Your Destination to the Best in Travel

Travel Tips

1) Good planning is key
When traveling by air to your destination, try to give yourself at least one day before your cruise ship sets sail, or that long drive in your rental car, that big tournament event, your wedding day and especially before international travel after a domestic flight. Arrive at the airport early to avoid the dreaded Late Checked bag. Luggage is often delayed at the worst possible time.

2) Get your Boarding Pass ASAP
If possible, print your boarding pass at home or before you arrive at the airport. This way you are sure to have a spot for your CarryOn bags on the plane, and be able to seat where you choose if seats are not assigned.

3) CarryOn and Check luggage
If possible, only use CarryOn luggage so that you can have a quick exit pass the baggage claim and out of the airport when you arrive at your destination. Put name tags on your CarryOn bags with your cell phone number. The number rule to remember when you have CarryOn items, make sure you have all your belongings when you deplane. Not only are CarryOn bags sometimes forgotten and left on the aircraft, but cell phones, wallets, books, glasses, hats, coats you name it. Only one percent of these items left behind are ever reunited with their owners once you leave the aircraft. Never place your belongings in the back seat pocket. This is the easiest way to forget and leave something on the plane. We all have to check our bags at some point or another. It helps to add some unique visual means to help indentify your luggage on the carousel so that it is less likely to be taken by mistake by another traveler. Also, such distinguishing features will help the baggage staff assigned to look for a lost luggage have another means of confirming your missing bag. After landing, it is a good idea to go immediately to the baggage claim area and stand near the beginning of the carousel belt. This helps prevent someone taking your bag by mistake or theft. If you have an issue with your checked luggage, it is better to bring this to the attention of those working in the Baggage Service Office before leaving the airport.

4) Pack light
Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than two weeks, plan to wash on the road. Too many people over pack and don't forget about those extra bag fees, over weight charges and damage to your luggage. If you are ever in doubt about the weight of your bag, place it on your bathroom scale. Most airlines have a 50lb. limit before over weight fees kick in. Remember to only use TSA locks if you use any locks on your bags.

5) Roll for that wrinkle free look...
Bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded, and they look better too.

6) Split up clothes when travelling with others
When flying and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases and bags. If one person’s bags don’t arrive at your destination, you will still have clean clothes available in the other bag. Airlines generally don't compensate for lost luggage for the first 24 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.

7) In the mood for gift giving
While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you when traveling, wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened by the TSA. If you cannot take your gifts in your CarryOn bags, it is better to ship them with the insurance coverage. Take only the credit/bank cards you plan on using, and split up your cash with a traveling companion.

8) When it looks like rain...
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. The plastic bags from your dry cleaners can also come in handy. Line the inside of your luggage with plastic bags. This will help keep your clothes dry if your luggage is not covered while waiting to be loaded or unloaded on the tarmac and it's pouring down rain.

9) Don't let "Jet Lag" put your flight on a downward spin
1) Avoid flying at night when possible; 2) Get some sleep if it is nighttime at your destination and stay awake during your flight if it is daytime at your destination; 3) Drink plenty of water, not alcohol; 4) Try to keep your feet flat on the cabin floor and avoid crossing your legs and feet. Get out of your seat and walk the ale to stretch your legs, get off the plane if possible at stopovers; 5) Go outside ASAP to take in the natural sun light.

10) Ten things to NEVER pack in your checked luggage
1) Car/House keys; 2) Medication; 3) Cash; 4) Business presentation/suit, Wedding tux/gown; 5) Perishable foods; 6) Wine bottles; 7) Jewelry; 8) Tickets of any kind; 9) Cell phone/charger or anything electronic. Airlines don't generally compensate for damaged or loss of electronic equipment; 10) Anything that might be needed on your travel day. For more tips and info visit www.tsa.gov and www.travel.state.gov.

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