Archive for Travel Tips
Where Would You Like to Travel in 2018? 15 Dec 2017
Not sure where you want to travel next year? I had the pleasure of returning to France several times this year, enjoying a river cruise on the Rhine, exploring Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and visiting the Seychelles Islands and South Africa and am excited about my travels for 2018! Here are just a few ideas for you to consider:
- Croatia (by land & sea)
- South Africa (very diverse – safari, luxury train, vineyards, nature reserve & much more!)
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
- River cruise in Europe (Portugal, France, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and eastern Europe)
- Hotel barge cruising in France (great food & wine!)
- Luxury sailing ship (Mediterranean, Caribbean or South Pacific)
- Luxury biking and/or hiking small-group tours
- Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru
- Alaska (by land or sea)
- Down Under (Australia & New Zealand)
- Fall cruise in New England & eastern Canada
- Exploring World War I history in France
- Villa stay in Italy
- Ireland or Scotland (self-drive, group tour or by private chauffeur)
- Vietnam & Cambodia (river cruise & land journey)
- ???
What is Seat Pitch on a Commercial Airplane? 15 Nov 2017
Have you ever wondered why some airline seats have more legroom between them than others? This is largely affected by seat pitch – the distance from a point on your set to the same point on the seat in front of you. Seat back thickness can also affect the amount of legroom. Seat width also adds to comfort. If you want to check this out before purchasing your ticket, go to Seat Guru to compare.
Mobile Passport Control App 15 Oct 2017
The US Customs and Border Protection recently approved the use of an app called Mobile Passport Control to expedite entry process into the US after traveling abroad. This free app is downloadable to your smartphone or tablet and can be currently used at 24 US airports and Port Everglades in Florida. Once you land, you simply input your specific trip information and answer certain questions thereby replacing completion of the typical Declarations form then look for the specific fast lane for Mobile Passport Control at one of these participating airports: Mobile Passport Control.
Not Showing up for Your Flight Can Have Severe Penalties 15 Sep 2017
Ever just decide to skip one leg of your flight, over sleep, or have car trouble on the way to the airport and miss your flight? If you want to keep the rest of your flights in tact and avoid costly penalties, you MUST contact the airline before your scheduled departure time in order to avoid the ramifications of their No Show policy. Most domestic and international airlines have a No Show policy which allows them to cancel ALL your remaining flights with NO value for re-booking. In addition, most airlines charge a No Show penalty and you are subject to current fares when re-booking your flights.
Can I Still Travel With My Electronics on International Flights? 15 Aug 2017
This question has been a moving target since March, but the Department of Homeland Security announced a new policy for electronics entering the US. As of June 28th, all airlines with inbound flights to the US are required to implement stricter measures for screening carry-on and checked baggage as well as vetting passengers before they board. If they don’t meet the new standards, they are subject to the laptop ban currently in place for nine airlines from eight countries, or even have their airline certificate revoked disallowing entry into the US.
What does this mean to you as the traveler? You should allow more time to go through security at international airports (3 hours) as airports and airlines work through the new procedures. Be prepared to see more bomb-sniffing dogs, have your laptop or tablet checked by an agent and see new scanner equipment.
