Tag Archives: first-time traveler

Sleeping onboard an aircraft is tough but following the advice of seasoned travelers on how to sleep on a plane is a good start to getting the rest you crave. Selecting the right seat can make a difference, some seats are better than others if you want to sleep. Read on to learn how to avoid noisy passengers and other annoyances of a red-eye flight. These are the top hints we found to ensure you get rest while en route.

1. Book Your Flight Just Right

The first choice is to pick a nonstop flight. If you must have a connection try to break it up into a long and short leg rather than two legs of the same length. You’ll have more time for uninterrupted sleep on the longer leg.

Regular airplane seats don’t recline much, you’ll need a few tricks to get the sleep you crave. Read on

2. Select Your Seat Wisely

Choose a window seat for less interruption from seatmates who need to pass in front of you as they make their way to the aisle. If you sleep on your right side choose a seat on the right side of the plane. That way, when you turn, you’ll be facing the window, not the traveler in the seat next to you. Same idea if you sleep on your left side, select a seat on the left side of the plane to maximize privacy. Back sleepers on either side of the aircraft are fine. For maximum quiet, try to select a seat not directly across from the galley or near the lavatories.

When looking at the seat map, pay attention to whether the bulkhead or exit row seats that offer more legroom also recline. Many do not. Pass on the legroom they offer and opt for a seat that reclines. A reclining seat with less legroom is better for sleeping than a seat that doesn’t recline and offers more legroom.

3. Dress for Comfort and Sleep

Wear loose clothing for comfort. If you have to arrive wearing business attire, pack it in your carry-on and change just prior to arrival; you’ll look fresher. We recommend bringing a large wrap or shawl; it can act as a blanket (do this even in the summer when air conditioning can be particularly strong and uncomfortable), plus it looks fashionable draped around your neck. Men should opt for loose or stretchy pants. Many jeans today are made with a hint of lycra for comfort.

4. Bring Your Own Pillow

Airlines don’t have enough pillows on board for everyone, and the style they offer is not necessarily the best for sleeping while sitting upright. Fortunately, there are several styles of travel pillows designed especially for sleeping on board, so you’re sure to find one that’ll give you the support and comfort you need for sleeping in an airplane seat. We like inflatable neck pillows that help keep your head from flopping over to one side or onto your chest. If you’re concerned about the bulkiness of bringing your own pillow, select an inflatable one you only blow up when flying and then deflate to store in your carry-on bag.

5. Stay Warm

Cabin temps can fluctuate and you won’t be able to sleep if you’re cold, so bring your own blanket. The blankets on-board have usually been used by previous passengers and may be of questionable cleanliness. If you board late you may miss out on finding one altogether. This clever blanket rolls up to about the size of a soda can and can be stowed in your carry-on bag.

6. Use an Anti-Jet Lag Remedy

A homeopathic version (non-drug) is safe and yes, it really works. Avoid alcohol. Even if wine can make you sleepy while you’re earth-bound, in an aircraft it accelerates dehydration. You will only need this if you’re passing through multiple time zones and primarily going overseas.

7. Try a Sleep Aid

There are several over-the-counter options for you to consider to help you sleep on a flight. Dramamine, which helps with motion sickness can make you drowsy. Unisom and ZzzQuil are designed to help with insomnia so can help you sleep on a flight. Melatonin is a hormone. Discuss these sleep aids with your doctor for advice on which is best for you. Hint: Store your sleep aid in your toiletry bag at home so you don’t forget to pack it.

8. Block-out Noise

There are several alternatives for getting for blocking out sound. Earplugs are a good way to block-out unwanted noise, they’re small and inexpensive. If you like soothing music, make sure you pack your earbuds and phone/iPod. Noise-canceling headphones are a great investment for quiet on board too. The idea is to re-create the sleeping environment you enjoy when not flying. If you get earaches while flying due to the change in cabin pressure, you will need pressure reducing ear filters, they are different from noise-blocking earplugs!

Hint: Before you buy earplugs, try out your earbuds or AirPods with the block noise setting. They may work for you.

9. Stop the Light

Light, like noise, is a sleep disrupter. The sudden opening of a window shade or the flashing light of a screen, whether it is a seatback screen or a seatmate’s laptop, can disrupt your slumber. The solution is an eye mask. Find one formed with contours. The contour feature is a little formed cavity so your eyelids won’t touch the mask. The bonus for women is that this style doesn’t smear makeup. So you won’t wake up looking like a raccoon.

10. Buckle Up

To avoid being disturbed by the flight attendants during their safety checks make sure your seat belt is secured and visible (over the blanket.) That way, the cabin attendants will pass you by.

Try out all or several of these suggestions for sleeping on a plane. A little pre-flight preparation can make your next flight pass quickly as you sleep peacefully and arrive refreshed at your destination.

Is it better to carry your passport on your person or to store it in the hotel safe?

Detective Kevin Coffey, a travel safety expert, offered advice on protecting your passport on Rudy Maxa World Travel, America’s # 1 Travel Radio Show.
You can hear the short 4-minute segment here:

Following is a summary of the tips he offered the listeners.

What is best? Do I carry my passport or use the room safe?

Answer. Use the hotel safe. There’s a greater chance you’ll lose it or that it’ll be stolen from your bag or pocket than it being stolen from the safe. Plus you can use a secondary lock hotel room safe for additional security of the safe.

Advice regarding your passport before you travel

1. Get the mobile passport app by the US government, It helps get you through passport and immigration control. It helps you get through 25 US airports and 3 cruise ports. Find it here https://mobilepassport.us/

2. Get travel insurance that covers costs associated with lost passports such as the cost of a later flight home as you await your replacement passport.

3. Check the expiration date on your current passport. You should have at least six months left on it from your return home date. Use google calendar to remind you when you need to apply for a new passport.

4. Look at the expiration date of your children’s passports. They expire every five years versus the passports for adults which expire every 10 years.

5. For women, this usually applies to women who have recently married and are going on their honeymoon or have divorced. Do not change your name after you’ve purchased your airline ticket. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport.

6. Get a second passport if you plan to visit a country that will deny a visa due to the fact that your passport contains markings or visas showing you traveled to certain other countries. You can contact the consulate of your destination country for advice and guidance.

7. Get a US passport card that is designed for travel. The passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings or ports of entry by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel. It’s also good to carry on your person and keep your passport locked up in your room safe.

America’s #1 Travel Radio Show is hosted by Rudy Maxa and is aired on over 385 affiliates nationwide. Hear more broadcasts and visit the show site here:

www.RMWorldTravel.com

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Welcome to Kimber Westmore, inventor of the PillMap a new and clever item to simplify life and travel. Read how the PillMap solves a problem for people taking multiple medications with a management system that easily updates as medications change. This could be a lifesaver!

Article by Kimber Westmore

PillMap^TM – Don’t Fly Without it!

Did you know that 43 percent of Americans take at least one prescription medication each day? Seventeen percent take at least three. And even people who pop as few pills as possible typically pack extra medication in anticipation of out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. For instance, you may not regularly take allergy meds but carry them as a precaution when traveling to a new city. Or, it may be a good idea to pack anti-nausea medication if you’re heading somewhere with an unfamiliar fare. With so much medication to manage, make sure you take extra care when it comes to packing and traveling with pills. The inexpensive, easy solution for managing medications on the road or at home is PillMap^TM.

Before Your Trip-Up Date Your Pillmap

Gather all of your medications, including extras that are not part of your normal routine.
For each med, add the generic name of the drug and purpose under the line on each cardboard card. For example, under Prodaxa (which is the manufacturer’s name), write “Dabigatran” and a description, such as “blood thinner.”) This will help in the event replacements are necessary if your travels take you to another country.
Once you have completed the card, take a picture of the front and back of it to send to family members. This will help if they need to speak to doctors or pharmacists on your behalf in the event of an emergency.

The PillMap Speeds Up Travel

Speed things up at TSA. Up your game by presenting agents with a completed PillMap^TM. TSA and Customs’ agents can use the card to cross-check any pills you might be carrying in baggies or pillboxes. Bring a list of your prescriptions, as well, to further speed the process.
Reduce stress. Travel often involves ever-changing time zones, demanding schedules, mentally draining meetings and even much-needed relaxation by the pool. All of these can lead to the perfect storm in terms of thoughtful medication mismanagement. Keep PillMap^TMin your hotel room for easy reference.

About PillMap^TM

PillMap^TM takes the guesswork out of medication management. It is easily customizable to fit patient and caregiver needs, including maintaining consistency and safety in hand-offs between multiple caregivers. We’ve poured our learning and our care into PillMap™. We want you to put your time and your attention to the one you love, instead of pill bottles. Don’t take a chance with your loved one’s health. Order PillMap^TM today.

Medications change? No problem. PillMap^TM is easy to re-customize with new meds or routines. With a pocket for a visual sample pill to make sure the meds are correct, PillMap^TM was designed for once-a-day meds or multiple medications throughout the day. You customize it to your needs! It is simple to use, highly affordable, and puts you in control.

PillMap Helps First Responders

During an emergency first responders and medical personnel need to know which medications a patient is on. Rest easy knowing you, or your loved one just need to hand over the PillMap to the first responder.

Pack a shirt without wrinkles

This Travel Shirt Folder Keeps Dress and Casual Shirts from Scrunching up and Wrinkling in Your Bag

A wrinkle-resistant shirt folder is a must-have travel accessory for packing shirts without wrinkles. This shirt folder can keep up to five shirts wrinkle-free in your checked or carry-on luggage. It also keeps your shirts clean and minimizes space in your bag, so you can pack more and stay organized.

A clever packing aid keeps shirts from wrinkling in your carry-on or checked bag. This shirt packer comes with the instructions printed on the board, so you’ll always have them handy even while on the road.

How to Pack a Shirt, or Several Without Wrinkles

This lightweight travel shirt folder keeps up to 5 shirts from sliding and wrinkling in your luggage. There’s no better way to pack your shirts (long or short sleeves.) The Shirt Packing Folder is sized to fit into your carry-on, most briefcases, and, of course, your checked luggage. Arrive with virtually wrinkle-free shirts with this folding board and case. Ultralight, the shirt folder packing aid, keeps you looking sharp. Pull out a shirt, and it’s ready to wear.

Holds up to 5 shirts
Breathable mesh interior
Includes folding board with printed instructions
Keeps items organized and easy to access
Minimizes wrinkles
Zippered mesh tie pocket

The instructions on how to pack a shirt with wrinkles using the travel shirt folder are printed on the laminated folding board that’s included for easy reference every time you travel.

Wrinkle-Free Packing is Easy

This packing folder has compression with the integration of stretch side wings to keep your shirts and slacks secure to look their best. It’s a medium-sized folder, so whether you’ve packed one or five shirts, it conveniently fits inside most carry-on bags.

Look your best with wrinkle-free dress shirts, pants, and dresses. The best of of this packing aid is that it includes instructions printed on the folding to help you pack your things nice and crisp no matter where you are.

folding instructions, shirt folder, pack a shirt without wrinkles

The shirt folder is made with premium quality lightweight material for years of travel to come. Besides dress shirts, this packing aid works with pants, t-shirts, and pants.
Look your best when you arrive.

Minimize wrinkles and maximize space in your luggage for your next trip!

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The 8 most purchased must-pack over-the-counter travel medications you should pack. It never fails if you’re going to get sick while away from home, it’ll happen at night when the stores are closed or somewhere when you’re a distance from a town with a drug store, and the worst scenario is it happens in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. So be prepared to alleviate your symptoms or cure your ills by always packing a few key medications in travel sizes.

Best Tip for Storing Travel Medications

I personally keep them in my toiletry bag and never take them out, so they are always on hand for my next trip. The trick to not packing your whole medicine chest or liquids is to look for travel-sized packages of tablets, as they are light and take up minimal space in your luggage. Make sure you check the expiration date on the individual packages of your travel medications each time you go.

Should You Contact Your Doctor Before Travel?

If you’re going to a more exotic destination, visit a travel clinic first. The clinic doctor can help with vaccines and prescription travel medications. Contact your physician if you need to travel with prescriptions or medical devices. Take photos with your phone or photocopies of your prescription bottles and scripts in case of loss while you’re traveling. Having your exact dose, physician’s name and contact information available can help facilitate getting replacements in another location.

Our Top 8 Picks for Over the Counter Medications Smart Travelers Keep Handy

Anti Diarrheal and Heartburn Medication

Stomach Upsets and gastrointestinal issues are the number one sicknesses travelers fall victim to. Diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated food or water or by bacteria that your system is not used to. Rich foods, strange water, and spices are enough to cause problems for even the heartiest of travelers. Whatever the cause, you want relief as soon as you feel bad. Select tablets or capsules, as these forms won’t leak and make a mess inside your bags. Tablets and capsules are also lightweight, which is another advantage over the liquid form of relief.
Pack: Imodium or Nexium.

2. Pain and Fever Medication

These medicines can help with achy feet, sore muscles, headaches brought on by high altitude or jet lag, and so much more. One of the most typical complaints of travelers is general aches and pain caused by walking. You can easily log a lot more miles walking in urban settings in a day than you do at home. Too much walking can cause achy feet, a sore back, and overusing of muscles. Make sure you select a medication that doesn’t interfere with any other medications you’re taking. If you’re unsure as t which type of pain reliever is best for you a quick call or email to your doctor will clarify your choice.
Pack Advil or Tylenol

3. Over the Counter Motion Sickness Medicine

Feeling motion sickness in a car, bus, train, or cruise ship is absolutely awful. Nausea and dizziness can make the journey unbearable for you and your companions, especially if you’re prone to vomiting during your bouts of motion sickness.
Counter the effects with motion relief medicines Pack: Dramamine or Bonine.

4. Over the Counter Mild Laxative

Here we go with more tummy ailments. Sometimes, when you’re on the go, it is tough “to go.” Different foods, water, and getting used to any time changes can have an unpleasant effect on your digestive system. We recommend looking for products that are tablets or capsules that can’t accidentally spill into your luggage. When looking for a travel laxative, look for a mild formula, one you may have already tried. You don’t want any uncomfortable surprises.
Pack Miralax

5. Over the Counter Antihistamine

Allergies can spring up in a new climate; don’t suffer the misery of a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing. Different locations, even just a couple of hours away from home, can be a new micro-climate. A new micro-climate or location can encourage different grasses, flora, and other allergy-triggering plants to create a miserable experience for you. And don’t think that an urban or city location is exempt from triggering allergies.
Pack Claritin or Zyrtec

6. Over the Counter Cough Drops and Suppressant

You’re at an increased risk of getting sick while traveling. Usually, it’s only a cold or related symptoms. Those symptoms can be irritating to you and your companions. Cough suppressants can help soothe your throat so you don’t cough as much, and a suppressant does, well, what the name implies. Pack Halls or Cough Relief Soft Gels

7. Over the Counter Decongestant

One of the worst feelings is a stuffy nose, a runny nose, or a sinus pressure headache, especially when flying when the changes in altitude can cause discomfort and even pain. Look for non-drowsy formulas. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, so be careful when using it. We like to opt for non-drowsy formulas. Pack: Sudafed or Mucinex

8. Over the Counter Sleep Aid

These can come in handy to help overcome jet lag, noisy sleeping conditions, and uncomfortable sleeping conditions while en route. Frequent flyers keep a sleep aid handy in their carry-on for longer overnight flights. Read the packaging so you don’t inadvertently find yourself groggy upon arrival at your destination. You certainly don’t want to drive in a sleepy state. Consider using eyeshades and earplugs to also assist in getting the rest you want.
Pack Unisom or Melatonin

Travel confidently by thinking ahead and having solutions in your bag for any minor inconveniences and symptoms that travel may throw your way. Over-the-counter travel medications can help you feel better, sleep well, and get the most out of your travels.

Bonus Tip:

Keep your small bottles of travel medications (pills or soft gels only) with your toiletry bag. That way, you’ll remember to bring them with you and the comfort they can provide. If you’re a mom of a young child, store and bring any medicines they may need in the same fashion. Lastly, keep other medication information here, too.

Travel Insurance = Health
Trip Insurance = Financial

Insurance is your backpack plan if you encounter problems before or during your travels. Even the best thought-out plans may be interrupted by circumstances out of your control, think political unrest, global or personal financial troubles, health emergencies as well as natural disasters. So when planning your flights, hotels, or cruise be sure to put travel insurance on your planning checklist too and into your budget. Insurance will help you recover expenses should you be forced to cancel or interrupt your trip. The bigger the trip (both financially and time-wise), the more you need to look into travel and trip insurance.

Travel Insurance — coverage for health-related issues while out of the country

Travel medical insurance protects people. This type of insurance protects travelers from unforeseen health issues that may arise while they’re traveling abroad. This includes sickness, injuries, and accidents. Often these plans will cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation, accidental death repatriation, etc. Many companies will assist with finding a hospital via their customer help desk. One key aspect to understand is that you will usually have to pay for the medical costs and the insurance company will then reimburse you. Hint: call your credit card companies and ask for a limit increase before you go.

Medical
Accidents & Evacuation
24/7 Worldwide Assistance

Medical

Check your health insurance before hitting the road. Many travelers assume that their health insurance will cover them for any medical service, but this is not the case. Many health plans today are based on in-network coverage only. Does your plan only cover illnesses and accidents that occur domestically?

Accidents & Evacuation

There is no telling when an accident (physically or geographically) can occur. With accident and evacuation insurance, you can receive the quick medical attention you need in the event of a life-threatening emergency and evacuation back to your homeland.

Trip Insurance — protects you from financial loss due to trip-related issues

Trip insurance protects purchases. This type of insurance usually protects travelers against financial losses due to unexpected situations that might include trip cancellation, interruption, or delay; missed flight connections; or lost baggage. Financial losses typically are transportation costs, hotel costs, etc. Get your trip insurance when you book your flight, don’t wait, if you have to cancel your trip then the money you’ve already paid will be covered according to the terms of the policy you select.

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Baggage
24/7 Worldwide Assistance

Trip Cancellations

The most common type of travel insurance bought is trip cancellation insurance that can usually be bought for an additional price when booking your upcoming flight or cruise Travel insurance will either fully or partially reimburse you supposing your flight gets canceled or you have an emergency causing you to cancel your trip. Make sure you understand ahead of time how a policy defines a personal emergency.

Trip Interruption

Trip interruption coverage is similar to trip cancellation coverage. However, the policies offer travelers reimbursement of their pre-paid, non-refundable expenses when you unexpectedly need to cut your travels short.

Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Baggage

There’s nothing more upsetting than starting off your trip with damaged, delayed or lost baggage. Unfortunately, it is quite a hassle to get together when such situation occurs, but insurance can reimburse you for your personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged as well as give you extra money to buy your necessities if your baggage is delayed.

Insurance Package Plans

Most insurance companies that provide travel plans offer different types of “Package Plans.” A package plan is created based on your possible outcomes based on your destination and preference. Package plans are perfect for families, friends traveling together, and groups because they bundle the two types together.

Bundled Coverage Typically Includes

Trip cancellations for specific reasons like accidents illnesses, injuries, job loss, military duty, natural disasters, and more.
Trip interruptions like delays that could include extra lodging and transportation.
Dental and medical expenses due to an accident or illness.
Emergency medical/political evacuation coverage in case you cannot obtain proper medical care in your location.
Coverage for lost, stolen, delayed and destroyed luggage.
Cancellations at any time.
Customer service help from a trained travel specialist.

24/7 Assistance

The majority of travel insurances provide their clients with 24/7 assistance in case of all types of emergency and needs.

They can assist you with:

Help with any language barriers
Lost baggage search and replacement assistance
Lost passport or travel documents assistance
Medical transportation to and from the hospital
Location of the best hospital near you
Transportation home
Identity Theft

Valuable Tip: Check with your home insurance, health insurance carrier, and credit card company you used to purchase your flights, book your hotels, rental car, or cruise about what they cover before buying additional insurance. Doing this could save you money so you don’t buy duplicate coverage.

A couple of the most reputable travel insurance companies are:

Take matters into your own hands before your trip! Signing up for travel insurance for a minimal cost can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.

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