Traveling Tips

Keep all of you valuables (cash and/or jewelry), identification cards and papers, and electronics - such as cameras and laptops with you at all times. Take them in your carry-on when flying.

Buy travelers insurance! You never know when the weather, a missed flight, or a family emergency is going to make you have to change your plans. This insurance allows you to recoup some of the money you have already spent on tickets and reservations. Check the Internet for the best policy for your trip.

Always allow time to get through security. The days of running at the last minute to catch a flight are long gone. An hour or more is a good cushion of time to get through security and then relax at your gate.

If traveling with pets, make sure you have all the necessary documentation for them, including a copy of their vet records stating they are up to date on vaccinations, food, water, and a favorite toy. If flying, check with the airline regarding travel containers for your cat or dog.

If you are worried about lost luggage, ship it via the mail to your destination. It may be an added cost, but with some carriers you can get a guarantee that it will be delivered. However, before doing this, check with your destination (hotel, friends) to make sure that they will accept the package when it arrives.

During the holidays be careful of packing gifts. If security is unsure of what is in the package, they will open a wrapped present. It is probably safer to mail the present then to try and travel with it.

The best time to book is always a question. Great deals can be found by booking a long way in advance, in a large group, or waiting until the last minute. Research online to learn more about each of these, taking advantage of price competing sites.

Talk to your cell phone provider to determine if your phone will work in the area you are traveling to. You will also need to find out if extra rates will apply for being outside of your local area.

Talk both to your bank and/or your credit card companies if you plan on using your cards outside your home area or country. If you are using them outside of the country without letting them know before-hand, the banks might think they have been stolen and will block all funds.

If traveling with children, have plenty of things to keep them entertained whether in the car, on an airplane, or on the train. Pack a bag will with games and activities. Talk to inexperienced travelers about the security they will go through before-hand. Also, allows plenty of time for your family to get through security.

When traveling and visiting relatives find out before hand what their schedule is and adapt to it. Also...know when the right time to leave it. You don't want to overstay your welcome.

If you're going on a long trip, check out a few books on tape from your library first. It will make the time go by faster and that long trip will suddenly seem a lot shorter.

If you are flying and planning on taking your laptop and/or your portable DVD (or CD) player with you, be prepared to open these items at the security checkpoints. Make sure the batteries are fully charged before you leave, since you probably will not be able to re-charge these items once up in the air. Also, make sure you have all necessary chargers on hand for when you do get a chance to re-charge the batteries!

Follow all the rules and regulations of the airlines. You probably will not be allowed to use your cell phone once in-flight, nor will you be able to use your portable electronic devices during take-off or landing, and depending on the type of aircraft and length of the flight, you may not be able to use them at all. Pay attention to the information about these restrictions that is provided by the flight crew.

When traveling by car, be sure to check the air pressure in your tires before leaving. Improper air pressure in your tires can lead to separating of the treads and even blowouts.

Always carry an emergency pack with items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid, spare tools, and so on. You want to be fully prepared if you're ever stranded. This is especially important if you'll be traveling by car through remote areas.

Always leave an itinerary with your travel plans (flights, accomodations, etc.), with a relative or neighbor or friend, so that in case of emergency they will be able to contact you.

If you are flying, as silly as this may sound, do NOT try to "joke around" with a ticketing agent, gate attendant, or flight attendant, regarding potential contraband items in your luggage, the possibility of hijack or other flight impediment, or claiming to be a terrorist or foreign agent. While this may seem like common sense, there are still people who think this is hysterical, and federal air marshals do not have this same sense of humor. ANY statement can and will be taken seriously as a potential safety threat. If you do this, in all likelihood you WILL be removed from your flight and detained.

In an attempt to maximize profits and ensure every seat on an aircraft is filled, many airlines will "oversell" flights (i.e. selling more seats than available), and then ask people to voluntarily take a "bump" if the situation warrants. If the gate attendant has made this announcement at your boarding gate, consider the possibilities of doing this. The airline will guarantee you a seat on the next available flight (and will assist you in reserving spots on other connecting flights if the "bump" does not occur en route to your final destination), and will also offer you compensation in the forms of vouchers good for future flights, free meals and drinks on-board your flight, and, should the airline become absolutely desperate for people to take the bump, they may offer you an upgrade to first-class status on your next flight(s) and even overnight accommodations if your new flight departs the following day. But, once again, first make sure the airline can assist you in getting to your final destination if the bump does not occur on your final destination flight!

Whenever you are traveling by plane and you encounter a delay of some sort, be kind to the flight attendant or gate agent who is assisting you. Remember that your delay or issue really is not their fault to begin with, and that they are there to HELP you. You will find that you are far more likely to get good assistance if you treat the flight attendant or gate agent with respect than you would by yelling and cursing at them!