Travel Tips 3
Great airline food? Yes, if you know the secret.
Treat yourself to something fresher, healthier and a whole lot tastier than the typical meal that's likely to be served on your next flight. Call the airline in advance and ask about their specialty menus: Kosher, low fat, vegetarian, low sodium, etc. These meals feature fresh fruit and other delicious alternatives to the pre-fab food that's normally on the menu. Call at least 48 hours prior to departure and remember to ask for the same meal on your return flight!
Helping lost luggage find its way home
Most luggage isn't really lost, just temporarily misplaced. If you'd like yours to re-join you while you're still traveling, tag the outside of your bag with a phone number (or e-mail address) that a friend or family member will answer if contacted. Give that person your complete itinerary to facilitate returning your errant bags.
Holidays around the world
Have you ever arrived at a foreign destination only to find on everything closed in celebration of a national holiday? Visit the Worldwide and Holiday Festival Site (www.holidayfestival.com/) and coordinate your trip depending on the Anniversary of the Republic in Madagascar or the start of Ramadam in Brunei.
Hotel coupons can be a "rack"-et
Rack rate refers to the full rate a hotel may charges for a room. Some discount coupons offer a percentage off the rack rate, but using them might is not always yours best option. If you're traveling off-season, the daily rate may be lower than the discounted rack rate. Check the current room rate, seasonal discounts AND the rack rate to determine if your coupon is a good value.
Hotel security? Better bring your own
Recent news reports have called into question the adequacy of hotel and motel security. Always be sure to double-lock your room door and for an extra measure of protection, bring your own rubber doorstopper. Lodge the doorstopper from the inside, for added peace of mind.
In the pink
University of Texas Medical School researchers have discovered that bismuth subsahcylate (the primary ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) can help to prevent that most common of traveler's ailments -- Montezuma's Revenge. The tablets are very portable and a single dose can save the day...and the night!
Insure your pet for V.I.P. treatment
Insured, your cat or dog is more likely to be treated as a Very Important Pet by airline personnel and is likely to be delivered to you with more care and promptness. If there is a mistake and your cat is not delivered, immediately contact airport personnel since your pet might have been misrouted or left on a different loading dock.
Jet lag be gone!
If you arrive at your destination before sundown, get into the sunshine for at least 20 minutes and let natural Vitamin D help banish your jet lag. Then, get undressed and go to sleep for an hour. And remember to eat light, at least until your inner clock is ticking in the appropriate time zone.
Know your rights as a traveler!
Consumer advocacy groups have made great strides in developing programs to protect travelers from fraud and unfair business practices. For a comprehensive guide to your rights (rental cars, air travel, hotels, cruises, and more) go to www.passengerrights.com BEFORE you leave home.
Last on/first off
After you've completed a curbside check-in, give the agent your best smile (and a tip - generally $2 per bag), and ask if they would hold your bag back so that it's the last one to go onto the plane. At your destination, you'll be clearing the airport perimeter while everyone else is still at the carousel!
