Plastic Bag For Airport Carry-on Luggage
April 7, 2010
I thought I’d write this for everyone. Remember it’s one a quart plastic bag in the United States, but it’s a one liter plastic bag in most of the rest of the world. It’s amazing to us how many people still don’t understand what they are allowed.
Security regulations for this have been in effect for several years now, and with ongoing terrorist threats, the rules are not going to be loosened anytime soon. In fact, from time to time they become more stringent.
You are greatly restricted to the amounts of liquids, creams, and gels you can carry with you on the plane. So what do you have to do to carry your shampoo and toothpaste in a carry on bag? Let’s go over the basics here:
What type of bag or container can you carry them in? You don’t have too many options here. No cute little plastic carrying case. What you need is mandated.
You must use a clear, zip-top plastic bag.
Yes those plastic bags are sold by several companies and they come in a variety of sizes. Can you choose the size that works best for you? No!
You must use a one liter. Not one of those two liter or gallon size bags loosely filled.
If your bottle or tube fits in that small bag, can you take it? Can you take a half full 6 oz (or 200ml) container? Not necessarily and no.
You must use small containers that hold only 3 oz or 100 ml when full. 3 ounces is approximately equal to 90 ml, but the rule in countries that use metric is that you can carry 100 ml bottles. In the U.S. if you have 100 ml bottles, they will usually be allowed.
So if all of your items don’t fit in one bag, can you use a second plastic bag? NO.
You must use only one bag per traveler.
If you are traveling with a friend or loved one, you can “share the space” in the two bags the two of you will be carrying.
Some places lipstick and chap sticks are allowed outside of the plastic bag, some places they are not.
You may carry larger amounts of necessary medications, and they don’t have to go into your one liter plastic bag, but you must declare them at security. As of this writing, things like eye drops and sterile solution are included. Baby foods may also be carried if declared.
Be prepared for the rules to change when there are terrorist attempts. You may run into different rules at different airports, and the rules can change depending on your destination. What you carried on last time may no longer be allowed. We’ve seen this happen recently, and it will probably happen in the future.
If you can’t live without larger amounts of liquids, creams, and gels, then check your luggage. You can carry as much as you want and not worry about that one liter plastic bag.
Yes, it can be frustrating, and yes, it may try your patience, but there is no use fighting it. Pack your carry-on liquids, creams, and gels in a one liter plastic bag (or one quart plastic bag) for now, and remember how much fun you’re going to have on your holiday.
Some Airport Layover Ideas
April 1, 2010
You know by now that we love travel. So we think much of that negativity is just your mind set. We try to make the most of every trip, and that can include layovers. We have some airport layover ideas for you.
Sometimes we take the “red eye” from the West Coast to the East Coast to begin our trip. Then we might have to wait all day for a flight. We sleep pretty well on planesbut really who gets that much sleep on the red eye? We usually find a nearby hotel that will give us a reduced “day rate”.
We can then take a nap in a real bed, eat in a real restaurant (though airports now have a better selection than they used to) and take a shower. Using the layover this way gets us more rested, lets us get partway acclimated to a new time zone, and lets us arrive at our destination feeling much better.
Getting a little rest and quiet time on layovers during long trips can be a good thing. Many airports around the world have hotel rooms inside security – and you actually can rent them by the hour – no bad joke intended here. Some rooms come with showers and toilets in the rooms. Some just have a desk and a bed with showers and toilets down the hall.
If airports don’t have hotels inside security, some at the very least have shower facilities. We’ve made use of these from time to time too. On a long flight from Africa connecting through London, a shower and a change of clothes felt really good, maybe not as good as a full day in transit with time to sleep, but good enough.
Are you feeling fresh enough that you would just like to go shopping? Airports do have better shopping now than they used to and many guarantee that the prices will be the same as you would pay in town.
What about airport layover ideas for just a few hours. Do you have time for a massage at the airport? Maybe there is a gym at the airport or nearby where you could get a little exercise and a shower. Getting exercise will make you feel better on your trip.
Do you have enough time for some sightseeing? You might be able to take a train, subway or bus into the city or nearby attractions and see some sights. For instance, take the train into Philadelphia and see Liberty Square. The Le Bourget Air Museum is about a 45 minute local bus ride from Charles De Gaulle Airport.
If you have friends near the airport, one layover idea is to see if they can meet you for lunch or dinner. We have stayed connected with travel buddies that way. Sometimes a dinner is just long enough.
Activities off the airport are easier if you can leave your luggage somewhere. This is harder to do with today’s security levels, but some airport do have left luggage facilities. Check airport websites before your trip to see if your airport has one. Make sure you know when your connecting flight leaves so you don’t miss it.
Be creative in your thinking and you’ll come up with some airport layover ideas of your own. If you don’t, you can always read a book!
Size Matters On Regional Jets
March 31, 2010
The seat pitch and width (the distance between seats from front to back for legroom and how much room you have from armrest to armrest) is about the same in regional jets as it is in the larger planes, but the overall impression may be that you have less room because the plane itself is smaller, the ceilings are lower, and the aisle is narrower, the walls curve in closer.
It all may feel more cramped. If this would be uncomfortable for you or you just don’t want to deal with it, check to see if there is a full size jet serving the city you are flying to.
If it’s a long flight, bring food. Regional jet flights may be as long as four hours. Often you can’t even buy food on the flight.
Most of your normal size carry-on luggage will not fit in the overheads on smaller jets in Australia. You will usually have to check-in your bag.
In the U.S. you have two options. Which you choose determines where to find your luggage at the end of the flight. One option is to take your carry-on to the gate where it will be “gate checked”. If you choose this option, the bag will be unloaded at your destination and returned to you on the ground next to the plane or in the jetway. If you choose to check your bag at the ticket counter, your bag will come up in baggage claim.
Remember that most regional jets are narrower, so they only have two and two seating or one and two. Some of them are small enough that there is no exit row. When you are choosing your seat, check to see what 3D is. It might not be an aisle, it could be a window seat.
Find out what kind of aircraft you are flying on so if you go online to choose a seat, you’ll know what it is you really want, not what you thought you wanted. Bottom line: with regional jets, airplane size matters.
Finding Cheap Restaurants While Traveling
March 29, 2010
You can try asking the concierge at your hotel, but they might be more inclined to send you to a higher priced restaurant. A better choice might be the bellman – they probably will give you a better budget option. Ask where they eat, where their friends would go.
Heading for a centrally located “restaurant row” full of tourists is the worst possible way to find the magical combination of good food and low prices. That restaurant row may be a little more comfortable, it might be a little easier to read the menu there, but remember what we said about local colour and the prices!
Knowing some economic rules can help you find cheap restaurants that offer both good food and low prices, no matter what part of the world you find yourself in.
First of all, remember that restaurant row is probably in the high rent district. And rent is one of a restaurant’s biggest costs. For menu prices to be low, that restaurant needs to be in a location where the rent is a little cheaper. That takes you right back to the advice to head for establishments down side streets or in hard-to-find spots that are patronized mainly by locals.
In the U.S., one place to check is in those ugly “strip malls” along roads leading in and out of towns. In other countries, stay away from areas where the big attractions are. Look for neighborhoods where the people live.
Second, remember that restaurants and populations really are going global. Wherever there are significant immigrant populations, there’s usually inexpensive, tasty food. Ethnic restaurants serve customers who know what the food should taste like and who are price-sensitive.
Sure in France you want to eat great French food at chic little bistros, but what’s wrong with Vietnamese “pho” for an inexpensive meal. London is a pricey city, but if you look for noodle joints, you can get a great meal for cheap.
One high-tech way to find cheap restaurants is to check on Twitter. Restaurants are using Twitter, they might post daily specials. Or search twitter for cheap eats where you are and see what restaurants Tweeters talking about.
Want to save even more? You could always go for a big lunch then a small dinner. Lunch prices are almost always less.
What Is An International Driving Permit?
March 25, 2010
You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country or state. All that this permit (the IDP) does is translate your license into ten foreign languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese.
This makes it easier for police to read. It also certifies the validity of your license; proof to the police abroad, so they don’t have to try to figure out licenses from all over the world.
The IDP shows information in a standard format that is internationally recognized. It will have your name and other driving license information. Since this is just a translation and not a driver’s license, you must carry your license along with the permit.
We’ve never been asked for one, even when we were stopped for a minor traffic infraction in Croatia. We’re reading more often that they are required, and that you can be fined if you can’t produce one. While you may never be asked for one, our feeling now is to just get one.
We’ve rented cars in Italy often, with no permit, but the rules have changed. The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Italy states that “Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driver Permit before leaving the U.S.”
You may or may not be asked for it by the car rental companies wherever you are. We helped Belgian friends pick up their rental car here in the U.S. The car rental agency here in California didn’t want the International Driving Permit. They wanted to see their Belgian driver’s license.
It is, after all, that driver’s license that is proof you are qualified to drive. You want to be able to produce both, though, if you are asked for them.
Americans can get one from the American Automobile Association or the National Auto Club. You need two passport size photos and $15. The Permit is valid for one year.
Citizens of other countries can get them from government authorized organizations such as national auto associations. Over 150 countries recognize the IDPs and most have agencies which will issue them.
Beware of internet scams. Most of those will try to sell you an “international driver’s license”. Remember, the real thing is not a license – it’s a permit, with translations. If you can’t get a driver’s license at home, even if you do buy something through these scam artists, it’s not going to do you any good. And it could get you into trouble.
So even if, like us, you’ve never had to bother with an International Driving Permit, it’s probably time to check traffic laws for the country you’re going to visit.
Know The Local Laws While Traveling
March 24, 2010
And while you may think they’re a little “funny”, if you break some of them, you won’t be laughing. You really want to know what these are ahead of time if you can.
While some minor infractions may be overlooked, in some countries, things you don’t even think about may result in costly fines. Or even get you in serious trouble, might even land you in jail!
Much of the time, we’re talking about common sense things here, but you might run into some strange laws that you just never thought about and not knowing won’t help you in some cases!
Go to government websites to check before you go on your trip. Look under “Local Laws and Customs” on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. On the Australian and U.S. government sites, check under “Travel Advisories”.
At one time even having chewing gum was illegal in Singapore. Now tourists can have it, but don’t chew it and spit it out on the sidewalk. They are watching, and it could result in a big fine. They’re serious about keeping things clean and orderly. Clean – leaving a public toilet un-flushed could cost you a fine. Orderly – don’t try jay walking either.
Jaywalking is a tricky one anywhere. If we don’t know the customs in a country, we cross at a crosswalk and wait for the light (even with no traffic). It only costs you a few steps and a few seconds. So much better than big trouble.
When you fly into Dubai, you may purchase duty-free liquor to take into the country, but be careful where you drink it and where you travel. You can take it to your hotel room, or to friends if they have a liquor license, but don’t even think about drinking it on the beach.
Drug laws are very strict in the Emirates too. You even need to be careful of medications. Some prescription drugs and even some over-the-counter drugs are considered narcotics. Carry your doctor’s prescription and leave the drugs in their original container, especially if they contain codeine.
In most Muslim countries, men and women shouldn’t hold hands when they walk around in public. And whatever you do, leave the magazines with sexy pictures at home.
In Thailand, criticizing the King is illegal. Don’t drop any money and inadvertently step on it – it has a likeness of the King! It’s also illegal to drive shirtless, so guys, while this may seem like a strange law, if you rent a scooter at the beach, keep your shirt on.
We all know you are not supposed to leave your baggage unattended in the airport, but in the UK it is illegal.
Don’t hang out with shady characters in Morocco. If you are with someone who possesses narcotics, even if you’re unaware of it, you can be tried for possession.
In Mexico it is illegal to shout offensive words in any public place.
In many countries, it is illegal to take pictures of police officers, military officers, and military installations. Always ask or check on that one.
In Germany, it is illegal to run out of gas on the autobahn. Not only that, it’s also illegal to walk along the autobahn. So be sure your tank is filled up!
Reading up on strange laws before you travel might not just give you a giggle – it could save you money – or keep you out of jail!
Get Money Back On Internet Travel Purchases
March 23, 2010
There are search engines out there that are supposed to alert you when airfares or hotel prices drop. There are other sites that try to tell you whether they think the price will go up or down further. Hopefully they’re programmed to guess better than you can if it’s the right time to hit that buy button. But what if you and the search engine get it wrong?
The fact is that prices swing several times a day, let alone from day to day. It’s hard to know what to do. Should you book far ahead? On Tuesdays? At midnight? Maybe getting a last minute deal is the best way to go. How can you tell?
Have you ever gotten into a conversation with the person sitting next to you on the plane and just not wanted to tell them how much you paid for that ticket? There always seems to be someone who wants to brag how cheap he got that ticket – but you’re always afraid it isn’t you.
Seems like some of those websites must have been listening to you or at least reading your mind. More of them are adding a kind of “insurance” to make it easier to click on through to a ticket or hotel room.
There are new sites that will track the amount you paid for your airline ticket or your hotel room, and they’ll e-mail you if the fare goes down. Many airlines will refund the difference if the fare goes down after you book with them, but you need to know about it first of all, then apply for it.
These new tracking sites give you the information so you can do that. Hotels can be trickier. You might have to cancel and rebook. Make sure there aren’t late cancellation fees that would cancel out any savings.
Some of the big travel booking sites have started giving you guarantees that you won’t be paying too much. Some will automatically give you a credit refund if another customer books the same itinerary or flight for less. You don’t even have to track it yourself or apply for the refund.
Other sites have refunds for package deals if someone else gets the same package for less. There are limits on the amount of money you can get back per ticket,but at least it’s something.
The bottom line is that you don’t want to be wondering if you’re paying too much, so when you’re booking online, sign up for a free tracking service or check to see what the website’s policy is for a refund if you pay more than someone else.
Surviving Peak Season Flights
March 22, 2010
Plan your flights strategically. Try to catch the first flight in the morning. There are fewer delays. Try to make that flight a non-stop if you can. Go ahead and look for the lowest airfare, but often those come with plane changes and layovers.
The weather could be fine where you’re departing and arriving. But you could get stuck in a snow storm in between. Weight your options – is it really worth it to save a few dollars?
Watch the weather. Check local reports frequently leading up to your flight. You can’t change the weather, but you can anticipate delays caused by bad weather and if you’re resourceful and lucky, you might be able to change your plans.
Surviving holiday flights doesn’t mean just winter storms. Summer thunderstorms in the U.S. or monsoons in Asia can disrupt your flights just as easily.
Arrive at the airport even earlier than you usually would. Expect long security lines. The day before your flight, check in and pay for any checked luggage online. Better yet, don’t check any luggage at all. Try for carry-on only.
Be prepared at security. Have your ticket and ID handy at all times. Yes, you’ll have to take your shoes off in the U.S., even in winter, so leave the lace-up boots at home or in your suitcase.
Send gifts ahead, or shop and ship online. If you do carry gifts with you, don’t wrap them for carry-on. You may have to unwrap them, and that will create more stress!
If you’re traveling with kids, keep them busy – pack puzzles, crayons, coloring books, or their own electronics. But quiet ones please. Your fellow passengers will be much happier if there aren’t all those bells and whistles!
Once you’ve checked in, walk around the airport. Exercise can help reduce stress. Don’t stray too far from your gate for too long though. You don’t want to miss your flight! If there is a delay, the same thing applies. In rare instances, they may say there will be an hour delay, but the plane could be ready in a half hour. Be there.
Take the train or bus to the airport. That can save stress and reduce your carbon footprint. Use off-airport parking if you must drive. You’ll save money and avoid at least some of the traffic. Some off-airport lots will let you make reservations.
Here’s an alternative idea for surviving holiday flights: Take the train! If the option is available, short trips can be faster by train. Plus there are no security lines and fewer problems with weather.
Try to plan for a day at home at the end of your trip. You’ll be less stressed not having to rush back to your routine, plus you’ll have a built-in time buffer in case your return trip is delayed.
Whether it’s a major holiday or just the summer travel rush, plans for surviving holiday flights will help you enjoy your trip.
Pilgrimage To Santiago
March 21, 2010
Of all the routes defined today, the best known is the Camino Frances… the French Route. The entire route from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago is nearly 780 km. That’s quite a hike and quite a time commitment.
To walk the entire route will take most fit travelers about four weeks. To make it shorter, you can start the route over the border in Spain or at any city you want along the route. Choosing to start at an intermediate, city you can walk for only one or two weeks. The route is well marked with yellow arrows on walls and trees. Signposts have the Scallop Shell. The Shell was the symbol of St. James the Great, and it is the symbol of this pilgrimage route.
You must walk at least the last 100km if you want to receive a Compostela Certificate showing that you’ve made the pilgrimage. Most sites say the small city of Sarria in northwest Spain is the best starting point for this “short walk”.
The Camino de Santiago is becoming popular with secular tourists as well as the faithful. If you fall into this category, you might want to pad in some time to see things along the way. Leave time to cap off a long day’s walk with tapas and wine at a cute little inn or open air cafe along the way. What you find along the way will vary depending on the route you choose. In some sections, those cute little cafes could be quite spare.
Walking the Camino de Santiago is not difficult. Most of the sections are fairly flat, and there are good paths. The main thing is you should be prepared for all that walking. Take good boots or walking shoes. Take rain gear too. You may encounter rain at any time of the year.
Depending on the route you choose, you can camp, stay at inns, B&Bs or luxury Paradores. You can choose to do this with a group, or you can do it independently. If you are the backpacking type, you can be completely independent.
There are tour operators who will help set up your accommodations and transfer your baggage for you so you can only walk with a day pack. You can choose to travel with a guide or to travel on your own.
It’s a good idea to have reservations because the pilgrimage to Santiago has become very popular. Even if all you want to do is hike it for the feeling of accomplishment and the scenery, making the Pilgrimage to Santiago will leave you with a great sense of satisfaction.
Register With Your Government When Traveling
March 20, 2010
This travel registration would let your local embassy know you are in a particular country. I have to admit, this is something we’ve never done, though we’re thinking about it now.
We’ve always prided ourselves on being pretty independent and taking care of ourselves. We usually travel with no reservations but with a well-researched outline of what we want to see and do.
We’ve always thought it was sort of fun that we were “incommunicado”, where no one really knew where we were, but the world is changing, and we’re changing our travel style a little too.
Most governments now recommend that if you’re going to a “hot spot”, it’s a good idea to let your government know you’re going to be there. Does this sound a little bit like “big brother”?
It’s not meant that way. It’s completely voluntary, and it’s meant to help you.
We’re coming around to the idea that if you’re in a remote or dicey area, it’s a good idea to be registered. If your government knows you are in a country, they can assist you in case of an emergency. For instance, when the Tsunami hit coastal areas in Southeast Asia a few of years ago, governments could at least start looking for registered citizens.
An emergency could be an earthquake, a hurricane or even local unrest. It could also be a personal emergency. If you’re a victim of a crime, or you become seriously ill, or if your family or friends need to contact you about an emergency at home.
Embassies or consulates can replace lost passports, provide emergency loans, and help citizens obtain medical assistance in emergencies. They will direct you to resources for lodging and for adjusting travel arrangements. They will help find places for supplying prescription medications.
Remember, though, they won’t always do everything you need instantly. You’ll have to follow up on most of their recommendations yourself. You should always be prepared to take care of yourself, but it’s nice to know that they are there.
They can even help with evacuations when necessary. If you complete the travel registration, they at least know that you are in the country. Their reasoning goes that they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.
Most governments have websites where you can register. It’s pretty straight forward. On the U.S. Department of State website, for instance, you log in and create a user name and password. They will ask you for your personal information, your passport information, and contacts for people not traveling with you. For each trip you’ll be asked your itinerary, and who the travelers are. They’ll want an e-mail list and other pertinent travel information.
With your user name and password, you can access your information when you’re on the road, and add modifications if you want to. You can go back to this account and add later trips.
We’ve always thought it was a good idea to check government travel advisories for help in planning your trip. Now we’re beginning to think travel registration is a something to consider with all that’s going on in the world today.
