Tips for Carefree Travel Archive

June 2008 - Medication or Liquids on Flight Travel

Requirements vary somewhat from country to country regarding carry-on medication and liquids during air travel. Always check with your airlines before you pack to find out the requirements for all countries you will be traveling through, (their websites will have this information). Typically, small containers of baby food, formula, breast milk or liquid medication may be carried on if traveling with a small child. Other liquids, such as toiletry items, must not exceed 3.4 ounces each and be placed in ONE (per person) clear zip-locked bag (maximum quart-size for US travel or liter-size for most foreign travel). Medications should be kept in their original containers. You can always bring an empty day-by-day pill sorter to fill once you arrive at your destination.
 

May 2008 - Checking Luggage

Not only is it more difficult to carry luggage onto commercial flights with the heightened security measures, it is now becoming more expensive to bring much luggage at all. In addition to luggage weight restrictions, several airlines have started to charge passengers for checking more than one bag. Starting May 1, 2008, Delta began charging most coach passengers $25 per checked bag (exceeding one) when checking in. This is undoubtedly an effort to reduce weight in order to save fuel costs. Packing less will not only simplify your travel, but may save you money as well!
 

April 2008 - Expediting Airport Security Checks

By now, everyone knows that liquids need to be kept to a minimum in any carry-on luggage when flying – no more than 3 oz. per item. Also, remember these bottles must be placed together in ONE QUART-sized plastic bag, and the bag must be removed and put through the x-ray machine separately. A few other helpful tips to speed up getting through security and minimizing your chance of a secondary screening by an agent include: avoid wearing a hat or excess jewelry, place your coat in your carry-on bag, wear slip-on shoes, and remember to remove any laptop from its case and place in the screening bin by itself.
 

March 2008 - Locking Luggage

Make sure you use only TSA-approved locks for your luggage. Otherwise, you may find your lock destroyed or experience a delay at check-in. TSA-approved locks are readily available at all luggage stores and many airport book stores.
 

February 2008 - Flight Check-In

Save yourself some time and increase your chance of getting the seat you want on your flights by checking in on-line 24 hours before departure. Many airlines now allow this – simply go to their individual website. You will need your confirmation number from your E-ticket reservation. Many airlines will give you the option to select or change your seat at that time, even reserving the coveted exit row seats in some cases.
 

January 2008 - ID for US Air Travel

Don’t get turned away at a U.S. airport for not having proper identification. As you probably already know, all U.S. airlines are now much stricter in their identification requirements. A government issued photo ID of some sort that is not expired (e.g.–state-issued driver’s license) is the best form of identification and will suffice. If you don’t have that available, then TWO forms of other ID will be required, one of which must be issued by a government office (e.g.– social security card or voter’s registration card). From recent personal experience, I was reminded of needing two forms of other ID when my driver’s license was lost while traveling. If you have a valid passport, you can, of course, show that but you may not want to carry that for domestic travel to avoid it getting lost or stolen.
 

December 2007 - Checking Weather Before Your Trip

An easy-to-read website for quickly checking the weather before your travel to anywhere in the world is www.worldweather.org. It not only gives you a several day forecast, but year-round mean temperatures and precipitation which may help in making travel plans.
 

November 2007 - Credit Card Charges

When traveling abroad make sure you notify your credit card company(s) in advance where and when you will be traveling. In an effort to reduce fraudulent charges, you may find your charges denied, or you may be required to speak with your company before completing a charge which can be frustrating and embarrassing. Also, make a copy of your credit cards (both sides) and put in a safe place before you depart in case they are lost or stolen.
 

October 2007 - Lost Luggage

Lost luggage unfortunately happens. In addition to having travel insurance to cover the cost of most or all of your contents, consider putting one change of clothes in a fellow traveler’s suitcase and vice versa – better yet, in your carry-on bag. This can help ease the inconvenience when you arrive at your destination without your luggage.
 

September 2007 - Travel Wardrobe

Traveling light will help ease travel through airports, train stations and hotels. The key is to keep your wardrobe simple. Here are some basic suggestions to minimize your packing:
• Choose one or two basic neutral colors as the foundation for all your outfits
• Wear each item several times during your trip, so choose wrinkle resistant, hand washable and quick drying items
• Pack more blouses or shirts than bottoms (pants or skirts) as they are lighter, take up less room and easier to launder
• Choose synthetic and lightweight fabrics over natural as they are lighter weight and dry quicker
• Wear your coat and heavier clothing (sweater, heavy shoes) to the airport and use your pockets for storage
• Be comfortable! Select stretchable fabrics and styles that are more stain and wrinkle resistant – especially while traveling long durations

August 2007 - Registering with U.S. Department of State for foreign travel

Did you know that you can register your foreign travel with the U.S. Department of State? This is a free service and takes only a few minutes. This serves two purposes: family members can reach you in case of an emergency at home, and the nearest U.S. consulate office is there to help you in case of an emergency while traveling. Go to https://travelregistration.state.gov for more information and to register.
 

July 2007 - Passport Requirements

Planning to do international travel, including Canada or Mexico in the near future? Passports are now required for ALL international air travel, although proof of your passport application may suffice for travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. A passport is also highly recommended yet not required until January 1, 2008 for cruise travel to these same areas even though you are departing and returning to a US port (in case an emergency causes you to need to fly home). Currently, it is taking the U.S. Department of State approximately 3 months to process a new application or renewal that is submitted by mail or in person. Expedited service (extra fee plus overnight delivery charges) is currently taking about 3 weeks so plan accordingly. To save time, you can make an in-person application versus mailing in your application. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for up-to-date information and a nationwide list of passport acceptance facilities – typically, you will need to call and make an appointment. In Tucson, a good source is located at the University of Arizona, 1128 E. Mabel, 520-626-7161.