The busy holiday travel season is almost here. At American Airlines, nearly 80,000 employees stand ready to fly you to that long-awaited vacation, that much-anticipated trip to Grandma’s, or even that last-minute business meeting. Wherever you go this year, consider these helpful items and tips from American to make your holiday travels go as smoothly as possible:
As You Pack…
Each ticketed customer is allowed two pieces of checked baggage free of charge. Each checked item may weigh no more than 50 pounds each, and must measure no more than 62 inches (measured length + width + height).
Customers may carry onboard one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one personal item. Personal items include things such as purses, briefcases or laptops. Note: Carry on restrictions for flights departing the United Kingdom are different. See www.aa.com/baggageinfo for baggage-related information.
Remember “3-1-1.” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on board. Each customer traveling domestically is limited to items that are each three ounces or less, all of which must fit into one, quart-size, clear zip-top bag. For more information, including limitations on international travel, visit www.aa.com/liquids The TSA’s Web site, www.tsa.gov, is also a good source of information.
Hold on to your valuables. Be sure to put all cameras, jewelry, documents, prescription medicine, car keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage and keep it with you at all times.
Place your name and flight number inside your luggage, too. Include your name, flight number and itinerary inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit. It will help in returning the bag to you more quickly.
Leave gifts unwrapped – even in checked luggage. Consider bringing gift bags and tissue paper with you instead. TSA personnel may unwrap gifts to check a package’s contents.
Think of kids’ needs. If you’re traveling with small children, prepare their own small backpack filled with crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks.
Before Leaving for the Airport…
Bring proper documentation. Traveling domestically? You’ll need a government-issued photo ID. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget your passport, as well as other important documents such as visas, tourist cards and the like. Make copies and carry an extra set with you (or electronically scan them and e-mail a copy to yourself); let others back home have a copy, too.
Consider trip insurance. American offers travel insurance at a reasonable cost through AA.com. You’ll receive a refund for the prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your travel costs if your trip gets cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. See www.aa.com/tripinsurance for details, or call (800) 628-5404.
Check in beforehand at AA.com. At www.aa.com/checkin you can check in up to 24 hours prior to flight, select or change seats, and print out your boarding pass – all of which can reduce time and stress at the airport. Checking a bag? When you arrive at the airport, simply scan the bar code on your boarding pass at a self-service machine to check your luggage.
Sign up for Flight Status Notification. By signing up at www.aa.com/notify, you’ll receive flight arrival/departure times, as well as gate and baggage information – all via e-mail, phone, pager or PDA. Or, alternatively, get gate and flight information ahead of time at www.aa.com/gates.
At the Airport…
In the event of inclement weather and flight disruptions, your itinerary will be automatically rescheduled. Passengers should log on to AA.com, check with agents at the gate or ticket counter, or call American Reservations to obtain flight reaccommodation information or for additional help in arranging a flight. At some larger airports, a special reaccommodation desk may be activated for additional assistance.
Note your parking spot. Eliminate walking in circles upon your return. Instead of trying to remember your parking location or writing it down on a scrap of paper which can get misplaced, take a picture of your location sign with a camera phone or digital camera.
Beat the crowds and arrive early. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and transportation to the terminal. Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two to three hours prior to departure for international flights. Some cities have even earlier suggested check-in times because of lengthy TSA security checkpoint lines. See www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where earlier check-in is recommended.
Use Self-Service Check-in machines. If you haven’t already checked in beforehand at AA.com, try one of American’s quick and easy Self-Service Check-in machines. They’re a great time-saver and can be used for both domestic and international flights. You can print a boarding pass, check luggage, select or change seats, confirm flight changes and purchase upgrades or One-Day passes to the Admirals Club ® lounge.
Try Curbside Check-in. Another great time saver. Check your bag with a skycap at the curb (the fee is just $2 per bag at most airports), and then it’s a straight shot to the Security line and your gate.
Move through Security quickly by being prepared. Have your boarding pass and valid government-issued ID or passport available for Security, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Take your laptop, portable DVD player or large electronic items out of their cases, and put cell phones and pagers in purses or other carry-on bags before getting in the Security line.
Buy beverages after clearing Security. TSA guidelines prevent bringing standard-size beverage bottles through Security, so buy your beverages in the terminal once you clear the checkpoint. Or, American offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard its aircraft, and juice and milk are available for children.
Keep children safe and protected. Give your child a passcode that only you and he/she know so your child can’t be tricked by another adult in case you get separated or lost. Make sure your children know the full names of their parents and how to contact them. Keep items with children’s names on them out of sight.
Be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. American typically begins boarding aircraft about 30 minutes before flight time for domestic flights (45 minutes for international flights) in order to help ensure an on-time departure.
Onboard the Plane…
Bring along some entertainment. A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the time fly while you fly. And don’t forget your headphones. As a courtesy to fellow travelers, it’s always a good idea to use them if you have electronic equipment.
Stay hydrated. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water during your flight.
Prevent ear discomfort in small children. Air pressure changes in the cabin during descent may cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier, chewing gum or hard candy with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.
Let your flight attendant help. American has more than 16,000 highly trained, professional flight attendants. If you have a question or special need, be sure to alert them; they’re travel experts and are there to help make your travel experience on American an enjoyable one.
For still more valuable travel information, visit www.aa.com/traveltips. American Airlines is a founding member of the global oneworld® Alliance.
About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection ® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).
Source: American Airlines
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For many of us, daily access to Email is akin to our morning cup of coffee - we simply have trouble getting through the day without it. Whether it's a business trip or a vacation, there's a need for access to our Email. No other medium of communication can match Email's speed, convenience, and economy. But how can you stay on top of your Email when you're in Madrid or Osaka, thousands of miles from your office or home computer?
Read below for some of the best advice on the subject from the experts at Magellan's Travel Supplies:
Plan ahead
The secret to getting your Email on the road is to arrange everything before leaving home. You basically have three options: remote access to your work Inbox (often located behind a corporate firewall), a POP3 account, or a Free Web-Based Email provider. In most cases, you'll bring along your own laptop. If so, be sure to read our article How to Stay in Love with Your Laptop.
1. Free Web Based Email Providers
Even with the Internet's evolution toward fee-based services there are still countless web sites offering free Email (Hotmail and Yahoo Mail are popular examples). If you wish to avoid these big providers (which are high profile targets for computer hackers), visit FEPG.NET, which lists hundreds of free Email Providers all over the world and details which features are available from each. How can such a useful service be offered free? That's easy: You're forced to look at the ads. But this seems like a small price to pay for getting your Email worldwide
Web based Email is often a terrific choice for all your personal Email and may be used in place of the service offered by your home Internet Service Provider (ISP) (a POP3 account). Web based Email can be accessed from virtually any computer with Internet access (so you can leave the laptop at home and simply use Internet Cafes or your hotel business center), and you don't have to change your Email address if you switch ISPs or careers.
2. POP3 Access
If you wish to directly connect to either your office Email or the Email box provided by your personal ISP, you need to connect via POP3 (POP means Post Office Protocol). Connecting via POP3 is sometimes problematic. You must know your Email account information, which consists of three parts: your ISP's host name (i.e. mail.ispname.net), your username, and your password. You also need an Email client. Email client is just a fancy name for the software used to read and write Email (such as Eudora or Outlook Express) and often comes free with your computer. You also need to know if your ISP or company restricts POP3 access from the general Internet to their mail server for security reasons. Often, POP3 access is limited. It may work fine when connected from home but disallow access when using a different Internet connection. Contact your ISP or corporate IT Department for POP3 setup procedures.
3. Connecting to Your Company Email System
While you cannot beat the price of the free Email services, many business travelers prefer accessing their Email via full-featured Email software such as Microsoft Outlook. Depending on the size of your company, you may have the ability to connect directly to your company's Email system. Contact your company's IT department to see if they have any of the following:
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN allows you to connect to your company's network via the Internet. This requires you to bring your own laptop configured ahead of time with the correct VPN software. You simply logon to the Internet, start the VPN software and enter your password, creating a secure connection to your company's computer system. Once connected you have Email access and perhaps even access to documents stored on the corporate network.
Web-Based Email Client
If your company does not offer full VPN access, they may offer a slimmed down web-based Email access. This is similar to Free Web-based Email service but connects you directly with your own company's Email server using a Web browser software such as Internet Explorer. While you do not get full access to your corporate network, you often have complete access to your Inbox, Calendar, Contacts and such in your company's Email System. Typically, this does not require any special software, so it can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer. You connect your browser to a website such as http://webmail.yourcompanyname.com, enter your account name and password and you have a browser version of your Email. Like the VPN, any activity (Emails sent, appointments entered, contact information modified, etc.) is synchronized with your desktop system upon your return.
Inbox Forwarding
For smaller and less-sophisticated companies without a VPN or Web-Based Email Client, you may be able to automatically forward your Email to a Free Web-Based Email service. Then simply logon to your Free Web-Based Email to read. Depending on your system, you may have to leave your desktop computer turned on with the Email software running to forward the Email--a distinct security risk if someone has physical access to your computer. With other systems, the message forwarding is handled by the Email server so you need not leave your computer turned on.
Accessing The Internet to Get Your Email
No matter where you are, you will require access to the Internet to get your Email.
Local Access Number
Connecting is easy if you have a laptop computer and your ISP offers a large network of local connection numbers, as do AOL, MSN and Earthlink in the United States. If you travel often you may wish to set up an account with one of these providers simply for use while traveling. Or, consider setting up an account for a short period of time and then close it once your trip is done. Finally, you may choose an alliance of Internet Service Providers, such as IPass (www.ipass.com), which has local access numbers in some 150 countries.
Hotel Connections
Many hotels are adding high-speed Internet access. The prices may run $10-$15 per day (perhaps you can add it to your expense account?). Call ahead to see if your hotel has this access. To use high-speed access, your laptop must be equipped with a Network Interface Card (often called a NIC), as it is not compatible with a standard Modem connection. If your laptop is not equipped with a NIC, they are fairly inexpensive, readily available and easily installable. If your hotel does not offer high-speed access, ask if their phones have a data port for your modem. Traveling internationally? Be sure you have the correct phone and plug adaptors. Europe alone has about 30 different telephone jack connections. Before connecting via modem, check out your hotel's telephone access fees--often a hidden profit center. An hour local call may be as little as fifty cents or hundreds of dollars.
For more information about hotel connections see Magellan's article How to Stay in Love with Your Laptop. For detailed, country-specific information regarding voltage, and electrical and telephone socket patterns, visit http://www.magellans.com, click on "Shop by Destination".
No computer?
Even if you're on the road without a laptop, you're not up a creek without a paddle. There are many places to log on.
Most public libraries have free web access although the hours of operation are often limited. Cybercafes are popping up all over the world. Along with food and coffee, these java joints serve up computers with Internet connections at an hourly rate. To locate cybercafes, use the Cybercafe Search Engine (www.cybercafe.com), which lists more than 4,000 cafes in 140 countries. Before you leave home, look at the Web sites of cybercafes at your destination for directions, hours, and prices. After you arrive, you can also ask at your hotel or local computer store about nearby cybercafes.
Many hotels offer a Business Center for faxing, copies, and document printing. They often have computers available at an hourly rate. If yours does not offer a Business Center, check out the hotel across the street. You don't have to let on that you are not a guest.
There are also Internet kiosks at most major airports, from New York to Singapore. Other possible access points include public libraries, Kinkos, and Mail Boxes Etc. For a list of available public kiosks, visit Laptoplane (www.laptoplane.com).
About Magellan's
Since 1989, Magellan's has been the world's most trusted source of travel supplies. Their current catalog is available FREE by calling (800) 962-4943, or by visiting Magellan's on-line at http://www.magellans.com. Magellan’s is staffed by trained Travel Gear Specialists, ready to answer questions on everything related to travel. All Magellan's products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Source: Magellan's Travel Supplies
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Tour Scotland in a Vintage Campervan
Scooby Campers of Edinburgh offer a unique way to explore Scotland 1960s-style. Their fleet of vintage right-hand-drive Volkswagen campervans has been lovingly restored by a team of VW mechanics who have installed brand new engines, satellite navigation, state-of-the art sound systems and DVD players. And, like every proper campervan, each one is fitted with bunks, gas cooker, fridge and sink – the ultimate mobile home for a flexible touring vacation.
Scooby campervans can be hired for any length of time from one day upwards. Hire includes bedding, guide books and suggested itineraries. The base in Edinburgh is ideal for touring the West Coast and the Scottish Borders.
Scooby Campers operates all year round, with prices starting at £275 (around $550) for a long weekend, Friday to Monday.
Website: www.scoobycampers.com.
SOURCE: British Tourism www.visitbritain.org
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Imagine traveling with all the right things with only one carry-on bag! Sound impossible? Read what the travel experts at Magellan's Travel Supplies have to say on the subject:
Why Carry-on?
Mishandling of checked luggage is on the rise, with more than six out of every thousand travelers experiencing problems with delayed, damaged, and lost luggage. Add to that the time wasted at the luggage carousel, and the hassle of hauling a large and heavy suitcase and it's clear why so many seasoned travelers choose to carry-on.
Smart Packing.
Start with your suitcase. Older bags (even soft-sided luggage) can weigh 15 pounds or more empty. New luggage has been developed with light weight in mind, often coming in at less than half the weight of older bags. These new bags are made with modern materials that are very light but durable, without giving up the convenience of wheels and telescoping handles.
Begin packing a few days early, laying out all of the clothing you think you might need. Then spend a day or two removing items that aren't strictly necessary, are too heavy or bulky, or don't match the rest of your travel wardrobe.
To avoid wrinkles and airport security delays, pack in easily inspected modules. Mesh cubes, mesh pockets, and packing folders keep your clothing organized, neatly folded, and compacted, and can belifted out individually during inspection without disturbing your...
Click here to read the full "Seven Days and One Carry-on Bag" article.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Because no one wants to damage the very environment they have traveled to see, the Travelers Conservation Trust encourages all travelers to follow the Travelers Code of Ethics. These guidelines will help you interact with nature responsibly, and enhance your experience while you travel.
Aspire to invisibility
-Move cautiously and quietly in natural areas so as not to disturb birds, animals and plants
- Do not collect natural souvenirs. Respect the sanctity and integrity of ecosystems and the terrain on which you walk
-Do not use recordings, decoys or loud noises to get a better view of birds or wildlife
- Accept that campfires are inappropriate in areas where wood is scarce
Leave no evidence of your visit and vanish without a trace
- Do not leave litter, charcoal or footprints
- Leave extra packaging for items such as film, cloths, toiletries, and foods, etc. at home
-Do not distribute non-degradable, breakable gifts or items in non-degradable packaging
- Use provided toilet facilities. If toilets are not available, carry a trowel to bury waste and burn toilet paper. Never dispose of human waste within 100 meters of water
-Avoid consumption or purchase of animal or plant products harvested from unmanaged wild populations
Respect local cultures
-Employ local residents, not foreigners, as guides and outfitters whenever possible
- Learn a little of the local language and your host staff’s names
- Determine from your guide the proper local etiquette for greetings, eating, and culturally-appropriate way to reciprocate for local hospitality
- Evaluated requests for gifts carefully. Understand the cultural context of gift giving. Only give gifts after a relationship has been established
- Invite local people or guides to visit you in the United States only if you are fully prepared to pay all expenses and compensate your invitee’s family for loss of services
-Take photographs within the guidelines suggested by your guide. Respect privacy requests. Compensation for appearances in your photographs may be a legitimate request
-Don’t make promises you may not keep. Like sending photos
- Purchase souvenirs close to their point of origin, from the original makers if possible. Don’t drive an excessively hard bargain. If moderate discussion does not derive what you consider a fair price on your terms, don’t buy
- Modesty is always cross-culturally appropriate. Dress neatly and conservatively in your own cultural tradition
-Don’t wear clothing or jewelry if you do not fully understand its cultural and ritual significance
-Listen and learn. Provide a balance view of Western material culture and encourage people to appreciate their own cultures and environments
-Don’t rely on local markets or village food supplies to outfit your trip. You can cause local inflation and food shortages.
About Travelers Conservation Trust:
The Travelers Conservation Trust [TCT] was created by Wildland Adventures founder Kurt Kutay in 1986 as a non-profit, affiliate organization dedicated to educate travelers in responsible and sustainable tourism. From its inception, TCT has worked to form and strengthen links between environmentally concerned travelers and host-country grassroots conservation groups. To learn more visit http://www.travelersconservationtrust.org/
SOURCE: Travelers Conservation Trust
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Luxury can be in the eye of the beholder. Here’s a chance to go green, meet the people of Mali on their own level, and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience — all from the seat of a bicycle.
International Bicycle Fund’s Bicycle Africa: Mali Sahel Journey program runs from Nov. 25 to Dec.8, and costs $1,390 per person for everything except airfare.
The tour averages 40 miles of moderate cycling a day, a riverboat trip on the Niger, and the opportunity to meet and stay with people of five different ethnic groups ranging from nomads to fishermen to farmers. Sights range from the historic market and mosque in Djenne to the isolated Dogon country.
Source: GlobalTravelerUSA.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".