Gateway Destinations

DEALING WITH LOST LUGGAGE WHEN FLYING

blog — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:04:33 +0000

If your luggage doesn’t surface when arriving at your final airport destination, go directly to the airline’s office to fill out a lost luggage form. Make sure you obtain a phone number to call for follow up and a tracking number. Having ID on your luggage is a bare minimum, but also some type of unique identifier such as a colored tag or strap will help find it more easily. Be able to give a complete description of your bag and where they can deliver it when found. – better yet, have a photo on your phone!

Ask what compensation is available for replacing lost clothing and toiletries. If your bag is never found (fortunately, a small percentage), make sure you keep receipts to submit for allowable reimbursements through your travel insurance or the airline carrier. Your rights are described under this governmental website, Department of Transportation.

CONSIDER PURCHASING EUROS NOW FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

blog — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:29:48 +0000

After reaching a high of nearly 1.37 conversion in early February, the Euro has continued to decline in value compared to the US dollar. It is currently about 1.30 and historically begins to rise again before summer travel. If you are planning a trip to Europe this spring or summer, you may want to consider purchasing your Euros now.

SUITCASE SECURITY

blog — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:28:04 +0000

Here are some tips to help safeguard your luggage and its contents:

Pack valuable items in your carry-on luggage. If you must check it, take a photo of the contents, make an itemized list and copy your sales receipts, if possible.
Expensive bags are more attractive to thieves so you may want to avoid checking your favorite leather luggage and instead, opt for lesser expensive mainstream luggage.
Remove all prior tags and stickers from your luggage before traveling (except your ID tag) so information from a prior trip doesn’t confuse the baggage handler.
Consider placing a copy of your itinerary and contact information for your first destination inside your bag where it can be easily seen.
Lock your bag with a TSA-approved lock, but keep in mind that this is only a deterrent – they can be removed fairly easily

TIME TO “EAT CROW” / FLIGHTS FOR A CRUISE

blog — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:26:12 +0000

For those of you I have advised to fly in the day before your cruise and those who are contemplating a cruise, a recent trip to Costa Rica reminded me that I need to “practice what I preach.” To save time, I thought I would take an early morning flight through Houston to Costa Rica for my ship departing at 10:00 pm. Little did I suspect that a severe storm would roll into Texas in December canceling all flights in and out of Houston for several hours, resulting in a late arrival into Costa Rica – too late to catch my ship. An effort to save a little travel time, resulted in spending the next two days catching up with my ship in Nicaragua – at my own expense, of course. I’ll make sure and listen to my own advice next time!

MINIMIZING JET LAG

blog — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 05:23:20 +0000

When traveling a long distance by plane, get your vacation off to a good start by taking a few simple precautions to avoid or minimize jet lag. Traveling eastward through multiple time zones tends to be more disruptive to our internal clock. For more details, read this short article, How to Manage Jet Lag, but here are a few tips that help me:

Set your watch to the time at your destination when you leave
Stay well hydrated with water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
Exercise in your seat (ankle circles, knee lifts, etc.) and walk the aisles when possible
Wear an eye shield and use noise canceling earplugs when you need to sleep
Eat light and healthy meals during flight