Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Say NO To H1N1 This Thanksgiving

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0_61_NoKiss1Pushing 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 say:

Frequent hand washing continues to be critical to help stave off illness. It is also a good idea to use sanitizing wipes to disinfect surfaces like airplane tray tables, luggage, seat armrests and door handles…

Forget the bottles of isopropyl alcohol as you will probably have to give it up at check in – airport security might not allow you to take them on board.

Here’s more:

Avoid the usual kisses, hugs and handshaking greetings. If someone in the host household becomes ill, keep them clear of others, or move the celebration. Wash hands before, during and after food preparation. Have plenty of hand soap or sanitizer for guests and use disposable hand or paper towels instead of fancy towels. Use plastic cups, identify guests drinks and don’t share drink cups. Use serving utensils for every dish, including snacks; allowing people to spoon out portions without placing hands in the food.

Extreme? Maybe. Then again, if it’s going to help you stay healthy and swine flu-free, then it’s all good, isn’t it?

Last Minute Thanksgiving Travel MUSTS

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11142007turkeyOne 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 of time and don’t check in anything at the airport. You’ll love the convenience!

Here’s an additional tip for packing those bags – do not wrap gifts or anything of that sort; same thing with your carry on bag. With the security measures that they employ today, the chances are the airport people will just open packages up anyway. Save yourself the trouble and wrap your presents when you get to your destination.

If you follow the first tip, you will have a blast at the airport. Once you reach your destination airport, you do not need to go to the baggage area. Instead, ask your friends or relatives to pick you up at the departure area. At this time, there will practically be no people around, lessening your stress.