The Savvy Traveller

THE SAVVY TRAVELLER There are certain stresses that go with travels. Being prepared and informed can help make your travels more stress free. PACKING Make a list and stick to it Consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. One piece may cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complementary colours. Roll clothing items and place small items like socks and underwear in shoes Check the projected forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. Be minimalist with toiletries. You can use those that are in the hotel or purchase them when abroad. Contact your accommodation destination to find out if they have items like hair dryers etc. Consider packing a wine/bottle opener if staying in a house/ villa type accommodation. Use apps wisely. Travel apps can replace weighty travel books and also maps. Wear your bulkiest items on the flight to cut down on bulk. Layer so that you can slip them off if too warm at your destination. Consider washing some of your items while on vacation as this means you can use clothing items more than once. Scan travel documents before you travel and keep safe (or leave at home with a family member) in case you lose the originals. Pack a towel. While it can be bulky it will also double up as a blanket, pillow, sling and sunshade. Anti-bacterial gel or wipes are handy to freshen hands if no access to somewhere to wash hands. Teach kids how to pack at a young age and they can carry some of their own items like toys. Label luggaqe well with contact details and add a distinctive item like a coloured ribbon in order for the item to stand out on the airport carousel. Be aware of luggage weight restrictions. if you are going long-haul, be conscious that the long haul flight may allow more weight than a connecting internal flight so do your research. GETTING THROUGH SECURITY EFFICIENTLY Watch the Security Agent Watch for the line that's moving the fastest. Take a look at the security agent manning each line, and choose the one that's moving travelers through with the greatest speed and efficiency. Know the Liquid & Gel Rules * Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less. They must be carried separately in a single bag which is: * Transparent and resealable * No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) * Able to close properly with all the items inside. * Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be * permitted through security – pack them in yourh old baggage instead. Don't Wrap Gifts Security may have to open them Organised Packing Pack for the likelihood that security will want to open your bag. If it is dis-organised, it will take longer for them to complete checks and longer for you to repack. Dress Efficiently * If possible have your belt removed * Wear shoes that can be easily removed * Have coins and keys ready to put into the tray * Remove jewellery while in the queue THINGS NOT TO WEAR ON A PLANE Comfort should be your priority when travelling Uncomfortable Shoes Laced Boots Fabrics (e.g. Synthetics) Tight Clothing That Don't Breathe Complicated clothing Contact Lenses Strong Smelling Perfumes Offensive or (as eyes can dry) Inappropriate Clothing JET LAG CAUSES: Your body's internal clock or circadian rhythms, which tell your body when to stay awake and when to sleep in the old time zone, are out of sync with cues from the new time zone, such as light exposure and dining times. PREVENTION : Arrive early. If you have an important meeting or other event that requires you to be in top form, try to arrive a few days early to give your body a chance to adjust. Get plenty of rest before your trip. Starting out sleep- deprived makes jet lag worse. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of flying. Gradually adjust your schedule before you leave Stay on your new schedule. Set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are. Regulate bright light exposure. Because light exposure is one of the prime influences on your body's circadian rhythm, regulating light exposure may help you adjust to your new location. CHOOSING A SEAT ON THE PLANE For A QUICK EXIT, pick a seat on the left side of the plane, in the front. For STORAGE, pick a seat in the rear. For SLEEPING, pick a window seat on the left side of the plane, For KIDS, pick a seat in near the middle of the bulkhead. the aircraft. For SAFETY, pick an aisle seat in the rear, behind the trailing edge of the wing. For LEGROOM, pick an aisle seat in the exit row. WHAT CAUSES FLIGHTS DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS? Mechanical issues Weather Natural disasters Crew time issues Flight delays lead to postponed boarding, flight cancellations, and planes loaded with passengers parked on the tarmac. Most delays involve either maintenance or weather-related incidents, but can also be caused due to waiting for the plane of passengers arriving on a connecting flight to land at the airport. For long delays, you may be entitled to assistance and to compensation, depending on the delay length and flight distance. REFERENCES www.travelsense.org/ www.forbes.com/pictures/efik45fjdff/ www.quickanddirtytips.com/tech/gadgets/9-tech-savvy-travel-tips ec.europa.eu/consumers/ecc/consumer_topics/air_travel_en.htm www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20130701-packing-secrets-from-savvy-travellers www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jet-lag/basics/prevention/con-20032662 www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/10-ways-to-speed-through-_b_2213174.html www.heathrowairport.com/heathrow-airport-guide/heathrow-security/hand-baggage www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/10/best-seat-on-a-plane_n_5454182.html?utm_hp_ref=travel www.smartertravel.com/photo-galleries/editorial/nine-things-not-to-wear-on-a-plane-.html?id%3D239&all=1 source.southuniversity.edu/understanding-flight-delays-and-cancellations-know-your-passenger-rights-66421.aspx SunSearch HOLIDAY S www.sunsearchholidays.ie