Sunny side-up
Bathing suit: Check! Fully loaded Kindle: Check! Two bottles of sunscreen for every member of your family: Seriously? That's right. For adequate protection, you need to coat yourself every 2 hours and apply a lot more than you realize. Vanity alert: The thin skin on the top of your hands is a prime target for age spots
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Communicating in foreign countries
Before traveling to foreign countries, use an online language translator to explain your food allergies, health conditions and medications. Print the translated message, one for each country you are visiting, show it to the waiter, doctor or at the hospital.
Speaking from experience, having this information could help out in a very difficult situation
Speaking from experience, having this information could help out in a very difficult situation
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Be prepared for your flight
Over the years, I’ve learned that I needed to be well prepared for our trips. Here are some ideas that may help you reduce the negative emotions that can end up ruining your trip
1.Arrange for a ride: friend, family, shuttle, taxi or limo – this will allow you to relax on your ride to the airport and will eliminate the need to park your car
2.Reserve a parking spot – if you don’t know where to park or are looking for cheaper alternatives to airport parking (AirportParkingReservations.com)
3.Stay overnight in an airport hotel – not only will you be close to the airport, some have packages that include parking which may be cheaper than leaving your car at the airport, often with free shuttle service (ParkSleepFly.com)
4.Consider having a meal before flying, in or near the airport – if you are going to eat before, plan to leave at least an hour earlier (additional benefit – you will not be hungry when boarding the plane)
5.Check-in online – this will notify the airline that you are planning to be on the flight and you may not need to go to the counter if you’re not checking luggage (Please note: if you bought a vacation package and received paper documents, check to be sure what they are for. For example, Southwest Vacations mails what appear to be paper tickets, but they are only used to get through security. You must bring them with you to the airport, otherwise you will need to purchase new tickets. If you don’t go to the ticket counter, you will need to exchange them at the gate.)
6.Print out boarding passes – if you don’t need to check luggage, you can go straight to the security check point
7.Check gasoline level in your car – you may need extra time to get some gas or you may not have enough time if you need to stop on the way
8.Print out a map of your route – if you need to find an alternative route, a GPS may not be able to help you (Google Maps, Mapquest)
9.Pack activities for the kids – the less distractions, the better
10.Be prepared to leave early – unforeseen events can happen along the way
11.Check your flight – you will want to know if it is on time, delayed, or rescheduled
12.Check the traffic report – online (Sigalert.com – in the Los Angeles area) and on the radio
13.Check the weather report – especially important if you have a long drive to the airport (AccuWeather.com)
14.Consider checking bags at the curb – it will save you time if there is a long line at the counter and is convenient
15.Have a backup plan if you miss your flight – if you know your options prior to arriving at the airport, you will know what to do if something happens
1.Arrange for a ride: friend, family, shuttle, taxi or limo – this will allow you to relax on your ride to the airport and will eliminate the need to park your car
2.Reserve a parking spot – if you don’t know where to park or are looking for cheaper alternatives to airport parking (AirportParkingReservations.com)
3.Stay overnight in an airport hotel – not only will you be close to the airport, some have packages that include parking which may be cheaper than leaving your car at the airport, often with free shuttle service (ParkSleepFly.com)
4.Consider having a meal before flying, in or near the airport – if you are going to eat before, plan to leave at least an hour earlier (additional benefit – you will not be hungry when boarding the plane)
5.Check-in online – this will notify the airline that you are planning to be on the flight and you may not need to go to the counter if you’re not checking luggage (Please note: if you bought a vacation package and received paper documents, check to be sure what they are for. For example, Southwest Vacations mails what appear to be paper tickets, but they are only used to get through security. You must bring them with you to the airport, otherwise you will need to purchase new tickets. If you don’t go to the ticket counter, you will need to exchange them at the gate.)
6.Print out boarding passes – if you don’t need to check luggage, you can go straight to the security check point
7.Check gasoline level in your car – you may need extra time to get some gas or you may not have enough time if you need to stop on the way
8.Print out a map of your route – if you need to find an alternative route, a GPS may not be able to help you (Google Maps, Mapquest)
9.Pack activities for the kids – the less distractions, the better
10.Be prepared to leave early – unforeseen events can happen along the way
11.Check your flight – you will want to know if it is on time, delayed, or rescheduled
12.Check the traffic report – online (Sigalert.com – in the Los Angeles area) and on the radio
13.Check the weather report – especially important if you have a long drive to the airport (AccuWeather.com)
14.Consider checking bags at the curb – it will save you time if there is a long line at the counter and is convenient
15.Have a backup plan if you miss your flight – if you know your options prior to arriving at the airport, you will know what to do if something happens
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
What to pack in your carry-on
Have you ever felt like you have forgotten something at home after leaving for the airport? Or wished you would have put something in your carry-on instead of in your checked luggage? Here are some suggestions of things to include in your carry-on whether you are checking bags or not.
•Medication – pain relievers, allergy pill and prescriptions (may need a doctor’s note).
•Change of clothes – something to wear in case your luggage is lost or stolen.
•Toiletry bag – for small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion and toothpaste (3 oz. maximum), along with a toothbrush if you are stranded at some point.
•Jewelry – especially anything personal and special to you.
•Camera – not only because it has monetary value, but losing pictures and videos from your trip would be disappointing.
•Cell phone, computer or electronic game cords/chargers – some airports now have charging stations or outlets near waiting areas.
•Your airline’s phone number and your rights as a passenger – missed connections and canceled flights are not uncommon. It’s better to try calling while standing in line to make other arrangements. If you booked your ticket with a travel agent, you may also call them for help. By the time you get to a gate agent, you may have missed an opportunity to catch the next flight out. You will also want the information handy if your bags make it to your destination before or after you.
•Empty water bottle/container – save money by filling it on the other side of security. Usually airports will have a drinking fountain near restrooms.
•Medication – pain relievers, allergy pill and prescriptions (may need a doctor’s note).
•Change of clothes – something to wear in case your luggage is lost or stolen.
•Toiletry bag – for small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion and toothpaste (3 oz. maximum), along with a toothbrush if you are stranded at some point.
•Jewelry – especially anything personal and special to you.
•Camera – not only because it has monetary value, but losing pictures and videos from your trip would be disappointing.
•Cell phone, computer or electronic game cords/chargers – some airports now have charging stations or outlets near waiting areas.
•Your airline’s phone number and your rights as a passenger – missed connections and canceled flights are not uncommon. It’s better to try calling while standing in line to make other arrangements. If you booked your ticket with a travel agent, you may also call them for help. By the time you get to a gate agent, you may have missed an opportunity to catch the next flight out. You will also want the information handy if your bags make it to your destination before or after you.
•Empty water bottle/container – save money by filling it on the other side of security. Usually airports will have a drinking fountain near restrooms.
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