to the space under the seat in front of you, not under you. Storage bins above the seat are unofficially open storage for whoever gets there first.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday November 25th ,2008
1.PET POLICIES When flying with a pet, find out the pet policies of the airline. Be sure to reserve a place-you want the cargo area to be pressurized, lighted, and temperature controlled. Allow your pet to become familiar with the flight-approved travel case. Most importantly, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up and obtain sedatives if necessary.For more tips on traveling with you pet visit http://www.dmttravel.com/pet.html
2 WATER SOUTH OF THE BORDER A friend tells the story of walking by the housekeeping closet at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico and glimpsing the maid filling the complimentary "bottled water" straight from the tap. As someone who is extremely careful of what he eats and drinks in foreign countries, he was outraged at the thought of drinking unsafe water. "But the hotel water is purified," the manager said with a shrug. While that may be true, I never trust the quality and cleanliness of hotel purification systems in other countries and stick to one basic rule: If you don't personally break the seal, don't drink it. No exceptions. Also, I only drink from disposable bathroom water glasses - but that's another story.
3. THE ICE TEASE While we Americans use a lot of ice in our drinks, many countries around the world not only forgo the ice, they don't even chill their beverages. Pubs in Britain are famous for warm beer. Italy usually serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages without ice to avoid watering them down. Japan will only put one or two ice cubes in the glass. When traveling, remember to order drinks cold, chilled or with a glass of ice on the side, but only in a country where you're sure of the water safety. If you can't drink the tap water, you can't use the ice, either. If in doubt, go without.
2 WATER SOUTH OF THE BORDER A friend tells the story of walking by the housekeeping closet at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico and glimpsing the maid filling the complimentary "bottled water" straight from the tap. As someone who is extremely careful of what he eats and drinks in foreign countries, he was outraged at the thought of drinking unsafe water. "But the hotel water is purified," the manager said with a shrug. While that may be true, I never trust the quality and cleanliness of hotel purification systems in other countries and stick to one basic rule: If you don't personally break the seal, don't drink it. No exceptions. Also, I only drink from disposable bathroom water glasses - but that's another story.
3. THE ICE TEASE While we Americans use a lot of ice in our drinks, many countries around the world not only forgo the ice, they don't even chill their beverages. Pubs in Britain are famous for warm beer. Italy usually serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages without ice to avoid watering them down. Japan will only put one or two ice cubes in the glass. When traveling, remember to order drinks cold, chilled or with a glass of ice on the side, but only in a country where you're sure of the water safety. If you can't drink the tap water, you can't use the ice, either. If in doubt, go without.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday November 11th, 2008
1. BUYING NEW LUGGAGE When it comes to buying new luggage, there's always the question of whether it should be soft or hard-sided. Although soft-sided luggage has to be fully packed to gain some degree of sturdiness, it is lighter, flexible for packing, and stores easier. Hard case luggage on the other hand doesn't need to be filled to be durable. The hard case protects the contents better, and often comes with built-in locks. Surprisingly, soft luggage tends to last longer, especially if it's made from canvas or high-tech nylon. Hard cases that take a beating often get their hinges and frames bent, while soft cases tend to roll with the punches. Whatever you decide to buy, save the pricey designer bags for your carry-on. Expensive suitcases just beg to be stolen.
2. UNIQUE BAGGAGE How do you know that black suitcase on the baggage carousel is yours? Black is the most popular luggage choice, as it's the most resistant to dirt and scratches, but it's also the hardest to identify. Too often, passengers arrive home to discover they picked up the wrong suitcase because they didn't check the luggage tag. Tying a colorful ribbon on the handle is a good way to identify your bag, but try to pick an unusual color or braid a few colors together as red is the most common choice. Always put your name, number and itinerary inside the bag, as well as on the outside, in case someone picks up your bag by mistake.
3.Lock Your Luggage – Many folks like to lock their luggage. Unfortunately, in this post-911 world, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not allow you to lock your luggage for travel. If they wish to inspect your bag and it is locked they will cut it off. No joke. However, there are now on the market TSA-accepted locks that will allow you to lock your luggage, but be opened with a special device by the TSA for their inspection. (Also approved for the UK.)
2. UNIQUE BAGGAGE How do you know that black suitcase on the baggage carousel is yours? Black is the most popular luggage choice, as it's the most resistant to dirt and scratches, but it's also the hardest to identify. Too often, passengers arrive home to discover they picked up the wrong suitcase because they didn't check the luggage tag. Tying a colorful ribbon on the handle is a good way to identify your bag, but try to pick an unusual color or braid a few colors together as red is the most common choice. Always put your name, number and itinerary inside the bag, as well as on the outside, in case someone picks up your bag by mistake.
3.Lock Your Luggage – Many folks like to lock their luggage. Unfortunately, in this post-911 world, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not allow you to lock your luggage for travel. If they wish to inspect your bag and it is locked they will cut it off. No joke. However, there are now on the market TSA-accepted locks that will allow you to lock your luggage, but be opened with a special device by the TSA for their inspection. (Also approved for the UK.)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday Travel Tips November 4,2008
1.Try traveling with a simple, rubber door-stop. It can stop intruders in their tracks. It’s inexpensive, light to pack and gives you the peace of mind to sleep well. The main door to your room usually has a good lock and peephole; some also supply a bar chain. But, if there is an adjoining room, that door usually has a fairly flimsy lock. The doorstop is especially useful in those situations.
2. Foot problems are a painful part of the frequent-flyer lifestyle. Long hours of walking in airports, through convention halls or on uneven surfaces can lead to blisters. Band-aids often slip off toes and heels, so try packing thin moleskin instead. Buy the soft self-adhesive sheets at a grocery or drugstore, cut them into small squares and keep them in your purse or briefcase. If your shoe starts to rub, cover the area right away before it turns into a nasty blister.
3. If you are visiting a theme park/amusement park and you plan on riding the water attractions, pack extra dry socks for the family in a large zip lock bag. You can switch out the wet socks for the dry ones after riding.
2. Foot problems are a painful part of the frequent-flyer lifestyle. Long hours of walking in airports, through convention halls or on uneven surfaces can lead to blisters. Band-aids often slip off toes and heels, so try packing thin moleskin instead. Buy the soft self-adhesive sheets at a grocery or drugstore, cut them into small squares and keep them in your purse or briefcase. If your shoe starts to rub, cover the area right away before it turns into a nasty blister.
3. If you are visiting a theme park/amusement park and you plan on riding the water attractions, pack extra dry socks for the family in a large zip lock bag. You can switch out the wet socks for the dry ones after riding.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Travel Tips Tuesday October 28, 2008
Taking a Pet Overseas
If you decide to take your pet with you when you go abroad, you should check with the embassies of the destination countries as to specific requirements that must be met before a pet may be brought into the country. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on my website at http://www.dmttravel.com Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
Note: In a crisis in which chartered or military aircraft or ships are used to evacuate Americans from a danger area, pets will not normally be permitted on the carrier. The pet owner will need to make other arrangements in order to remove the pet from the area. (Service animals, such as guide dogs, are not considered pets and will be accommodated if possible.)
· Service dogs: Some countries have restrictions on service dogs. If you intend to travel with a service dog, be sure to check on possible restrictions with the embassy or consulate of each country you will visit. (This and other country information may be found on each country’s Country Specific Information at http://travel.state.gov). If service dogs are permitted, learn about quarantine or vaccination requirements. Find out what documents are needed, including international health certificates and rabies inoculation certificates, and if the documents need to be translated. Talk with your vet about tips for traveling with a dog, and how travel will affect the animal. You may also want to ensure that hotels will accommodate your service dog, and that there will be an adequate area for the dog to relieve itself.
You will be able to find pet specific travel tips on my website www.dmttravel.com
If you decide to take your pet with you when you go abroad, you should check with the embassies of the destination countries as to specific requirements that must be met before a pet may be brought into the country. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on my website at http://www.dmttravel.com Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
Note: In a crisis in which chartered or military aircraft or ships are used to evacuate Americans from a danger area, pets will not normally be permitted on the carrier. The pet owner will need to make other arrangements in order to remove the pet from the area. (Service animals, such as guide dogs, are not considered pets and will be accommodated if possible.)
· Service dogs: Some countries have restrictions on service dogs. If you intend to travel with a service dog, be sure to check on possible restrictions with the embassy or consulate of each country you will visit. (This and other country information may be found on each country’s Country Specific Information at http://travel.state.gov). If service dogs are permitted, learn about quarantine or vaccination requirements. Find out what documents are needed, including international health certificates and rabies inoculation certificates, and if the documents need to be translated. Talk with your vet about tips for traveling with a dog, and how travel will affect the animal. You may also want to ensure that hotels will accommodate your service dog, and that there will be an adequate area for the dog to relieve itself.
You will be able to find pet specific travel tips on my website www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday October 21, 2008
1.EXTRA LUGGAGE-- It may be possible to purchase the right to check a third bag, at a cost of something like $125. In high capacity travel times however, it may no longer be possible to elect this option, at any price. Again, don't be stymied at the gate. Check with your airline in advance.
2.TAG YOUR BAGS...INSIDE AND OUT -- It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.
3.WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN -- Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, "safari pants" with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.
4.CARRY-ON LUGGAGE -- As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.
2.TAG YOUR BAGS...INSIDE AND OUT -- It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.
3.WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN -- Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, "safari pants" with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.
4.CARRY-ON LUGGAGE -- As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday October 14th, 2008
1.HURRY UP and WAIT -- Early arrival at the airport for check-in is now more important than ever. You will avoid many problems and much distress simply by arriving at the airport check-in counter a generous two hours or more in advance of your flight departure. In fact, on some recent Singapore Airlines flights, they asked that you check in 3-1/2 hours prior to flight time.
2.CONNECTING FLIGHTS -- When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs.I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.
3.FALL-BACK OPTION -- Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.
2.CONNECTING FLIGHTS -- When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs.I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.
3.FALL-BACK OPTION -- Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday, October 7, 2008
1. YOUR PASSPORT If you're planning on vacationing in another country, you're going to need a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you'll need to apply in person at least 5 weeks before your planned departure. You can go to your local county courthouse, a U.S. Passport Agency, a probate court, or certain post offices. For more information, click on: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Be sure to make two photocopies of your passport before you go on your trip. Bring one with you and leave the other with a friend.
2. TRAVELER'S CHECKS Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler's checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler's check while you're on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check's face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.
3. MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.
2. TRAVELER'S CHECKS Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler's checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler's check while you're on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check's face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.
3. MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday September 30,2008
1. RESTRICTIONS WITH CARRY-ON BAGGAGE The Transportation Security Administration (a division of US Department of Homeland Security) has recently revised its restrictions on items in carry-on luggage for flights originating in the US. Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.
These are some tips to avoid spills inside your suitcase:
* Liquids and gels should be in plastic containers, stowed inside clear zippered plastic bags for ease of inspection by TSA officials.
* Squeeze all the air out of any liquid or gel containers to avoid leaks, as products expand in flight.
* Pack liquids and gels near the hinge of a suitcase to minimize movement.
These are some notable exceptions:
* Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected.
* Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, up to 5 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment, including juice; and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly are permitted.
* Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics
* Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
* Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons
More details are published on the Transportation Security Administration web site. Make sure to visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest restrictions before packing your carry-on luggage and reaching an airport security check point.
2.HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING When traveling overseas, check your health insurance. Many policies won't cover you once you leave the U.S. If you need insurance, there are a number of companies that offer travel coverage plans. Please call me at 888-339-4400 and we can discusess which plans will meet your personal needs.
These are some tips to avoid spills inside your suitcase:
* Liquids and gels should be in plastic containers, stowed inside clear zippered plastic bags for ease of inspection by TSA officials.
* Squeeze all the air out of any liquid or gel containers to avoid leaks, as products expand in flight.
* Pack liquids and gels near the hinge of a suitcase to minimize movement.
These are some notable exceptions:
* Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected.
* Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, up to 5 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment, including juice; and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly are permitted.
* Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics
* Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
* Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons
More details are published on the Transportation Security Administration web site. Make sure to visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest restrictions before packing your carry-on luggage and reaching an airport security check point.
2.HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING When traveling overseas, check your health insurance. Many policies won't cover you once you leave the U.S. If you need insurance, there are a number of companies that offer travel coverage plans. Please call me at 888-339-4400 and we can discusess which plans will meet your personal needs.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday / September 23rd,2008
1.AIRLINES' SEAT POCKETS Before you stick your hand into the seat pocket in front of you, think about what the last few passengers may have left in there. They are the dumping ground for everything from rotten food to used diapers. It may surprise you to learn that aircraft are given a "deep cleaning" only once a month. How "deep" is still the question. Planes are "tightly cleaned" between flights (obvious trash picked up, crumbs brushed off) and "cleaned" overnight (toilets, galley, seatback pockets emptied, floors vacuumed). So before you put your hand in someone's used Kleenex, think twice before reaching into the seat pocket - and don't even ask me about the pillows and blankets. Yuk.
2. GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE Why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they're busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don't recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have more leg room, becuase no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row. Each airline configures its aircraft differently, so check out www.seatguru.com before your next flight for the scoop on which seats to ask for.
2. GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE Why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they're busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don't recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have more leg room, becuase no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row. Each airline configures its aircraft differently, so check out www.seatguru.com before your next flight for the scoop on which seats to ask for.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday September 16th ,2008
1. TRAVEL AGENTS VS. ONLINE BOOKING Who can take care of refunds and changes when you’ve booked your trip online? Don’t be surprised when the answer is no one. All that time spent online is doubled when you have to get on the phone and make a change. Forget the refund, as online specials are usually non-refundable. Need help overseas? I cringe for you. Internet specials are great until you have a problem or need to make changes. That’s where travel agents are lifesavers, especially if you’re out of the country. Definitely go online to do research. Compare prices and look at hotel photos & airline seating charts. But for an expensive or complicated itinerary, use a travel agent. And pack their cell phone number.
2. YOUR CREDIT CARD IS REFUSED OVERSEAS You’re having dinner at the Eiffel Tower when your credit card is refused. Furious, you spend an hour calling home to discover your card was shut down due to suspicious activity- someone has been using it in France! Since no one called the credit card company back when they left you a message at your home, the account was frozen “for your protection.” Let’s get one thing straight- it wasn’t for your protection. You have limited liability. It was the credit card company covering their rear and they do it all the time. To avoid this, call your credit card companies and inform them of your travel dates & destinations, take travelers checks and travel with more than one card.
3. PROTECTING YOUR PASSPORT Now that you have your passport for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico you need to take steps to avoid it being lost or stolen. Immediately make several copies. Leave one copy at home, put two copies in your carry on bag, and leave one copy with someone who could fax it to you if yours is lost or stolen. In case yours disappears, a copy of your passport will significantly speed up the time it takes to get a replacement, especially overseas. I prefer hard copies but some people scan their passports to file on their laptop. In your hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe with the majority of your credit cards and carry one of the copies with you for shopping and money changing.
2. YOUR CREDIT CARD IS REFUSED OVERSEAS You’re having dinner at the Eiffel Tower when your credit card is refused. Furious, you spend an hour calling home to discover your card was shut down due to suspicious activity- someone has been using it in France! Since no one called the credit card company back when they left you a message at your home, the account was frozen “for your protection.” Let’s get one thing straight- it wasn’t for your protection. You have limited liability. It was the credit card company covering their rear and they do it all the time. To avoid this, call your credit card companies and inform them of your travel dates & destinations, take travelers checks and travel with more than one card.
3. PROTECTING YOUR PASSPORT Now that you have your passport for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico you need to take steps to avoid it being lost or stolen. Immediately make several copies. Leave one copy at home, put two copies in your carry on bag, and leave one copy with someone who could fax it to you if yours is lost or stolen. In case yours disappears, a copy of your passport will significantly speed up the time it takes to get a replacement, especially overseas. I prefer hard copies but some people scan their passports to file on their laptop. In your hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe with the majority of your credit cards and carry one of the copies with you for shopping and money changing.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Travel Tips Tuesday September 9th
1. SHIPPING TIPS If you use a credit card for a purchase or service overseas, keep your receipts and double check your bill. There are thousands of mistakes on international credit card purchases, but unfortunately, there's very little recourse. One common problem is receiving defective merchandise that has been shipped. The law only protects you if it was shipped within your home state or if you lived within one hundred miles of the mailing address. Therefore, don't ship without good insurance. And what about the merchant who adds extra zeroes or moves the decimal point to increase the charge? This happens all the time. You must notify your credit card company in writing within 60 days. You'll also need to send a copy to the appropriate federal agencies as well, and believe it or not, the Director of Tourism of the offending country. Often the promise of bad publicity from an American tourist can nudge the merchant to withdraw.
2. DECLARE YOUR ITEMS You're required by U.S. Law to declare all items acquired in other countries. That includes repairs to items you took with you and any gifts you may have received. You'll fill out a customs declaration form when reentering the United States. Keep a record of what you acquire abroad and keep your receipts. Take the necessary time to register any foreign-made jewelry or electronic equipment at the customs office before you leave, to prove you didn't buy them on the trip. Appraisals, receipts, insurance policies, and permanently affixed numbers are proof of prior ownership. If you fail to register these items, you may be required to pay a duty on them when you return home. The most important thing you can do is be informed. Believe me, this is the one situation where honesty is the best policy!
2. DECLARE YOUR ITEMS You're required by U.S. Law to declare all items acquired in other countries. That includes repairs to items you took with you and any gifts you may have received. You'll fill out a customs declaration form when reentering the United States. Keep a record of what you acquire abroad and keep your receipts. Take the necessary time to register any foreign-made jewelry or electronic equipment at the customs office before you leave, to prove you didn't buy them on the trip. Appraisals, receipts, insurance policies, and permanently affixed numbers are proof of prior ownership. If you fail to register these items, you may be required to pay a duty on them when you return home. The most important thing you can do is be informed. Believe me, this is the one situation where honesty is the best policy!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Travel Tips
1. GETTING AROUND AIRLINES EXCESS BAGGAGE FEES Skycaps used to comment on my bag. “Whaddya got in there, bricks?” Even today, I still pack my “essentials.” Aside from a few extra shoes, that includes all those liquids and gels. Where else do you put them? Add up the toiletries, instant coffee, immersion heater, protein bars, white noise/alarm clock, extension cord, makeup mirror, curling iron, small flashlight, adaptors, converters and chargers, and it’s a heavy bag. “Yeah, bricks,” I used to answer. But today, I take two half empty bags, splitting the weight. You pay steep excess fees for one bag a few pounds heavy, and nothing for two bags,( International flights ) each under the limit. Hey, it works for me-there’s room to shop.
2. SHIP YOUR LUGGAGE AHEAD How many times have you sighed, “If only I could travel with just a carry-on bag I’d save two hours at the airport!” Well, you can do just that and ship your bag ahead. You can have it waiting for you at the hotel when you arrive before the baggage carousel starts to turn. At least six companies now specialize in shipping luggage door to door. But since luggage heaven comes at a price, the three main overnight shipping companies ship luggage too, at a much lower price than the luggage shipping specialists. Ship a day early, so you can make sure your bag arrives before you do.
2. SHIP YOUR LUGGAGE AHEAD How many times have you sighed, “If only I could travel with just a carry-on bag I’d save two hours at the airport!” Well, you can do just that and ship your bag ahead. You can have it waiting for you at the hotel when you arrive before the baggage carousel starts to turn. At least six companies now specialize in shipping luggage door to door. But since luggage heaven comes at a price, the three main overnight shipping companies ship luggage too, at a much lower price than the luggage shipping specialists. Ship a day early, so you can make sure your bag arrives before you do.
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