Taking off Travel blog

Traveling by plane soon and don’t want to get bitten by the flu bug?  We have all been there.  You return from a delightful vacation, or productive business trip, only to hit hard by the flu a couple days after you return.  There are a few tips and tricks you can use to avoid getting sick.

One of the most important things to check off your list to avoid the flu is to get an actual flu shot.  You no longer need to make an appointment with your doctor’s office or clinic.  You now can just go into most pharmacies and receive a shot.  The flu shots administered normally can protect from most strains of the flu worldwide.  However, you won’t be under protection of the vaccination right away.  You should allow two weeks for the shot to take effect.

We all know that the circulated air of airplanes is notoriously dry.  A study published by the Journal of Environmental Health Research stated that the recirculated air during flights increased the risk of respiratory tract infections.  So, always stay hydrated with lots of water.  This will not only help combat fatigue, but will also keep your nasal membranes in your mouth, eyes, and nose moist.  The nasal membranes are an important barrier to keep germs out of your body.  Also, a saline spray can also help keep your membranes most and working to help protect you from germs.

Hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer.  Be proactive and just wipe down everything with an anti-bacterial wipe once you get on the plane.  Scrub the arm rests, then tray, anything that you may touch. Follow this up by giving your hands a good dose, as well.  The flu and/or cold bug often enters your body through your mouth and nose, so keeping your hands sanitized will help prevent the germs from entering your body.

Another theory is to increase the ventilation at your seat to about the medium speed.  Position it slightly in front of your face so if anyone should sneeze (saliva droplets can travel up to six feet), the air current may help keep them away from your nose and mouth.

Wash your hands often.  Again, the flu bug can enter your body through your nose and mouth, so try to keep your hands clean and away from your face. Listen to what your mother said and wash your hands before and after eating or drinking.

Milling around a crowded airport is like playing chance of getting sick, so be proactive before any airplane trip.  You will be glad you did!

Be prepared before your trip and plan your airport parking using  ParkRideFlyUSA.com.  Our vendors are located near the airport and provide you with transportation to and from the terminal.  Check us out for great rates and guaranteed parking spaces!

Ugh, the screams ring in your head after you hear the news.  What do I do if my flight is canceled? if you’re traveled enough, you have all had to face that dilemma.

The last time I flew, I raced to the ticket counter, but wondered why no one else was at the gate. It was a small airport, but I thought at least an agent would be available.  Finally, after pacing up and down the counter, someone showed up.  She looked confused, then did some tapping on the computer.  “Didn’t anyone contact you?  Your flight is canceled and you are rescheduled tomorrow at 6AM.”

I did not receive the many alerts I had signed up for with the travel site I used.  #Fail on their part.  Really, if someone contacted me, I’m fairly certain I would not have arrived at the airport!  I didn’t say that, but I wanted to.  Keeping in mind that this counter person did not single-highhandedly decide to mess up my trip home, instead, I just said in the nicest way “No. No one called me.”

Luckily, I had been visiting friends and I got an extra day.  But, what could I have done if my flight in mid-trip?  There are several options, but none are the “magical touch” that will go smoothly.

• On the Arrivals/Departures board make a note if there are other airlines with similar flights and make note of the flight numbers.
• You can go stand in line at the counter, or where the airline directs you, and wait to see how they will route you to your final destination. Be prepared to wait quite a while for your turn. Everyone in front of you in line will get their choices met first, so on to the next option…
• Call the airline and try to make alternate arrangements that way.  Make sure you have your ticket number, record locator, and any other information you may need when you are on the call to help things go quickly.  You may find you are already booked on the next available flight, or the customer service agent may assist in booking another airline if applicable.  Always be prepared for options.  Going through another airport, or a direct flight, may be a better alternative. If there is a weather issue, unfortunately, you may find that you are stuck at the airport and no flights are available.
• Hop online and try to rebook an alternate flight.  Again, make sure you have all your flight information so you can breeze through the process.

The most important thing to remember is to try to be patient with the counter agent, the customer service rep, and the people who are all the the same situation as you are.  It will make YOUR experience more enjoyable.  By the way, during my trip my connecting flight got delayed the next day.  So, always be prepared.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many travelers may be trapped for days.  Although I was not one of the unfortunate few, I have been stranded at an airport due to mechanical failures, weather, flight cancellations, and other excuses given by the airlines.  I have complied a few activities that help me pass the time.

• Walk the concourses in alphabetical or numerical order.  Then, during my walk I will play the alphabet game, similar to “I Spy.”  For example, I spy an apple at a cafe along my walk.
• Go to a club.  If you can afford it and your layover airport offers it, you may be able to take advantage of an Airport Club.  Many have day passes with various offers.  Some airlines also have day airline passes to their own clubs as well.  It may be well worth the price to get away from the hub-bub of the airport.  Amenities may include free Wi-Fi, drinks or snacks.
• People Watch -  I love to people watch, and can easily spend an hour or more just enjoying humans interacting with other humans.  I tend to make up stories about each one to entertain myself as I pass the time.
• Ride the Tram!  Some of the larger airports have trams or trains that run between the terminals.  This adds and extra layer to my people watching adventure in the previous hint.  If I am bored enough to ride the tram through all the stops for a complete round trip, I can really spin some good tales in my head regarding the people I encounter on the train.
• Airport Museums and Art Exhibits – Many airports now have museums and/or several art displays throughout the airport property.  From San Francisco to Atlanta to Heathrow, art galleries are quite popular.  From masterpieces to works from up and coming artists, the airport art gallery is becoming a very important feature.
• Practice your musical instrument.  On one layover at DCA, I had chatted with a young lady about fiddle playing.  I noticed her violin case and struck up a conversation about fiddle playing versus a concert with a violin.  Our plane arrive late, and we both missed our connection.  An hour or so later, as I was making my ABC walk, I found her in a corner of the airport, along with her mother, practicing a beautiful violin concerto.  Who knows, I may have met a violin prodigy!
• Don’t try the stupid stunts that are listed on some sites.  They will land you in airport jail, and you won’t need to worry about your next flight!

One thing to keep in mind is if you use ParkRideFlyUSA.com to secure your airport parking, our friendly lot operators will keep your vehicle safe and secure until your return.  You will receive a guaranteed parking space at a great rate!  For more travel tips, travel chats, and more, check out our page on Facebook.  Let us know if you have any different tips or ways that you get through those long layovers!

Related articles

• Surviving a Cancelled Flight 101: How to Pass the Time at Five Major US Airports

You’re probably thinking, seriously, there’s no shocking truth about something as boring as parking.  Well, unless you had the experience of arriving at the Airport Economy Parking Lot and the LOT FULL sign is flashing through your windshield, you are late for your flight, and you just saw the airport shuttle whiz by, you don’t know how shocking airport parking can be!

Outside of living under a rock most of your life, you probably already realize that the holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the busiest time of year for airline travel.  All this leads us to the point that unless you take some preliminary precautions, someone is going to park their car in your spot, even though you yelled DIBS on it with your super powers.

Let’s say that you had researched the parking costs for your Thanksgiving flight back in August, when you made your plane reservations.  But, you arrived at the lot and instead of  the reasonable $5 per day rate, the “holiday rate” is now $10.00+ per day.  WHAT?  Arguing with the attendant won’t work, she’s just charging what the computer told her.  If you want your car out of Airport Parking hock, then you will need fork over whatever the Airport says.

Now, let’s get back to reality.  Airport parking doesn’t need to become difficult, nor do you need super powers to get a great parking space.  You can reserve your spot ahead of time for an off-airport parking lot and save not only some of your hard earned cash, but time and frustration as well.  You receive luggage assistance, a ride to and from the terminal, and peace of mind from having a parking space.

Check out the rates for your departure airport at ParkRideFlyUSA. We have the best parking lots listed for your airport.  Just a few clicks, and you will have a guaranteed parking space for your holiday trip.  Book early so you can lock in your rate and avoid any last minute blackouts.  With your paid receipt, you will have access to your reserved parking spot at the off airport parking lot you chose, guaranteed locked in rate, and peace of mind before you start your trip home to Mom’s house.

And, since Mom is making your favorite holiday dessert, wouldn’t you rather spend your extra money on a nice gift instead of airport parking?

I’m on vacation this week, so it seems a fitting time to include this guest post on packing tips (mainly for girls) from UK writer Gayle Brown.

Travelling Light: The Ultimate Packing Guide

Jetting away on holiday? Lucky you! It’s hard not to be jealous, but because you’re looking for help on how to reduce the amount of stuff you can forcibly squeeze into your suitcase then I’ll try not to hold it against you. Weight restrictions are probably the bane of many a woman’s life, but even if you didn’t have a luggage restriction – would you really take everything from the must-have fashion outfits to the kitchen sink? Thought not. To help you out, this is a guide outlining some top tips on how to pack light; enjoy!

It’s an exciting time when you’ve got the holiday booked and it’s suddenly (out of nowhere) the week before you go away on holiday. You begin to panic – what clothes should you take? Have you got enough sun cream? Do you need new sandals? Shampoo – you’ll definitely need shampoo to fight the damaging UV rays; and with all of these thoughts racing through your mind, you quickly begin to panic and pack everything.

For assistance on how to steer clear of panic-packing, read on.

Tip One: Plan Ahead

It may sound painfully obvious but planning reduces a lot of this recently coined – panic-packing. First step, plan your outfits. How many days are you going away for? 5 -7 – 10?

Once you’ve worked out how many days you’re holidaying for, you need to start choosing your outfits and lay them out on the carpet. By having a plan of what you are going to wear, you can plan for the entire week. This stops you from packing clothes which you aren’t going to wear and which, in hindsight, wouldn’t go with anything you are planning to pack anyway.

When it comes to choosing clothes for the holiday, it can be easy to sit there thinking of all eventualities – what if it’s cold? What if it rains? You’re bound to need an outfit for the plane and when you land in England aren’t you?

Take a maximum of two cardigans – and make sure they complement your outfits. Don’t feel tempted to take anymore; the likelihood of you needing them is very slim. If you’re worried about your outfit on the plane and when you land back in the UK, the advice would be to wear the same outfit for the plane on the way there and on the way back. This should prevent your suitcase from being bulked up with warmer clothing that you aren’t going to need.

Tip Two: Pick Your Shoes

Shoes are an essential asset to any outfit, but they are one of your heavier items in your suitcase – so it’s time for a cull my friend. It’s time to look at your shoes, pick out the ones you are definitely going to wear and those which will go with the majority of your outfits. It’s nice to have choice, but it’s time you considered the weight limits and whether or not you can actually carry your suitcase. Breathe; it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Tip Three: Beauty Products

If you’re anything like many women you might panic and pack lots of beauty products; make-up, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, and nail varnish. These are all essentials, but they can be cut, and most of the things you need you can easily find on holiday; and that hairdryer you are thinking of packing? Don’t, nine times out of ten your accommodation will have a hairdryer fitted in the room. If you’re still not happy – invest in travel hairdryer, because you’ll find it invaluable and you’ll use it time and time again.

The best tip on offer is only pack what you need. Okay, so it sounds like something your Dad would say, but you know deep down that it’s a good point. So all that is left to say is good luck in your packing quest.

Written by Gayle Brown on behalf of Debenhams; they look after your travel insurance so you can worry about what you’re packing.