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New Passport Regulations
December 22, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Starting on January 23, 2007, you will need a passport to fly to Canada or Mexico. This is the first step in new passport regulations that Homeland Security says will help to strengthen border security. Then, beginning on January 1, of 2008, you will need a passport for visiting our neighboring countries by land and sea as well. This will affect travel and is something to keep in mind if looking to travel across the border.
Getting a new adult passport costs a little less than a hundred dollars and takes six weeks, so it will take some prior planning. However, an adult passport lasts ten years, so it's not something that needs to be done often. Anyone planning to travel to Canada in the near future that has a passport should make sure that it is up to date so they have time to renew it if necessary.
And if you don't plan to invest in a passport, never fear. In the meantime, you can find some great deals to these places, so grab them while you can. If you're looking to take a ski vacation, now may be the perfect time to head up to Canada. And with new Extended Stay Deluxe hotels in Canada, there's a great place to stay as well.
Holiday Destinations
December 21, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Many are predicting a busier than usual holiday season for traveling. This may have something to do with the mild weather we’re currently experiencing. Where are you going for the end of this year?
Many people are headed to family, located across the country, which will make road travel and domestic flights crowded. Be sure to arrive at the airport early and catch up on recent security measures before you leave. While you're visiting family, you may also want to have an idea of activities in the area that might be fun to see over the long weekend. Many towns and cities have holiday decorations and events. For other attractions, Extended Stay Hotels has guides for many cities, so look for one closest to your destination for some options.
Some are using the days of office down time for vacation to visit more exotic destinations, either for skiing or sun. This can be a fun alternative to the traditional holiday season. Going away at this time of the year can take away some of the usual holiday stress and can also be the perfect time to get away from work for a while. Consider Florida and California if you want to go back to your job with a tan or check out Colorado to ski in some perfect powder.
Whatever your holiday destination, 'tis the season to travel!
Avoid Jet Lag
December 12, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Whenever traveling over different time zones, jet lag can be a drag that can affect any business trip or vacation. It is generally accepted that for every time zone you cross, you'll need a full day to recover. But when you have places to go and people to see, you don't always have time to spare for recovery. So how can you shake your jet lag quicker and get back on your feet?
Adjust as quickly as possible to the new time. If that means setting your watch early, thinking about what you're normally doing at that time, or anything else that might help convince you, getting into your new time zone mentally can help you physically prepare, such as getting some sleep on the flight over. Some people suggest that changing your normal routine by just a half hour the week before you leave can help you adjust more quickly.
Pass up that alcoholic drink on the plane and choose water instead. Keeping hydrated is an important way to arrive at your destination more refreshed. And now that you can't bring your own bottled water on board, it is even more important to choose the healthy option and get all the water you can when they bring around the drink cart.
Try to sleep on the plane. This is not all that helpful a tip with cramped leg space, uncomfortable seats and noisy flights, but it really does help. Actually, it helps if you're losing time. If you’re gaining time, you may want to try and stay awake so that you don't end up being awake all night when you arrive.
Pay attention to your diet. Eating carbs right before getting on a plane can make you feel sleepy and more likely to rest. Increasing your melatonin might help jet lag. This is a tenuous link, but it might be worth a try. This can be taken in a supplement form or found naturally in foods such as rice, tomatoes, and bananas.
Good luck avoiding jet lag on your next trip!
USB Gifts
December 7, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
What do you get the business traveler that seems to have everything when you’re Christmas shopping this year? What gadget could they possibly use? Well, if you're looking for something fun and useful for your favorite traveler to tuck into their suitcase or keep at the office for in-between trips, you may not have to look any further than the entertaining toys that are coming out for USB ports. Whether the person on your list likes coffee piping hot or sodas ice cold, you can get a drink pad that plugs into a port, sits next to the computer, and does just that. Or someone facing a chilly winter may find a USB device that warms gloves or slippers up to be helpful. Other USB gadgets such as a mini lava lamp, little light-up Christmas tree, or fake fish aquarium can also be plugged in when far from home to personalize any work space or hotel room. Or consider a small, USB-powered missle launcher offered at Think Geek. Even just a fun flash drive device can really let your loved one or co-worker's personality shine. They're small, portable, and can work anywhere. There's no need for batteries and nearly all recent computers have a USB port. Whether it’s a memory stick they could really use, or a fun gadget that they would really like, a USB device may be the perfect item this year. At the very least, it's original.
'Tis the Travel Season
December 4, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
With Thanksgiving weekend come and gone, the holiday season is well underway. Are you ready for the hustle and bustle? There are a few things to keep in mind that will help keep the holiday season cheerful despite any traffic or travel headaches that may arise.
With winter storms and powerful nor'easters sure to head our way, it's always worthwhile to check the weather report and plan around large snowstorms that could affect travel. Weather.com and noaa.gov are good places to check to get local weather predictions for wherever you're headed.
Also, keep in mind the new travel restrictions when you are packing for a plane trip. They may have changed since the last time you flew. Currently, you can bring carry on items as before, including electronics. You can also bring some liquids and gels as long as each bottle is less than 3 ounces and all the bottles fit into a one quart, clear, zip-lock bag. One of these bags is allowed per person and this is to be put through security separately, so be sure to remove it from your carry-on beforehand. This way, you can be prepared to get through security and on your way faster. Check out tsa.org for the most updated airline security information.
These tips can help improve your holiday traveling. Be sure to plan for extra travel time and consider bringing a good book with you to help bide your time.
