TRAVEL TIPS
Suggestions for Jet Lag Survival
We
have fabulous holiday choices to Europe, South Pacific, Caribbean,
and much more! With these fantastic destinations comes “jet lag”.
Most travelers try to make the most of their limited time overseas
and ignore the leap in time zones they make in a matter of hours.
There's no sure-fire way to avoid jet lag, but there are actions
that you can take to minimize the effects of air travel and help
enjoy your trip.
-
Start well rested.
Make sure you get plenty of sleep for several nights before
your trip. Our natural inclination is to run ourselves
ragged trying to get everything done before takeoff.
-
Adjust to your new schedule
ASAP. The minute you get on the plane,
set your watch to the local time of your destination.
-
Sleep well on board. It's
all well and good to tell yourself that you'll sleep on the
plane, but in reality it can be hard…so good luck with this
one!
-
Drink plenty of water.
Increase your water intake a couple of
days before your trip. Bring a large bottle of water, and
once you are on board, drink 8 to 12 ounces every hour.
-
Skip coffee and booze.
Alcohol and caffeine not only cause
dehydration, they also interfere with your body's natural
adjustment to the new time zone
-
Get a little exercise.
We're not suggesting that you run laps
around the plane, but when you're awake and the
fasten-seat-belts sign is off, get up and walk up and down
the aisles a couple of times.
-
Don't nap.
Once you're at your destination, try not to nap.
Remember, your sleep cycle has been severely disturbed.
It's generally best to stay awake until the normal bedtime
at your destination.
-
Accept jet lag and schedule
around it. Even though you've done
everything you can to get your body into the right time
zone, chances are you may still wake up earlier than
normal. Get up early and start to experience your
destination!
How to
Keep from Getting Lost
When you are traveling
somewhere where you are not familiar with the language, take
a pack of matches or some letterhead from the hotel you are
staying in to show a taxi driver in case you get lost.
When
Kids Ask About Turbulence . . ..
Most kids
are excited by plane trips and rarely think about the fact
that they're five miles above safe solid ground. But some
children do have a fear of flying, and if there is
turbulence the fear will most likely increase. So here's an
answer for when they ask . . .
Question:
If the plane is floating in air, why does it bounce up and
down when it passes over clouds?
Answer: Airplanes
ride a layer of air, like boats ride the surface of a river
or ocean. You see them float and bob up and down with the
waves. The air is moving all the time too. We move
with it. If the air jumps up and down like waves in the
ocean, we do too! We call it 'turbulence', a bumpy ride.
Tips
for Check-in & Security
Checking in and going through
security can be easy or it can be a hassle. It all depends
on a few things. Here are some tips that can help you
to make it easier.
-
Have a proper
government-issued photo ID accessible as you will need
it several times (for check-in, boarding,
transfers/connections, etc.). Along with your ID, keep
your boarding pass and ticket or e-ticket itinerary
handy.
-
Remember that new rules in the United States require a passport for all travel
by air or by sea to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and
Bermuda, effective December 31, 2006. A passport will be required for all land travel to and
from these countries as of December 31, 2007.
-
If traveling abroad, it is a good idea to make sure your passport is valid for a
minimum of 6 months after your date of departure. Some countries will not allow you to enter
their country, or possibly board a flight to their country, if your passport expires in less
than 6 months.
-
Factor in extra time for
lines at security checkpoints. There are often backups
during peak flying periods.
-
Play it safe and don't
bring anything such as knives or scissors that would
call attention to your carry-ons.
-
Make sure your carry-ons don't exceed
the size limitations set by the airline. Check with
your travel agent prior to your trip so you don't have
to repack things at the airport.
-
Pack a sturdy bag that is
tagged inside and out with your name and contact
information.
-
A coloured ribbon, piece of yarn, or
sticker on your checked baggage can make identification
at the baggage claim area much easier. A lot of luggage
looks the same.
-
Bring snacks, water, and a
Walkman or something to read in case of major delays.
-
Be prepared for random
security checks, including manual searches of carry-on
bags.
-
Wrapped goodies are a
security no-no. Consider mailing gifts ahead or wrapping
them when you arrive.
How Can I Protect My Home
While I'm Away?
Suggestions for a safe home
Planning a
holiday is so exciting! Don't forget to make your home safe and
secure while you're away. A
burglar's three worst enemies are light, time, and noise. Here
are some helpful tips to follow when you leave for holidays:
-
Leave blinds open in their usual
position.
-
Have mail and packages picked up,
forwarded, or held by the post office.
-
Stop newspaper deliveries.
-
Lower the sound of your telephone ringer
and answering machine so they can't be heard outside.
Never leave an outgoing message saying you're away.
-
Arrange to have your lawn
mowed or your walk shovelled.
-
Use automatic timers to turn
lights on and off in your living room and bedrooms at
appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a timer.
-
Tell dependable neighbours
when you plan to be away so they can keep a watch on your
home.
-
Make sure your heat stays
on. Use an electronic thermostat to automatically adjust it
during the day. You don't want your pipes to freeze.
-
Always inform your insurance
broker if you are going to be away on an extended holiday.
Your policy may have a requirement that your insurance
company has to be notified on any extended trips.
Most cities have professional house sitters (check references
and make sure they are bonded) who can provide all types of
services while you're away. Check the Yellow Pages under "House
Sitters".
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