Travel Destinations: 02 April 2009

Thursday, April 2, 2009

You've booked your holiday, read the travel guide and bought new clothes …what else is left to do but sit back and enjoy?...Well, if you want to avoid a stressful start to your holiday try following our checklist:

Don't Forget To

1. Check Passports & Visas are valid: Essential if you want to get out of the country in the first place!

2. Tickets: Without at least a booking reference number you may have trouble even getting on the plane

3. Lock all windows and doors: Simple enough, but often overlooked, and no one wants to come back off holiday to find their home is bare.

4. Money: Even if you remember your tickets and passports, if you've forgotten your wallet your holiday could be riddled with problems. Even if you don't have any local currency with you most airports will have cash machines you can use your credit card with.

5. Book time off of work: The enjoyment of your holiday can be instantly forgotten if you get back to work to find that no one knew you were going! Ensure you've cancelled all your appointments and cleared as much work as you can. If possible leave a day to two when you return for planning and catching-up.

6. Insurance: Not included in every holiday, so do make sure you're covered. Accidents can happen.

7. Transfers: If your holiday doesn't include them make sure you've arranged some yourself. If your holiday does include them make sure you know who you should be meeting and where.

8. Ensure mobile phone is activated for use abroad: But check the tariffs first or your phone bill could match the price of your holiday.

9. Make all luggage easily identifiable: There's nothing worse than losing your luggage on holiday, so make sure you can instantly tell yours apart from everyone else's. You may feel stupid with a pink ribbon tied round your case but at least you'll know it's yours (and so will everyone else).

10. Turn off central heating: Don't waste your money by leaving the heating on for 2 weeks (even if it does keep the cat warm).

11. Set up time switches for some lighting to come on at night: Scare off those burglars!

12. Dispose of fresh food in fridge: Get rid of anything that'll go out of date or you'll regret it when you come back.

13. Set Sky Plus for favourite programmes: Can you afford to miss Deal or No Deal?

14. Water any house plants: Do this before leaving, or better yet, give your neighbour a spare key and ask them to help you out while you are away.

15. Cancel milk and any daily paper deliveries: Who wants to come home to a pile of old newspapers and sour milk?

Labels: Tips

posted by Moderator @ 5:31 AM 0 comments

Moving Tips - 12 Amazing Tips To Facilitate Relocation!

Moving can be a pleasure if you go about it in a systematic and organized manner. There are so many things to be considered when moving, the main priority being, moving your things in a safe and timely manner - of course, you will need to make a budget, so that your expenses are kept in check. You can consult family and friends who have gone through moves and they will definitely be able to relate their experiences and give you some useful tips. But, in order to get the best service, it would be best to go online or contact a moving company. This would be the professional way to go.

Brochures that provide Information

There are brochures that contain tips provided by moving companies. Realtors and Post offices also contain information that will help make your move smooth and give you all the tips you need to avoid hassles, financial disasters and make sure that your things arrive safely and on time.

Tips that can help you
These are some of the tips that can help you to make your move as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

- You will need to make a detailed plan, weighing all the pros and cons of the things that you need to take with you. If your move is a sudden one, involving a job change, then you may not be able to plan far ahead.

- You may want to do your own packing thus saving money. If the Company is paying for the move, then you may want to hand over the reins to a mover. This will give you time to attend to other details.

- You may consider keeping a pet-sitter or a baby-sitter while you are moving, so that their routine is not upset

- It will be necessary to take all measurements of doors and windows, kitchen spaces, laundry area and living room spaces, so that your furniture and appliances will fit into your new home.

- It could be a good idea to keep your stress levels down by taking a break or maybe just relaxing on a week-end.

- Make a note of all dates on the calendar - whether it is to pay your last bills or cancel newspapers, utilities, phones, internet etc., and all paperwork with the lawyer.

- Boxes neatly packed and labeled with details of everything in the box will make it so easy for you in your new home. This may take time, but it is an invaluable help when unpacking. The last thing you need when you arrive tired at your new home, is not to know where your things are.

- This is a good time to get rid of things you don't need. People get accustomed to accumulating things, clothes and artifacts. You will need to assess whether you really use them, and if you don't, then either give them away, have a garage sale or call the Salvation Army for a pick-up. There is no point in moving things that you really don't use.

- On the day that you move, the place that you are leaving and the one that you are going to, should be open, so that your move is a smooth one.

- Plan in advance for equipment and dollies that you will need in case you decide to move yourself. Otherwise, you can let the moving company know and they will make all the necessary arrangements regarding equipment and whatever they need to move your things.

- Always go through everything in your old home, so that nothing is left behind. It is so easy to forget things like the lawn mower or other useful gadgets that are stored in the garage or in the basement.

- All it requires is skilful organization, planning in detail, and with the help of good moving tips, you are on your way to a smooth and hassle-free move.

Labels: Tips

posted by Moderator @ 5:28 AM 0 comments

5 Must Know Tips For Air Travel With Lighters And Matches!

As of August 4, 2007 common lighters are permitted in carry-on baggage and on your person when walking through security checkpoint, though, you are only allowed a total of four books of safety matches per person. Matches and lighters are prohibited in checked baggage with one exemption for lighters. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited in checked baggage, then pack your lighters in your carry-on baggage or on your person.

Torch Lighters are still prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held.

When I worked in checked baggage, back when lighters were banned, I had to concentrate on searching for lighters and matches as well as IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other prohibited items. I am positive all screeners and passengers are relieved that the lighter ban has been lifted. No more focusing on lighters, unless they are in checked baggage. It was a very tedious job and now that it is over, the screeners can concentrate on more threatening items such as IED's and their components.

The ban on lighters when into effect April 15, 2005 and TSA was confiscating 22,000 lighters a day across the nation. My question is why were there a total of 11,616,217 lighters confiscated in the year 2006? Do we think the rules don't apply to us? I would hear passengers in line say, "I'll just sneak my lighters through and they will never see it." Well, that passenger was wrong. Don't think you can sneak prohibited items through security checkpoint. Arm yourself with my information and be prepared for security. You will reduce your stress level and make your trip a happy one.

TIPS
1. Carry lighters and only four books of safety matches in your carry-on or on your person.

2. Don't pack your matches or any lighters in checked baggage. They will be removed.

3. Don't use a Marlboro bag for checked luggage. This is a big tip there may be lighters or matches in your bag.

4. Don't buy lighters while traveling and expect to return home with them, unless they are packed in your carry-on or on your person.

5. Torch lighters are still prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage.

Labels: Tips

posted by Moderator @ 5:26 AM 0 comments

Travel Tips Packing your Bags!

A vacation is supposed to be a way to have fun not an army training experience where you lug a heavy pack for miles and end up sore and tired. It can be difficult to decide what, and how, to pack. Hopefully this guide will help you decide what is important, and what to leave at home. Planning in advance can help you remember the useful things, and stop the panic that happens when you forget the essentials.

One of the most basic travel packing tips is to make a list it may seem silly or pointless, but seriously, it's so much easier to just tick off items as you put them in the suitcase. Trying to remember everything will just lead to you either forgetting something, or packing something twice.

Selecting Luggage
Picking the right suitcase, or suitcases, will make your journey much easier too. If you want to use a carry-on, check with the airline to make sure your suitcase is the right size finding out at the last minute that you need to go all the way back to check in because your bag is too big can be quite frustrating.

When selecting a suitcase, look for one that has a sturdy, pull out handle, and wheels that are made of a durable material. Be wary of ones with small handles that are attached directly to the material of the case, as these can often tear or come loose.

If you need to pack expensive evening wear, or garments that wrinkle easily, some people find that putting them in a garment bag first, then loosely laying it in the suitcase without making any hard folds, can help it survive the journey intact. If you have to cram your suitcase full of clothing, then you may have to make use of an iron at the hotel.

Packing Your Suitcase
Many people find that rolling clothing, instead of folding it, can prevent wrinkles, and also makes the clothes take up less space in the suitcase.

If you are going on a long holiday, then you may find that it is better to pack a wardrobe based around one or two colors, so that you can mix and match items to make your wardrobe last longer. Colours such as black, navy and khaki make a good base choice as they 'go with everything.

Make sure that you take your medication, travel documents, and other essential items in your carry-on luggage. You may need a note from your doctor if you wish to bring liquid medication on board.

If you are stuck for ideas on what to pack, there are lots of web sites that offer tips and advice you can even download pre-done packing lists and just tweak them to your own liking.

However you do it, just remember that a little preparation before you leave will go a long way towards making your trip more enjoyable.

Labels: Tips

posted by Moderator @ 5:25 AM 0 comments

Top 8 Tips for Finding Affordable Airfares!

The price of air fares vary greatly for many different reasons. Time of year, fuel prices, flight demand, taxes and many various deals and promotions run by the companies. However getting the best deal out of all this information can be hard and confusing. Here are 8 great tips to help you in your search for a cheap ticket on your next flight!

1 - Be Flexible
If you can afford to change the date of your arrival or departure by a little bit you can sometimes cut the cost by 25 to 50 percent amazingly! You will of course have to balance this out with cost of accommodation for extra days and of course possible inconvenience but if you can be flexible you can make great savings!

2 - Book Ahead
When we say book ahead that is not just a week but even three to four weeks ahead. The prices of plane tickets seem to climb as the number of seats goes down. If you get in early you can save amazing amounts this way especially if you are used to booking only a few days before as that is when the price as more than doubled compared to a week or so before.

3 - No Need to Stay Saturday
Many people may tell you that if you leave on a Sunday or later instead of a Saturday will save you money. Perhaps this was true once but now there seems to be no great difference between Saturday and Sunday or later. Let's hope that helps your flexibility!

4 - Fly Midweek
While Saturday or Sunday are similar there is a distinct difference between the weekends and weekdays. Since most people travel on weekends the prices are raised for more profit, flights during the week however will be lower to various degrees so if possible plan to fly on Monday to Friday.

5 - Be Flexible on Your Airport
Sometimes choosing a close by airport to your actual destination will save you money. While you have to get transport back to your destination the cost difference between the extra public transport trip and a direct flight can be significant. Obviously this may add time to your trip but if you can afford the time the savings can often be well worth it.

6 - Check Return Trip Fares
Though it sounds just plain wrong sometimes return trips can cost LESS than one way trips! IF you are just going one way check the price for a return fare and you can sometimes find it cheaper! Why this is I do not know but airline promotions and sometimes just plain screw ups in their pricing system can work in your favour!

7 - Avoid Holidays
Fairly obvious this one but sometimes lost in the rush of our busy lives. Holiday season is the busiest time of the year for airline companies and they jack the price right up. If you can get in early or later you can avoid their price hikes. You can also avoid the air commuter crush of those times too!

8 - Multi-City Trips
Many airline companies offer deals on trips that have multiple stopovers. Instead of searching for individual fares for each leg of your trip see if you can get an all in one multi-city trip. These can often be cheaper then the individual trips but using all the other tips I have given it is not always so but keep it in mind!

Using these simple common sense methods you can shave hundreds of dollars off your trip which leaves you with more money to enjoy on your holiday or simply more money in the bank. You don't even need to sacrifice on seating and comfort if you don't want as most of these tips are a matter of good timing and organization!

Labels: Tips

posted by Moderator @ 5:19 AM 0 comments