"...just about every frequent traveler begins..."

Sooner or later, just about every frequent traveler begins to tire of life on the road. No matter how adventurous your spirit, loneliness, airplane food, and general disorientation have probably made you a little blue on at least one occasion. While this is normal, the stress of being away from home doesn't have to overwhelm you. The following tips can help you stay happier and healthier on your next business trip.

· Paying attention to your diet--whether you have a tendency to overeat or skip meals while traveling, can make you feel a lot healthier and happier. One healthy hint is to call ahead and order the vegetarian or low-fat meal on the plane, even if you're a meat-eater. These meals are often healthier and tastier than the standard meals.

· If the hustle and bustle of air travel gets you down, try stopping in at the airport chapel. You don't need to claim any religious affiliation, and you may find the quiet, reflective atmosphere soothing.

· Remember that attitude is everything. When you're alone in your hotel room, you may find yourself missing loved ones at home. If this happens, try to make the best of the fact that you're alone: Read a novel, take a long bath, indulge your secret love of Gilligan's Island reruns. Do any of those things you never seem to find the time for when you're at home.

· Make your hotel room as homey as possible. Stave off homesickness by bringing along photos, candles, or mementos of home.

· One of the best ways to combat stress is to make sure you get enough sleep. This can be hard on the road, especially if you have crossed time zones. Bring earplugs and eye shades. Go easy on the caffeine. Alcohol, too, can disrupt sleep patterns and should be consumed moderately, if at all. Some travelers report that the hormone melatonin helps them sleep better.

· Exercise can also combat stress. Many hotels either have their own exercise rooms, or can provide a temporary membership to a nearby health club. Be sure to ask a J's-R-us travel agent if your hotel has any such arrangement.

· Treat your business trip as much like a vacation as possible. Make time for something you would normally save for pleasure travel, like a fancy dinner, or an afternoon at a museum. Or treat yourself to a night in your hotel's best room. Even if you have to pay for it out of your own pocket, treating yourself like a king or queen for a night might just give you the lift you need to get through another night away from home.

If your are interested in making your Vacation Dream or Journey stress reduced, please feel free to contact Janice to learn more about sane traveling!

"...learn travel secrets to stay ahead..."

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable for the countries you plan to visit.

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

7. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting. This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you.

8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.

US State Department
United State Travel Tips


 

"...Experienced travelers know all too..."

Carry-On Guide

Experienced travelers know all too well that carry-on guidelines are just that: guidelines. The number of passengers on each flight, the sizer box used at your specific gate, and the type of aircraft can override the maximum guidelines at any time. For that reason, you should always be prepared to check your largest bags. Be sure to include a minimal change of clothes, any needed medications, toiletries, etc. in a small Cabin Bag, just in case your checked bags are misplaced. Retriever Tags will help lost luggage finds you en route.

Generally, airlines allow two carry-on bags per traveler, which may or may not include a purse or briefcase. No carry-on bag should exceed 45" total measurements (Length + Width + Height). Your bag should be light enough for you to lift into the overhead compartment without endangering other passengers.

American
Two - 45" total
Must fit within baggage sizers at gate. None Normal-sized purses, coats, items to assist with disabilities (e.g. canes, walkers)

America West
Two - 45" total
(9 x 13 x 23" and 8 x 16 x 21") Not specific Handbags.

Continental
One - 45"
total 40 lb Purse, computer, small duffel.

Delta
Three - 45"
(22 x 9 x 14") 40 lb Small purse or business case.

Northwest
Three - 45"
(22 x 9 x 14") 40 lb Coats and small purses.

Southwest
Two - 50"
(24 x 10 x 16") None Coats, food containers, purses, child's seat to be occupied, items to assist with disabilities, cameras.

TWA
Two - (24 x 10 x 16")
None Coats, items to assist with disabilities.

United
Two - 45"
50 lb Coats, items to assist with disabilities.

US Airways
Three - 50"
(24 x 10 x 16") 40 lb Handbags (less than 8 x 14 x 4), cameras, coats, items to assist with disabilities, children's safety seat (if to be used onboard).