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Recently I read about some travel games to see if you can find out how travel savvy you are.

I’ve not tried them…let me know what you think.

BBC Geoguessr is a game that virtually plops you down somewhere in the world and tells you to figure out where you are. You can swivel around 360 degrees to see the landscape and roads. Set a time limit for more of a challenge.

Smartypins is a Google one similar to the BBC one. However, this gives clues and not images. Trivia will pop up with questions.

Cruise IQ lets you navigate the ocean like you were born on it. Different levels or play ask you to find cruise ports in the US and around the world.

Traveler IQ Game, by TripAdvisor, is similar to the Cruise IQ.

All are a fun way to test your knowledge. Happy traveling…

We’ve read about the Ebola outbreak in Africa. While you might not be planning a trip to Africa, you still want to stay healthy when you travel. Here are some things to think about.

Prior to planning your trip, check the CDC website for information on vaccines and health alerts at your destination. You would need to visit your physician at least four to six weeks prior to leaving for some vaccines and medicine.

Give you immune system a boost with exercising, plenty of rest, and vitamins before you leave. No sense in starting out tired and run down. Try to get enough or more than enough sleep the night before your flight.

If you’re taking snacks, take healthy ones.

Stay hydrated. Airplane air is dry…drink lots of water. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol…try!

Wash your hands frequently.

If you’re not feeling well when you return home, see your physician immediately. Be sure to tall them where you have been on your travels. It may be nothing more than jet lag…but don’t leave that to chance.

When you’re looking for a hotel, boutique inn, B & B, or resort, do you read the reviews other travelers have posted? If so, how much value do you place on them?

Here are some suggestions.

Look at more than just a couple of reviews. That way you will have a better idea of what the place may be like in reality.If all 25 reviews are negative with similar complaints or issues, it’s probably a good bet there are things wrong. Move on.

By the same token, if all 25 are glowing with praises about customer service and amenities…it’s probably a good bet that this is really a good place.

Usually, however, you will find some good and some not so good. Pay attention to both ends. Check to see if the bad issues keep coming up in reviews. You might want to try another place.

If most reviews are fantastic, with a few bad ones thrown in, check out what they had to say. Perhaps the not so good reviews were written by someone who just didn’t have a good time at the pool that day. Take those with a grain of salt.

Bottom line…read and then decide.

On July 2 the Department of Homeland Security released a statement about electronic devises on planes. Flyers may have to turn on their electronic devices and show security screening staff.

Screening staff may ask flyers to turn on laptops, tablets, and phones. This could result in longer wait times through security.

If you have those devices, it may be a good idea to keep your electronics charged and ready to go. You can always power them off once you make it through security. Also not a good idea to let your batteries die before you go through security.

You’re in Venice, in Piazza San Marco and the Piazzetta di San Marco. Look at the two columns topped by stature of the city’s patron saints that guard the water’s edge. If you believe the local superstitions, you won’t walk between those two columns. This used to be a spot where public executions were held. It’s still considered bad luck to walk between them.

You can find packing tips on just about every travel site. Some of these you may have heard about. Others may be new to you.

Ever had your luggage lost for more than just a day? If you’re traveling with someone else, it might be a good idea to divide your clothes between the two suitcases. If one gets lost, the other may make it. It’s also a good idea to have some underclothes and anything you can’t do without in your carry on bag. If all your checked luggage is lost…you’re still prepared for the next day.

Speaking of lost luggage…I make a packing list. Then I add a copy to my carry on bag. If I need to list what is in my lost bag, I can pull out that list and am good to go.

If you don’t have a small pill case that fits in your luggage, use small resealable bags. Label each one and put all the small ones in a larger bag. They stay together and you know what is in each small bag.

Save the small sheets of bubble wrap and lay one or two in the bottom of your luggage. Use it to wrap valuables you purchase or anything you don’t want damaged. If you don’t need it, it doesn’t take up much room at all.

When putting anything in your luggage that you don’t want to leak all over, put it in a resealable bag before packing it. If it doesn’t leak, you have an extra bag.

Think all airlines are created equal? You might be surprised by some of these offerings.

Ever heard of Porter Airlines? These planes have 32 inch economy class seat pitch and no middle seats. All passengers also get lounge access with free Wi-Fi and complimentary beer and wine. They also offer discounts. Could be why Conde Nast Traveler picked Porter as the world’s best small airline in 2013.

Emirates is close to being the world’s largest airline we’ve seen lately. If you’re flying on their double decker A380 planes you might see lounges, shower spas, and more. They’re making quite the effort to attract all flyers by giving backpacks to young flyers and even offering special frequent flyer programs for kids.

OpenSkies Airline was once an all business class airline that has now begun to offer economy class as well. It’s a British Airways subsidiary. The best part…you get to skip the long security lines with a special shorter TSA screening process.

Virgin America offers mood lighting and comprehensive onboard entertainment with Wi-Fi, plugs, touch screens to order drinks and food, and a redesigned boarding pass.

Your suitcase is packed and the kitty is staying home. But, your kids want to dine with Cinderella when you get to Disney World in Orlando. What do you do?

Probably the most popular meal featuring a Disney character is Cinderella and her Royal Table. Did you know the reservation slots open up exactly 180 days in advance 7 am Orlando time? They get snapped up in just a few minutes so be on the ball if you want to grab one.

Same goes for reservations if you have certain restaurants where you want to dine. Check those early and make your reservation. If you can, think about eating at off peak times as well.

Did you also know your kids can meet their favorite Disney characters and have lunch outside the gates? Chef Mickey’s is located under the monorail at the Contemporary Resort. You may find meals at other hotels not connected by the monorail. Check them out.