Posts filed under 'Travel'
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
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
Packing Cubes
have been around for a long time. I did not begin to really use them until security was increased at airports after 9-11. At that time, there was a comic strip circulating around showing TSA security and other passengers laughing over carry-on luggage with traveler’s underwear! So I began to pack underwear, pajamas, socks, vitamins, etc., in packing cubes. It certainly made packing neater, and unpacking a breeze. When unpacking, you would just put the whole cube into the drawer at the hotel. I always hated putting clothing into drawers anyway, and would take the time to line the drawer with a towel. My husband has always used the shirt packing cube for his cotton shirts. It was really the only way to pack them so they came out of the luggage almost wrinkle free. The shirt packing cube comes with a “shirt board” inside. You place the shirt neatly around the board, keeping it tight and straight. Then you pack the next shirt and so on. The board slides out of the shirt so you can begin another shirt. When you are done, you close the velcro flaps, and there’s no shifting or moving around to cause any wrinkles on the clothing. It’s amazing how neat and unwrinkled the shirts are when packed in these cubes. I hang the shirts immediately when unpacking, and never need to iron them. You can also pack slacks or jackets in these cubes. The plastic lined cubes are perfect for cosmetics, creams, and gels that we no longer can carry on to the airplane. Cubes from Eagle Creek are made of Micro-Weave, a water repellent fabric and LinkSeal, a waterproof, see-through polyurethane material laminated to a mesh fabric. They wear very well and are quite durable. Another company that made great cubes is Mosaic Travelgear. Their cubes have mesh openings also, but are made of a lightweight, abrasion and water-resistant nylon ripstop fabric. The Mosaic versions also have four wall supports that provide more structure when in use, and fold flat for storage.This structure actually makes them easier to pack. Both companies make cubes in different sizes to accommodate different items, and these assorted sizes can be used for long or short trips. The cubes also are available in different colors, which is convenient if you’re packing for several family members. Once you have used these handy packing cubes, you’ll wonder how you ever packed without them!
April 1st, 2008
There’s a huge array of travel accessories designed to make your travel experience more pleasant. When packing your clothing, shoes, and toiletries, you might want to consider some of these handy items:
· Adapter plugs to plug in your appliances outside of the U.S.
· Add-a-bag straps to hook up two or more pieces of luggage
· Travel-sized bottles
· Money converters
· Money belt to hide money, passport, valuables on your person
· Neck pillows
· Small manicure kit
· Travel alarm clock
· Booklight
· Luggage wheeling cart
· Space savers to compress clothing
· Electrical converter to use U.S. appliances overseas
· Passport case
· Travel organizer
· Journal
· Luggage tags
· Small umbrella
· Binoculars
· TSA approved travel locks
· Mini iron
· Folding tote
· Cosmetic case
· Mini steamer
· Security lock
· Travel jewelry case
· Luggage strap TSA approved
· Wrinkle free
· Woolite travel sized
· Eye mask
· Blow-up hangers
· Toilet seat covers
· Travel coffee maker
· Travel water heater
· Clothesline
· Shoe covers or mittens
· Laundry kit
· Travel back pillow
· Wrinkle free spray
· Travel light
· Antibacterial soap or towelettes
· Folding raincoat or poncho
· Water purifier
· Travel vest
· Travel scarf
· Travel luggage scale
· AirRight purifier for flights
· Stow-away headrest cover
· Motion-less bands for travel sickness
· No Jet-lag
· Travel sized hot-rollers
· RFID blocking passport cover
· Handle wraps to I.D. your luggage
· Cap-a-brush to cover toothbrush
· Pill organizer
· Travelsox for leg comfort and good blood circulation
· BoomerangIt lost & found return system for valuables
· Quart-sized 3-1-1 TSA approved toiletry bag
· Packing cubes for clothing
· Waterproof, crushproof case for phone, ipod, etc.
· Power-pack case
· Travel laundry case
· Travel blankets
· Plastic-lines packing cubes
. Language translator
Hope this list will assist you in making your travels a pleasant experience!
March 31st, 2008
We seem to be spending more time at airports, and on planes, trains, buses and ships today. Don’t you like to be comfortable when you’re traveling? There are many companies that have addressed this problem, and have designed products especially made with our comfort in mind! The most popular item has to be the travel pillow. While different seats are designed with different degrees of comfort, the travel pillow has to be the most necessary item. Especially on long trips, you can get very uncomfortable with neck and shoulder aches. My favorite travel pillow is made of memory foam. These adjust to your body’s heat and weight and remember it’s shape. They support the head and neck best, and are great for relaxing. The best ones have a removable, washable cover. These can also be compressed small so as not to take up too much room in your carry on luggage. Second choice would be one of the blow up travel pillows. These inflate and depress easily. They pack into a small travel pouch taking up little room in your over-stuffed carry on luggage. They also offer a cloud soft cushion to cradle your neck and head. The soft flocked vinyl is the most comfortable version. There’s also an inflatable lower back support pillow to go along with your neck pillow. These also come with a handy travel pouch. Additionally, there are microbeaded pillows that can be used for neck or back support. These unfortunately take more room and do not compress as easily. Fold-up travel blankets also offer comfort on long trips. Blankets are not always available or there are not always enough to go around. Comfort eye shades will reduce light and are comfortable to wear if you wish to sleep. Ear plugs would also be handy to reduce sound. The most comfortable models are foam covered and take up little room in your carry on luggage. If you experience ear discomfort on planes, consider Earplanes. These are safe, soft and disposable. They relieve air pressure, and also, as a plus, reduce harsh noise. They are made of soft hypoallergenic silicone and reduce noise by 20 decibels. There are children’s versions as well as adult versions. Many travelers swear by Travelsox. These offer superior comfort for airline trips. They give gradual compression which helps to stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling on long flights, car or train rides. They look like ordinary socks and they feel great. Now, grab a good book, bring along some snacks, and your set to travel in comfort!
March 30th, 2008
It’s no fun losing your passport or your money when you are traveling and away from home. Many companies have addressed the need for security while traveling. You never want to leave your valuables in your luggage. There’s a huge array of travel money belts. These come in models designed to wear under your clothing, and out of sight. There are versions that go around the waist, around the neck, around the shoulder, and around the leg. They are available in lightweight nylon, or very thin silk. Many have a comfort backing, comfortable against your skin. Besides holding your money, they will hold your passport, some credit cards, return ticket, etc. There are also models that clip to your waistband, or loop around a belt, and then back under your slacks. The newest version on the market is socks with a pocket. Called Zip It Gear, these socks have a zippered pocket where you can tuck your passport and extra money, etc. They are machine washable and look like ordinary socks. Xubaz Cargo Neckwear makes something that looks like a scarf, but is a supremely functional travel garment with six hidden pockets to carry a variety of essential items, including your passport and money. Additionally two straps secure the scarf to your waistband. Security vests have been popular for sometime. A very practical version is made by Zip It Gear. This is an all-season vest made of lightweight fleece with security pockets that will hold your essentials. AND this vest when turned inside out becomes a cozy fleece travel pillow. It also has an electronics pocket with a pass-through channel for earphones and headsets. Because travel is always evolving, there are new security products designed to protect us. The RFID blocking passport case by Travelon will block unauthorized RFID readers from stealing your information. New U.S. passports and many credit cards contain a radio frequency ID chip. This RFID blocking case will block unauthorized RFID readers and is available in fabric or leather. A newer lightweight portable security alarm for hotel and motel doors will sound an alarm if unit vibrates (door is opened or attempted to open.) You just need to hang this handy item on the inside door handle. Pacsafe also has introduced some anti-theft accessories. These keep you valuables secure even when you’re on the go with slash-proof and snatch-proof straps and tamper-proof zippers. You don’t expect to be at risk during your travels, but it often doesn’t hurt to insure the safety of valuables and practice some security when away from home. You will most likely meet wonderful, new people but you don’t want to ruin your trip by losing your valuables.
March 30th, 2008
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