Archive for Travel Tips
Avoid Getting a Cold or Flu on an Airplane 15 Jan 2020
With cold and flu season here, here are a couple of simple tips to use when flying commercially to minimize your risk of getting sick:
- Stay hydrated – drink 8 oz. of water per hour
- Wash hands often – use soap and hand sanitizer
- Avoid using the tray table or restroom on short flights (otherwise, wipe down with sanitizer)
- Avoid touching your face (especially nose, mouth & eyes)
- Choose a window seat as less traffic moves around you who may be sick
- Keep air vent open (but dress warmly!)
- Load up on Vitamin C & consider adding a Zinc supplement and probiotic
- Consider wearing a mask (especially if your neighbor is sick)
Stay healthy and Bon Voyage!
What Should You Do in Case of Flight Delays Due to Weather? 15 Dec 2019
As we know, Mother Nature can disrupt our travel plans especially if flights are involved. Being “in the know” is your best defense.
- Check the weather in your destination AND en route (e.g. connecting airports) starting several days before you depart.
- Sign up for your airline’s notifications (text or email) and download their app so you will be notified immediately in case of a flight delay or cancellation. Some airlines will automatically reschedule you or offer you an earlier, later, or a different route to avoid the weather problem, which may be able to be done on their website or mobile app avoiding a lengthy attempt by phone.
- If taking the trip is not critical, you may want to consider cancelling it if your flight is disrupted and instead, taking the airline’s full refund which they are obligated to do.
How Far in Advance Should I Make Travel Plans? 15 Nov 2019
I often get this question and have to say that it varies with your destination and travel dates but the quick answer is well in advance, especially if you are traveling to Europe. Demand for Europe is at an all-time high so preferred hotel and cruise space fills up quickly. Consider at least one year in advance and up to two years for a river cruise to obtain the best pricing and desired cabin location. Popular ocean cruises should be reserved 8 – 10 months in advance for best pricing. If a better price comes along later, rest assured I will be notified through my Cruise Tracking program and will reach out to the cruise line to request that this savings be extended to you.
Flights can’t be purchased until 11 months before travel and pricing can vary considerably based on the time of year and week (and other factors). Rule of thumb is if you find a good price for your flight, buy it because it will likely increase!
Do You Need CLEAR or TSA Pre-Check, or Both? 15 Oct 2019
Have you been noticing CLEAR being promoted in your airport lately and wondering what it is all about? It is simply a way to expedite confirming your identity and may be handy for frequent air travelers but it comes with a hefty price tag – $179 per year. It does NOT replace TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry but can be used in conjunction with either one. Simply go through the CLEAR line first and have your identity checked biometrically (fingerprint or iris scan), then go to the front of the regular security line or TSA Pre-Check line (if you also have this service as it will read it on your boarding pass). There is no need to show your driver’s license or passport during this process.
What is Signature Travel Network? 15 Sep 2019
Gateway Destinations has appreciated its affiliation with Signature Travel Network since its inception in January 2007. But what are the benefits to you as a traveler? Here are just a few…
- Offer over 1,000 premium and luxury accommodations worldwide that have been personally visited and approved by an STN executive – include daily breakfast, complimentary room upgrade and early check-in/late check-out upon availability, and at least one additional value-added amenity.
- Collection of vetted and financially stable Destination Specialists and Tour Operators offering expertise in all destinations and types of travel.
- Highly competitive cruise pricing and Signature Travel amenities included on many sailings as well as “Cruise Track” service to watch for subsequent promotions after booking.
- Informative travel information on a complimentary basis such as The Travel Magazine, Ultimate Experiences and Ultimate Values online magazines.
What does all of this mean to you? Peace of mind that you are in good hands!
