RSSJun|25|2010
Pet Airways Can Solve Your Pet Travel Problems
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Website
If you are an animal lover and you have at least one pet at home, you probably have issues when it comes to traveling. We grew up with dogs – lots of them – at the house. The thing is, we never really flew much when we were young, so we didn’t have any problems. Today, I can easily see how having a dog, a cat, or even a turtle (yep I have one) can pose a problem when you go traipsing around somewhere.
Enter Pet Airways, the airline that promises to give your pet the care and attention they deserve while up in the air. Some may think that this is excessive, but if you actually think about it, your pets probably get so scared when they fly. Humans get terrified of flying …
Jun|21|2010
Best Apple Apps Travel Buddies
Posted by Noemi as Tips
Summer is almost here, and I am pretty sure you’re gearing up for some road time! I don’t know about you, but I am hearing about solo travel more and more. Truth be told, I am going to embark on a solo trip pretty soon, and I am a bit anxious about it. If you have got the iPhone, though, you’ll be happy to know that there cool apps that will do away with the need for a real travel buddy. Check them out.
Wi-Fi Finder
So why is this app cool? Well, if you’re going to another country, you’ll be trying to avoid using 3G (or even EDGE). Roaming charges are outrageous, aren’t they? So your best bet is to look for Wi-Fi hotspots! With this app, you can find information on …
May|09|2010
Tips On How To Get Some Sleep While Flying
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips
It took me a while to decide whether or not to write about this topic. You see, I am the kind of person who can fall asleep anywhere. And I mean anywhere. I once fell asleep on the bus while standing. Yup, my hands were raised, holding on to the rail, and I woke up when I almost fell flat on my face.
For those who have difficulty falling asleep while on long haul flights, though, the problems can be serious. The last thing that you would want is to feel dead tired because of lack of sleep all throughout your vacation. Here are some tips on how to get that much needed sleep in-flight.
Make sure the seat reclines.
Of course, this is not a problem for those who fly first class, but for …
Apr|14|2010
Score Cheap Accommodations
Posted by Noemi as Hotels, Tips
Next to airfare, accommodations usually take up a huge chunk of one’s travel budget. In fact, sometimes, airfares can be cheaper than hotels. This is especially true if you fly on a budget airline. However, there are many ways by which you can find cheap (or maybe even free) accommodations. You just need to exert a little more effort. Here are some ideas.
Be a couch surfer. What in the world is this? If you’re a budget traveler, then you probably have heard of this. I am not into couch surfing, but my friends who are swear by it. The idea is to join a community composed of likeminded people who travel like you do. When you travel, you can look for a host who will offer his “couch” for you …
Feb|28|2010
Aviation Safety and the Power Distance Index (PDI)
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport, Trivia
People often choose airlines based on ticket prices, service, perks and safety. When it comes to the first three factors people often base their decisions on research and actual experience. You can after all easily compare fares just by surfing online or asking your travel agency for quotations. Service and perks are also really easy to judge once you’ve flown in different airlines. What is harder to research though is safety records. Sure airlines have safety records that can be accessed publicly. Those with good safety records even advertise their record to encourage passengers to choose their airlines. However, what people don’t usually consider when choosing a flight is a factor called Power Distance Index (PDI).
Power Distance Index and its effect on aviation safety was discussed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers“. There he explained why a plane manned by a …
Feb|16|2010
Some Vacation Photo Tips
Posted by Noemi as Tips, Travelogger
I just got back from a beach trip without my usual companion and I realized one thing: I am a really bad photographer. My camera’s a point and shoot and that is exactly what I do. Just point and shoot. Needless to say, I am looking up tips that can help enhance my meager photography skills. Let me share them with you – for those who are just like me.
Get close and personal. My camera only has 3x optical zoom – maybe that’s why. An expert photographer told me, though, that you should get as close to the subject as possible. And when you can, use your zoom lens. This will make the shot more striking.
Try going black and white or sepia. This is something I played around with two trips …
Jan|10|2010
Make Airport Security Checks Less Painful
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport
Flying is not always everyone’s number one choice when it comes to traveling. We have to admit, though, that in many cases, it is the most efficient way of traveling – that is, if you don’t get high blood pressure during the security check. In order to avoid this headache, prepare yourself (in all aspects!) before you fly.
Prepare yourself mentally. Tight security means longer waits. It also means you having to put up with pat downs, open bags, taking your shoes off, and more. Even before you leave for the airport, get yourself mentally ready for this. Your attitude will make a whole lot of difference!
Prepare your bags in such a way that you’ll find it easy to open and close them. As much as possible, bring one bag. If you …
Nov|21|2009
Say NO To H1N1 This Thanksgiving
Posted by Noemi as Health, Tips, United States, Warnings
Pushing your way through crowds, catching your flights, driving in heavy traffic – all these are part of Thanksgiving travel. There’s another aspect of traveling during this holiday that everyone must pay attention to, though, and that’s staying healthy. It is flu season, and the H1N1 virus (a.k.a. swine flu) remains a real threat.
In an effort to halt the spread of this virus, the American Red Cross has released some tips on how to stay safe against the swine flu. Common sense dictates that if you are feeling under the weather, your best defense is to stay at home and cancel travel plans. That may not be an option for you, but it is the most effective way of avoiding the illness.
If you absolutely have to travel, here is what the Red Cross has to …
Nov|20|2009
Last Minute Thanksgiving Travel MUSTS
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport, United States
One more week and the turkey holiday will be here. I know that many of you have already made plans, and some may already have had a head start. If you belong to the other group – those who are more “flexible” and who like winging it – try taking a look at these MUSTS. They might just help you have a more pleasant Thanksgiving travel experience.
Lots of luggage? Why not use a courier service? Not many people go this route when traveling, but if you think about how much the airlines charge for baggage these days, it might be cheaper to just send your bags to your destination ahead of time. This is even more appropriate for big families who have LOTS of things to lug along. Send your bags three days ahead …
Nov|13|2009
Holiday Travel Tips That You CANNOT Do Without
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips
Holidays and travel go together – at least for most people. Time is flying by so fast, and before we know it, we’ll be hitting the roads to do our own things during the holidays. Here are some travel tips that you can check out – you will be happy that you did, trust me!
Look for refunds.
If you’re flying Southwest, there is good news for you. If you’ve already bought your tickets and then later on you find lower priced fare, you can ask for a refund! Also check out JetBlue and Priceline, as they have similar offers.
KNOW the rules for baggage.
You can get hit HARD by the fees for excess baggage, and with the trend today, you just never know what “excess” means. If I were you, I would make sure – absolutely …
