Sailing Cruises - Travel Tips To Keep You Safe

And safer, more efficient, it's never too late to learn a couple of new tricks to make your
trip more enjoyable, whether it's your first trip or you are a seasoned jet setter.

Here are a few steps you should always follow.

Preplanning

) (I also put a copy of my schedule on the
refrigerator. Send a copy of your itinerary to significant other or closest
family member. O Always confirm reservations the day before especially for late
arrivals give a credit card guarantee.

) Set aside a
specific time you will touch base either by phone email or fax
(fax is particularly good when out of the country and in
different time zones. TIP: Discuss up front how often and when you will call so family
won't be worried if they don't hear from you.

Put
important phone numbers such as your meeting location in case of
delays in a couple of places among your bags. Carry plenty of water on the plane and take
something for dry throat such as lozenges in your carry on. Include any medications that you need on a daily basis in
your carry on. I once had to make an
important presentation in my sneakers because my luggage was
lost. Pack dress shoes in a carry on
if you wear running shoes to the airport. O Plan to travel light but always put and extra set of underwear
and essentials in your carry on.

DO NOT check your briefcase. TIP: Always carry your important business papers with you on the
plane.

Nuts or fruit (not candy) in case
you get stranded on a runway and there is no food, take snacks such as raisins. And aspirin in your travel bag, tissues, o Pack extra glasses.

I lost a
very nice pair of scissors that way. Go through your purse to ensure there are no scissors
or similar items that might be construed as weapons. (Don't forget your passport if you are traveling out of the
country). Itinerary and eticket or paper ticket before you leave
home, credit
cards, identification, o Double check to ensure you have cash.

Once
the under wire in my bra set off the alarm at the airport and a
female attendant had to pat me up to make sure I didn't have a
concealed weapon in my bra. You can never be too careful. Depending upon the size of the airport this can add considerable
time to the screening process. It is awful
to have to take them off and walk around in your bare feet. O Don't wear shoes with metal bars/rods in the soles.

This is the time to stand your ground or you might
not be on the flight at all. You don't have to move if you got
there first. Possession is 9/10 of the law. Provide your boarding pass. Stay seated
and alert a flight attendant. If you and someone else
have the same seat don't get up and give it to them. They WILL give away your seat, if the flight is over
booked. Arrive at the
gate at least 20 minutes before departure. Don't stand in line expecting them to contact you. Find an agent at the airport and explain the situation, should your schedule be really
tight. You do not want to start off on a bad foot by rushing
frantically at the last minute. The important lesson is to be relaxed and enjoy the
trip. O Plan to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before
your flight.

This could justify going in the
night before. In many cases there may be a limited number of
flights if you miss connections. Check schedules of smaller
airports too. Have dinner and relax
the evening before the meeting, don't take a late flight
but one that allows you to get your hotel. Plan to go the night before, o If your travel is for an important meeting that you simply you
can't miss.

It is pricey
but worth it if you need to inform someone of your whereabouts. O If the flight is unreasonably delayed and you need to let some
one know use the in flight phone while in transit.

Use your
cell or the public phones in the lobby if you have a lot of calls
to make. There are high surcharges and tariffs at most hotels. Don't use the room phone except in an emergency. The same goes for the
room phone. This is any area where you might have
significant charges if you aren't careful. Printers
and fax machine, many hotels that cater to business
travelers have a separate business suite with computers. Also verify services charges. Check before hand and book one of those rooms, if you
will require this. O Most major hotels have laptop connections in the room.

Many times it's better
to take several CDs with your presentation rather than lugging
your laptop. Check to see their computer capabilities, o If you are making a speech or presentation at the meeting.

This is
especially true in Europe where accommodations for large luggage
are minimal. Its also better to
have two smaller cases rather than one heavy one. O When buying luggage make sure it has wheels.

Upon Arrival

Many time taxis are cheaper and much lees of a hassle
especially with luggage than renting car or taking a van. It should be within a few dollars unless there is
traffic. Ask for the approximate rate once you have given them your
destination. If you choose a taxi be sure you have the actual address
handy. Most airports have
numerous options to choose from outside of the baggage claim
area. Your best option is to
pre-arrange a car service to pick you up. O Check out the transportation.

If budgets are a
consideration consider ride sharing or using shuttle vans that
make the hotel runs. Deadheading
back from the airport such as NY to Newark, tIP: Carry plenty of cash for unusual circumstances.

It's permissible to ask a bellman to accompany you to the
room even if you only have an overnight case. Ensure that the registration
agent maintains your privacy by not shouting out your room number
or taking a key down from the wall showing everyone what room you
are in, o When you check into the hotel.

Etc, the bellman can
be your best friend providing you with great suggestions on where
to eat and reputable cab drivers. Yet not lavishly, tIP: Be prepared to tip well.

You should avoid walking down long empty corridors
late at night. O Ask for a room away from the elevator but not at the end of the
hall either.

Many hotels will have a list of suitable restaurants
where women can feel quite comfortable dining along. O Ask about going out alone if you plan to shop or dine outside
the hotel.

You
don't want to get recommend to a "meat" market just because it's
the in spot. Tip: Be sure to ask about the clientele of the restaurant.

Other considerations

Call and speak with the hotel
representatives if this is an unfamiliar hotel. Price is not as
important as security. Select wisely, when choosing your hotel.

Questions to ask

Can you walk in the surrounding area alone safely?

Are there restaurants and services on the premises?

Do they cater to women with such things as hair dryer and robes
in the room?

Are there exercise facilities available?

How accessible is transportation such as taxis?

Use these
tips and practiced security measures and you will take off of the
right foot and arrive back home with minimal travel fatigue. Think of the trip in a
humorous light and you will enjoy yourself much more. Pack a lot of patience and understanding, when you travel by air. Many seasoned
travelers now opt to drive shorter trips. It's frustrating and
consumes an enormous amount of time and energy. Flying is not glamorous, a closing note.