There are a number of risk factors involved when it comes to the spread of germs on planes. Most airplane filters can filter out over 99% of particles carrying bacteria and viruses. That is why the biggest risk of germs spreading comes from when the plane is still grounded and people are boarding or exiting – when the plane’s circulation is off. Colds and flues are generally thought to be contagious to you two seats to either side, in front of, and behind you. Also, the high altitude results in dryer air, which is not much help in reducing the chances of catching something. Additionally, bacteria and viruses can live up to several hours on surfaces, which means your seat and everything on it could be contaminated with a previous passenger’s germs.

While the above might seem somewhat discouraging, studies still find that travelers’ perceived risk is actually higher than the actual risk. The best way to stay healthy and avoid catching something is to keep yourself hydrated – the moisture in your body will help your nasal passages fight off infection better. Use a hand sanitizer before touching your face and sanitizing wipes on surfaces, especially your tray. Aim your air vent just in front of your face to help redirect any airborne viruses or bacteria. Finally, if you find yourself sitting next to someone who appears to be sick (coughing, sneezing, looking feverish, etc.) you can ask your flight attendant for another seat if any are available.

Tips to Stay Germ-Free While Flying is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

Singapore Airlines offers something they like to think of as “a class beyond first class”. This airline has created 12 suites in the new A380s, which are comparable to cabins on luxury cruise ships. They each have sliding doors, 23-inch wall-mounted LCD screens, and a stationary drawer with stationary supplies. Each has a large comfortable arm-chair type of seat and a bed and pillows with Givenchy linen. Another perk for couples is that they can convert the seats in the middle of the plane to double beds. A round trip between LA and Singapore is approximately $12,000.

Emirate Airlines also offer private beds and LCD screens but first-class travelers can also enjoy a private minibar, onboard ShowerSpa, and a 5-minute shower. Flights between New York and Dubai or Abu Dhabi cost between $13,000 and $14,000. Lufthansa has recently started revamping their B747-400 airplanes and, aside from roomy seating and flat beds, they come with temperature-regulating blankets. They also offer an amenity kit designed by Porsche Design, containing Le Mer products. Between Hong Kong and Frankfurt, a ticket will cost around $14,000.

Luxury Flying is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

For example, if you are traveling to Japan or another Asian country, you might want to get the encephalitis vaccine. A typhoid vaccine would be recommended if traveling to India. However, these are not mandatory and you can still travel to these countries without the vaccines. Of course it would be at your own risk and risking your child’s health.

Mandatory vaccines are required by the country before you enter and you will usually require written proof. For example, yellow fever vaccine is required as it is a high risk illness that occurs mainly in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. This can be fatal and turn into an epidemic quickly, which is why vaccines are important. They are available for infants starting from nine months and last up to 10 years. The Meningococcal Vaccine is recommended for sub-Sahara Africa travel but it is required if traveling to Saudi Arabia during the time of Hajj.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have laid out guidelines and useful information and you can visit their website for more details.

Get Vaccines for the Family When Traveling Abroad is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

The first option you could try is using your frequent flyer miles. These days you might have to pay an extra fee but it is still going to be much cheaper than a full price business class fare would cost. Another option is taking advantage of your “elite status”. This is a program that most airlines offer and is basically when you fly enough and earn enough miles, you can easily qualify for an upgrade.  Many airlines try to facilitate this option with flexible flying options. Just make sure you are a member of your chosen airline’s elite status program.

Another way is to simply ask. Ask the check-in or gate agent if spaces are available for an upgrade. If you are polite and appreciative, you might be delightfully surprised that you can easily get upgraded. However, if not, just be polite and thank them anyways. With some airlines, you can pay for an upgrade at a significantly reduced rate if you check in a couple of days before the flight. This is particularly useful if the flight has a shortage of business class flyers.

Finally, check the airline you are flying with and really consider if the effort is worth it or not. Some airlines offer such great service that there isn’t much difference between either class. At the same time, services or amenities might not differ much if it is an internal flight versus an international flight or “long-haul” flight. But, at least you know you have the option.

How to Fly Business Class is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

When you have to travel on a plane, train, or anything else that will have other travelers sharing space with you, you might be particularly concerned that your children will cause too much disturbance. Some people are lucky enough to have kids that fall asleep the second they are on an extended trip. Others are not as lucky. It can be embarrassing to have your child be the one causing a lot of ruckus and ruin other people’s journey. That’s why you can prepare ahead of time and have several  distractions ready.

One thing you can do is buy your child a toy or game you know they will love and reserve it just for the trip. Also remember to bring along a favorite “comfort” toy that reminds your child of their normal surroundings like a stuffed toy or blanket. This can help a child who is uncomfortable and frightened while traveling which will provide a sense of safety and familiarity. You can also become engaged with your child more during the trip and sing songs together. You can play games like “I spy” if your child is old enough or play hand clapping games to nursery rhymes like “Pat-a-cake”. Another great distraction is a notebook and several sheets of stickers. This can keep toddlers busy for an extended period of time. Some airlines even offer small toys, which might also come in handy, so remember to ask.

But, try not to be too hard on yourself. After you have given it your all there isn’t much else you can do other than apologize for the disturbance and hope next time is better!

Traveling with Toddlers: Keep Them Busy is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

Atlantis Resort and Casino located on Paradise Island, the Bahamas, is a nice option for families who want something affordable and plenty of activities to keep their little ones busy. This resort offers hasa waterslides, lagoons, streams and exciting river rides that kids will surely love. The best part is that children under the age of 11 stay at the resort for free.

Turks & Caicos also offers great resorts for families, like the Bohio Dive Resort, Grand Turk. Children 16 and under who are sharing a room with their parents can stay for free. The resort also offers onsite
babysitting. Snorkeling, free kayaking, and bike riding are some activities older children might be able to enjoy. The whole family will enjoy other activities like horseback riding, yoga classes and day excursions to other cays.

To give kids a taste of both beach fun and onsite cultural learning, Cyprus is the place to go. You can take your kids hiking through the hillside paths of the Troodos Mountains, which are at Mount Olympus site, the highest peak of the entire island. If you are able to make the trip, near Ayia Napa is an Ancient Greece themed water park called Water World. It is the largest in all of Europe.

Kid Friendly Vacations Outside the U.S. is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

Whether you are a regular traveler or are getting ready for your first trip, there are a few tips to keep in mind to optimize your suitcase packing. This is the first step in enjoying your trip! The first thing you have to do is check with your airline’s luggage policies to ensure you are packing the right sized suitcase and don’t go over the weight limit. Once you get these details sorted out, you are ready to start packing.

Rather than just throwing things in your suitcase haphazardly, many seasoned travelers will tell you there is an art to packing. It is carefully organizing various items in a small space in the most efficient
way. That means that the first thing you need to do before packing is deciding what items you will bring. Obviously, you will bring clothes. But, keep an eye on your destination’s weather forecast so that you bring the right type of clothing. You might like to create checklists several days, or even weeks, before packing to make sure you forget nothing. You can create lists, like the following, as a broad outline:

• Outing clothes
• Sleep/under clothing
• Toiletries
• Children’s clothes
• Toys
• Children’s/baby’s
  accessories (like feeding utensils, bottles, travel accessories, etc)
• Other (for things like
  mobile phone chargers, bed linen, books etc)

When you create a detailed list in advance, it is almost impossible to forget things. But don’t obsess or panic over small things that you can purchase at your destination. Focus on bringing clothes that you are sure you will wear, so that you don’t waste time and space packing something you won’t wear.

After that, you will need to properly arrange your items in your suitcase. Clothes can be rolled and placed strategically to fill in all the gaps. For nicer or more delicate items of clothing that you don’t want to wrinkle, you can place flat at the top of your clothes after you’re done packing everything else. Or you can invest in a garment bag for special items of clothing. Remember to pack heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase. Anything breakable should be in the center of the suitcase, surrounded by
clothes. If you have bubble wrap, use it on these items. Anything that might leak liquids, like perfumes and lotions, should be wrapped up in a plastic bag or other leak-proof container. You can even tape the caps shut to make sure nothing leaks out. You may like to pack essential toiletries and make up in your carry on to save space and to keep them handy in case you need them before you can access your suitcase.

A few more tips to keep in mind have to do with your shoes. Put small items inside your shoes (like socks) to maximize space. Put the shoes inside a plastic bag so that the souls don’t come into contact with your clothes. Shoes should go along the sides of your suitcase.

Lastly, take anything valuable with you as you don’t want to
risk leaving it in your suitcase, which is relatively exposed.

How to Pack a Suitcase is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

Great Travel Tips

Wish a travel and make it happen. Traveling is fun and expensive. Follow these tips and you will make your trip remain in memory forever. Just make a wish and plan your dreams. Dream about a place, dream about amazing places, beautiful places and follow the following tips; you will be amazed to see your wishes come true. Have a nice trip.

1. Safety and Security

Use your business address (or business card) in your luggage tags to avoid revealing your home address and phone number. Tape a card with your name and address inside every piece of luggage in case the bag is lost and the outside tags get lost. Make two photocopies of every important document you’ll be carrying — tickets, driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, passport, vaccination certificates, and so on. Carry one copy with you (not with the originals) and give one copy to a friend at home. These copies may be lifesavers if you lose the originals. Carry a list of toll-free phone numbers for all of your credit and bank cards in case you have to cancel them (if they’re lost or stolen) or if you need to find an ATM to use them at. Remove old airline destination tags; they’re the main reason bags get lost. As soon as you get to your hotel room, look for a map of fire escape routes. Be sure to check that the routes are marked correctly and are accessible. During hot weather, never leave an animal or a child in a parked car — even with the windows open. If you can find someone to reliably pick up your mail and newspapers while you are traveling, there is less chance that strangers will know no one is home. Another option is to have delivery temporarily stopped; the Post Office can hold mail, and the price of undelivered newspapers is often credited toward future deliveries. When driving in unfamiliar locales, always park in well-lighted areas. Never open your hotel door to a stranger without first calling the front desk to see if hotel management has sent someone to your room.

2. Planning and Preparation

If you are combining business and leisure travel, take a diary to keep careful records of all business expenses for tax purposes. You may also want to take an envelope to hold all receipts. Consider trip insurance to protect against losses if you must cancel your trip for any reason. Write down confirmation numbers whenever you make reservations. If one isn’t offered, ask. Leave a detailed itinerary of your trip with someone at home in case you need to be contacted. Pack a duffel or ultra light knapsack inside your check-in bag. You may need the extra space later to carry home gifts and souvenirs. Use accessories such as scarves and belts to enhance the limited number of outfits you pack. Check the weather forecast for your destination before you leave to ensure that you are packing appropriate clothes. Also, don’t forget that nearby mountain areas may be much cooler than the valley where your hotel is. When making reservations, always ask, “Is this the lowest price you have?” You’ll be surprised how often you may qualify for a discount. You may have a better chance of getting a seat on a sold-out flight if you call just after midnight when many “reservation holds” expire. The same holds true for train travel. No matter how short your trip, pack enough socks and underwear for at least four days. Tape a contents list for each suitcase inside the lid. This saves pawing through every bag when you’re looking for those argyle golf socks, and makes it easier to repack for your trip home. Hope to return “someday” to that ultra-popular hotel? Make a reservation for next year at checkout. You may be able to get a special price. (Just be sure to ask about the amount of cancellation notice required.) Call or visit the Web site of the convention and visitors bureau in your destination city three months in advance and inquire about discount coupons and special attractions packages. Plan well in advance if you want to bring your pet on vacation. Inquire about pet rules and regulations for every form of lodging and transportation you plan to use. You should also bring proof of vaccinations. Pare your packing list by creating mix-and-match outfits using one or two colors. If anyone in your party will be using a wheelchair, let the reservations agent know when you are booking travel. Find space for a folding travel umbrella.

3. Making Travel More Pleasant

Making Travel More Pleasant If there is any way to manage it, bring your own pillows. Always have a travel alarm as a backup for the wake-up call service. Premeasured packets of laundry detergent (available at camping supply stores) make it convenient to wash T-shirts and underwear in a hotel sink. Don’t focus solely on getting to your destination. Be willing to investigate intriguing possibilities that arise en route. Attach bright tape to your bags so they’re easy to spot when grouped with strangers’ bags. When you arrive at your hotel, unpack immediately. Hang wrinkled items in a steamy bath to freshen. (Always pack several plastic hangers for contingencies like this.) Carry a couple of energy bars to snack on during layovers or long drives. Pack a nightlight or leave the hotel bathroom light on. This will avoid bumped shins if you need to get up in the middle of the night. To minimize ear-popping discomfort on plane trips, chew gum during descents. If you have a young child who experiences severe ear pain, ask your pediatrician about a decongestant. Feeding a baby, by breast or bottle, can help reduce their ear pain. Carry a few spring-type clothespins to secure bulky shower curtains or to pin together drapes that don’t close completely. Never go anywhere without a small notebook and a pencil. You never know when you’ll want or need to write something done — directions, a phone number, a special store you want to return to.

4. Auto Travel Tips

Have your car thoroughly checked and serviced before leaving on a long car trip. If you are will be driving in an area with few service centers, inquire ahead about the locations of service facilities along the route. This is especially important if you are driving a rental vehicle. Use a highlighter to mark your route on a map. Circle interchanges where you’ll be changing roads or directions. For long driving trips, call state transportation agencies along your route and request information about highway construction. Plan for detours or delays. Allow for rest stops on long drives. Plan on at least a 10-minute break every two hours. You’ll drive safer and arrive much more refreshed. Remember, when driving a rental car, that you must carry your proof of auto insurance.

5. Traveling with Kids

Designate a large, soft bag as the toy tote. Fill it with simple games, toys, puzzles, books, and similar items. Take along a cleanup kit that includes plastic trash bags, paper towels, and a travel pack of disposable wet wipes. Take along easy-to-eat snack foods such as cereal, fruit slices, and juice boxes. If you are traveling by air with a child under age 2, take a child restraint seat. Board early, giving yourself time to get situated. When taking long car trips with young children, go to bed early the night before and start out long before dawn. This pretty much ensures that the kids will sleep through a major portion of the day’s drive. To keep bickering between siblings to a minimum, give the children three strikes at the outset of the trip. If any child bickers with another, all of the children are penalized a strike. When you arrive at your destination, if the children have not used all three strikes, they are allowed to do something special. For trips where you’ll stay at the same hotel or resort for multiple days, choose one with separate educational and recreational programs for children as well as child-sitting services. Pack children’s shoes inside adult shoes to save space.

6. Foreign Travel

On trips out of the country, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers and bring a copy of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If any of your medicines contains a narcotic, get a letter from your doctor indicating your need to take the drug. If you are taking your passport, carry an extra photo in case your passport is stolen; already having the phone will make replacement easier. If you will be driving, ask your insurer about a special proof of insurance card to take along.

All said, make your trip a nice trip. If you are not traveling soon, dream about places, amazing places and make your wish travel come true. Wish a travel today and you will be amazed to see your wish come true one day.

Great Travel Tips is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

Top Five Tips for Business Traveling

If you travel on a regular basis for business, you most likely have your own techniques when it comes to getting the best deals, packing the right clothes and getting through airport security quickly and easily. Still, there are some little-known tips and tricks that may come in handy when you travel for business, whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad. Here are five of the best little-known travel tips for business traveling.

1. Get up and move on long trips.

It’s commonly known as “Economy Class Syndrome”, but it happens to travelers in business and first class as well. Its technical name is deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that develops in the legs and can travel to the lungs or the brain. Doctors believe that a combination of conditions contribute to the syndrome, including sitting in cramped conditions for 10 or more hours, low cabin pressure, low humidity and dehydration. You are especially at risk if you smoke, have high blood pressure, or have a history of cardiovascular problems.

Get up and walk up and down the aisle at least every two hours, and be sure to remain hydrated. Remember, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages actually contribute to dehydration. Drink water and fruit juices instead. The best way to give you an extra advantage is to book an aisle seat with extra leg room.

2. Keep your eye on airline fees.

Save your company a bit of extra money by being aware of hidden airline fees. Shop around for the best rates and package deals if you need to rent a car or are traveling to multiple destinations. While boarding an airplane, keep your bags below 50 pounds.

3. Take full advantage of what your hotel offers.

When you are away from home you do not have your usual connections, your hotel can help you. Perhaps you need a printer at 2 am, or reservations for a business dinner at an appropriate restaurants. At home, you would know exactly where to go, but when you are traveling, you need answers from a reliable source. A business class hotel can provide these answers and more.

Most business travelers know whether their hotel offers high spend internet and wifi connections, but hotels that deal with business travelers often take those services to a far higher level. The front desk clerk or concierge will often go above and beyond to be sure that you have everything you need for your stay, from a replacing a cell phone charger to arranging pickup and delivery of important papers.

4. Make the most of layovers.

Your best case scenario may not include any layovers, but that’s not always possible. If you find yourself in a foreign airport with time to kill, make the most of it. Many airports around the world feature special lounges and amenities for frequent and business class flyers. You can take advantage of a hot shower, a massage or a nap; plug in to recharge your laptop and cell phone batteries; put your feet up in a massage recliner. Working out may not be an option, but a brisk walk between terminals can serve the same purpose – and get your blood flowing and your brain working again.

Not traveling business or first class? Many airports offer “pay per visit” access to the business/first class lounge that will still allow you access to all the amenities offered to business and first class travelers.

5. Pack smart for safety and comfort.

Spend as much time thinking about your safety as you do about packing the right tie or blouse. Keep a “go bag” ready to go with your current prescriptions, over the counter medications that you use frequently, your health insurance information and an abbreviated medical history. Pack your own amenities kit for the plane trip, too. Bring travel socks, eye shades, an inflatable pillow and mints, as well as travel size moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.

Five Additional Quick Business Travel Tips:

1. If you travel to the same city frequently or for extended periods, look into corporate housing instead of hotel stays. The savings could add up in just a few trips.

2. When using a pay phone at the airport, avoid isolated or poorly lighted locations, and face outward while you’re on the phone.

3. Check to see if your credit card or personal insurance covers you while driving a rented car and save the expense of rental insurance.

4. Ask at airport check-in if there are exit row or bulkhead seats available. They’re usually the last ones assigned and there’s a good chance you’ll get a better seat without the cost of requesting a specific seat.

5. Be sure to keep a photocopy of your passport and ID back at the hotel. It will make things immensely easier in case of loss or theft.

Top Five Tips for Business Traveling is a post from: Travel Tips Blog

No matter what time of year there is always a vacation not far away. Whether you are staying at home or visiting further afield, vacations with kids can become a dangerous battle zone.
Even the most devoted of parents and adoring of kids can ruffle feathers and test  tempers if they are not used to spending large amounts of time together. Vacations call for parents and kids to adapt to being in each others company. It is in fact, a fantastic opportunity for you to re-engage with each other, to re-discover who you both are; something that can easily be lost in the noise of everyday life. Do you know what they really think? How they have changed in the last six months? How do they really feel about themselves? Is their self esteem in good shape? You get the idea.
How can you be sure you were getting the whole picture during the drive to school everyday, or at dinner times, or even at the weekends in between seeing friends and family and other activities? You get the picture.

I mentioned that vacations with kids called for the need to adapt, to change the way you as a parent handle the kids. Let me explain, a vacation provides the environment for children regardless of age, to just…. be. It also allows you to just….be! Maximise on this fully by following these guidelines.

*Down Time  -   Allow for as much unstructured and free down time as possible with your kids. Don’t be afraid of the boredom monster, only when it attacks will the imagination fight back and free the creative spirit!
Beware the Busy Bug – This bug is the destroyer of down time. It eats away at it slowly but surely. You’re there with your kids but you’re not really THERE. You are actually checking your emails, catching up on chores etc. They know this and will consequently find equally unimaginative things to do, computer, arguing, etc.  It takes a little practice to really be there in the moment with them but it’s worth it and you’ll all be amazed at what you can create together, be it drawing in the sand on the beach or building an assault course in the back yard!

*Get Down Time  -  You’re in the same place and now you should be in the same moment but are you on the same level?
See things from their perspective physically, even if that means crawling around on your hands and knees! By doing this you will create a physical connection which will make it easier for you to see how things are for them on a mental level. Unlike them, you have the maturity to reach down to that level, remember and relive being a kid again whilst maintaining your sense of responsibility. They will in turn see you as less of an alien and more of a trusted ally. Don’t just build the assault course with them, do the assault course!

*Get Positive  -  No is probably the most over used word on planet parent and the more you say it the less they listen! It is widely accepted that this over use can cause long term self esteem and achievement issues, not to mention the short term tantrums and arguments. Now obviously you can’t always say yes, or can you?
Here are some examples to illustrate this point.
‘Can I play out on my own?’…… ‘Yes, when you’re bigger/older’
‘Can I have an ice cream?’……. ‘Yes, when you’re friend comes tomorrow’
Get the idea, they will accept this style more easily because essentially they just want to hear the positive even if it’s deferred to a later date. Try using positive words wherever you would normally use the negative and get them doing it too.

Vacations with kids is an ideal time to practice these new habits and build better and stronger connections with them, whilst also having a great, stress free vacation. Once back at school, improved communications and understanding should make this more hectic time much more pleasant for you all. Like all good practices it will require some effort and patience but the rewards are great, consider putting up notes or posters around your house to remind you and your kids.

These are just three tips to get you and your kids re-engaging with each other this vacation.

3 Ways to Survive the Vacations with Kids is a post from: Travel Tips Blog