Archive for April, 2008
It’s simple once you understand the difference between converters and adapters. Converters convert or change the electricity while adapters adapt to the foreign outlet. If your appliance is NOT dual voltage, the adapter will let you plug in your appliance, BUT your appliance will burn out! The United States (North America) typically is 110 - 120 VAC while the rest of the world is in the range of 220 - 240 VAC. We need to cut back (or convert) the voltage going to our appliance and then we need to adapt to the outlet with an adapter. Most travel hairdryers, steamers and irons are dual-voltage (110/120 VAC - 220/240 VAC). This means they can be used “around the world” and they will only require the adapter plug to get into the outlet. Some of these applicances that are dual voltage have a button or switch that has to be turned to the correct current. (Low for U.S. high for everywhere else.) Adjust the correct current on the travel appliance before plugging in! There are also different converters ! Single wattage models come in two power levels - high or low. Low wattage converters handle appliances ratged at 0 - 50 which includes electric shavers, curling irons, toothbrushes, and radios. High wattage converters are required for appliances rated over 50 watts, but below 1850 such as hair dryers, steamers and irons. There are also dual wattage converters - these will take low or high wattage appliances. Remember also that grounded appliances will need a grounded adapter plug. Now that you understand converters and adapters, you can pack all of your appliances in your luggage and travel anywhere!
April 11th, 2008
The rumors are true! Vera Bradley is introducing a new color to their luggage collection. The expected arrival is around the second week in May. It’s perfect for Mother’s Day and graduations. The new color will join the Java Blue, Mesa Red and Signature Black colors that are currently available. Yellowbird is a sunny yellow color with black trim. It will make you smile even when your plane is delayed! The new Vera Bradley luggage will have everything you’ve come to expect in their durable rolling pieces. Telescoping handles of aluminum, in-line skate ball-bearing wheels, micro- PolyCord fabric which is abrasion tested, and a lifetime limted warranty. The interior of the luggage is 100% quilted cotton in Vera Bradley patterns that complement the exterior color. The Pullman cases have a removable matching shoe cover to insure your clothing stays clean. They also have a hidden add-a-bag strap to hook another piece to the front of the luggage so you wheel them both. All of the pieces have a matching luggage tag. Whether you choose the Pullman cases, the convenient 17″ rolling tote or the new 22″ rolling carry on travel duffel you’ll be pleased with your purchase. And you won’t want to wait to make travel plans!
April 10th, 2008
Tumi luggage introduced the new Alpha collection of luggage and briefcases on April 1, 2008. Alpha is the classic modern Tumi collection. You can spot it immediately by the leather rectangle monogram patch. Monogramming is the easiest way to identify your luggage and your briefcase as “yours” and it’s permanent. The Alpha collection of luggage is also lighter weight because of improved materials and construction. The ballistic nylon is also softer and the styles are less structured. Additionally, there’s more leather on the touch points. You’ll find leather at all zipper ends, and on the handle wraps. Zippered expansion is featured on select carry on luggage pieces and push button, pop-up expansion is featured on all larger packing cases. The briefcases now have add-a-bag sleeves to slide over telescoping luggage handles. The computer cases have new laptop padding which uses linear design foam to cradle the computer. A ballistic accessory pouch is included with the computer cases. For your convenience, you’ll find handy waterproof pockets for water bottles or umbrellas and file folder gussets for organizing paperwork. Of course, the Tumi Alpha collection has the popular Tumi Tracer program, and the generous warranty.
April 9th, 2008
Get ready to pack your lightweight luggage! The open skies agreement deregulates flying between the United States and the 27 European Union countries. It also allows European carriers to fly between any point in Europe and the United States, rather than just between their home country and the U.S. Even with the rising fuel costs, this is probably as good as it gets flying trans-Atlantic. Be aware of any extra charges, and stay within the luggage size and weight restrictions. For the latest travel planning information, you can check out www.visiteurope.com which has quick links to each of the member countries of the European Travel Commission. Below is a listing of additional websites:
www.Austria.info
www.VisitBelgium.com
www.VisitFlanders.us
www.VisitBritain.us
www.BulgariaTravel.org
www.Croatia.hr
www.CzechTourism.com
www.VisitDenmark.com
www.VisitEstonia.com
www.VisitFinland.com
www.US.FranceGuide.com
www.Tourism.Gov.ge (Resorts of Georgia)
www.CometoGermany.com
www.VisitGreece.gr
www.GotoHungary.com
www.IcelandTouristBoard.com
www.DiscoverIreland.com
www.LatviaTourism.Iv
www.Travel.lt (Lithuanian State)
www.VisitLuxembourg.com
www.VisitMalta.com
www.VisitMonaco.com
www.Visit-Montenegro.org
www.Holland.com
www.PolandTour.org
www.VisitPortugal.com
www.RomaniaTourism.com
www.VisitSanMarino.com
www.Serbia-Tourism.org
www.CometoSlovakia.com
www.okSpain.org
www.MySwitzerland.com
www.TourismTurkey.org
www.mfa.gov.us/usa/
April 8th, 2008
What is digital pickpocketing? Should you be concerned? The newer passports contain chips that emit information that can be read by a scanner. The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security say that even when passport books are open, the digital information can be read by a scanner no more than a few inches away. But passports and some of the new credit cards, such as Mastercard’s PayPass and other debit cards can be read with any scanner. Those that want to protect their identity are purchasing these new RFID blocking passport cases. These cases block RFID chips from being read by unauthorized persons. They are lightweight, and hold up to five credit cards in addition to your passport. If nothing else, it gives you piece of mind and keeps your information encrypted and safe from hackers. Remember to carry your passport on your person, and a copy in your luggage.
April 7th, 2008
Beware the extra charges you’ll encounter when flying. Besides the cost of snacks on the plane, and the headphones, you may now be charged for “extra leg room.” Jet Blue Airways has announced that they will begin selling optional seats with 38″ inches of pitch on April 1. This is four more inches than its standard seats. This was reported in the New York Times on April 6, 2008. The new seats are in rows 2 through 5 and in the emergency exit rows on the 150 seat A320’s. There will be a total of 36 on each of these planes. The airline’s 100 seat Embraer 190’s will have only four seats per plane. The additional cost to the passenger will be $10.00 on flights under 600 miles, $15.00 on flights up to 1,500 miles, and $20.00 on longer flights. For more information, you can check out www.jetblue.com. Remember to be cautious when packing. Your luggage must meet the airline requirements and be no larger than 62” linear inches, and must also meet their weight requirements, if you do not want to be charged extra. The airlines have different requirements, so be sure to check with your airline before packing. All of the luggage brands have introduced smaller sized Pullmans and lightweight luggage. Additionally, some of the airlines have changed their carry on luggage requirements, so be sure to check with the airline if you wish to use carry on luggage.
April 7th, 2008
A lot of luggage is seemingly lost by the airlines. Some of it can be avoided by following some simple rules:
Do not travel with luggage in need of repair. It can be caught in the conveyer belt and delayed because it is in disrepair. Look your luggage over before packing, and bring it in for repair if necessary.
Remove ALL old labels, bar codes and information. Your case can be misdirected by simply reading the wrong bar code left on your luggage.
Be sure to have luggage tags on your luggage. Two tags are best, one for the top handle and one for the side handle. Use TSA locks only, as these can be opened by TSA security and relocked. Do not use old locks or tie the zipper together in anyway.
Have your travel information inside the bag, with your home address and phone number and your destination name and phone number. Include cell phone if you’re carrying one.
If using curbside check-in, wait and be sure the bar code is placed securely on the handle of your luggage.
Identify your bag. Many bags look alike and your luggage can be picked up in error. Two tags, one on each handle, and in a bright color is a great idea. Laminated business card tags are another good idea, again one on each handle. If you’re using handle wraps to attract attention, use two, one on each handle. You never know which end your luggage will come down on the carousel. Monogramming is a very secure way to identify your luggage. It’s permanent, and is easily recognizable.
April 5th, 2008
Wheeled duffels are great for traveling. Students have been using them for years. What do they know? Well, they know that duffels are generally lighter in weight than regular Pullman cases. Therefore, they can take more and avoid any overage fees imposed by the airlines. Duffels are also unstructured, so it’s easier to stuff more into them. They also take up less room when they’re not in use. Some of them like the model made by Prolite are “double deckers.” That means you can pack dressier clothing, or all of your shoes and cosmetics, or your dirty laundry on the way home, on the bottom layer of the luggage. It’s totally separate from the main compartment. The balance of your clothing can be packed in the top section. This Prolite duffel has internal flaps that keep the top section open and structured while you pack. They fold down completely after use so the duffel will remain flat for storage. Other models of duffels offer lots of organization on the inside of the bag as well as the outside. They also zip completely down, so you can see and view everything in the duffel. No need to rummage around inside the bag with this feature. Skyway, Vera Bradley and Athalon share this great feature. All of the wheeled duffels feature inline skate wheels and a locking push or pull handle. Packing is really a breeze in these handy pieces. You won’t believe how much can be packed inside these soft sided wheeled duffels. Compression straps inside will keep everything neatly in one place. Now you know why duffles are great to travel with.
April 4th, 2008
According to the Washington Post, Delta airlines has announced enforcement of carry on luggage restrictions on international flights. You can carry on one personal item, and one carry on that weighs no more than 40 pounds. Additionally, the dimentions of the carry on must not exceed 45 inches. Usually sizing is 22″ x 14″ x 8″. Some of the expandable models will go over the 45″ linear sizing, so do not use that feature for your international flights on Delta. Additionally, beware of over stuffing the case! Delta is planning to put a red tag on bags meeting ths standards, and no bags will be checked without the red tag. For more information, you can go to delta.com. Remember, there is a large selection of carry on luggage that is very lightweight. Some of the lightest weight bags available are from Mosaic L Series, Prolite, Swiss Army Werks 3.0, Tumi T-tech, Briggs & Riley, and Vera Bradley. Weighing less than ten pounds to begin with, you’d have to pack more than 30 pounds of clothing to be overweight in any of these! Remember, you cannot carry liquids or gels in your carry on either, except in the 3-1-1, TSA approved clear plastic case with bottles of less than three ounces. You can check at tsa.gov for more rules and regulations regarding airline travel regulations. Many of the carry on luggage pieces have an attachable matching carry tote, that can be used as your personal bag. These slip over the pull up handle of the carry on, making wheeling and transporting through busy airport terminals easy and efficient. All of your important papers, jewelry, medications, etc., can be carried in this personal bag, along with a good book to read and a snack! No need to carry when you are going to gate 45 in concourse K. It’s much easier and safer to keep everything together and wheel!
April 3rd, 2008
Sites close to home, pack up your luggage and plan your trip! Probably carry on luggage will do! These were recommended by the Washington Post:
Lincoln Memorial at the West end of the Mall in Washington, D.C. Information available at nps.gov/line or at 202-426-6841.
Brooklyn Bridge, Spanning the East River from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. Information available at visitbrooklyn.org or at 718-802-3846.
The U.S. Capitol, East end of the Mall in Washington, D.C. Information available at aoc.gov or at 202-224-3121.
Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, in Northwest Washington. Information available at cathedral.org/cathedral or 202-537-6200.
Fallingwater, Bear Run, Pennsylvania. Information available at paconserve.org or 724-329-8501.
The Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Information available at nps.gov/stli or 212-363-3200.
The Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Information available at esbnyc.com or 212-736-3100.
Need help with travel information? Some of the less well -known sites for research and information are as follows:
· boo.com
· vayama.com
· VibeAgent.com
· Yellowpages.travel
· SearchBoth.com
· ProfessionalTravelGuide.com
· yapta.com
· BestTripChoices.com
· fabsearch.com
· DailyCandy.com
· travelyahoo.com
· americanexpress.com
· travelocity.roadtripwizard.com
· cfares.com
· Kayak.com
· OrbitzTLC.com
April 2nd, 2008
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