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Travel Tips

30 January 2008 webadministrator

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Below is a list of travel tips that we found to be useful. We would love to hear more travelling tips from you. So if you got any tips that you want to share with the rest of the readers do email it to us and help us to refine this list even further.

Antibacterial Handwipes a Necessity
ALWAYS bring antibacterial handwipes. They are good for refreshing yourself on a dry airplane and you can wipe your tray table before eating off of it. I also like to put one over my hand when in airport bathrooms!

Cell Phones Do Not Work Overseas
If you are heading to a place and have not planned for your communication needs you might want to think about it well before you travel. Different countries work on different telecommunications network. Plan ahead.

Dog Tags Aren't Just for the Armed Forces
I ordered 'dog tags'. I had my name, blood type,emergency state-side phone# for family doctor, mom and husband. I listed other personal info that would be helpful if i was unable to respond - i.e., unconsious or dead. I also listed one identifing mark (tatoo) or issue. This is the least expensive ID, and if you don't wear it on later trips, the dog tags are good on the keyring for your vehicle for the same reasons.

Don't Forget the Baby Wipes!
Baby wipes are good for everything from babies' bottoms to yours - face and body refresher - dusting - cleaning dirty shoes - eating utensils - wiping sown leather shoes or bags- etc. ...

Duplicate Important Documents and Cards
Go to a copy machine, take everything out of your wallet, put it on the copy machine, and copy it (front and back) twice. Leave one set home and store the second in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is ever stolen, you will know exactly what you have lost and will have all the telephone numbers to call to cancel credit cards and the credit card numbers, etc. at your fingertips.

Immunizations and Medications
Be sure all of your shots are up to date, and have extra medication in case you are delayed on your return home.

Learn a Few Foreign Phrases
Learn a few essential terms in the native language of the country you are travelling to. For instance, if going to a Spanish speaking country 'Hola!' means 'hello' and 'gracias' means 'thank you'. Other essential words such as food, water, restroom, etc. should also be learned. Not only will the natives appreciate your effort, your trip will be more enjoyable in learning a new language and culture! Also, it can really help to get around easier!

Passport Tips
Make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your date of travel. A large majority of countries insist that your passport be valid for at least that time period, and some of them even insist on it being good for a year. Make a copy, in case you lose it while on vacation (or it gets stolen), so you can send the copy to your Embassy.

Avoid Headaches and Ear Blockages While Flying
When traveling by air, try to avoid napping during the descent. You may not keep pace with pressure changes, and could end up with a temporary blockage of the Eustachian tubes. Stay awake and yawn or chew gum.

Babies and Kids Suffer from Pressure Changes Just Like Adults
During descent, make sure that infant travelers have a soother (pacifier) to suck on. Although I am not an advocate of thumb sucking, this is an occasion when it would be good to look the other way when your toddler sucks his or her thumb. Kids who understand how to chew (and not swallow) gum can be encouraged to chew bubblegum as you descend to your destination.

Tips for Contact Lens Wearers new
Air cabin pressure is very dry. Be sure that you clean your contact lenses thoroughly before you fly to avoid eye irritation. Use lubricating drops recommended by your optometrist to keep your eyes moist during the flight - and remember to blink!

Ask for Exit Seats
When asked if you want window or aisle seats, ask for exit seats. Now you won't have that annoying seating row in front of you. You'll get the same legroom in coach as in first class. On top of that, the toilet is right next to you. Really makes a difference on those 12-hour flights.

Identify Your Bags as Fragile
When you first arrive at the check-in counter, request that your bags be deemed 'fragile'; this will keep them at the top of the pile and they will be among the first to come out in the baggage claim!

Police Department to the Rescue
In hopes that your luggage never gets lost, a precautionary measure: Print clearly your name, but instead of your residence, put the address of your local police station. This way if someone is searching for a perfect burglary, they will be deterred when they realize it is the police station. Be sure that you have an unlisted phone number.

Think Before Answering the Knock on the Hotel Door
When staying in a hotel, NEVER answer the hotel room door before verifying who the person is. If the person claims to be a hotel employee and you didn't request any hotel employee at that time, ALWAYS call the front desk to verify that the person has a reason for being at your room. It may seem rude to you to turn someone away, but this very act can help protect you and your family

A Bus/Taxi Driver May be Better than a Concierge!
Make friends with any regular bus/taxi drivers around your hotel. They're better equipped to make suggestions than most concierges, and are very familiar with local customs/secrets. A good public bus driver can make an entire vacation!

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