5 Easy Tips to Avoid Jet Lag on Long Flights

Crossing time zones confuses the body’s clock because it not only it has to adjust to a new time, but it also has to adjust to new patterns of light and activity. To make matters worse, not all body functions adjust at the same rate. For instance, your sleep/wake cycle might adjust more quickly to the new time zone than your digestion, which may may be on yet another schedule.  Confusing the clock like this causes Read more

How Much Should You Tip Airport Skycaps?

Tipping is a subject of much confusion for domestic and international travelers alike.  Not knowing who, when, and how much to tip can put you in an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation - especially if the proper guideline or protocal is not followed.  One of the first tipping situations a traveler encounters on their trip are airport Skycaps.  Skycaps provide multiple services at the airport and each have different tipping guidelines.

Very commonly, Skycaps will be found outside in the “departing flights” area of the airport.  The assist passengers with removing the baggage out of their cars and also with curbside check-in of those bags.  The rule of thumb here is to tip $1-$2 per bag.  If there is any especially heavy luggage or if expedited handling is necessary, you should tip at least $5.00.    Another area of the airport that you will see Skycaps is at the baggage claim.  Aside from grabbing all of your bags off of the conveyor belt or carosel, they will transport them over to the ground transportation or passenger pick up area.  Again, $1-$2 per bag is customary unless you had unusually heavy or cumbersome items.  If they waited with you for an extended period of time until your transportation arrived, an additional $5 or more would be appropriate.

Finally, Skycaps also assist with wheelchair services.  If you or a family member require wheelchair assistance to your gate, a minimum of $5 is expected and that is actually a bit on the low side.  $10-$20 is more the norm.  Take into account the amount of time the skycap spent from pickup to drop off as your guide.

Remember, the majority of a skycap’s income comes from tips.  Like waiters or waitresses, they make a very minimal hourly wage.  Tipping, while completely voluntary on your part, is how they make their living.  If you’ve received exceptional service, tip accordingly!

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Reduce Your Travel Stress: 5 Tips for Easy Security Screenings

Airport security screenings are an unavoidable part of air travel.  Most of us can recall a time when we’ve seen passengers frustrated and upset.  It is painful to see parents struggling to keep up with their belongings and their children in the screening area .  In reality, it doesn’t have to be that difficult.  If you plan ahead and are efficient, you can breeze right through with no problems at all.  The following 5 tips will help you prepare and plan with ease.

1.  Arrive at the airport with plenty of time.  There is nothing worse than checking in online and then getting to the airport only to see that the security line is wrapped around the terminal.  Give yourself at least an hour once you’ve checked in to get through the screening.  It probably won’t take that long, but it is always best to be on the safe side.  Also, if you’ve booked a one way ticket or your round trip travel consists of 2 one-way flights on different airlines, you may see a red “S” on your boarding pass.  If that is the case, you will be directed to a special security line that will do an enhanced screening on you and your bags.   This may take a few minutes longer than a regular check, so pad in some extra time.

2. Pack for security:  Passengers usually are limited to 2 carry on items.   In the United States as well in many other countries, you are not allowed to carry on liquids or gels in larger than 3 ounce containers unless it is for medicinal purpose.  ALL of your liquids and gels must fit in ONE quart-size zip-top plastic bag.  Check the TSA website for the details.  If at all possible, keep your quart zip-top bag in an easily accessible area of your bag.

3. Dress for security: Shoes must be taken off and put through the x-ray machine.  Wear shoes without laces that are easy to slip off and back on.  Do not wear clunky metal jewelry.  If you do, you will have to spend time removing it as it will usually set off the metal detector.   Opt for clothing that doesn’t require a belt - because again, it will have to be taken off.  Make sure you empty your pockets of loose change, keys and cell phones.  Better yet, don’t put those things in your pockets to begin with.  Store them in a pocket of your carry on that you can easily get to.

4. Prepare to go through the line: Have your photo ID ready.  If you are using a passport as your form of ID, open it to the page that has your picture.  Take the boarding pass out of the paper sleeve.  If you have muliple boarding passes because of connecting flights, only display the one for the current, upcoming flight.  Have your zip-top bag containing the liquids and gels out and ready.  Remove your shoes, empty your pockets and place all items in a tray in preparation for passage through the xray screening.  Laptop computers must be taken out of their case and put on a tray.  All jackets, blazers, coats and hats must be removed.  Keep your boarding pass with you as you pass through the metal detector as the agent will ask to see it as you go through.

5. Be efficient once you’ve passed through screening:  Once you’ve retrieved the trays with your belongings, scoot to the end of the retreival area so you don’t create a bottleneck.  If you’ve planned ahead, you will be then able to easily slip your shoes back on, place your liquids in a front pocket, store your boarding pass and be on your way!

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Meaningful Travel: Teaching English Abroad (TEFL)

Are you seeking an opportunity to travel abroad for an extended period of time? Would you like to have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being a part of another culture as if it were your own?  Teaching English abroad is popular choice for those looking to enhance their travel experience, immerse themselves in the local culture and engage in travel with a purpose.  “Teaching English as a Foreign Language” (TEFL) or “English as a Second Language” (ESL) Read more

5 Tips To Avoid Swollen Feet on Airplanes

It is fairly common to have your feet and ankles swell during long airline flights.  It’s an uncomfortable and sometimes painful side effect of sitting for long periods in a cramped airplane seat.  The swelling or edema is caused Read more

How to Find a Reputable Travel Agent

In today’s technology-filled world, we have easy access to all kinds of information.  We’re able to research, compare, and book travel right in the comfort of our own home.  In the past, we relied solely on travel agents to find the “right” flight, the perfect hotel or the deepest discount for us.  I doesn’t seem that long ago that I would drive to the travel agency to pick up my “paper” airline tickets.  So, the question is, with all of this information so readily available, has the role of the travel agent become obsolete? Read more

Cruise Ship Activities for Seniors…More Than Just a Stroll Around the Deck!

Does a week or two at sea, onboard a cruise ship, sound a little too pedestrian for you?  Are you afraid boredom will set in, and then the pounds will pack on as you spend your days partaking in an endless array of foods offered non-stop during the cruise?

Well, it could be that way, but today’s cruise ship gurus are smarter than that.  They know today’s seniors are an active lot, generally speaking, and they know senior cruisers expect to be active.  So, as long as you are willing to leave your stateroom, you will find many engaging activities, from the sedate to the vigorous.

Here’s a sampling:

Golf Clinics:  Many of the big ships employ golf pros who will assist you with perfecting your swing.  Many have their own driving ranges, too.

Morning Jogs:   Most ships have open air jogging tracks that run the length of the ship.

Gym Workouts:  Like good hotels, the bigger ships have excellent gym facilities.  Remember, like any popular gym, there are traffic jams.  It’s better to book your time on the treadmill.

Shore Excursions:  Besides the fun of exploring a new environment, it is easy to walk in excess of 10,000 steps during a day in port.  In addition, some shore excursions are extreme adventures - everything from zip lining through the jungle to cave exploration.  Even the less-adventurous excursions, like a guided tour of ruins, or a new city will entail a lot of walking.

Swimming:  Most ships have several pools, including lap pools and “swim against the current” pools.  Many ships put some of their pools off limits to kids, so adults won’t be bothered by noise and splashing.

Exotic Activities:  Wall-climbing?  Ice-skating?  Skeet shooting?  Yes, you’ll find these activities onboard some ships, too.

Less Physical Activities:  Card games, board game tournaments, reading, educational lectures, movies, pool parties, scavenger hunts, trivia games, dance lessons, wine tasting.  Every cruise ship offers some form of these less taxing activities, including arts and crafts sessions.  Just go to the cruise ship’s web site, and click on onboard activities to see a complete list of that ship’s offerings.

If those activities don’t do it for you, there are always the bars, the nightclubs, the spa, the boutiques, and the casino.  However, the only thing that’ll get exercise in those places is your wallet.

Get more information on cruise activities for active seniors by clicking here for an article by Sheree Zielke.

Find the best cruise deals here!

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5 Tips to Avoid Sea Sickness on a Cruise

Does just the thought of seasickness make you nauseous?  If you have ever been the victim of motion sickness, then you already know how awful the symptoms of seasickness can be.  From the thick head, to the rolling stomach, to the endless retching, seasickness may well be a very good excuse not to travel, not to ride anything that moves, including cars, planes, ships, and swaying donkeys.  But the possibility of getting seasick is not a good reason to keep you at home, or on the shore, because most instances of seasickness can be avoided if you prepare in advance. 

Tips for preventing seasickness:

1.       Anti-motion sickness drugs.  These tiny pills come under a variety of names.  They key to their effective use is that they MUST be taken at least an hour in advance of travel.  Otherwise, they are useless.  Side effects include extreme drowsiness.

2.       Anti-motion sickness wristbands.  These elasticized armbands (sold in drug and department stores) come equipped with tiny plastic buttons, that, when appropriately positioned on a wrist, work with acupressure points to subdue seasickness episodes.  They are pulled on and off with ease; they are convenient to carry in baggage; and they work.  The only downside is that they can be very tight.

3.       Anti-motion sickness patches.  These drug-laden patches seem the perfect answer for some, but for others their side effects are not worth the benefits.  Children must NEVER wear these anti-seasickness patches.

4.       Natural anti-motion sickness alternatives.  Holistic preventative seasickness measures include ginger gum and herbal oils.  These are the perfect alternative for those who don’t care to fill their bodies with chemicals.

5.       Seasickness drugs.  Yes, there are pills and shots that can be taken after the symptoms of seasickness grab hold, but a sufferer must still experience the horrible effects, at least for a while.  It’s far better to not get seasick at all.

For more in-depth information, read the complete article How to Avoid Seasickness by Sheree Zielke. 

Technorati Tags: seasickess, motion sickness, seasickness on cruises, motion sickness on cruises, avoiding seasickness

Traveling With Prescriptions Overseas - Avoid Costly Mistakes

If you currently take a prescription medication and are planning on a trip overseas there are some important things you should know and address before you leave on your trip.  Many people make the mistake of not planning ahead only to discover later that they are faced with complicated (and very expensive) measures to fill a prescription overseas: all because they didn’t plan ahead or plan for the unexpected.

The first thing to consider is the most obvious, fill your prescriptions BEFORE you go and ensure that you have an adequate supply to last the entire trip PLUS a few extra day’s worth.   ALWAYS take a letter from your doctor describing your medical condition and the prescribed medication as well as any generic names for your  medications.  Carry this with you and leave a copy in a secured place back at the hotel   Although it may be more convenient to carry your pills in a travel container, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you carry the medication in the original, clearly labeled container. Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting to make sure that none of your medications are considered to be illegal narcotics in that country.

Many insurance providers and prescription plans will allow the subscriber to refill their prescriptions for greater than normal amount.  For example, if your usual refill gives you a 30 day supply of medication, you may be able instead to fill it with a 60 or 90 day supply if you can prove that you will be traveling for that period of time 

Always take your medications in your carry-on bags while in transit.  However, once at your destination, it is a good idea to keep a few pills with you on your person and then the remainder in a secured location back at the hotel.  Should you lose or have your purse or bag stolen, you will still have a backup supply readily available. 

In the event that you do have to fill a prescription while out of the country, always check with your insurance provider beforehand to verify exactly what (if any) your coverage is.  Medicare DOES NOT provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the U.S.A.  Most insurance providers in fact, provide no coverage outside of the country.  This could be a HUGE expense and most countries, like the United States, require a visit to the doctor before they will prescribe ABY medications.  The best safeguard is to purchase travel insurance.  Travel insurance is fairly inexpensive and there are a variety of options as far as medical, emergencies and prescriptions along with the typical coverage for trip delays, cancellations and lost baggage. For more information, read our article at www.smartseniortravel.com/travel-insurance/.

Technorati Tags: prescriptions overseas, filling prescriptions, travel insurance

Attack of The Killer Fees!

With the rising cost of fuel, the airlines are trying to keep themselves afloat without raising airfares across the board. That can make travel difficult if you’re in the dark about whether or not your airline of choice is charging for services that most travelers take for granted. With some research and preplanning, you should be able to limit your “fee surprises”. Here are some of the fees you may be charged before you even get to the airport:

 

Booking fees

Potential cost: $5 to $25.

Some airlines are instituting a booking charge of $10 to $25 if you want to make a reservation any way but through the airline’s Web site. If you call the airline, most charge you at least $15 per ticket for phone reservations. You can also expect to pay $5 to $15 per ticket on sites such as Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity for securing your reservation. The best way to avoid these fees is to use travel comparison and booking sites to shop around, but make your arrangements through an airline’s Web site. It’s the best way to get a fee-free booking.

 

Pick-your-seat fees

Potential cost: $15 to $299.

When flying coach, everyone wants extra legroom. A subscription to United Airlines’ Economy Plus charges $299 annually for a subscription, which gets you and a traveling companion seats with 5 inches of extra legroom whenever available. On Northwest, booking an exit-row seat costs $15 extra, while American charges consumers who didn’t book directly through the airline a $15 fee to change their seats. Make sure to look for these hidden fees when picking your seat.

 

Fuel fees

Potential cost: $14 to $70.

Airlines are passing along their increased fuel costs to their customers. British Airways has increased its fuel surcharges by $6, to $70 for flights longer than nine hours, and $66 for shorter flights. Air France followed suit, announcing it would double its fuel surcharge (to $13.53 per segment) until the price of oil dropped below $65 per barrel for 30 consecutive days. The best way to compare prices for your international flight is on the airline’s U.S. site.  Airlines are required, per U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, to include any fuel surcharges in the base price. You won’t be able to avoid the fee, but you will be able to judge the fares on a level playing field.

 

 

Fees for redeeming freebies (frequent flier miles included)

Potential cost: $15 to $300.

If you plan to cash in those “free” tickets you earned, you should be prepared to pay for the privilege. Northwest Airlines charges $50 for last-minute reward ticket redemptions, while American charges a $150 to $300 surcharge when consumers use miles to upgrade a coach ticket they purchased for less than the full fare. In addition, reward travel can rarely be booked online, and vouchers never can. You are forced to use the phone and call in to an agent for help,” he says. Then you’re right back to Fee No. 1: a $15 to $25 charge from most airlines for booking over the phone. To help limit these fees, make sure to read the fee fine print before you book reward travel to make sure you know up front what you will be expected to pay. You should compare the cost of redeeming the voucher with what the same flight would cost if you bought it outright.

 

Yes, it DOES seem like every time we book travel, whether it’s airfare, hotel or rental cars, we are bombarded with hidden fees, taxes and surcharges.  Our only defense is to do your homework, ask questions and read the fine print before you hand over the credit card.

 

Stay tuned for our next installment of “Attack of the Killer Fees” and learn about the fees charges you can expect once at the airport or in the air.  Sign up for our newsletter at www.smartseniortravel.com to receive this informative and potentially money saving article.

 

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