Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Travel & Your Health
I just got my newest newsletter from Cool Travel Mail. There was a great article in it. There is some great info here...
The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you're more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip
- and your trip will definitely be more enjoyable. The biggest tip...lack of sleep and a poor diet can make it easier for you to become sick.
The first thing you should do if you're heading overseas is to find out what kinds of vaccinations you'll need in advance because different countries have different re-quirements. In the United States, contact your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a list of necessary vaccinations. You'll want to allow plenty of time for this step in case you need to get vaccines that require more than one dose.
Common Travel Troubles
Three of the most common health problems that you may experience when traveling are jet lag, altitude sick-ness, and diarrhea. When you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as jet lag. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip, including upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.
There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example, if you're traveling from west to east, you should stay out of the sun until the day after your arrival. If you're flying from east to west, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you arrive.
Altitude sickness is caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen, and low barometric pressure when you travel to a higher altitude than you're used to. As a result,
you may have problems, such as headaches, dehydration, and shortness of breath. Some people are affected at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), but others aren't affected until they reach altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) or more. Find out what altitude you're traveling to before you go to see if altitude sickness could be a problem.
The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn't possible, a drug known as acetazolamide
can help relieve and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. If you think that you might get altitude sickness, talk with your doctor before you leave home.
The topic of diarrhea may seem gross, but it can be a serious problem. Traveler's diarrhea, known as turista, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent turista is to be very careful of the food you eat and the water you drink on
the road.
You Can Take It With You
When you're packing, you'll want to include any medications and other medical supplies you use on a daily basis because they may be hard to find in another country if you run out. Even if you can find them, there's a good chance the formulations will be stronger or weaker than the ones you're used to. These may include any prescriptions you already take, such as inhalers, allergy medication, and insulin, as well as contact lens cleaners and vitamins.
Packing an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and diarrhea medication is also a good idea. It's a good idea to pack some over-the-counter allergy medication even if you don't take it at home. People sometimes unexpectedly develop allergic reactions to the pollens and other allergens found in a new environment. Those with asthma or other allergies can unexpectedly react to these new substances.
Write It All Down
Even if you watch what you eat and drink and get enough rest while you're traveling, you may still get sick. The good news is that you'll probably be able to find
competent medical care. The key is knowing where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go to a hospital where English is spoken or U.S.-trained doctors can be found. For this reason, it's a good idea to always carry a written copy of your medical history with you.
Having such important information available in one place can help health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset and not thinking clearly.
Before you leave your home sweet home, create a medical history form that includes the following information:
your name, address, and home phone number as well as a parent's daytime phone number
your blood type
immunizations
your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers
the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number
a list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or AIDS
a list of current medications you are taking and pharmacy name and phone number
a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals
a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than your parent
It also helps if you have some basic emergency medical knowledge, not only for yourself but for helping others you may be traveling with. A great way to prepare for your trip is to take a first-aid or basic life support course before you go; if you're traveling with a group, you should know where the first-aid kit is and what's in it.
Basic Safety
It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on. In addition to paying attention to
your personal safety (avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark), you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!
If you practice these healthy hints you can focus on the scenery - not medical emergencies - and return home with nothing more troubling than some tacky souvenirs!
The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you're more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip
- and your trip will definitely be more enjoyable. The biggest tip...lack of sleep and a poor diet can make it easier for you to become sick.
The first thing you should do if you're heading overseas is to find out what kinds of vaccinations you'll need in advance because different countries have different re-quirements. In the United States, contact your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a list of necessary vaccinations. You'll want to allow plenty of time for this step in case you need to get vaccines that require more than one dose.
Common Travel Troubles
Three of the most common health problems that you may experience when traveling are jet lag, altitude sick-ness, and diarrhea. When you fly across time zones, the differing amounts of light can change your internal body clock, resulting in a condition known as jet lag. Jet lag may cause some symptoms that are bummers on a fun trip, including upset stomach, insomnia, and tiredness.
There are some things you can do to combat jet lag; for example, if you're traveling from west to east, you should stay out of the sun until the day after your arrival. If you're flying from east to west, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible after you arrive.
Altitude sickness is caused by dry air, a decrease in oxygen, and low barometric pressure when you travel to a higher altitude than you're used to. As a result,
you may have problems, such as headaches, dehydration, and shortness of breath. Some people are affected at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), but others aren't affected until they reach altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) or more. Find out what altitude you're traveling to before you go to see if altitude sickness could be a problem.
The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn't possible, a drug known as acetazolamide
can help relieve and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. If you think that you might get altitude sickness, talk with your doctor before you leave home.
The topic of diarrhea may seem gross, but it can be a serious problem. Traveler's diarrhea, known as turista, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent turista is to be very careful of the food you eat and the water you drink on
the road.
You Can Take It With You
When you're packing, you'll want to include any medications and other medical supplies you use on a daily basis because they may be hard to find in another country if you run out. Even if you can find them, there's a good chance the formulations will be stronger or weaker than the ones you're used to. These may include any prescriptions you already take, such as inhalers, allergy medication, and insulin, as well as contact lens cleaners and vitamins.
Packing an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and diarrhea medication is also a good idea. It's a good idea to pack some over-the-counter allergy medication even if you don't take it at home. People sometimes unexpectedly develop allergic reactions to the pollens and other allergens found in a new environment. Those with asthma or other allergies can unexpectedly react to these new substances.
Write It All Down
Even if you watch what you eat and drink and get enough rest while you're traveling, you may still get sick. The good news is that you'll probably be able to find
competent medical care. The key is knowing where to go. Most travel guides suggest you go to a hospital where English is spoken or U.S.-trained doctors can be found. For this reason, it's a good idea to always carry a written copy of your medical history with you.
Having such important information available in one place can help health care workers make appropriate decisions, and you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset and not thinking clearly.
Before you leave your home sweet home, create a medical history form that includes the following information:
your name, address, and home phone number as well as a parent's daytime phone number
your blood type
immunizations
your doctor's name, address, and office and emergency phone numbers
the name, address, and phone number of your health insurance carrier, including your policy number
a list of any ongoing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or AIDS
a list of current medications you are taking and pharmacy name and phone number
a list of allergies to medications, food, insects, and animals
a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
the name, address, and phone number of a relative other than your parent
It also helps if you have some basic emergency medical knowledge, not only for yourself but for helping others you may be traveling with. A great way to prepare for your trip is to take a first-aid or basic life support course before you go; if you're traveling with a group, you should know where the first-aid kit is and what's in it.
Basic Safety
It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on. In addition to paying attention to
your personal safety (avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark), you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!
If you practice these healthy hints you can focus on the scenery - not medical emergencies - and return home with nothing more troubling than some tacky souvenirs!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Travel Sizes
Do you have a Christmas Tree Shop near you? I walked into our Christmas Tree Shop and see that they've done some rearranging. They also added 5 walls of Travel Item stuff!!! Here are photos of 3 out of the 5 isles! I almost BUSTED my budget. There are so many good small travel items that we'll need for our trip to China. Check out the store nearest you!!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Airline Baggage Fees
Airline Baggage Fees - Mandatory Now!
By Meritt
While I'm always keeping an eye on great sales and affordable travel, the recent change in baggage fee's makes a huge difference in the cost of your trip. We have a family of 5 and the extra fee now imposed for bringing any luggage with us can now up the cost of the trip by about a hundred dollars. The confusing thing is that all the airlines are different! There is no 'one' universal fee at this time and it's up to you to be on top of the changes the airline makes so you aren't surprised at check-in to see you now owe an additional $20-50 per person for luggage as well as $15-35 each for an aisle seat or bulk head seating. Everything is starting to cost 'extra' these days (prepare to pay $2 for a can of soda and $5 for a little snack pack as well) and if you haven't budgeted for these you might start out your trip on a bad foot!
I live in the Midwest and checked with my local airport to get the latest information they had on luggage fee's for our area. Here is an update that is recent as of August, 2008. If in doubt, please contact your airline directly about week before you travel to check for updates!!!!
Allegiant Air
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): $15 per bag for two bags when
purchased at the time of booking; $25 per bag for two bags when purchased at
check-in.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs, other mobility aids, and assistive devices used by
an individual with a disability.
BABY GEAR: One infant stroller and one infant or child safety seat will be
checked for each fare-paying passenger at no charge.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: A golf bag, including clubs, balls, and shoes, can
be substituted for one of the checked bags for the $10 fee. Bicycles, when
properly crated in a bicycle carton, will be accepted as baggage for a charge of
$50 each. Check current fees: http://www.allegiantair.com/aaFAQ.php
American Airlines (American Eagle)
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag, on tickets purchased June 15 or later.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices
BABY GEAR: Strollers and car seats don’t count as baggage items.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be substituted for a check-in.
Bicycles less than 62-inches (linear measure) and under 50 pounds can be
substituted for a check-in. Otherwise they are $100. Check current fees:
http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAll
owance.jsp
Delta
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $50.
EXCEPTIONS: Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches, provided
passenger is dependent on them. *** Note that you may not check baggage any
later than :30 prior to departure.
BABY GEAR: Stroller not counted as checked luggage if taken to gate.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: One golf bag or bicycle in a box not exceeding 62
inches can be substituted for your free baggage allowance. Check current fees:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/index.jsp
By Meritt
While I'm always keeping an eye on great sales and affordable travel, the recent change in baggage fee's makes a huge difference in the cost of your trip. We have a family of 5 and the extra fee now imposed for bringing any luggage with us can now up the cost of the trip by about a hundred dollars. The confusing thing is that all the airlines are different! There is no 'one' universal fee at this time and it's up to you to be on top of the changes the airline makes so you aren't surprised at check-in to see you now owe an additional $20-50 per person for luggage as well as $15-35 each for an aisle seat or bulk head seating. Everything is starting to cost 'extra' these days (prepare to pay $2 for a can of soda and $5 for a little snack pack as well) and if you haven't budgeted for these you might start out your trip on a bad foot!
I live in the Midwest and checked with my local airport to get the latest information they had on luggage fee's for our area. Here is an update that is recent as of August, 2008. If in doubt, please contact your airline directly about week before you travel to check for updates!!!!
Allegiant Air
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): $15 per bag for two bags when
purchased at the time of booking; $25 per bag for two bags when purchased at
check-in.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs, other mobility aids, and assistive devices used by
an individual with a disability.
BABY GEAR: One infant stroller and one infant or child safety seat will be
checked for each fare-paying passenger at no charge.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: A golf bag, including clubs, balls, and shoes, can
be substituted for one of the checked bags for the $10 fee. Bicycles, when
properly crated in a bicycle carton, will be accepted as baggage for a charge of
$50 each. Check current fees: http://www.allegiantair.com/aaFAQ.php
American Airlines (American Eagle)
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag, on tickets purchased June 15 or later.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices
BABY GEAR: Strollers and car seats don’t count as baggage items.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be substituted for a check-in.
Bicycles less than 62-inches (linear measure) and under 50 pounds can be
substituted for a check-in. Otherwise they are $100. Check current fees:
http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAll
owance.jsp
Delta
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $50.
EXCEPTIONS: Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches, provided
passenger is dependent on them. *** Note that you may not check baggage any
later than :30 prior to departure.
BABY GEAR: Stroller not counted as checked luggage if taken to gate.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: One golf bag or bicycle in a box not exceeding 62
inches can be substituted for your free baggage allowance. Check current fees:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/index.jsp
Continental Express
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $25.
EXCEPTIONS: There is no charge for wheelchairs.
BABY GEAR: Car seats and strollers may be checked free
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Continental Airlines will accept a standard-sized
bicycle or golf bag and clubs in lieu of one piece of free baggage.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/check.aspx
Midwest Airlines
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $20 after June 16.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
BABY GEAR: Stroller not counted as checked luggage if taken to gate.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $80 each way.
http://www.midwestairlines.com/MAWeb/travelPlanner/travelPolicies/baggage.aspx
Northwest Airlines
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $25. 3rd
bag is $100. Overweight bags: 51-70lbs. is $50 extra. NO BAGS OVER 70lbs.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices and up to 10 pounds of
fruit from Hawaii or Florida are exempt.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $25.
EXCEPTIONS: There is no charge for wheelchairs.
BABY GEAR: Car seats and strollers may be checked free
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Continental Airlines will accept a standard-sized
bicycle or golf bag and clubs in lieu of one piece of free baggage.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/check.aspx
Midwest Airlines
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $20 after June 16.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
BABY GEAR: Stroller not counted as checked luggage if taken to gate.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $80 each way.
http://www.midwestairlines.com/MAWeb/travelPlanner/travelPolicies/baggage.aspx
Northwest Airlines
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag free, second bag $25. 3rd
bag is $100. Overweight bags: 51-70lbs. is $50 extra. NO BAGS OVER 70lbs.
EXCEPTIONS: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices and up to 10 pounds of
fruit from Hawaii or Florida are exempt.
BABY GEAR: There is no charge for car seats or strollers.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $100 each way.
Check current fees: http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html
United Airlines
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag $15, second bag $25. Starting August 18, 2008
Check current fees: http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html
United Airlines
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag $15, second bag $25. Starting August 18, 2008
EXCEPTIONS: An extra wheelchair may be checked and not be part of your checked bag allowance (or assessed a fee) if it is strictly for mobility purposes or is required to make a living. Other medical assistive devices are also exempt .
BABY GEAR: There is no charge for checking car seats and strollers.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $100 each way. Check current fees:
http://www.united.com/page/middlepage/0,6823,1031,00.htmlnavSource=Dropdown07&linkTitle=baggage
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $100 each way. Check current fees:
http://www.united.com/page/middlepage/0,6823,1031,00.htmlnavSource=Dropdown07&linkTitle=baggage
US Airways
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag $15 (except on tickets booked prior to July 9th), second bag $25.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE (EACH WAY): First bag $15 (except on tickets booked prior to July 9th), second bag $25.
EXCEPTIONS: Passengers checking personal assistive devices.
BABY GEAR: Stroller not counted as checked luggage if taken to gate.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $100 each way. Check current fees:
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx
RECREATION EQUIPMENT: Golf clubs can be transported without charge in lieu of the free checked bag. Bicycles are $100 each way. Check current fees:
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/baggage/baggagepolicies.aspx
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