Do You Have The Correct Time?

Did everyone remember to set their clocks back an hour this past weekend? This past weekend we observed Daylight Savings Time. That time of year when we have to set our clocks back an hour.

If you forgot, then you probably found yourself running an hour early. This brings up an important topic, time and traveling (not time travel). When one travels, they may have to cross a time zone or two. When this is the case, that person then has to reset their clocks and watches to the current time otherwise they might find themselves running late or early to their business functions. Luckily, most cell phones will reset to the correct time.

(Eagle Creek Multi Function Clock)

A very important travel accessory that one should take with them on trips is an alarm clock. Travel alarm clocks are great since they can be stored and carried in your carry-on bags or your checked bags. If you are staying at a hotel you can always have a wake-up call, but sometimes wake-up calls do not happen due to some technical errors. Cell phones can also be used, but you should make sure that your phone has reset to the correct time. Also, it never hurts to have a backup, you would not want to be late for that ever-so-important business meeting.

Another Night, Another Hotel...

One of the many facets of business travel, is having to stay in hotels; wether your stay is only for a night, or for an extended period of time it can add additional stressor to your trip. The following are some tips that could help make your stay at a hotel more relaxing. 

• When registering into a hotel, ask for a room that has a window that can be opened fresh air can do wonders

• Try to get a room that is away from ice machines and elevators

• When in a foreign country, do not exchange your money in the hotel lobby. They will most likely give you the wrong exchange rate and will probably charge a commission.

• Make sure you utilize the "Do Not Disturb" sign. The cleaning maids will not wake you up, and you'll be able to have a more restful sleep.
  

• When you first get into the hotel room, make sure to adjust the temperature to your desired level

• Make sure you bring your ear plugs

• When on a business trip make sure to take some time to yourself so you can relax either by laying in bed for an extra hour or by going to the hotel's gym or pool.

• When leaving, make sure to do a double take and check over the hotel room. Nothing is worse than when you get to the airport or home and you realize that you've left your phone or charger at the hotel

These are just a few of the ways one can make their next hotel stay more enjoyable. So hopefully, the next time you have to stay in a hotel, it wont be too stressful.

Stay Connected, Even At 35,000 Feet In The Air

Today it was announced on The Middle Seat, that Delta will be providing their passengers with Wi-Fi access mid flight. Delta is hoping to have 75 planes with Wi-Fi access by the end of this year and have all of their planes with Wi-Fi by summer 2009. 

Delta is planning on charging for the connivence of using Wi-Fi mid air. The price will range from $9.95 for flights that are under three hours and $12.95 for flights that are longer than three hours. This will give Delta another source of revenue; although passengers might be more willing to pay for Wi-Fi than having to pay to check their bags. 

The question then becomes will travelers want to be connected all the time? It used to be that one could relax (although the seats are not that comfortable) during their flights. The time during a flight one could catch up on reading, sleeping, or watching their favorite movie. Now that Wi-Fi is being offered the business traveler might be tempted to stay connected throughout their entire trip. 

Expect other airlines to follow suit. 

Traveling For Work Can Be Fun!

Do you frequently have to travel for your work? Are you tired of always having to travel? Well it is all in the mindset. If you envision yourself having a great time on your trip then your trip will be better. On the other hand if you start the trip out in a bad mood, then you will only think about the negative aspects of your trip. Following are some ideas that could make your next business trip more enjoyable. 

When your in a new location (or even one you have been to many times before) take the time to explore. Go to the theater, museum, restaurant, a local festival, etc. This way your whole trip is not spent working. 

When on a business trip one is more likely to grab quick meals, meals which most likely are not healthy what-so-ever. When traveling try to eat healthy and exercise; you will feel and sleep better, and overall feel less stressed. 

If you can, travel by train. Trains can be a cheaper alternative to flying and in some instances, it takes the same amount of time to get to point A to B. The additional benefits of taking a train are the seats are larger, there are meals, your not as claustrophobic, and you can always look out the window at the scenery that you are passing. 

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is something that can happen to anyone and can result from any form of transportation (boat, plane, car, amusement park ride). Motion sickness can be mild to severe and usually last until the motion stops. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) motion sickness is more common in women, children ages 2-12, and those who already suffer from migraine headaches. 

Some of the classic symptoms of motion sickness are: 

• abdominal discomfort

• nausea

• vomiting

• dizziness

• pallor

• cold sweats

For those who do suffer from motion sickness there are some ways to minimize or prevent these symptoms:

• Try to get a seat with the smoothest ride (front seat of a car, forward facing on a train or a bus, center of a boat, and seats over the wings on a plane)

• Focus on the horizon or distant objects

• Minimize head movement

• Try using motion relief wrist bands

• Take an antihistamine (you will feel drowsy)

• If you get really bad motion sickness, talk with your doctor

Minimum Stay Requirement For Domestic Flights

According to ABC News, starting in October, United Airlines will be requiring minimum stays for domestic flights. This means if you are taking a quick business trip and are planning to fly United, you might have to stay at your destination for three nights.  Are there many people who need to take a trip that is shorter than three nights? If there are then what would stop them from buying one-way tickets? This is just another crazy idea the airline industry has to try and combat the rise in fuel prices. 

As well as requiring a minimum stay, United will be raising their fares by as much as $90 for a one way ticket. So buying separate tickets would be out of the question, unless you are willing to pay the extra $90. What new fees will the airline industry come up with next?

Jet Lag: If It is 3 O'Clock Here, Then What Time Is It There?

According to the MayoClinic, Jet Lag, also known as time zone change syndrome , is a sleeping disorder caused by traveling across multiple time zones, which results in the upheaval of one's body rhythms, most notably one's circadian cycle. This can be a problem since one does not want to spend their vacation or business trip in bed trying to catch up on sleep. Most of the symptoms of jet lag occur if three or more time zones are passed but remember everyone is different, crossing time zones will affect everyone differently. 

Some of the common symptoms of jet lag are: 

• disorientation

• irritability

• fatigue

• swollen eyes

• headaches

• cold-like symptoms

• muscle soreness

• stomach problems 

So what can be done about jet lag? Although there is no cure for jet lag (even the most seasoned of travelers get jet lag) there are some steps that can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms. 

• If you have an important event, try to arrive a few days before so your body can adjust to the new time zone

• Try to train your body a few days a head of time. For example if traveling East to West, stay up a little later each night before you depart so once you reach your destination your body is more prepared for the time difference 

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-protein diet 

• Exercise before the flight and make sure to move around during the flight as well

• Make sure to get enough sleep; sleep on the plane if you can

• Make sure to reset your watch once you get into the new time zone

Remember, not everyone is affected by jet lag and everyone has different experiences with jet lag. Before making travel plans remember to take into account the time difference. The typical rule of thumb is that it takes one day to recover for each time zone crossed. 

Traveling With Your Kids

Taking a family vacation can be fun, but traveling to your destination with children can be taxing. There are many websites out there that are devoted to giving advice when it comes to traveling with kids. The following are some tips and strategies for traveling with children taken from some of these specialty sites.

• Things do not always go as planned; the same is true when traveling with children. Try to have a positive attitude and it will rub off on your children.
• When taking an airplane- if possible plan the flight around your child’s nap schedule
• Take toys to entertain your children. Stay away from toys that have small parts that can get lost easily.
• Books, stickers, crayons and paper are great ways to entertain children
• Make sure to take some of your child’s medication with you such as children’s Tylenol
• Pack some laundry detergent with you so you can do a quick spot wash in the hotel sink
• Bring baby wipes; they can be used to clean anything from faces to tables
• When traveling by plane, make sure you inform your children of the security process. Let them know that they will have to take off their shoes and that they will get them back
• Before boarding the plane- use the bathroom since the ones on planes are small and cramped
• Make sure to bring a change of clothes for you and your children
• Due to cabin pressure; your ears will pop. Pack some hard candies, pacifier, or bottle to give to your children during take off and landing

There are some airports that are kid-friendly. At Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport there is a designated play area for kids. If you are planning non flying, check out the airport’s web page to see if there are any family friendly attractions or areas in the airport. There are also some games and activities that you and your child can play while waiting in a terminal. Such as:

• People watching
• Airplane watching
• Conveyor belts
• Counting how many ‘red’ bags can be found
• Counting seats
• Explore by walking around the terminal

Additional web pages devoted to traveling with your children:

Flying With Kids, Kids Can Travel, Travel With Your Kids, Traveling With Kids

Traveling Comfortably

Being uncomfortable while traveling can be so annoying and can transform a dream vacation into an awful experience. Although air travel presents its unique challenges, there are many ways you can improve your chances for a more comfortable flight. In order to start your vacation on the right foot one would want their time spent traveling to be as comfortable as possible.


There are many products available that can enhance your comfort during your travel experience. When traveling by plane, make sure to wear comfortable clothing. Anything that is too tight or doesn’t fit you well should not be worn. In addition to wearing comfortable clothes, one should also make sure that they are wearing comfortable shoes. Make sure to pack additional layers in your travel bag; it might get cold on the plane.

If you wear contacts, you may want to take them out for the flight and use your glasses instead. The air in planes can dry and irritate your eyes. You may also want to bring eye drops to lubricate your dry tired eyes; this is a good idea even if you don’t wear contacts.

Another tip would be to take some Tylenol or Ibuprofen on board with you. It is helpful to have some type of pain reliever, in case you get a headache while on the plane. It also comes in handy once you get off the plane, when your muscles are tired and sore. Remember to always pack your medications in your toiletry kit.

Another consideration during long flights (six or more hours) is the development of a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). According to WebMD, a DVT “is a condition wherein a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein of the deep system [veins comprised within the muscles of the body]”. The primary cause of a DVT is poor blood flow and circulation.

The following tips help prevent DVTs when traveling:

• Purchase compression stockings at a medical supply store and wear them during your flight
• Try to avoid crossing your feet for long periods of time
• Drink plenty of fluids (stay away from coffee and alcohol; these can dehydrate you)
• Get up and move around- every hour
• If you have a connecting flight, walk around the terminal

Planning carefully in advance of a trip will enhance your comfort. Rather than being preoccupied with annoying distractions, you will be able to more fully enjoy your travel experience.