Think Green When You Travel

When we set out on vacations, let’s not leave behind our values.   If you practice the philosophy of thinking green, then take your good habits with you, (two out of three people say they don’t) and observe ways to save our environment.

Go Green when you travel

Here are a few tips:

1. Take short showers
2. Turn off the lights when you leave a hotel room
3. Take your own shampoo and other products (those plastic mini-bottles are going to end up in landfill after only 1 or 2 uses!)
4. Re-use your towels and sheets if you are on a long-stay.  Many hotels now ask you if you would like to do so.
5. Don’t use those plastic cups if you have your own water bottle or travel mug to drink from.

Vegas- a world on its own

There is no other skyline like Las Vegas!  You can see New York, travel to the pyramids, ride the Eiffel Tower and glide over the water in  a Venetian gondola – all in one day!

Las Vegas is truly an escape from reality!  You cannot help but get caught up in the spirit of things.  I was so amazed at how friendly the tourists are to each other, offering suggestions about shows, where to find a great buffet, and how to save taxi fare by riding the double-decker bus – the Deuce.

The Deuce costs, you guessed it- $2 a ride, or $5 for all day.  During the day it is a great way to travel up and down the strip, but by night time, the traffic is a nightmare and be prepared to have long waits to go only a few blocks.  It is much like riding a party bus, and we had fun chatting with people from all over the world.  I remember one little senior lady who was as sweet as could be who actually played Texas Hold’um in a charity game with some of the best known names in Poker and WON!  Now that is something to tell your grandchildren!  You’ve got to love Vegas!

What ID to take on a trip?

One of my biggest fears is losing my ID.  Then I worry if I will remember what to cancel should I be unfortunate enough to have it stolen or misplaced.

1. Consider leaving most of it behind.  We all have too many cards, right?  Do you really need that gas credit card this trip if you are flying?  Take only 1 or 2 picture ID, a credit card and bank card, health care and passport if you are going out of country.
2. I photocopy some of my ID, like my health card and my SIN number.  That way I always have the original and it saves  on wear of the card. (they are expensive to replace!)
3. Split up your credit cards from your cash, and your passport from your other ID.  That way if you lose one set, you still have other ID and access to money.  I put one set in my camera case, and the other in my purse or backpack.  
4. If you are leaving items in your room, use the hotel safe. If there isn’t one in your room then find a good hiding spot.  Just don’t forget to take them with you when you check out!
5. Finally, have a sheet of paper in your suitcase that itemizes your ID and where to phone to cancel your cards if they are stolen.  Then relax and enjoy your trip!

Canadian Rights for Air Travellers

So many flight cancellations and airline closures makes a person worry about the traveller’s rights.

If you are a Canadian, you may be interested in knowing:

•  Airlines must make efforts to inform passengers of delays and changes 
• Travellers have a right to the flight, and the airline must provide the passengers another flight, or a refund
• When luggage does not arrive on the same flight, the airline must take steps to deliver it to the hotel asap, and will keep the person informed of status
• Carriers must make the terms and conditions of travel easily available to passengers

If you, as a passenger, feel that you have a complaint, or that the airline has not met the standard you expected, you may seek corrective measures.  If the airline does not address your concerns, you have the right to contact the Canadian Transportation Agency at          1-888-222-2592.

For more information on the Code or Conduct of Canadian Airlines you can visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/air/menu.htm

Tip for totes

 

CLIP ons!

You know those carabiners that sports enthusiasts use for rock climbing?  You find them often in hardware stores or sports stores.  Well, get a few to clip to the top of your suitcases when traveling.  Then hang stuff like extra shopping bags, purse, camera bags, etc to free up your hands when standing around at the airport.  It is easier than juggling things when you are searching for your passport or ticket!

PS. we are back from our road trip with grandsons, and I really needed extra hands for them!

Murphy’s Law: heat=broken air conditioner

Murphy’s Law dictates that the hottest week of the summer will mean that the air conditioner in the car will break down.  This is also the weekend that we are taking our grandsons on a road trip!  Here are my plans for traveling with small children in a hot car:

1.  Leave early and travel as many miles in the cool of the day.  Of course, Murphy’s Law has also kicked in and this is the day the little ones are sleeping later than usual!  Oh well, that gives me time to do this post!

2.  Wet face cloths in a baggie will allow me to moisten their skin when they start feeling hot.

3.  Pack a cooler with lots of cold drinks and some snacks.

4.  Bring lots of entertaining video games and toys to entertain them and keep their mind off the heat.

5.  Stop when they complain, find a park or a cool shady spot to let them run and play for a time.

6.  Promise them an ice cream when we arrive, of course Murphy’s Law will come to play again here for us, since we are probably the only people in the world whose grandchildren DON’T like ICE CREAM!

Happy travels!

Beware of Bedbugs!

When searching for a hotel within driving distance of a state park our family wanted to visit, I came across a motel that was very conveniently located.  Better news, the price was good!  

Was I ever glad when I decided to search the Internet for a reference before booking.  As soon as I saw one review that said the people  had recently visited and found BEDBUGS I quickly crossed it off my list!

If you don’t know where to stay when planning a vacation try these tips:

1. Ask friends or people you trust who have traveled there to suggest something
2. Look up accommodations through  AAA or other responsible travel guides
3. Search the Internet for Travel Reviews: some excellent sites are TripAdvisor.com or TravelerReviews.com
4. Check with complaintsboard.com or a Better Business Bureau to see if there have been problems
5. When the hotel/motel you first wanted is full, ask them to recommend someplace.  We happened to find something very nice this way, that was not even listed in out travel guide.

Travel safe, plan carefully and don’t let the bedbugs bite!

Cruise Speak

First time on a boat , ship , cruise?  You don’t want them to think you are new to the game. So here are a few words to come to terms with (terrible pun, I know!)

• Bow – is the front of the vessel
• Forward – again you are right in guessing it means the same direction as the front!
• Aft- towards the rear (A fine distinction, but use it properly)
• Stern – is the rear
• Bridge – the Command Center, probably marked clearly with NO ENTRY
• Galley – the kitchen, a place that produces those delicious meals and confections
• Tender- Not the meat in the kitchen, it is the vessel that takes you to shore (you can call it a boat)
• Boat- The word that brands you an amateur if you refer to the cruise ship this way! 
• Purser – The guy who holds the purse and the money- the accountant!
• Veranda- the place you pay extra for, your balcony view
• Muster Station – The place you should gather in an emergency, determined by your cabin number, hopefully, you never need to use this except in practise!

 

Flight TIP

 

Who wants to sit around?

When my family flew to Hawaii this winter, we were so excited that we got up at 6 AM and rushed to the airport only to discover that because of the storm the previous night, all flights had been delayed for more than 4 hours.  If we had called ahead to the airport before leaving home, we could have saved ourselves a long boring wait at the airport lounge.  

TIP:  call ahead to be sure your flight is on time.

 

I am sure you have a bad flight story too?

CREDIT yourself with Insurance knowledge

We’ve heard the slogan, “Don’t leave home without it”, but how many people out there know what exactly their credit cards cover?  I was happy to learn that my credit card covered as many travel risks as I would have had by purchasing extra insurance.  I have heard horror stories about the uninsured, but even those insured might be surprised when they want to put in a claim.  

When  investigating the purchase of travel insurance there were some things you need to consider:

1. Medical coverage:  If you are going on a cruise then you may or may not choose to get the emergency medical portion of the plan (afterall- the ship will have a facility and doctor on board, so you probably won’t be calling the ambulance!
2. Medical conditions that existed before the travel insurance plan or policy took effect- take note of the last time you visited your doctor, or if there was a change in medication.  Many policies will not cover you in the event that you have recently had a surgery or new medications prescribed.
3. Does it cover lost baggage?  If you travel light and leave your expensive jewelry at home, you may not need this part of the plan either.  I would rather have new clothes!
4. Flight interruption as well as cancellation.  My family had the unfortunate experience of having to cancel their European vacation when our father passed away, but even though they had cancellation insurance it was not payable because he had been diagnosed with cancer 3 years previously!  Be aware that not all cancellation policies will be covered.  Read  fine print carefully. Or ask the rep!

Some group insurance plans may also carry protection for travelers, so before paying for extras, see if you have coverage on your household plan, or on your credit card, but I always believe in being safe!