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Travel Tips
Air Travel Tips
- Most people have a fear of heights. This is a reasonable survival trait! However, when coupled with extreme media coverage of disasters, this can lead to very debilitating fear of flying.
- Be sure to keep your valuables (passport, tickets, and wallet) in a small waist pack or pouch so that you can carry it around your neck or middle. Especially in busy airports you should never put these valuables in your backpack or purse.
- When flying, the low air humidity can really affect you. Undereye moisturizer works great to protect and moisturize your lips, which can otherwise end up cracked and dry. Also, if the flight attendants offer you a warm, damp towel near flight's end, take it! It can be a very refreshing comfort.
- If your flight gets cancelled, instead of running with the crowd to the airport counter, try calling your travel agent or the airline to get a new reservation.
- If you have carry-on bags, think about getting a seat assignment toward the back of the plane. You board first and have an easier time stowing your bags.
- To avoid being delayed at the airport, call the airline before leaving to be sure the flight is scheduled to leave on time.
- If your flight is delayed you may be entitled to a refund, even on a nonrefundable ticket!
- If you'd like a better seat on your flight be sure to ask at check-in. Bulk-head and exit-row seats are usually last to be assigned and may be available.
- Extra time in between flights? Often you can use the executive lounge of an airline for a one-time use.
- Need to alleviate ear pressure when flying? Place a hot cloth in cup and hold it over your ear. Try it, it works!
- Using your laptop in-flight? You'll need to bring an auto/air adapter to be 'plugged in' when you fly.
- You can ship your pets on an airline, but you need to put the animal in a special animal container
- There are some things beyond your control, and airlines actually have some flexibility in these circumstances. If you are ill, you can usually cancel or reschedule your flight. You will need a note from your doctor and to fill out a number of forms at an airline office.
- Because of the altitude, airplanes can be quite cold. Took a warm cloth on the plane and take one of the blankets that the airline provides. Wool socks are not a bad idea either. On the larger planes, there is usually a little fan that blows on you. The airflow can be adjusted by twisting the unit.
- Before the plane takes off, suck gummie bears or any type of sweet. This will lessen the effect of getting the pressure into your ear while the plane is taking off.
- Everybody says to drink lots of water when you're flying - the really annoying thing is that, at airports, water is sold in tiny little bottles at outrageous prices. If you take along your own large empty plastic coffee mug (the kind with a plastic cover and a hole for sipping), airport coffee shops will fill it to the top with ice water for free.
Cruises Travel Tips
- Take Care Of Your Cabin Steward
One of your best friends on the cruise will be your Cabin Steward. He, or she, will do an excellent job of making up your cabin twice a day and generally taking care of you. This is the person who will also handle any special requests you have, like if you need an iron or extra pillow. Whatever tip you lay out will be the best money you spend on the cruise.
 - Beware of Cheap Excursions
Although you may find the shore excursions cheaper through local sources compared to the cruise lines excursions desks, you may end up stranded - or at the least taken advantage of. The cruise lines check out the companies they contract with, and you are much safer using one recommended by the cruise line or a company your travel agent is familiar with.
- Cruises for the Disabled?
There's no reason not to cruise with a disability on today's ships. The newer and larger ships are generally speaking the most accessible, with more accessible cabins in a variety of cabin categories. However, that's not to say that there are not some smaller and older ships that have limited access or have been retrofitted to accommodate fewer people with disabilities. Cruise ships can accommodate wheelchair users, diabetics, dialysis patients, oxygen users, the visually and hearing impaired, those with smoking allergies, and even those traveling with assistance dogs.
- How to Read Cruise Brochures
Brochure styles vary from different cruise lines. Open any cruise brochure and you are sure to find an overwhelming display of information and photographs. What you need are just the facts in simple-to-understand terms. Some cruise lines feature their entire fleet with the itineraries in one brochure. Others have brochures for each destination - such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Read carefully the terms of brochures.
- Packing Tips for Your Next Cruise
When packing for a cruise add extra metal coat hangers to your suitcase so that you will be able to hang much of your clothes. Also, purchase a child-size shoe hanger. You can hang this in the bathroom and put lots of little things in it such as toothpaste, hair brushes, mouthwash, etc. This will give you extra space in the bathroom as well as keeping things covered from the excess water which might come from the shower.
- Removable Hooks a Useful Item
In addition to taking a bunch of wire hangers, take removable plastic
hooks. They are useful in the bathroom and come off without leaving a mark.
- Use a Local Tour Operator
You will pay more for a land tour if paid through your cruise line. There are always local tour operators - or hire a taxi for your group and make your own tour.
- No matter what time of year or destination, it gets cold out on the ocean - especially when the wind springs up. Pack something warm to wear!
- When buying duty-free alcohol or cigarettes while in port, be aware that the goods will be sent to the ship and held until your last night aboard.
- When choosing a deck, it is a good idea to be close to the laundry and purser's office. You can get in early to do your washing. The PO is usually busy and you may need to go there multiple times for various reasons.
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