Our collective travel experiences have led to learning the finer points of traveling comfortably and wisely.
This page provides tips gathered from such experiences.
El Torro - the symbol of Spain (Andalucia) - photo by Danielle Santal
Passport
before leaving for travel outside the 50 states, check that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
make two copies of the photo and information pages of your passport: leave one with a friend staying home, take the other, separately from your actual passport. If you lose your passport, it will be much easier to obtain a temporary one from the nearest consulate.
go to www.tsa.gov to see the latest rules about what you can bring on board your aircraft without seeing anything confiscated by security agents. The rules change frequently, and many of them defy logic.
go to www.cdc.gov (travel) to find out what vaccinations are recommended to remain healthy at your destination. Your doctor at home can also help with advice.
contact your heath insurance provider to find out if you will be covered in a foreign country. If the answer is negative, there are several excellent insurance carriers which issue such insurance for the duration of your trip: ask us for recommendations.
Baggage
put a card with your name and the address of a friend staying home – or your work address – inside, as well as outside your luggage. If the luggage is lost, it will find you again easily. If you use your own address, you are advertising your absence and inviting unwanted visitors to your home.
Make a list for packing, it will serve as a reminder, and you can always remove items later. Don't overpack: carrying too much luggage is very draining: there are strict restrictions imposed by airlines, especially concerning the weight and size of suitcases and carry-on bags. Remember that there are stores nearly everywhere should you forget something. However, prescription medicines are too difficult to replace, always carry them in your hand luggage, and keep them in their original container in case local authorities question their use.
Security issues will prevent you from leaving any luggage at railroad stations or airports. Some hotels will store your luggage for a day or two, especially if your itinerary brings you back to that hotel.
Travel
for the flight wear loose clothing and shoes, and to avoid blood clots, take an aspirin before boarding your plane. During the flight, walk around every now and then, or exercise at your seat; some airlines even provide a short video to show you some exercises. Avoid alcohol, it dehydrates: instead, drink plenty of water.
if you are afraid to fly, overcome your fear by taking a course on line. Go to www.fearofflyinghelp.com, the site was designed by an airline captain, it is free and very helpful; it also won the Jefferson Award for Public Service.
