Tips for Holiday Travel

Get the best prices - With the holidays quickly approaching it's wise to book your travel as soon as possible.  Your best prices will be available more than 30-60 days from your desired departure date, after that prices will only rise. If you have some flexibility in your dates better pricing is based on the off peak travel days. Sometimes booking a package that bundles together airfare and lodging for one price, costs about the same or less than what the airlines are charging for flights alone.

Avoid delays: There are simple rules to avoid delays…Fly early in the morning, select nonstop flights (if you can not fly non-stop then try to connect through a warm-weather airport) and travel via less popular airports.

Avoid crowded destinations - Ski resorts and beach destinations are especially crowded during Christmas to New Year's. Try looking into business hotels, which are off peak and have rooms available at better pricing during the holidays.

Group discounts - If you are traveling with a group ask for discounts and/or special perks wherever you're going. Most cruises and tours have discounts for groups.

Be organized - Traveling during the holidays can be crazy. Try these tips to help you stay less stressed...Check in for your flight a day ahead, print your boarding pass in advance, and confirm any car or hotel reservations to make sure they are not over booked.  Reserve your parking in advance since lots fill up fast over the holidays, most airports have a system that allows you to reserve a spot in advance.

Pack light - Check your airline’s baggage policy. If you must check bags, keep each under 50 pounds to avoid getting hit with excess weight charges at the airport. Keep an eye on the liquids and gels you plan to take on the plane.  Use the 3-1-1 rule: liquids or gels must be in containers of 3 ounces or less, the containers must be placed in a 1 clear quart-size zip-top bag, and only 1 bag per person is allowed.  Christmas gifts can not be wrapped.  Bring some tissue paper for wrapping when you arrive at your destination.  It is light and easy to pack.  It might be easier to ship your items in advance.

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Source:  http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/holiday-travel-101/11

TSA Secure Flight Program

Starting August 15th TSA is requiring more information when you travel.  The program is called Secure Flight and is intended to help improve the travel and screening experience.  Secure Flight requires all airlines to provide a passenger’s name as it appears on the government issued ID they plan to travel with, date of birth, and gender.  Providing the required data may prevent delays or inconveniences at the airport, while screening against the current watch list. 

Ask us about the program or visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm for more information.

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Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling

With so much focus being put on the H1N1 (swine) flu you will notice a lot of new signs at airports about ways to help you stay healthy during your travels. Be prepared, before during and after your travel.

Get your shots before you travel - Regular flu shots are available now. H1N1 flu shots are expected in October.  Check when booking your travel with http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for suggested shots and timing when traveling to your desired destination. 

Take your vitamins - There are several immune boosting vitamins available over the counter.  Start taking these a few days before your trip to boost your germ fighting ability.

Medicines and Prescriptions - Be sure to bring your prescriptions in your carry-on.  Also when traveling aboard it is helpful to have medicine from home that you are familiar with such as : antidiarrheal, antihistamine, aspirin or ibuprofen, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, insect repellent, sun screen , etc.

Wash your hands frequently - Use soap and water as often as possible.  Bring antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizers and use them often especially after contact with others or touching items that lots of others have touched as well.

Cover your mouth  - Use your bent elbow to catch your coughing and sneezing, not your hands.  Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, this is the easiest way for viruses and bacteria to enter your body. 

Drink lots of fluids - It is easy to become dehydrated during travel, water is best.  Avoid drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine.

Get lots of rest - The stress of travel through airports and negotiating new surrounding and crowds can take its toll on your body.  Make sure you plan a little quiet time each day and get a full nights sleep.

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Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/tips-for-healthy-travel/1

Travel Improves Your Health?

We all "feel" better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true.  Vacations can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic... Two vacations a year can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%. Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health.  Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones - too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip - Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social - making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity - moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third of us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will help you understand the benefits and inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

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Travel Professionals Are Key

I am so happy to work with you and build your travel dreams.  As we continue to work together I am sure you will see the value in working with a travel professional.

• Have Questions? - You know how to reach me after booking your vacation and can avoid the confusing FAQ section on a website.
• Want a more personal vacation?  I can help you plan out your trip day- by -day to give you a good mix of fun and relaxation.
• Know what type of trip you want but not the destination?  I can offer excellent trip advice based on the details of what experiences you want out of your trip.
• Trying to organize a trip for a big group of people?  I am happy to help get all the details finalized and update everyone in your group.

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