Travel Tips Airline Travel: Long flights can be horribly boring and uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to make those long flights a little more pleasant: Wear comfortable, loose fitting, non-creasing clothes. Your feet swell up when you fly so you will be more comfortable if you remove your shoes. Most airlines provide socks to wear on long-haul flights. Don't wear new or tight shoes as you won't be able to put them on when it comes time to land! Most airlines offer free alcohol on tap. This may seem great at the time, but when consumed in large quantities it will make your jet lag twice as bad! Instead drink lots of water or fruit juice and eat lightly Money Wise: Keeping track of your money is one of the most difficult, yet a most important part of travelling. Carry as little cash with you as you can, enough for transport to the hotel, airport trolley hire and lite refreshment. Change your money to the currencies you need before leaving home in case local money changing facilities are closed when you arrive Avoid changing money at the hotel cashiers desk as the rates are often terrible Use ATM cards and credit cards. If you are using your ATM card, take two cards, magnetic strips can be damaged and it's always good to have a back up. If you don't have credit cards or ATM cards take most of your money in travellers cheques as these can be refunded if lost or stolen. Make a record of all travellers cheques, mark off the cheques you have used if any are lost or stolen you will have an ongoing record and claiming insurance will be easier. Call 911 for the Police: In an emergency situation - you are being or have been a victim of a crime, accident, or fire, dial 911 for the police or other emergency services. Make sure you answer all questions clearly and carefully. Do not be afraid to approach the police at any time. If you are lost and see a policeman nearby, ask for directions; they will, more often than not, be able to give you just the help you need. Tips for Families Traveling with Children: A trip abroad for most kids is a big adventure. Make the most of this adventure and start the build up a few weeks early. Get a special calendar better yet get the kids to make one so they can mark off the sleeps. If you are making an itinerary make sure you include input from the kids. Itineraries should be flexible but giving the kids the opportunity to decide what they would like to see and do increases the trip excitement. It also gives them something to talk about at show and tell! When flying with small children, the best seats to reserve are at the bulkhead. That's the first row of seats in the plane (in economy). You will be facing a wall, however, there is more legroom here and most airlines will provide a basinet that hooks on to the wall. If you have flight time options choose night flights. The children are more likely to fall asleep. Arrive at the Airport Early : Allow extra time for unexpected delays on the way to the airport, including parking, security and check-in. On busy travel days, such as holidays, Saturday morning or Sunday evening, please allow additional time. 1.Domestic travel: If you are checking bags we recommend that you check-in at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you are not checking bags, please check-in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. 2.International travel: We recommend that you check-in at least two hours before your scheduled departure. Seats and reservations are subject to cancellation if not checked-in at least one hour prior to scheduled departure. Be at the Gate 20 Minutes Prior to Departure : To assist in ensuring an on time departure, please arrive at the gate a minimum of 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Customers with advance seat assignments must obtain a boarding pass at least 20 minutes (60 minutes internationally) before scheduled departure. If not checked in at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure, your reservation may be canceled and you will not be eligible for denied boarding compensation. Plan to be on the aircraft at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Stay Close to the Boarding Area: Once you've checked in, stay in the boarding area for updated information regarding your flight. Tag Your Bags: Tag your bags inside and out with your name, address and contact phone number.