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Category Archive: Tips

Back to Basics: Minimum Connection Time

With all the tools available for booking travel online, more and more people choose to do it themselves rather than use the services of a travel agent. I think the ability to research, sleuth out the best and perfect deal, and make reservations yourself is a wonderful thing. BUT – it also means that you have to take responsibility for those reservations, including the mistakes that you make. One mistake that I’m seeing on a regular basis, is travelers not allowing sufficient time to make a connection. This can have unintended consequence that can wind up costing you money. Here are a few scenarios, and my recommendations on making sure you have enough time to make your connection: You are traveling domestically on Airline A and are connecting to another domestic flight also on Airline A: If it’s a large […]

National Park Service: The American Presidents

With the Presidential inauguration just a couple weeks away, it’s a good time to think about our former Presidents and the place they occupy in history. Putting politics aside, that’s just what the National Park Service has done – put Presidential PLACES on display – with the new Discover Our Shared Heritage on-line travel itinerary site. The American Presidents itinerary explores the lives, contributions and historical sites of all 43 presidents. (President-elect Obama is not yet on the list.) Among the sites listed are birthplaces, home and memorials. There’s also a general presidential itinerary that includes the White House, Mount Rushmore, and other general sites. The list includes over 70 sites spanning the country, all listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and about half part of the National Park System. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find: Description […]

Back to Basics: How to Get Off the Plane & Not be Stressed

The best part about getting on the plane, is knowing that you’ll be getting off at your destination, and that you have loads of great times ahead of you. For many travelers, however, the landing and deplaning process can be just as confusing and challenging as the boarding process. Here’s the scoop on how the landing process works and some tips that will make it easy for you to get off the plane. Frequently flyers – pay attention, because you should take some of the suggestions to heart. Once the aircraft is on the ground and taxiing into the gate, most airlines allow you to use your cell phone. What you cannot do, however, is stand up and get it out of the overhead, or unbuckle your seat belt and get it out from beneath your set. If you’ll want […]

Back to Basics: Boarding the Plane

Back to Basics: 10 Items to ALWAYS Pack in Your Carry On Luggage

Although I check my bags on occasion, I’m very vigilant in not packing certain types of things. Some things go in your checked luggage, some go in your carry ons, and depending on space, some things can go either way. It doesn’t seem like I should have to spell this out, but most every day that I fly someone mentions packing one of these items in their checked bagged. Usually, it doesn’t present a problem, but DON’T PACK THESE ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE! Itinerary. Keep a copy of your itinerary in your checked bag, but make sure that you have a copy with you as well. If your bag does go missing, you’ll need to know what reservations you have, confirmation numbers, phone numbers, etc. I keep my itinerary on my phone and computer as well, but have it […]

Back to Basics: 8 Ways to Get to the Airport on Time

With all the rushing around during the holiday season, one place you won’t want to be rushing to is the airport. While you can get away with being fashionably late to your office or party or neighborhood gift exchange, airport counters and security lines are not that forgiving. This will be a busy travel season, despite the recession, and if you’re one of the ones who’ll be flying it’s time now to start planning on how you’ll be getting to the airport. As you’re making plans, remember to leave plenty of time to get to the airport, and make sure you take into account heavier traffic, less parking places, and longer security lines. Here are some options on how you can get to the airport. Pick one that is economical – both in price and in stress level! Drive yourself […]

Back to Basics: Holiday Dinners on the Road

Whether you’re traveling during the holidays to celebrate with loved ones, or perhaps to get away from those same loved ones, sometimes you’d just prefer a holiday dinner in a restaurant, rather than at home. And, for those of use who find that we must work and travel over holidays, like many airline personnel, there are options that allow us to celebrate even though we can’t be at home. Most cities have restaurants that are open for major holiday, offering both their basic menu as well as special holiday fare. Zagat Buzz, the blog arm of the renowned Zagat Guides, lists a variety of restaurant that will be open on Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for a nice meal out, you won’t go wrong with any of the finds listed here. For other ideas, check with local newspapers or city magazines […]

Back to Basics: Return to Ground Level

If you’re leaving your hotel room a little bleary-eyed from too much partying the night before, you may not be seeing straight. Or maybe you’ve lost a contact, or forgotten your glasses. Or maybe you’re in a country where you don’t understand the floor numbering. Don’t worry! You can always get back to ground level, usually the location of the hotel lobby and front desk, by looking for the star sign. The star sign is universal elevator-speak for ground floor. And that piece of information can help keep you grounded. Photo credit: flickr _____________________________________

10 Tips for Saving on Your Vacation Food Budget

Meals are a big part of a vacation budget, but with a little planning and discipline, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Here are a few suggestions to help you eat well without breaking the bank: Avoid the mini-bar. No matter how hungry you are for a late night snack, there’s nothing worth the price in the mini-bar. Many hotels have in-room coffee makers and complimentary coffee. Enjoy a cup while you’re getting ready in the morning, and eliminate the money spent at a coffee shop. If you have a coffee maker, but the coffee packet isn’t complimentary, pick up a bag of coffee and filters at a nearby supermarket. Scads cheaper! Buy snacks at the supermarket and take them with you throughout the day. It’s much cheaper to pick up some fresh fruit, a bag of chips, […]

Back to Basics: Check Your Hotel Bill

The morning of checking out of your hotel can be a hectic time, getting dressed and ready to leave and making sure all of your things are packed. If you’re traveling with kids the list of things that you are responsible for is even longer! Some of the stuff cannot be done till the last minute, but one thing that can take a weight off if to review your hotel bill the night before your departure. Many hotels have a video check out option, allowing you to review your charges on the television. In the privacy of your room you can go line by line through the charges to make sure that there are no surprises. If your hotel doesn’t offer a video option, stop by the front desk the evening before and request a print out. They’ll be happy […]