Smart Traveling

Spring is here and it is the time of year when many of us travel. Travel safety precautions have changed in the last year. Whether you are traveling locally, or internationally, here are some hints to help you enjoy your trip:

On Foot

While in public, be alert, observant, and walk with a purpose. You want to look as if you know where you are going, even if you don't.

Carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket, or side pants pocket. Women should carry a shoulder bag close to your body with the clasp inward.

In the Air

To avoid security hassles, check in bags you might otherwise have carried on.

Remember, no sharp objects in your carry-on. This includes key chain size pocket knives, tweezers, nail clippers, corkscrews, knitting needles, etc.

Before going through security points, put your wallet, watch, keys and anything else in your pockets, into a zip lock bag inside your carry-on. This will help you avoid any potential delay when you walk through the scanner.

Identify your laptop. Taping a business card to the top is a good idea. Too many people carry the same laptop, which can cause confusion at security check points.

For international travel, make sure you leave a copy of your passport home with a copy of your itinerary. Also, take a copy of your passport with you, just in case you happen to lose the original. It will be much easier to replace if you have a copy.

To minimize jet lag, reset your watch to your destination time, while in flight. Begin eating and sleeping on your new time schedule as soon as possible. Also, get as much sunlight as you can at your destination.

Wear your seat belt all the time. There are dozens of turbulence injuries each year.

On long flights, (over 6 hrs) get up and walk around often. Flex you legs and feet. Rotate shoulders. This is especially important for diabetics and the elderly.

The best way to deal with cancelled flights is to call your travel agent from your cell phone. It is much faster than standing in line at the counter. As an alternative, call the airline frequent flyer 800 number.

At Your Hotel

Ask for a room below the 8th floor. Fire equipment can generally only reach to the 8th floor.

When you check into a hotel, locate the closest fire exit to your room. Know how many doors away from your room it is to the emergency stairs.

Leave the TV on when you leave your room. This will deter intruders.

Always pack a mini drug store. Take Advil, or Tylenol, band aids, Pepto Bismol, cold tablets, Imodium, alcohol swabs, and throat lozenges. These can be priceless when you really need them.

And last but not least:

Don't drink the water! Even in another city, the water is different than what your body is used to. Drink bottled water whenever you travel. Bottled soda, juice, beer and wine are ok as well.

Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your travels, wherever they may take you.