Romantica Blog: Travel Tips

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Travel Tips

1 comment:

Aldo said...: LUGGAGE:

Luggage allocations and the permissibility of certain items are under the jurisdiction of individual airlines. Excess baggage charges can be very costly and are at your own expense, so consult your Passenger Services Representative to learn which regulations govern your trip.

Experienced travelers try to limit their luggage to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person. If you have a travel companion and you plan to take more than one suitcase, share suitcase space so that if one bag goes astray, you'll both still have several changes of clothes. Remember that by packing compactly and using fewer pieces of luggage, you will reduce traveling concerns and have greater mobility. In the event that you have to carry your own luggage, if only for a while, you'll be able to do so with relative ease.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Multiple use is the key, and every item you pack should mix and match in several different ways or serve more than one purpose. For example, pack a robe that can double as a beach cover-up. If you can wear something only once or in only one way, leave it at home.

Avoid bulky or heavy garments that occupy a lot of luggage space. Take clothes that can be worn in layers and added or removed as the weather changes. Layers trap air and insulate; a T-shirt or turtle neck under a shirt, topped by a sweater, then a blazer and a lined raincoat are very warm.

Try to restrict your clothing choices to garments made from crease-resistant and permanent-press fabrics that can be hand-laundered. This permits you to carry fewer items and avoid dry cleaning bills.

Pack a comfortable pair of weatherproof walking shoes – preferably a pair that has been well broken-in as opposed to a new, stiff pair that may cause blisters or abrasions. Sometimes, even a familiar pair of shoes can become temperamental when worn in excess of their normal usage. It’s a good idea to pack soft, thick socks and some moleskin (found in the foot care aisle of your supermarket), or adhesive bandages.

Most important, all your travel clothes, especially your shoes, should be previously worn and comfortable. Well broken-in shoes with a low, wide heel are most comfortable for walking. Try everything on before departure day to ensure that all coordinate, fit well, and are in good repair.

HOW TO PACK:

Place shoes, books and other heavy items near to the suitcase hinges to prevent them from crushing clothes when the suitcase is upright. Pack belts, film or other small items inside shoes to help them retain their shape, then place shoes in a plastic or cloth bag to keep them from soiling your clothes.

Fold your clothes along creases and natural curves, as few times as possible. Wrap each item in tissue paper to prevent wrinkling and put extra tissue between garments to further protect clothes. Zip skirts and slacks, button jackets, dresses and tops. Sleeves should be folded to the back of the garment, then, depending upon the length of the item, fold it once (at the centre or waist) or twice (at the bottom and again at the centre). A roll of socks will help a neckline keep its shape.

Pack items to be worn together (such as slacks and a matching jacket), next to each other in the suitcase. Clothes and nightwear that will be needed immediately on arrival should be placed at the top of the case, to be readily available when you arrive at your destination.

Put large and heavy garments in the bottom of the suitcase, and place the bulkiest part of each garment (waistbands and collars) nearest the outside of the suitcase. Alternate the direction that clothes face in order to more evenly distribute bulk along all sides of the bag.

Undergarments, pyjamas and bathing attire can be folded in thirds and rolled to fill up any spaces. The rolled clothes will cushion other items and prevent shifting.

If an item of clothing becomes crumpled during your trip, hang it in the bathroom at your destination and allow the steam from the shower to remove wrinkles.

Transfer all grooming aids and cosmetics from glass into lightweight, unbreakable, plastic containers, or purchase these items in travel-sized packs. Be sure to take only as much as you'll need. Avoid packing aerosols and, as an extra precaution, put all toiletries in plastic bags to prevent leakage onto your clothes.

If you use prescription medicines, bring an adequate supply and pack them in your carry-on luggage in their clearly marked containers. This will identify them as legally obtained drugs and avoid possible customs delays.

Do not pack cigarette lighters, matches, butane curling irons or replacement cartridges - these are considered "hazardous materials– by the airlines and are not allowed on board.

Similarly, anything valuable or items you “can't live without” should go in your carry-on bag.

Your passport, visa and travel funds should be on your person at all times.

Pack some of your traveling companion's clothes in your bag and visa versa. In the event that one of your bags is lost or misrouted, you will still have a change of clothes in the interim.

Finally, leave some room in your suitcase for the inevitable souvenirs you'll collect during your travels, or take along a fold-up tote bag to use on the return leg of your journey. If you pack souvenirs in a separate bag, all items will be easily accessible when you clear customs.

DOCUMENTATION:

Make a detailed list of all items that you've packed. Make two photocopies. Leave one copy at home with a relative or neighbor; take the other with you in your carry-on bag with your important travel documents.

Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one at home with a relative or neighbor; take the other with you in your carry-on bag with your important travel documents.

You may not need to refer to these photocopies again during your trip, but in the event of lost or stolen bag or passport, the few minutes you spend on this preparatory effort will pay off in time saved, if you need to fill out a lost baggage report or file for a passport replacement.

Place a photocopy of your itinerary and a card with your name and your addresses in North America and your destination abroad, INSIDE your luggage. Also, carry an extra set of luggage keys, perhaps in the care of your traveling companion. If your luggage does not have a built-in lock system, invest in a small padlock and a luggage strap.

FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY:

A good selection of camera equipment and film is readily available abroad. Film is less expensive in Canada and the U.S., however, so it is advisable to purchase film before you leave. Don’t forget to equip your camera, flash and video camera with new batteries.

For your peace of mind, plan to carry all of your camera equipment and film in your carry-on bag. You may wish to purchase a "Film Safe” bag sold at most photographic supply stores, to transport precious exposed film as hand inspection at X-ray security check points is discouraged by airport personnel. If you do so, however, expect that your carry-on bag is likely to be inspected at security check points in the airport as a "Film Safe– bag shows up on X-ray terminals as a questionable opaque object.

INSURANCE:

You are strongly advised to secure travel insurance for your own protection. Also, your personal health insurance should be valid worldwide. If it is not, you will need to purchase additional Health/Accident travel insurance coverage. Without proof of insurance, some doctors and hospitals overseas require payment in advance of treatment. Please be sure you have adequate baggage insurance; this is a personal item and loss or damage is not covered by the cost of your trip.

MEDICATIONS:

It is recommended that you take an adequate supply of any prescription medicines you use regularly to last throughout your trip. Carry them in the original containers to identify them as legally obtained drugs and pack them in your carry-on bag.

To guard against complications in the event of loss, pack duplicate prescriptions for a generic equivalent of any regular medications as well as your eyeglasses.

It is a wise idea to carry telephone numbers of immediate family members or emergency contacts as well as your physician's name, office address and telephone number.

JET LAG:

Jet lag is defined as a delay of bodily functions following a rapid change of time zones. Your body maintains its habitual biorhythms according to the accustomed time zone at home. Your sleep is disturbed, you feel tired and your digestive processes do not function on their normal schedules. You feel a need for sleep during the day, and you wake up hungry in the middle of the night. The effects of jet lag differ, depending on which direction you are flying: travelers flying eastwards are inclined to sleep late in the morning and are able to stay up later at night. Travelers flying west will experience the opposite.

The following suggestions will help minimize the physical effects of jet lag for those first few days of your trip:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
For a few days preceding the flight, try going to bed earlier at night and getting up earlier in the morning to help your body acclimate to the time zone of your destination.
• Avoid eating large meals and any fatty foods
• Cut down on your intake of alcohol, coffee and tea, as they dehydrate the body
• Exercise to stimulate your circulation
• Keep your skin well moistened with body lotion

ON THE AIRPLANE
• Wear loose, comfortable, layered clothing that you can sleep in. Pick up a pillow and blanket as you board the aircraft
• Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration
• Avoid red meat, fatty sauces and creams, alcohol and caffeinated beverages
• Eat low-fat foods, a lot of fruit and vegetables in order to keep your metabolic rate at a high level
• Take your shoes off and put on a pair of warm socks. Try to elevate your feet, perhaps by resting them on your carry-on bag
• Put on your headset and select a soothing music channel on the audio program
• Try to sleep as soon as possible after the meal service, and for as long as possible (Despite the temptation, opt to avoid watching the in-flight movie.)

UPON ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION
• Try to adapt to the new time zone and the routine of the day. If possible, ignore the urge to take a long nap. If you simply must lie down, do so for only 30 minutes. A short nap really does compensate for lost sleep. As a matter of fact, in a state of sleep deprivation, following the first 4 minutes of sleep, a 30 minute nap can make up for about two hours worth of deep sleep. If you sleep longer than 30 minutes, you'll get a sluggish feeling that will be even harder to overcome for the rest of the day!
• Go outdoors in the sunshine or fresh air as soon as possible. Take a short walk or engage in some exercise
• Try to stay up until a normal bedtime for your new time zone.

THE NEXT DAY
• Get up at a normal waking time for your new time zone
• Don't skip breakfast and include coffee and/or tea
• If you need to nap in the afternoon, again, take only 30 minutes

If you've taken every measure to combat the effects of jet lag and after the first full day, your body still seems to be slow to recover, don't despair. It's perfectly natural. The body takes one day to adjust to every time zone that has been crossed.

REGIONAL TIPPING TIPS

Asia/the Pacific: Special care must be taken to ensure that your well-meaning gesture is not taken as insulting. If you are unsure, it is best not to tip. If possible, observe the locals and follow their lead.

EUROPE: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill. In most cases, an additional tip is unnecessary. If no service charge is added to your bill, 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, and $1 per bag for a hotel porter.

Middle East/Africa: While your tip will not be seen as insulting, it may be unnecessary. Once again, the best bet is to do as the locals do.

Central/South America: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill, and an additional tip is unnecessary. If not, 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, and the equivalent of $1 per bag for a porter.

ITALY/FRANCE TIPPING GUIDE:

Italy Restaurant: service is usually included – 5% to 10% is a nice tip
Porterage: $1 per bag
Taxi: Round up
Private transfers: from 5 euro
Private driver half day: from 15 euro
Private driver full day: from 25 euro
Private guide half day: from 15 euro
Private guide full day: from 25 euro

France Restaurant: service is usually included - 5% to 10% is a nice tip
Porterage: $1 per bag
Taxi: Round up
Private transfers: from 5 euro
Private driver half day: from 15 euro
Private driver full day: from 25 euro
Private guide half day: from 15 euro
Private guide full day: from 25 euro; October 09, 2007

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