Travel Safely…5 Important Tips That Will Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable and Safer

Traveling to different countries can be a wonderful experience. You have the opportunity to experience different cultures, sightsee, meet people and enjoy a variety of things that you never could in your own home. However, always remember that safety first when traveling should be your top priority.  You’re on vacation to relax and enjoy your time away, so if an incident should occur, it could ruin your vacation.

When you’re planning your vacation it’s not just the places you should visit but also being aware and prepared for any unforeseen incidences.  Here are some travel safety tips that you should always keep in mind to have a more enjoyable and safer vacation.

Transportation:

Transportation is the first you should consider.  Remember that even when you are still in your own country, airports and bus stations are notorious for pickpockets and robberies. Always keep your important travel items with you at all times.

Upon arrival, make sure that you ask which taxis are safe to ride in. You can verify this with a police officer or from the information desk at the airport. Also, never share taxis with stranger. And, when it comes to public transportation, avoid using it late at night, especially if you are not sure where you are going.  It’s always better to pay extra for a taxi than to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Luggage:

Your luggage should be clearly marked in order to avoid someone taking it by accident. Look around your house for something that you can tie on your handle that would mark it as yours.  Department stores also now sell things that you can Velcro on the handle which will identify the piece as yours.  Although you should not purchase expensive luggage as this is a target for thieves, also avoid purchasing cheap luggage that might break or open in the middle of the airport terminal.  Instead, go for quality pieces and well-known and reputable brands.

Accommodations:

Prior to check-in verify that your hotel is located in a safe area and, if you will be taking public transportation that it is easily within walking distance.  If you have a rental car, verify that the place you will park is well lit. 

Always note the emergency exits and never open your hotel room door to any strangers.  It goes without saying that you must never invite people you just have met in your hotel room. Also, use the hotel room door deadbolt lock and chain whenever you are in your room.

Clothing:

Clothing is another thing that you should consider while traveling.  It’s important that you blend in with the locals and not stand out, looking like a tourist.  Always try to mix with the public in terms of style. Never ever wear  expensive accessories, such as gold necklaces, watches, rings, or other affluent items.

Watch out for pickpockets:

 

Many countries have low violent crime rates but pickpockets and petty thieves are rampant.  Never put anything that you can afford to lose in your pockets or purse. Before you leave home, purchase either a money belt or neck wallet.  Theses are small, inexpensive nylon bag that you can wear close to your body. NEVER store your wallet or money in a fanny pack as this is one of the things that a pickpocket will immediately target.

Avoid using cash as much as possible; always try to use your credit card. And, when it is time for you to pay, keep your eyes on your credit card.

When paying with your credit card, accompany the waiter to the cashier to make sure that your card doesn’t get swiped with a credit card copier.

Vacations should be fun…

Remember these things and you will have a lot of fun on your travels. By keeping safety on your first priority when traveling, you can be sure that you and your travel companions will have a great time during your vacation or your holiday wherever it may be.

Airport Security Checkpoints

Recent years, airport rules have changed.  If you’re planning on flying, you need to be familiar with the rules in order to be safe as well as eliminate long delays.  Although many of the changes have occurred at airport security checkpoints, some take place in baggage claim and curbside check in.  If you are going to catch a flight, it is important that you that you familiarize yourself with any new air travel rules, especially the ones that are enforced at airport security checkpoints.

Although many passengers think of one checkpoint, in reality there are actually three.  The first checkpoint is when you check in.  At this time you check your luggage and show the proper forms of identification. These items most commonly include a passport, driver’s license or a government issued identification card.

Once you’ve received your boarding pass, and checked in your baggage you’ll make your way past the main airport security checkpoint. This point is where you’re required to have your carry on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. Prior to the checkpoint, you’ll need to make put all your liquid in plastic bags and take no more than 3 oz per bottle.  Anymore than 3 oz and your lotions, water, shampoo, makeup, etc. will be confiscated and thrown away.

You also will need to walk through a metal detector.  Currently all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carryon luggage.  If you are carrying a laptop or other electronic devices, you’ll be required to turn it on so it’s checked.

Familiarize yourself, prior to flying, with any banned items, including items that are only prohibited from your carryon luggage.  If you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard it or turn it over to airport security.  The best way to deal with this is to leave all prohibited items at home.

If you are traveling during a busy time, going through the security checkpoint may take an hour or longer.  Be prepared to wait and leave plenty of time ahead of your flight.  There is no rushing or shortcuts through airport security checkpoints.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you’ll go through one more security checkpoint; the final step before boarding. When entering the airport terminal, after your airline as granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  Occasionally you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t usually necessary. Most travelers can easily board their flight. That’s why you should stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage.

By following these simple steps, it will ensure that your next flight is pleasant and uneventful.  Knowing these rules in advance, including the screening process, will ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.

Air Travel For Those With a Disability

Air Travel Rules:  Are They Different For Those With a Disability?

If you plan to fly and you or someone you’re traveling with has a disability, there are a number of different considerations and preparations.  This preparation includes packing your bags for your trip, but it is also includes familiarizing yourself with air travel rules. Although most of the rules are the same, some rules differ for those who have a medical condition or a disability.

The first step in preparing to travel is to alert the airline.  When you make your reservation, inform the airline of any disability or medical condition that you may have. Although this is not required, it may be a good idea, especially if you are traveling with medical equipment.  Extra accommodations will need to be made for while passing through airport security checkpoints, with wheelchairs or mobility scooters.  Learning what you will need to do with these items, ahead of time, is a great way to make your travel plans run as smoothly as possible.

It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the airport screening process.  All travelers, whether disabled or not, need to pass through medical detectors. If you or someone who you know is traveling with medical equipment that will activate the alarms, it’s likely that they’ll be pulled aside for additional screening. This screening should only take a couple of minutes, it will be handled a trained professional who will show compassion when handling someone with a disability.

Unlike most other fliers, who are required to remove their shoes, those with a disability can leave their shoes on.  However, it is important to note that you may be subject to additional screening.  To prevent this additional screening from occurring, you are advised to remove your shoes, if at all possible. If you are unable to, it’s not a big deal since the additional screening often requires just a quick swipe of a metal detector wand.

Most airports have made special arrangements and exceptions for those who with medical conditions, especially if medication is required at a specific time.  For those with medical conditions, they are allowed to keep their medication but are advised to keep the dosages in small amounts.  Due to the current ban on liquids, it is important to have the proper medical identification. This means that you should keep your medication in the original package, with your name clearly marked.  To be allowed through the security checkpoint, the name on the ticket will have to match the name of the prescription bottle. If it does not, there is an excellent possibility that your medication will be confiscated.

By keeping these points in mind, those who may have a medical condition or a disability, should be able to avoid unwanted trouble.  If you’re unsure about a particular screening procedure or have any other questions, contact the airline or the airport prior to your flight.  Planning ahead is the best way to make your next flight a memorable and hassle-free experience.

Air Travel Clothing

Air Travel:  Is the Clothing You Wear Important

When it comes to air travel and clothing, we are all different. Some travelers dress in business suits, others in jeans, and others who wear something as comfortable as possible, such as their sweats or even pajamas. With the increase in airport security and the changes in air travel rules, some people wonder if the clothing they wear is important. In most cases, it is not.

Ever since airplanes became a popular way to travel, there has been a focus on comfort. Whether or not you will be taking a long or a short flight, you want to be comfortable. There’s nothing worse than wearing an itchy sweater or tight pair of pants while flying. Unless you bring a change of clothes with you and place them in your carryon bag, you are out of luck. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about what you’ll be wearing before you leave for the airport. Even if you are traveling for business, you might want to change into your business clothes as soon as you arrive.

When it comes to comfort, many travelers might want to wear sweat pants and a comfortable top. In addition to being comfortable, many times, this type of clothing is best for airport security, especially when entering airport screening checkpoints. This is because most sweat pants do not have any metal in them. Essentially, this means that you should be able to enter the security checkpoint and leave it quicker than most other travelers, such as the travelers who are wearing metal.

When it comes to clothing, there are a number of different items that set off airport metal detectors. That is why you are requested to remove all of your jewelry. As you remove your jewelry, you’ll place it in a small bin, which is scanned right along with your carry-on luggage. If you have rings or a necklace, remove them, if you can. For your convenience, you can leave your earrings on. If your earrings set the metal detectors off, you will likely be pulled a side and airport security should easily tell whether or not your earrings set off the alarm.

In addition to jewelry, your belt might set off an airport’s metal detector. Because of that, many airports request that you remove your belt prior to entering the metal detectors. Since many people wear belts, this will speed up the process of checking each and every passenger. If you do not wish to remove your jewelry or belt, simply leave those items at home.

Recently, new air travel rules have been implemented. One rule requires that all passengers remove their shoes. Your shoes, will be scanned by an x-ray machine, right along with the rest of your carry-on luggage. Prior to 9/11, only random passengers were asked to remove their shoes, but now everyone is required to therefore, wear simple shoes that you can easily remove and put back on.

Another air travel rule, recently implemented, is liquids. This means that travelers are no longer allowed to carry more than 3 oz of liquid through the check point, although once through, they can purchase bottled water or drinks in the airport area. You are also prohibited from placing liquid beauty supplies in your carryon luggage. One concern, made by many women is the allowance of gel or water filled bras. Currently, you are allowed to wear these types of bras onboard an airplane. (Honestly, unless you mention it to airport security, there is a good chance that they would never even know.)

Since there are really no rules or restrictions on the clothing that you can wear, you need to choose for yourself. Fashionable or comfortable, it is all up to you.