Month: April 2014

We’ve all seen those travelers with gigantic suitcases. I always wonder what on earth is in them and how long the traveler is staying.

Does your bag threaten to burst at the seams once you have everything in it you would ever need? Is it because you’re packing for the worst possible thing that could happen? Try making a list before you stuff all that stuff into your bag. Going to the beach for a casual week? You probably won’t need to pack three pair of jeans and two sweaters. Going to Paris in the spring? Check the weather to see if you really need a rain coat, an umbrella, and a waterproof jacket.

A packing list will also help you cut down on tossing in everything within sight into your bag. Make that list ahead of time. Then, add to it or delete it from it as the time gets closer. Again, check the weather.

Try to color coordinate your clothing. You’ll find you have to pack less. If your clothes can do double duty…that’s even better. Frequent travelers bring along tops that can be washed in the sink and hung up to dry quickly.

Gadgets…chargers…and gizmos. With a list, you’ll be more apt to bring the right chargers and gadgets. You won’t have to throw in everything just in case you’ll need it.

Worse case scenario…you forget something. You’ll probably find a way to buy it…or find you can do without it.

Ever wonder what ‘jet lag’ really is? According to Dr. Gary Zammit, Executive Director of New York City’s Sleep Disorders Institute, it’s the negative experiences people have when their internal body clock becomes “desynchronized” from the actual clock time around them.

Or…your body doesn’t catch up. So, what can you do to help with this?

You could start living like the time zone where you will be flying to, at least three days before departure. That may seem a little drastic and hard to do. But, it works for some people.

Others like to get a bunch of sleep before they leave. Maybe you can’t really store up your sleep, but you will leave well rested.

According to the experts, alcohol actually makes jet lag worse. It dehydrates you…and so does the air on the plane, due to altitude. If you drink enough to pass out…your body doesn’t qualify that as restful sleep.

Some long time travelers say ‘no’ to a nap once you are at your destination. Still others say a short nap is okay.

What do you do?

Where Am I?

Have some extra time in Schiphol Amsterdam Airport? Definitely check out one of the best airport bars in the world.

If oysters are your thing…they serve surprisingly fresh ones. You can also order full size meals that don’t include oysters.

Delightful champagne, as well as other wines, are a superb way to spend a couple of hours. Be sure to face the showpiece of the place…an over sized saltwater aquarium filled with exotic fish.

Talk about relaxing before a flight…this is the way to do it.

Traveling with all of your gadgets and the latest technology might be the way to go for you. If so, does that include headphones?

Noise cancelling headphones might become a necessity if you travel often or on long flights. Fact it, flights are fuller, noise is at a higher level, and you want a little peace and quiet from the guy snoring next to you or the baby with sore ears.

Try out several options before you buy. There are many brands with different options and prices on the market. Make sure they fit your head well, look for ones with memory foam for increased quiet and comfort, check for heaviness on your head, and try them for different noise levels.

I love mine…

Data theft…personal information stolen…accounts compromised,,,digital hacking…

Constantly we hear about travelers with their information being stolen or compromised. It’s not just being online, either. Did you know information in your wallet or your passport holder can be stolen while it’s still in your possession?

That’s where RFID comes into play. Investing in cases with RFID blocking mechanisms is one of the most secure way to keep your data safe. From wallets, to passport holders, to purses, and bags…it’s easy to find one that works for you.

Check out different companies to see which fits your travel style best. One of the most secure is RFID Armor by Viator Gear. The US and European militaries use these because of the special material.