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Ready to travel?
Experts are saying that Americans are ready to start traveling again, in force. A recent poll of the nation's state tourism directors showed that almost 80% anticipated a recovery of tourism to previous levels, within the first 6 months to a year of 2002.
So, as you start thinking about that long weekend or summer vacation, here are a few tips that we have collected to make it easier.
Family Travel
Before you head out with the family for some "quality time," try to make getting there half the fun. It will keep your sanity and make for a memorable time.
Involve kids in planning.
If you are driving, let the kids identify things to do and places to see along the way. There are loads of websites that provide helpful information, starting with a map from Mapquest.com to plot the way.
Have the kids pack on their own, following a list if they need one. If you are unsure that they will remember everything, help them by letting them choose which sweater, jacket or shorts.
Identification a good idea.
Older children should know the name, address and telephone number of where you are going, provide younger ones with an index card printed with the same information.
All aboard!
As an alternative to the car, some families are choosing trains as the preferred method of transportation with kids. There is more freedom to move around, snack bars, dining cars and, best of all, a rest room is always handy. It is fun for kids to see the changing landscape as the train moves past the cities and countryside along the way.
Airplane Travel
New rules for packing for air travel. When you are preparing for your trip, remember to pack smart - pack safe. Listed below are some of the items that can no longer be on your person or in carry-on luggage;
- Knives, cutting or puncturing instruments, including pocketknives, box cutters, razors, and corkscrews or metal nail files.
- Athletic equipment that could be used as a weapon, bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and hockey sticks.
- Firearms and ammunition may not be carried by a passenger on an aircraft. However, unloaded firearms may be transported in checked baggage if declared to the agent at check in and packed in a suitable container. Handguns must be in a locked container. Boxed small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage. Amounts may vary depending on the airline.
Be sure to arrive early, today's heightened airport security measures increase the time needed to check in. Arriving at the airport two hours before your flight's scheduled departure is advisable, however, you may want to consult with the airline for more specific arrival times.
Know your luggage.
When you go through security, be prepared to answer questions about your bags. Security may search a bag if the x-ray scan cannot determine the contents. Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, unless a passenger requires parental oversight or must be accompanied by a medical assistant. Remember that you are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (purse or briefcase).
Electronic items, such as laptop computers and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so it can be X-rayed separately. |
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