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Tips for Staying Safe on an Airplane

In light of the recent plane crashes and issues, there has been much written about how to stay safe on planes when traveling. I’ve read many of these and complied my own list from sources, other blogs, and my own experiences.

First of all, have you ever really listened to the flight attendants when they talk about the safety card?  That card is different for each type of plane, because the seats are different, the exits are different, etc.

So, listen and then do what the attendants ask you to do. Look around and find all the exits. They tell you the nearest one may not be your best option. Look for all of them. This is your plan of escape, should you need it.

You could even count the number of rows between you and the nearest exit. It might help if the cabin is filled with smoke or luggage…if you can remember that number.

Do you actually know where those oxygen masks will come from? Perhaps it’s a good idea to look next time you are on board a plane.

Apparently, most of the crashes come in the first and last few minutes of any flight…takeoff and landing. Stay awake and pay attention, especially during those times. Put your shoes on, put your laptop away, and unclutter the area around you well before landing.

One post I read said…if the little saying in your head says to get out and you haven’t yet been told to get out, you should listen to your instincts. Get out.

Experts say you have about two minutes to get out of the plane in order to maximize your chances of survival. Leave your luggage, your purse, your computer behind. It could mean the difference between getting out safely and not. Try to stay low as the air will be better toward the floor.

Once out, keep moving away from the plane…preferably upwind.

Fly safe…read the safety card…and listen to the flight attendants.

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Packing Tips…Again

If you travel very much, you probably have favorite packing tips. I know I do. But, every now and then I read a new tip that I figure I will try on my next trip.

Some of those work great…and some, not so much.

Today’s tip has to do with compression bags. Do you use them? Do they work? Or, are they more trouble than they are worth?

I’d like to hear what you have to say. I know what I think about them!

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Eating and Traveling

Buying groceries in a local store, at the farmer’s market, or local fruit and vegetable stands will help save some money when traveling. You can often buy great snacks, fresh bread, local cheeses, and fresh fruits and vegetables. You won’t have to rely on stopping at the nearest restaurant when everyone is starving.

Pack various sizes of resealable bags and a small cooler and you can buy food for a picnic or save your leftovers for later.

Staying in a hotel and want to know good places to eat? Instead of asking the concierge, ask the bartender or barista where they like to eat. You might find more local places with interesting food.

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Lake Tahoe

Did you know that Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the US and the 10th deepest in the world? Only Crater Lake is deeper in the US.

Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with 72 miles of shoreline. The average surface elevation is 6,225 feet, which makes it the highest lake of its size in the US.

Many streams and rivers flow into Lake Tahoe, but only one river flows out of it…the Truckee River.

It’s a great place to visit in the spring, summer, fall, or winter.

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Airports

Recently I read a post about the largest airport in the US. Is it Denver International, Los Angeles Municipal, or JFK International? Which one do you think covers the most area?

It is Denver with twice as much land as Manhattan. Surprised?

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Jet Lag Travel Tips

Did you know you can do a few things to help beat your jet lag symptoms? Airline flight attendants and other frequent flyers offer solutions that help them. See if some of these will work for you.

Eat healthy before you travel. No huge burgers and fries just before you board a transatlantic flight!

Exercise always helps. Try to increase your exercise routine for a few weeks prior to a long flight. And, exercise while on that long flight. Walk around, move your legs and ankles, or do some deep knee bends.

Alcohol and caffeine may cause dehydration or disrupt your sleep patterns.

Wear loose clothes and shoes. Take your shoes off and put on some slippers if that helps.

Adjust to your destination’s time zone as quickly as possible.

These are a few of my favorites that work for me. Let me know what works for you.

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Hotel Travel Tips

Traveling to a new city and need a hotel? Have you ever researched hotels on line and then called the hotel directly? Many times specials are offered by doing just that. Ask if there are any specials that are not listed on the Internet. You may be surprised.

While you’re at it, ask if they have any packages or any discounts to favorite spots in that area.

And, don’t forget to look at independently run smaller hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, or other alternatives to larger hotel chains. You may be surprised here as well.