These 5 easy tips will show you how to avoid jet lag on long flights.

1. Stay Hydrated- Keeping hydrated is one of the most important parts of avoiding jet lag. The humidity in the aircraft hovers around 15%.  That is drier than most deserts.   Drinking 8 oz. every hour only replaces the cup of water you’re losing from your skin surface.  The Rule of thumb: Drink even if you don’t feel thirsty.  Unless you’re flying first class, bring a few of your own bottles of water on board with you.  You may have to pay the inflated airport concourse price for them but you will be assured that you have ample amounts fresh water available to you throughout your flight.
2. Avoid Alcohol - Because of altitude, pressurization and dehydration, one drink during your flight has the alcoholic equivalent of nearly two and a half on the ground.  Not to mention that alcohol  affects the body clock by not giving you a full and refreshing sleep.
3. Begin adjusting to the new time zone BEFORE you take off. Once on board the plane, immediately adjust your watch to you destination’s time.  For example, let’s say that you are flying from Bangkok to Paris, then when you board the plane you should set your clock to Paris time and try not to sleep until it is close to sleeping time in Paris.
4. Eat sensibly on the flight- Only eat if you are hungry and not just because you are bored.  Light meals, or even better yet, healthy meal choices and snacks that you’ve brought on board will digest better than the reheated, twice cooked food found on most coach flights.  Going back to Tip #3, adjust your meal schedule to the destination time zone once you are onboard. 
5. Do Not Sleep or Nap Once You Land - This is the most important, if not the most difficult rule to adhere to.  Stay up until at least 11 p.m. local time.  If you give in to the temptation to take that 4 p.m. nap, no one will see you for three days — and that includes YOU!  You will never adjust.  Almost inevitably, you’ll feel sleepy around 2 p.m. on the first arrival day. Don’t eat a heavy meal. Stand up. Take a walk.  Get some fresh air and sunlight, but do not take that nap.  You will probably average about five hours of sleep.  But the second night, again staying up until 11 p.m., you will sleep your normal cycle.

There are over-the-counter, homeopathic remedies to relieve jet lag (see below).  Some people swear by them, others don’t find them effective.  Since they are inexpensive and easy to pack, it may be helpful to bring them along just in case.  There is nothing more frustrating than missing out on the first day or two of your trip because you were too exhausted and jet lagged to get out and enjoy your new surroundings.  Travel smart, follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be able to adjust quickly to your destination’s local time!

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5 Easy Tips to Avoid Jet Lag on Long Flights

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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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How Much Should You Tip Airport Skycaps?

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The question to our readers is this:  Will YOU pay an extra $50, and potentially $100 for a round trip ticket to have that extra bag?  Will you just go with our or would you consider shipping your items ahead of time using USP or the U.S. Postal Service?   Let us know what YOU think by leaving us your comments.

What say you?

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United Airlines Doubling Fee for Second Checked Bag

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Our Top 10 Picks are:

1. The Georgia Aquarium - The largest in the world with over 8 million gallons of water and more animals than any other Aquarium!  Located in downtown Atlanta.
2. Centennial Olympic Park - Originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, this public park offers weekly free concerts, a dancing water fountain for the kids and a memorial quilt in remembrance of the victims of the 1996 Olympic bombing. 
3. World of Coca-Cola - A fun and interactive attraction.  Learn the history of Coca-Cola and how it has evolved to the global brand that it is today.  Shop the gift shop and best of all, get to taste all of the different variations of Coca-Cola and it’s brands from all over the world.
4. Inside CNN Studion Tour - This tour treats visitors to a behind-the scenes look at the live newsrooms in action.  It also features history and trivia as well as interactive exhibits that you in the control room and at the anchor desk of your own television newscast.
5. Martin Luther King National Historic Site - Is actually 3 main sites.  Start at the visitor center and then work your way around to the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and then memorial site where he is buried.
6. Buckhead area Shops and Restaurants - A very established and upscale area of Atlanta.  Beautiful homes on tree-lined, winding streets.  Fantastic shopping and great restaurant and nightspots.
7. Piedmont Park & The Atlanta Botanical Gardens - This 185-acre park, also home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and to many summer festivals and outdoor concerts. 
8. Fox Theater - “The Fox” has been recently restored to its original gilded look of the 1920s;  complete with  ”Mighty Mo,” a classic Moller organ with over 3,600 pipes.  Check listings as the theatre frequently hosts Broadway musicals, comedy shows and dance companies throughout the year.
9. Stone Mountain - Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities.  Take a skyride to the tope of Stone Mountain and get a close up look of the carving on the side of the mountain.  Lots of festivals and activities suitable for all ages.  Stone Mountain is open year-round, but attraction hours vary by season
10. Margaret Mitchell House and Museum -The famed author of “Gone with the Wind”, Margaret Mitchell was born in an apartment in this turn-of-the-century Tudor Revival mansion. The home is now a on the National Register of Historic Places, and offers visitors a 90-minute guided tour that tells the story of the author, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book and the making of the movie.

Technorati Tags: Top Things to do in Atlanta, Visiting Atlanta, Atlanta Attractions, The Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Tour, Martin Luther King Historic Site, Buckhead, Piedmont Park, Altanta Botanical Gardens, Fox Theater, Stone Mountain, Margaret Mitchell House and Museum

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Visiting Atlanta - The Top 10 Attractions

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Lonley Planet, will give you a FREE book when you spend $40 at their online store. The Lonlely Planet shop has travel gear, and even language and phrase guides. They offer a HUGE selection of City and Destination guides that run the range from the popular “Paris” to off the beaten path, such as “East Timor”. Shipping is free as too!  Hurry though, this sale ends on October 31st!

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**Extended Thru October**FREE Guide Book at LonelyPlanet.com

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In order to take advantage of this sale, please note the following:

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Click below to check availabilty and pricing
 

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Save 20% on Weekend Stays at Marriott through Dec 21st

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Singapore is known for its cultural and religious diversity stemming from it’s unique history.  In 1819, Sir Thomas Raffles signed an agreement with a local Malay ruler that enabled the East India Company to establish a trading post at Singapore.  Before the British arrived, Singapore had been a prime trading base successively controlled by kingdoms such as Sumatra, Java, Siam and Malacca.  Even with this multicultural heritage, modern-day Singaporeans of different ethnicities live together harmoniously and celebrate a variety of colorful festivals throughout the year.  Be aware that many of these festivals follow the lunar calendar, so always check with the Singapore Tourism Board for the exact dates.

Festivals:

If visiting Singapore in January or February, the 2-week festival celebrating Chinese New Year can’t be missed.  Chinatown is decorated with bright lights; and red, the color of good luck, is everywhere.  During Chinese New Year, the Chingay Parade, (a Chinese version of Mardi Gras) travels down Orchard Road.  Later in June, both the Singapore Festival of the Arts and the famed Dragon Boat Festival and Race are must-sees.  Hindus celebrate Deepavali in October or November.  Little India is alive with decorations and lights as Hindus mark Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.  A triumph of good over evil.

Top Attractions:

Raffles Hotel: A beautiful and historic landmark consisting of an arrangement of white colonial-style buildings. The hotel’s Long Bar is where the famed “Singapore Sling” was first created in 1915.

Singapore River: Stretching only 4.1 kilometres (2.5miles) from its mouth at Anderson Bridge to Kim Seng Bridge at the other end, Singapore River flows under 12 bridges and sees numerous historical buildings on its banks.  Take a river cruise and and you’ll get great views of Boat Quay, the Parliament Building and other beautiful landmarks along the way.

Orchard Road: In the mid 1800’s, Orchard Road was a sleepy stretch of dirt road intersected by a railway.  It was lined with orchards and dotted with burial grounds.  Today, it is Singapore’s most famous shopping avenue.  It is now lined with numerous modern shopping malls.  Even if you are not a “shopper” you should make it a point to visit just to see some of the most modern and unique mall architecture in the world!

Chinatown:  The heart of Chinatown is a colorful clustor of narrow streets where there are wonderful examples of shophouse architeture, reminicent of the “old” Singapore.  It is now an official conservation area that has been carefully restored.  It is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and shops.  The food stalls are immaculately clean and serve delicious and inexpensive Chinese fare.

Singapore Zoological Gardens:  The zoo is set in 250 acres of lush, peaceful surroundings.  This world-famous, award winning attraction is worth spending an entire day.  Visitors can even have breakfast or tea with orangutans! There is a children’s section as well as a unique Night Safari.

There are so many more sights to see in Singapore!  Give yourself time and be mindful of the warm weather that is prevalent year round.  Shorts and short sleeved tops are ok except if you will be entering a religious temple or are walking around certain ethnic neighborhoods.  Use good judgment and common sense and you will be just fine.  A good travel guide with a map, comfortable walking shoes and clothing and a little planning will ensure you have a great visit.

Technorati Tags: singapore, visiting singapore, things to do in singapore,  Raffles Hotel,  singapore zoo, orchard road, chinatown in singapore, singapore dragon boat festival, singapore tourism board, shopping in singapore, singapore airlines, singapore facts,  singapore culture, singapore history

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Visiting Singapore: The Top Attractions You Must See

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Unbeknown to me, the pay phones in Europe make it very difficult for you to use your phone card!  I was not able to dial the local OR international access number for my phone card.  At first I thought it was MY particular card that was at fault, but everyone accompanying me on the tour was experiencing a similar problem.  Out of desperation, I called home by using my cell phone to dial the phone card access number.  Although I didn’t incur long distance charges on my cell bill, I DID have to pay $1.25 per minute roaming.  Needless to say, my bill that month was A LOT more than I would have liked. 

If I were to do this over again, here is what I would do differently:

• Only use a phone card provider that others have tried and SUCCESSFULLY used.
• Pay phones are difficult.  Find out ahead of time, how much your hotel charges for calling local or toll free access numbers.
• Possibly consider switching my current mobile plan to an international plan for the time that I would be abroad.
• Instead purchase an international mobile phone.  These phones usually have a flat pay-per-minute rate with no recurring monthly charges.  The per minute rate is typically cheaper than what your mobile provider charges.

One of the other things that I didn’t think about was the best way to communicate with my husband who was also on the trip.  We both brought our cell phones and we did use texting to “talk” if we each went our own way during an outing.  Since texting was $.50 per message, it would cost us a dollar every time we “talked”.  Many times we were at opposite ends of a store or museum.  Next time, I will plan on taking a 2 way radio set.  These “walkie-talkie” type devices would have been perfect as most have a 5 to 10 mile range, are inexpensive to purchase, and talking is FREE!

Technorati Tags: international mobile, international cell phone, calling overseas, long distance phone card, 2 way radio

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Stay Connected When Overseas - Without Going Broke

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Canterbury Folding Travel Cane $37.85 Strong and comfortable, with a sculpted maple wood handle, this full-length cane (adjustable from 33" to 37") has specially formed aluminum sections that are heat-treated for strength, then anodized. Has a slimmer shaft than our Black and Paisley canes, and is designed especially for women. (9 oz) Folding Travel Cane $29.85 With this ingenious design, you can enjoy the comfort and support of a strong, full-length cane when you need it. It folds into 9" to pack, but extends (by the action of a heavy-duty elastic cable--all by itself!) into 33" to 37" of SOLID support. Has specially formed aluminum sections that are heat-treated for strength and durability, then anodized in black. Sculptured hardwood handle. Folding Travel Cane (Paisley) $37.85 With this ingenious design, you can enjoy the comfort and support of a strong, full-length cane when you need it. It folds into 9 to pack, but extends (by the action of a heavy-duty elastic cable--all by itself!) into 33 to 37 of SOLID support. Has specially formed aluminum sections that are heat-treated for strength and durability, then anodized in a Paisley design. Sculptured hardwood handle.(10 oz) LEKI Sierra AS Walking Staff $79.00 Steady your step with this lightweight, telescoping walking staff from LEKI, makers of the #1 poles in the world. Made of the highest quality aluminum alloy, the Sierra AS improves balance and stability, and has a Super Lock System with the highest rating for hold and locking security. The anti-shock system in the lower section eliminates stress on joints and tendons in the wrist, elbows and shoulders. It has a comfortable foam grip, carbide flextip for uneven terrain and a rubber tip for pavement. And for perfect pictures along the way, just remove the wooden knob, attach your camera to the mount, and it becomes a handy monopod! Adjusts from 24-47". LEKI Wanderfreund Walking Staff $49.85 Founded in Germany, LEKI began as the hobby of an airframe mechanic and avid skier, Karl Lenhart, who believed aluminum would make a superior ski pole to the heavy steel poles of the late 1940s. LEKI has since become the world's leading manufacturer of hiking staffs, as people recognize the benefits of reducing stress on the knee joints and lower back. Engineered for balance and stability, this lightweight aluminum Walking Staff has a three-section shaft that can support up to 300 lb and can be used cane-style, or adjusted taller and used as a walking staff. With its comfortable cork and latex handle, the multi-grip design ensures better hand and wrist mobility, so your hand isn't stuck in one position. Use it with the rubber tip indoors and on pavement, or with its carbide flextip on trails. Weighs 9 oz and expands from 23 - 47". Sport Seat $26.85 Now you can SIT while you're waiting in line or listening to the tour guide. The Sport Seat weighs just 28 ounces. Its construction (extra-strength anodized aluminum with stainless steel fittings) is so heavy-duty that the manufacturer guarantees it will hold a 300-pound person. Made in USA. (34" tall when folded as a cane. Seat is 21" tall.) KneedIt $26.85 Knee pain is one of the most common complaints we hear from travelers. KneedIt relieves pain by absorbing shock and gently exerting compression and warmth across the soft tissues as you move. It helps muscles relax by reducing stress on the joint, and may be worn for long periods in complete comfort. Adjusts from 13 to 20"to fit the contour of your kneecap. One size fits most. (2" wide; 1 oz) PackSeat $29.85 It has a super strong anodized aluminum frame, and unique elastic shock corded legs that allow it to fold to just 14" long for attaching to your belt or day bag in its handy carrying case (attached to the PackSeat so you can't lose it). Supports up to 275 lb. (21" tall unfolded; 24 oz)

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Shop for Walking Aids

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Mini Clip Microlight $39.85 Inspired by rock climbing equipment, the Mini Clip Microlight gives you the time of day at a glance AND a powerful beam of red LED light that illuminates even the darkest p... [Read more] TSA-accepted Mini Key Lock $4.85 Constructed of solid brass with a steel shackle and plastic cover, this handy lock may be opened by Transportation Security Administration personnel to inspect your luggage... [Read more] Travel Safe Lock $7.50 This three-dial Travel Sentry-certified combination lock is specially designed to be easily unlocked by airport security (using secured tools), and then re-locked after you... [Read more] TravelSafe $39.85 Here's a safe haven for your passport, digital camera, iPod and jewelry. This lightweight, portable safe is made of stone-washed canvas and nylon, and is reinforced with sl... [Read more] CarrySafe 100 Strap $19.85 Reinforced with stainless steel wire to prevent cut-and-run theft, it attaches securely to most cameras, binoculars and camera cases, and has a snatch-proof mechanism that ... [Read more] SearchAlert Locks $19.85 Like our popular Travel Sentry Four-Dial Combination Locks, these handy three-dial resettable combo locks may be opened by airport security (using secured tools) to inspect... [Read more] WordLock $9.85 If you find it hard to remember the combination of your numeric luggage lock, here's a clever alternative. WordLock uses letters instead of numbers, so you can select a &qu... [Read more] I.D. Luggage Strap $7.35 It firmly cinches up even over-stuffed bags and adjusts easily to fit any style of luggage. The clear vinyl ID pocket holds a business card or ID, eliminating the need for ... [Read more] TSA 3-Dial Lock and Cable $11.85 This Travel Sentry Certified lock, accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), may be opened by airport security personnel using special tools, and then r... [Read more] Initial Luggage Tag $9.85 This easy-to-spot luggage tag is made of sturdy compressed leather with a covered window for your address, and buckle strap. Green. Available in letters A, B, C, D, G, J, K... [Read more] Keyed Padlocks $7.85 Quality solid brass locks include two keys per lock. Set of two. (1-1/2" tall; 3 oz/pr) [Read more] Jewelry Pocket $14.85 This zippered, wallet-sized pocket includes all our favorite features for keeping jewelry organized and secure during travel. It has three snap loops for earrings and small... [Read more] Leather Luggage Tag $6.85 A Magellan's exclusive. This richly grained leather luggage tag comes in bright colors to make it easy to identify your bag on the luggage carousel. The covered ID window (... [Read more] Small Luggage Huggers $12.85 Slip this poly/spandex band around your suitcase to make it easily identifiable. Fits around bags up to 38-50". [Read more] LifeHammer $19.85 After a car accident, seat belt releases, doors or windows may become jammed or inaccessible, trapping passengers inside. LifeHammer's double-sided steel hammer heads shatt... [Read more] Neon Luggage Tags $8.85 A unique slide-out information door keeps your address and telephone number hidden, so just your name shows through the clear window. Includes secure, easy-to-use attachmen... [Read more] Ocean Lock and Tag Set $14.85 Our tropical fish combo lock has a red ring at the base of the shackle that lets you know if it's been opened by airport security. Includes two tags. (Lock: 2" tall; T... [Read more] PacSafe 120 $74.85 Just lock this adjustable wire mesh security system around a 4600 to 7300 cubic inch wheeled bag, duffel or pack, and secure it to any fixed object so you can travel unencu... [Read more] PacSafe 85 $69.85 Just lock this adjustable wire mesh security system around a 3400 to 5200 cubic inch wheeled bag, duffel or pack, and secure it to any fixed object so you can travel unencu... [Read more] Red Cross MicroLink Emergency Radio $39.85 It's your link to the world in an emergency situation. You can tune in to AM, FM or NOAA weather bands, as well as the FCC and EAS public alert systems. Plus, this little d... [Read more] ResQMe&#8482 $12.85 After a car accident, seat belt releases, doors or windows may become jammed or inaccessible, trapping passengers inside. ResQMe's spring-loaded spike shatters side windows... [Read more] StrapSafe 100 $24.85 This brightly colored strap discourages theft, makes baggage identification easy, and features patented Baggage Constrictor technology that prevents it from being loosened.... [Read more] Travel Duct Tape $5.85 Finally, travel size rolls of duct tape! Their 16+ feet will repair tears, tack up fallen hems and bind just about anything for several trips. Two 8-ft rolls per order. Mad... [Read more] Travel Sentry Four-Dial Combo Lock (pr) $19.85 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows you to secure your checked baggage with these special locks. If airport security needs to inspect your bags, the... [Read more] TravelSafe Grip $14.85 This portable grab bar makes it easier and safer to get in and out of hotel room bathtubs. Simply adhere the super strong suction cup to the wall or tub and squeeze the twi... [Read more] Ultra-Bright Pulsar Light $19.85 Just give Pulsar a squeeze, and this tiny flashlight sheds a high-powered, white LED beam that can be seen from over a mile away! It will illuminate pathways and doorways, ... [Read more] Door Stop Alarm $12.85 Just place it at the base of your door, and anyone trying to enter your room will set off a shrill, pulsating siren-alarm. Easy to carry and has a convenient "ON-OFF&q... [Read more] Easy Spot Handle Wraps $14.85 Yes, that one is my bag!" Easy Spot Handle Wraps save you from sifting through a jumble of bags on the luggage carousel only to walk away with the wrong one. They're e... [Read more] Locking Luggage Strap $15.85 Made of 2-inch wide nylon web, its 3-dial combination lock gives you a thousand ways to foil would-be thieves, yet may be unlocked by airport security with secured tools an... [Read more]

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