Travel Tips Archive

3 Carry-on Items to Purchase at the Airport

By Lisa in Travel Tips | on January 26th, 2012

shopping 3 Carry on Items to Purchase at the Airport

So you were a good Do-Bee and showed up to board your flight the recommended two hours prior to scheduled departure (or three hours if it is an international flight), you flew through airport security and now you find yourself at the boarding gate staring at the minute hand on your watch. What to do? Myself, I have a little preflight ritual that helps pass the time that I quite enjoy. I hit the shops! No, I am not advising you to go on a shopping spree. These days where the only real estate in the country being snatched up is the space in the overhead compartment above your seat, this kind of move could be detrimental to your in-flight well being. Once fellow passengers catch you stuffing bags into their storage territory, um, you’re on your own. (Many shops will assist you in arranging for bulky items to be delivered to a destination or to be collected from a designated kiosk upon returning from your trip, but to err on the side of simplicity, I’m going to list smaller and more essential airport buys.)

splum gum yum 3 Carry on Items to Purchase at the AirportGum

When the aircraft reaches a cruising altitude of about 35,000 feet, your ears will thank you for this purchase. You will also feel confident striking up a conversation with those seated next to you because your breath smells minty fresh. (If you typically experience ear pain due to air pressure changes when flying, consult your doctor for other alternatives that aid in alleviating this type of discomfort before you travel.)

stack o books 3 Carry on Items to Purchase at the AirportBooks & Magazines

A trip to the airport bookstore is an absolute must for me. I look forward to this shopping experience, and I do not worry about which books are supposedly on a best sellers list beforehand. The shops already stock their shelves with top reads, and I like to take a bit of time perusing the book jacket blurbs in search of a novel that piques my interest. For good measure, I normally pick up a magazine as well. Oh, and when everyone else is being instructed to turn off their electronic devices, this good old paper standby won’t let you down.

nam nam 3 Carry on Items to Purchase at the AirportHealthy Meal To Go

Yes, you could pack a little something from home to eat in flight, but beware of liquid regulations and be prepared to potentially slow down the line at the security check point. Short flights may not offer their passengers anything more than ½ an ounce of peanuts or sell an expensive box of junk food. I like to grab a sandwich to munch on during the flight. (If flying internationally, do know that you may not be permitted to bring certain foods into another country. You may have to part with produce, meat, and other possible edibles at the customs counter). I would not suggest buying a large beverage prior to boarding either. Most airlines will serve a complementary small drink, and do you really want to squeeze past the person seated by your side to use the phone booth sized restroom mid-flight?

I actually look forward spending some time meandering through the terminal in search of these things before boarding an aircraft. For me, this makes having to arrive at the airport early worth the slight inconvenience. These items are relatively inexpensive and will not take up much space in your carry-on. While waiting to board your next flights to Paris or Amsterdam, add a little shopping to your pre-departure routine.

the plane the plane1 3 Carry on Items to Purchase at the Airport

 

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International Pet Travel | Flying with your Furry Pal

By Lisa in Travel Tips | on January 4th, 2012

flyingcropped International Pet Travel | Flying with your Furry Pal

Traveling internationally with our furry friends in tow is becoming more common practice these days, but it is vital that you do all your research well in advance before planning a trip with an animal. You need to be sure that you have all the required documents in order, your pet has all of the country specific vaccinations, you know the regulations of the individual country (or countries) that you are visiting, and that your copilot is prepared physically and psychologically for such an adventure.

Fluffy 150x150 International Pet Travel | Flying with your Furry PalCall your Pet’s Veterinarian

The first person you need to talk to, before even considering taking Fluffy out of the country, is her veterinarian. There are many important travel scenarios that need to be discussed with a professional, and there are uncertainties that can make or break your plans. Certain factors, such as the time of year you wish to fly, can play a big part on Fluffy’s comfort and health. For example, if it is summer time, is the cargo area of the plane air conditioned? Or, if it is winter, is the area heated? You need to ask lots of questions to find out if the transit may be too much for your pet to handle.

Research Individual Airline Regulations

Each air carrier has their own policies on pet travel, and prior to booking your flight, you should do some investigation on what various airlines do and don’t permit. For example, a smaller pet may be allowed to fly with you in the cabin, but it is up to each carrier to determine this. Do be sure to read up on pet carrier specifications for the air service you plan on utilizing as well.

flags 150x150 International Pet Travel | Flying with your Furry PalContact the Country (or Countries) Consulate/Embassy

Before you purchase an airline ticket, be sure to that you have talked to someone from the consulate/embassy of the country (or countries)you plan on visiting to find out what their rules on animal import/export entail. Some countries require pets to be quarantined for a designated period of time before they are free to roam internationally, and it is possible that upon returning from abroad, your four-legged bud may require to be isolated before being permitted to run free in their homeland again. If you only plan on being away for a couple weeks, depending on country specific laws on international pet travel, it may be best to leave Fido with a care provider.

kitty carrier 150x150 International Pet Travel | Flying with your Furry PalHealth Certificate from APHIS Accredited Veterinarian

The official health documents needed to enter another country have to be filled out by an accredited veterinarian from APHIS (the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). Contact your state appointed Veterinary Service Office to discuss your travel plans and necessary paperwork. The USDA has put together a very helpful list of commonly asked questions to explain this process in more detail. Many European nations require your pet to have a microchip implanted or to be tattooed for identification purposes; this is all information that your state Veterinary Service Office will be able to provide.

This post is only intended to be used as a starting point in planning your trip abroad with your fuzzy pal. Many pet travel regulations differ greatly depending on individual country and airline policies. These can change, so it is important that you check back for revisions that may have been made on animal transport procedures before every trip you take. I would like to suggest that you make a list of questions to ask your pet’s vet, APHIS, and the consulate/embassy of the country (or countries) to which you are traveling. Do not be afraid to voice your concerns when speaking to any of these agencies, as they may assume that you already know pertinent details. Bottom line, do what is best for your pet. I have a 13 year old Labrador Retriever whom I would love to have by my side on my flights to Germany or to Italy, but I know that a trip like this would be too stressful on my old pup.

beach1 300x200 International Pet Travel | Flying with your Furry Pal

 

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Language on the Go | Resources & Translation Tools

By Lisa in These Five Things, Travel Tips | on December 14th, 2011

bubbles Language on the Go | Resources & Translation Tools

Do you plan on traveling to a foreign country where English is not the native spoken language? Have you given any thought as to whether or not you should learn a few phrases before you leave? Perhaps you would like to bring some type of translation resource or device with you on your travels? Do not let the idea of trying to communicate with someone in another language intimidate you. A little effort goes a long way, and it shows the people of the country you are visiting that you respect their culture enough to have taken the time to learn how to say a few basic phrases, such as yes, no, how are you? and thank you. Read on to discover some excellent pre-travel language study choices and several handy, pocketsize tools to aid in translation.

Before you leave…

class 150x150 Language on the Go | Resources & Translation ToolsBeginner’s Level Language Courses

Keep it simple if the main goal of attending a class is to learn some language basics before your trip. Unless you are presently in school and need to fulfill specific course credits towards a degree, you do not need to enroll in a college/university foreign language class. Enroll in a local community course. They are more affordable, night sessions are available, generally they average about six weeks in length and your classmates will most likely have similar aspirations as you. Most likely the class will not be graded, and this is another plus, as you do not want this to feel like a chore. The class is solely for your own benefit, and you will learn a few key terms before your travels.

computer 150x150 Language on the Go | Resources & Translation ToolsFree Online Foreign Language Tutorials

For starters, the price is right! A website called livemocha offers free basic language course material for 38 languages. It allows you to choose the level of language learning intensity you desire. When you register, the site will ask you whether you are looking for long-term study assistance or do you need a quick overview? Pick the urgent selection if you are traveling out of the country in a week. It also allows you to choose whether you prefer to learn through conversation or through a more textbook like approach. As you complete the lessons and assignments, you earn Mochapoints, and these can add up to earn you cyber medals, such as Bronze, Silver and Gold. The points are a good way to measure the amount of time and work you have given to learning a new language.

While you are Abroad…

dictionaries 150x150 Language on the Go | Resources & Translation ToolsPocket Dictionaries

For about $5 to $10 you can purchase a pocketsize foreign language dictionary from your local bookstore. These are great if you are only visiting one country, as each little book gives you phrases and words in the specific language you need. You will be able to look words up alphabetically in English for their translation or vice versa to find the English meaning of a word. There is absolutely no technology involved; simply flip through the pages in search of a translation.

Talking Electronic Pocket Translator

The Nyrius LT12 has consistently received high consumer reviews, and the $40 (approximate) price tag is a bargain considering what this tiny handheld device can do. It will translate 12 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Swedish. There are 8,400 common travel phrases that can be accessed through its user friendly menu. Not only does the Nyrius LT12 display a written translation on its screen for you to read, but it also reads the term or phrase aloud so that you know how to pronounce the word(s).

Translation Apps

I have saved one of the most ingenious translator tools on the market for last. It is called Jibbigo, and it is a speech translator app which you can download into your Android, iPhone, iPod or iPad. Unlike using other similar apps that need to connect to a server in order to operate, Jibbigo does not use any data, and therefore you will not have to worry about international roaming charges racking up while you are away. Most European language downloads cost $4.99 each. You simply speak into the phone, and it responds back to you with the translation. There is also a display on your screen that shows you exactly what has been translated, so that you can be assured accuracy. It is almost like having your own personal interpreter at your side, as you can use Jibbigo to exchange conversation back and forth between yourself and another person.

As you can see, there are an abundance of foreign language gadgets and resources available, and they are all very reasonably priced. Whether you learn best in a formal classroom setting or you prefer to use the latest advanced technology as your language guide, one of these options should fit your needs nicely. Keep these ideas in mind when you are booking flights to Barcelona, Paris, or any other exciting destination. Go ahead and impress your business partners, family and/or friends with your language skills on your next trip. Remember that in the event something gets lost in translation, a smile is universally understood.

 

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Kicked Off a Plane for Doing What?!

By Lisa in Travel Tips | on November 23rd, 2011

plane Kicked Off a Plane for Doing What?!

Fasten your seat belt, please remain seated, turn off all electrical devices until further notice, and make sure that your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position… We are all familiar with the basic airline code of conduct, and most of us realize that these rules are in effect for everyone’s safety. Every once in a while, a news headline flashes before your eyes that makes you do a double-take to confirm that you just read/heard it correctly.

Do your Pants Hang Low?

This past September the Green Day singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, was kicked off a flight because he refused to pull his pajama pants up. I can not help but wonder if his attitude had a large part to do with his being removed from the plane. The huffingtonpost.com reported that Billie talked back to the flight attendant, who had just asked him to pull up his pants, by protesting “I’m just trying to get to my [expletive] seat.” After tweeting, on Twitter, his dissatisfaction of the airline’s treatment towards him, Billie was promptly found another flight and the air carrier apologized to the singer.

It’s Your Call

A little over a week ago a woman was taken off a flight, because she refused to turn her phone off and put it away. SantaFeNewMexican.com wrote that the passenger was asked three times to power her cell phone off. She must have had more important things to chat about than to be bothered by the flight attendant’s request. I imagine everyone on board was glad to see her being forced to return to the airport gate and book another flight.

Double Whammy

This past July cbsnews.com posted an article about two brothers who decided to take matters into their own hands. While the plane was taxiing down the runway, a flight attendant tried to wake Jonathan Baez and ask him to fasten his seatbelt. He showed signs of inebriation and did not respond appropriately to the flight attendant’s directions. When the plane returned to the concourse for Jonathan to be sent packing on another flight, his brother Luis Baez decided to leave with him. If being booted from the plane was not bad enough, both brothers attacked and threatened the life of the pilot once they were inside the terminal. These two were not allowed to rebook their flights; they went straight to jail.

Do not let off the F Bomb

TV producer and children’s book author, Robert Sayegh, was asked to deplane after dropping the four-letter F Bomb during boarding. According to huffingtonpost.com, a flight attendant heard him complaining to another passenger “What’s taking so  [expletive] long to close the overhead compartments?”The airline was quick to get Mr. Sayegh on another flight and express their regret for his embarrassment over the situation.

I’m too Pretty to Fly

Per dallasnews.com, two eighteen year old females were removed from a flight in 2008, and the teens tried to claim that they were discriminated against because of their appearance. The airline responded that it was the girls’ behavior that was the cause for needing to be escorted off the plane by police. The girls also tried to tell media that they were banned from this particular air carrier’s flights for life. I think these gals were ahead of their time, because it wasn’t until the summer of 2010 that Snooki, Jersey Shore star, belligerently whined in front a camera crew that she was just ‘too pretty to be in jail.’

Add these examples to your list of things of what not to do or say while on your flights to Barcelona, Spain or to Denver, Colorado. If you are looking for some good bathroom reading on the topic of flight regulations, check out Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Personally, I think most of passenger safety aviation laws should strike us as common sense. I know that when I am flying, I want the pilot to be giving their full attention to the operation of the aircraft, and the last thought in my mind has absolutely nothing to do with even remotely interfering with their flight navigation. That’s just me though.

planeinterior Kicked Off a Plane for Doing What?!

 

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