Baby Travel Tip

Although traveling with a baby is nothing I have to worry about any time soon, I had a friend share what I thought was a great tip!  She was flying to Paris with her small child and passed out earplugs to any and all passengers.  Of course she did all she could to calm the child and keep her occupied but you never know (especially on a long flight) when a melt down could ensue.  Your fellow passengers will appreciate your thoughtfulness, trust me!

My Travel Must Haves!

Whether I am traveling by plane, car, train or boat there are certain essentials I carry with me no matter what.

1.  A Pashmina: You never know what the temps will be in your vehicle and sometimes your fellow passengers want things at a different temperature than you do.  A pashmina provides some warmth, comfort and is always stylish.

2.  Snacks: Travel can be very unpredictable so its always good to be prepared with snacks in case you get stuck and miss a meal

3.  Eye Drops and Moisturizer: Depending on your method of travel, your weather and circumstances can be drying.  Bring these to re-moisturizer when you arrive.

4.  Medicine:  Pack medicine for any unforeseen aches and pains.  No one wants to feel poorly while traveling.

Train Travel Tips

1.  Take the most direct route to avoid having to switch trains

2.  Pack a carry-on but know that trains allow you to check up to three bags, often times for FREE!

3.  If you are traveling with children, look for discounts for kids 12 and under, the littlest ones may even be free!

4.  Don't agonize over when to book your flight.  Train fares are far more stable than the fluctuating air fares and gas prices.

5.  Think of your journey on the train as a vacation in and of itself.  Bring binoculars or a camera to try and capture some of the sights you'll see along the way!

Holiday Driving Tips

1.  Check your vehicle.  If you are driving your car this holiday season, check all your fluids, spark plus, exterior lights and electrical components.  This will help ensure any unfortunate hiccups on the road.

2. Notify someone else of your route.  If you are driving to meet family or friends, tell them what route you plan on taking.  That way if something goes wrong, someone else knows where you are.

3. Secure a room at the inn.  If you are driving through the night and think you may want to stop, use your map to figure out your stopping point and make a reservation at a hotel in that area.  This way you have a goal in mind and you know you'll have a place to say.

4.  Take bathroom breaks.  A couple of breaks will give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and help avoid crankiness.

5.  Take some things to keep you occupied.  Music, books, snacks, chewing gum--anything to pass the time!

Holiday Travel Tips

Starting next week or even this weekend, many of you will begin your travels to various parts of the country to be with your family and friends for the holidays!  Whether you are flying, driving or taking the train and whether your trek is long or short, there are infinite tips to making your trip smoother, happier and less stressful.  

When considering air travel, know your airports.  There are lots of smaller regional airports and even small ones with national service.  Sometimes these small airports have cheaper flights to certain destinations and can offer personalized service that as large airport cannot and will not.  In the Orlando area alone there OIA (the big international airport), Orlando/Sanford International Airport, Daytona Beach International,  and Melbourne International.  Bet you didn't know that!  If you are coming down for a beach vacation why not fly into Melbourne or Daytona??

If you are forced to book a connecting flight, plot those connections carefully.  Unforeseen weather and travel delays can create a mess of trouble if your connecting flight is a tight squeeze, time wise.

When Traveling Abroad

Here are some good things to keep in mind when traveling abroad. Cultures and customs have a definite impact on the proper etiquette of the day!

1. Dress appropriately--shorts and a tank top are not OK when taking a trip to the Vatican. Museums, historical monuments, and even entire countries can have their own dress codes. Do your research to avoid embarrassment.

2. Be polite and give new things a try. Locals will appreciate this

3. As you would at home, be respectful and turn off/silence your cell phones where appropriate. Don't chew gum (in some countries it's illegal!) or smoke unless you know its OK.

4. Do your research and brush up on non-verbal cues. What may be a non issue in the US (handshake, hug, pat on the back) could seriously offend your new friend in your new land.

5. Learn a few words in the language of your destination. Phrases like thank you, good morning, etc. go a long way in fostering good relations.

Gone to the Dogs

Deciding what to do with the pups can be quite the headache when preparing for travel. If you decide to bring them along instead of boarding them here are some pet traveling tips.

1. Be sure the hotel and/or your home you are staying at allows dogs and knows you are bringing yours. Size, weight and number of dogs are all things to consider

2. Don't leave your dog alone in the hotel room. Even the most well behaved dogs can act unexpectedly in a foreign room with unfamiliar furniture, etc.

3. No matter where your trip takes you, always clean up after your dog

4. Consult your vet before you leave and be sure you pack all necessary medications, including any sedatives recommended for the pups to make the trip a little easier on everyone.

Traveling Week: Hotel Etiquette

Here is a great link to Hotel Etiquette!

"When you arrive, a doorman greets you, and a porter takes your bags. Tip the porter at least $1 per bag. If the doorman hails a cab for you, tip him $1. If he has to stand out in the rain, you might want to tip more."

I am not in Paris but, I drew this flat card a while back .... doesn't it make you want to go??

Airplane Etiquette

Oh this is a doozy!

Once again... I could break out my Nerf gun!!

...

Airplane Etiquette

1. Carry your bag in front of you and low to the ground.


2. Utilize the overhead space above your own seat row.


3. Keep your chair upright at least until you're told it can be reclined.


4. Avoid grabbing the back of the seat in front of you.


5. Respect personal space.


6. Avoid hogging the aisle.


7. Be considerate of other passengers when you deplane.
   

...

Extra tips to keep in mind.

Wear deodorant, but do not wear a strong perfume or cologne.
Always bring a tissue or handkerchief with you in case you sneeze or cough.

Keep your conversations to a low whisper if you're traveling with someone.

Do not put your feet up on the bulkhead if you are sitting by it. If you must raise your feet, put your bag on the floor and put your feet on that.

When movies start, ask the passenger next to you if they'd prefer to have the window shade down.

At the baggage claim, stand back from the carousel until you see your bag approaching, then step forward to retrieve it.

If you're traveling with a pet, ask the passenger next to you right off the bat if they're allergic, before you sit down.

If you have any skin conditions, such as dandruff, be considerate and do not scratch continuously onto the person next to you.

Listen to the instructions of the flight attendants. The rules regarding no head phones during take off and landing, no cell phones, luggage stored in bins or under the seats, tables stored seat upright are not only for the other passengers, they are for you as well. Abiding by all rules allows things to go faster and much happier flight attendants.

Make sure you are aware of the new security rules (amount of allowable liquids in a small plastic zip lock bag etc). Security checks are delayed every time somebody tries to get through with items which are not allowed.

(article from WikiHow.com)