traveling thursday

Traveling Thursday – Time to breathe

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While I can occasionally be satisfied with a relaxing vacation spent hanging out on the beach or by the pool, I’m usually cramming a lot more activity into my vacation days. There are times when I wake up with ten hours of carefully scheduled activities in front of me. I must admit, my body doesn’t always appreciate being pushed to the brink when it’s been looking forward to a break.

I know I’m not the only one who travels like this. With the rising cost of transportation and hotel stays, we push all we can onto the schedule. It makes sense, especially if you are traveling a great distance but it might also be robbing us of some of the joy we should feel on vacation.

Here are a few tactics to add some relaxation back to your next trip.

Buy good shoes, even if they’re expensive. Foot pain will make you feel tired and grouchy. Invest in a good pair of shoes, and break them in before traveling.

Prioritize the things you want to see and do and then draft an itinerary. Plan for the “musts” and pencil in the rest.

Ge organized before you go. Write down the hours for all the attractions that interest you. Print out directions to these places. Think about what you’re going to wear. Planning all of this before you leave adds to the anticipation and helps save you time on the trip.

Give yourself at least one late wake-up during the trip. Whether it’s the first day or the last, treat yourself to a little extra snooze.

Do something to treat yourself whether it is a massage, spa treatment, performance, or something sweet.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see everything. It’s OK. You can go back. What’s really important is that you thoroughly enjoyed everything you were able to see.

Traveling Thursday – Fit in with the frequent fliers

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Seeing a frequent flier glide through the security line at the airport is a thing of beauty. They know what to expect and plan accordingly. It’s true that many of them learned the ropes through experience and repetition but even infrequent fliers can fit in by just doing a little homework.

First, familiarize yourself with the 3-1-1 rule. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this rule, travelers are allowed to carry-on just one, one-quart zippered baggie with liquids, aerosols, and gels that are 3.4 oz or less. I have no doubt that  3-1-1 violations are the biggest reason for delays in security. When packing, if you aren’t sure whether something is considered to be a liquid or gel, just assume that it is. I know of instances where peanut butter and peaches packed in syrup were considered to be liquid/gels. Also, don’t try to get through security by freezing a bottle of water. It may be in a solid form when you go through security but that’s not how the TSA will see it. My husband, not the culprit,  has a humorous story to go along with this last bit. As you would expect, the fiasco and resulting debates held up the security line quite a bit.

It’s also a good idea to review the list of items not allowed on a plane. Most of us know that a meat cleaver is not allowed but maybe you didn’t realize that you can’t carry-on a baseball bat. If in doubt, check the list.

Remember that unless you’re under 12 or over 74, you are going to have to take your shoes off to go through security. Make smart choices about your footwear.
Similarly, if you are wearing a coat, zippered sweatshirt, or sweater be prepared to take this off to go through security.

If you have a laptop, ipad, or kindle, be prepared to take these items out and place them in a separate bin. For more on these policies and checkpoint friendly laptop bags, visit this section of the TSA’s site.

Take off your belt and watch and really empty those pockets before going through the metal detector. I know this seems elementary but I’ve seen people swear their pockets are empty only to later produce a handful of change. If you’re this person, don’t be surprised when the growing crowd of travelers gets a bit testy while waiting for you to pass through the scanner repeatedly.

After taking these steps to get prepared, just pay attention to what the TSA agents are asking you to do. Certain security procedures (shoes – in a bin or on the belt, shoes- on top of the bin or anywhere, ID – on your person or in the bin…) vary from airport to airport but by paying attention to the directions you’re given, you can look like a world traveler.

Traveling Thursday – Theme Parks

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Schools start here in just a couple of weeks. It’s amazing that the long, lazy days of summer will soon give way to fall. Where has time gone?

Even as summer fades away, I know a number of families who are planning a trip to an amusement park before school begins. I’ve compiled a list of a few tips and ideas to help you get the most from your theme park trip.

  • Check into discounted tickets. You may be able to get these through AAA or using a coupon found online, through a fast food restaurant or even on a soda can. Do a little research to find savings.
  • Look for stay-and-play packages at hotels near the park.
  • Find out if you are allowed to take snacks or drinks into the park with you. This is another way to save money and make sure you’re properly hydrated.
  • Wear sunscreen. It’s amazing how quickly you can burn.
  • Look at the park map before visiting. Decide which rides you really want to do and make those a priority. Arrive early to get a jump on the crowds.
  • Scope out indoor, air-conditioned attractions and take a break during the midday sun.
  • Wear tennis shoes instead of flip-flops. Your feet will be more comfortable and better supported. You also don’t want to take the chance of losing your shoe on a ride.
  • Stay hydrated. I can’t say it often enough. Remember that water is a better choice than soda.
  • Grab maps and designate a meeting point and time if your family decides to split up to enjoy separate attractions.
  • If you have an emergency or start to feel ill, visit the first-aid station. Let the trained staff assess your situation and help as needed. It’s much less embarrassing to visit the first-aid station on your own steam than to be pulled from the park on a stretcher.
  • Pack cheap plastic ponchos. They’re great for water rides or sudden downpours.
  • Bring along a great attitude. There will be annoyances but instead of allowing yourself to get upset, try to laugh off your frustrations. The whole point of the day is for you to have a good time. Do your best to make it happen.

Traveling Thursday – Passport copies

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Having a passport lost or stolen happens more than anyone would care to admit.

Even if you’re sure there is no way you could possibly lose your passport, do me a favor and make several high quality copies of the photo page. These copies can make your life much easier in case an emergency arises.

Now, find two trusted family members or friends and give them each a copy. Ask them to place them wherever they keep their own vital documents. Let them know that while you hope to never have to ask, there may come a time when your passport is lost or stolen and you’ll need them to fax this copy to an American consulate or embassy.

You should also travel with at least one, if not two, copies of the photo page. I generally keep one copy folded in a ziploc baggie inside my toiletry case. It’s always there. I never have to think to add it when I pack. I keep another copy with my daily planner along with copies of my other travel documents. While the actual passport goes into the hotel safe, I usually keep this copy with me at all times.

So now that you’ve taken my advice, you don’t have to go into an absolute panic if something happens to your passport while you’re traveling. You simply get yourself to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy and show them a copy of your photo page. There will still be loads of paperwork to fill out, but now you’ve got the information you’ll need to complete the forms.

If you realize that your copies are lost, stolen, or ruined, you just need to get in touch with your trusted loved one and ask him or her to fax a copy to the embassy.

For more information on what to do if your passport is lost or stolen while traveling abroad, visit the State Department’s site.

Traveling Thursday – Tip of the Hat

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On a recent business trip, Mr. McB and his coworkers used the hotel’s free shuttle to go to dinner. On the return trip, one of the coworkers asked if the driver could stop at a store so she could buy some personal items. The driver gladly complied with her request. When the group left the shuttle, they tipped the driver. He was surprised that they would tip him.

I ran into a similar situation when the valet helped me with a few bags while the bellman was otherwise engaged. He was generally shocked when I pressed a few dollars into his hand.

On a walking tour a few years ago, I was the only person (out of a group of 30) to tip our fantastic guide.

I chose to believe that this isn’t a case of people being cheap but rather a lack of understanding of the importance of tipping workers within the hospitality industry. These folks (porters, valets, housekeepers, guides, drivers…) are there to make your experience special. You can reward their hard work with a tip in addition to learning their names and bragging about them on surveys and/or in your TripAdvisor review.

TravelSense offers a handy tipping guideline card. Magellan’s has a handy grid and Conde’ Nast offers a great article about tipping customs around the globe.

I highly recommend looking at your trip in advance and setting aside your tipping money in a special envelope. By putting the money aside, you know that you have the right denomination and by physically separating them, you won’t feel like the tips are cutting into your spending money.

Traveling Thursday – Thrifty is nifty.

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As travelers, most of us are looking for a bargain. It’s why we use Priceline and Kayak or check flight prices around 3 p.m. on Tuesdays.

During our travels this summer, I’ve been thinking about other “hidden” tricks for keeping the cost of vacations low.

Loyalty = lower gas prices
Consider doing your shopping at a supermarket that allows you to rack up gas discounts through your grocery purchases. You can earn even more by buying gift cards at the same markets. Many outlets offer gas station, restaurant, and/or hotel gift cards. Why not get an extra benefit from money you’re already planning to spend on your vacation?

Membership has its privileges.
We all know that AAA and AARP members can save a lot on travel expenses but consider your other memberships as well. I know some alumni associations and professional groups that offer hotel and rental car discounts. If you are member of a zoo, aquarium, garden, museum or other attraction, find out if you can use reciprocal benefits during your travels. With most reciprocal agreements, you can enjoy at least a 50 percent discount on admission fees.

Pack your snacks.
Whether you are flying or driving, there could be major savings in bringing your own munchies. Airport stores and food marts at hotels and resorts are infamous for over-inflated prices. I can remember a trip to a resort market where the items were selling for more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.  By packing your own snacks, you avoid the high prices and make sure you’ve got nutritious options.

On trips to Vegas and Orlando, where we we staying in a unit with a kitchen, we took advantage of Southwest’s generous bag policy and packed staple food items in our extra bag. We were able to bring pasta, peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal, flat-breads, and canned soup. When we arrived, we still had to buy perishable items (at the higher resort-town prices) but we saved a lot of time and money by bringing what we could.  If you go this route, don’t be surprised to find a TSA inspection note in the bag.

Couponing isn’t just for the grocery store.
Be sure to pick up a coupon book found in most hotel lobbies or welcome centers. You can find some good deals while learning about the area you’re visiting.

Buy in advance?
Review the websites of the attractions you plan to visit to find out if you can get a discount by purchasing tickets in advance. I highly recommend buying advanced parking for sporting events and concerts. You can save money and avoid the hassle of lines.

Do you have any tricks for shaving the cost from your vacation? Leave your tips in the comments.

 

Traveling Thursday – Staying healthy while traveling

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Travel can be rough on your body. Even a short trip means changing your routine and possibly throwing your system off kilter. Being sick or feeling a little off is never fun but it’s even worse when you are away from home, especially if you are wasting precious vacation time.

There are some basic things you can do to treat your body well and minimize the effects of travel.

Stay hydrated. More than half your body is made of water and if it’s going to function properly, you need to stay hydrated. The symptoms of jet lag can be compounded by dehydration. To take care of your body, be sure you’re drinking several glasses of water a day. If you cringe at the price of water in the airport, bring an empty bottle through security and refill it at a water fountain near your gate. Ask for water during your flight. Remember that drinks with alcohol or caffeine can make dehydration worse.

Be mindful of where that water is coming from. If you are traveling internationally, be sure to ask whether it’s OK to drink the water or not. In most European countries, there’s no reason not to drink the tap water but in other parts of the world, it can be more dicey. Ask your guide or the hotel staff. If you are encouraged to buy water, make sure you are buying a sealed bottle from a reputable shop. If you can’t drink the water, don’t eat the ice or drink any cold beverages that are mixed with water. Also, stick to fruits and vegetables that must be peeled in these countries.

Jump (well move) around. Deep Vein Thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occur when a blood clot forms in a large vein. This can be fatal if a portion of the clot breaks off and enters your lung. Most people associate the condition with long flights, say the 17.5 hour jaunt between Dulles and Johannesburg; but studies show that even four hours of travel in a plane, train, bus or car, can put you at risk. Walking around is a great way to mitigate your risk. If you can’t do that, you should raise and lower your feet/heels while seated. This PDF from the National Blood Clot Alliance offers some great prevention tips.

Get your Zzzz’s. Treat your body well and it will return the favor. If you are out late, then try to stay in bed a little longer the next morning. Remember that caffeine can make dehydration worse so don’t try to make up for your lack of sleep by downing mass amounts of coffee.

Watch what you eat. Yes, it’s vacation and you should feel free to indulge but keep it under control. Your body doesn’t want a steady diet of deep fried, fatty foods. Try to balance heavy meals with lighter options.

Pack the antibac and sunscreen. You’ll need them both. I got a sunburn in Scotland because I was expecting dark, dreary skies. You’ll likely have at least one intensely sunny day so pack a small tube of sunscreen.

This post could go on and on. There are so many easy, common sense things you can do to have healthy travels. For more great tips, and in depth coverage on things like vaccinations and region-specific issues, visit the CDC’s site for
great resources and tips.

Traveling Thursday – Drive safely

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For many, summer vacation involves driving. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your journey as safe as possible.

  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Both under-and-over inflated tires can cause you trouble so use the tire gauge to ensure that your tires are at the proper pressure. Check your tire pressure before you start driving. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle should be listed in the driver’s side door, on the glove box door, or in the owner’s manual. Don’t confuse the recommended pressure with the maximum pressure that is stamped on the tire itself.
  • Don’t skimp on service! Regular oil changes are even more important in the heat of summer when your engine needs even more lubrication. If your summer routine involves pulling a boat or other equipment, ask your mechanic if you should switch to a more viscous oil.
  • Just as you are taking precautions to keep yourself hydrated, make sure your automobile’s fluids (coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid) are at proper levels.
  • If your vacation takes you to the mountains, consider downshifting instead of riding your brakes down a hill.
  • Keep an eye on your temperature gauge. If you start to overheat, try turning the heat on in your car. This should bring the temperature down a bit. If you have to stop to cool the engine down, remember that you should wait a bit before opening the hood.
  • Check out your wipers and replace if needed. Sun and heat can cause your windshield wipers to wear faster.
  • Check out the air conditioner. Not only will you get uncomfortable if the air conditioning goes out, but may also lose other important engine systems.
  • If you are taking a long drive or heading to a sparsely populated area, consider packing a gallon of water, extra coolant and oil. These items may come in handy during your travels.
  • Remember that there are areas were the GPS doesn’t get a signal. Buy an atlas or print your Google map as a backup.
  • For driver safety, be sure to take routine breaks. I know someone who drove so long that when he got out of the car, his legs locked up and he fell hard in parking lot. He always thought I was a wimp for taking breaks to stop and stretch my legs but that changed after he bloodied his knees. Be kind to your body and plan to stop about every two-hours or 100 miles.
  • Don’t drive when you are sleepy. Drowsy driving can cause accidents. Pull over at a rest area to take a cat nap or treat yourself to a night in a hotel. Check for coupon books at interstate rest stops to bring the cost down.

Traveling Thursday – Get outdoors and enjoy freebies

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Saturday, June 9 is National Get Outdoors Day. What, you haven’t ordered a cake or mailed your cards yet? I know it is a made-up holiday but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying free admission to select national parks and public lands.

For a list of participating National Parks, visit this site. This link lists other days when admission to these parks is free.

For a list of the 56 public lands waiving admission on June 9 visit here.

Enjoy the sun and the freebies.

Traveling Thursday – Tell them about it.

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When you are traveling, it’s a great idea to share your itinerary with a family member, friend, or trusted neighbor. Not only does this mean they can easily contact you in case of emergency, it also gives them details to provide authorities should something go awry on your trip.

Ideally, you should share your lodging details including address and phone number along with some kind of daily schedule. If you are traveling on a group tour, just make a copy of your itinerary and share it with your contact. Many tour companies also offer “where to reach me” cards that include lodging details or cruise ship contact information. If you are traveling independently, share transportation details (flight/train/bus schedule or the planned driving route for the day) and a tentative schedule of any planned activities.

I know this might seem like overkill but imagine that your contact needs to get in touch with you immediately and your mobile phone doesn’t have service. Though we depend on our mobile phones, who hasn’t been without service when they need it most? Your contact has the hotel number and can try calling you there. Maybe your contact knows you’re expected to be at a museum and can call to seek their help in tracking you down. You never know when an emergency will require your immediate attention.

Your contact(s) can also find relief in knowing your itinerary when a natural disaster strikes. Imagine you are touring in South America and visiting a number of countries when an earthquake hits Chile. With a quick check of your schedule, everyone is relieved to find out you were safe in Argentina that day.

No one wants to think about it, but by sharing your itinerary, you could also help provide useful clues if something happens to you. Say you are traveling solo and planned to go out for a little hike during the day. Your family member is a little worried about you hiking on your own so he/she decides to call and check in later that night or the next morning but you don’t answer your cell. He/she calls your hotel and you don’t answer the phone. He/she can now decide to ask hotel management to knock on your door and if you’re still not there, it might be time to call the police or the park service in order to track you down. You can see where you might not want to give your schedule to the “nervous Nellie” of your group, but you can also see where this information would come in handy if something bad happened.

As with everything else in life, use your best judgment but strongly consider giving your itinerary to someone you can trust.