The Travellers Warehouse

I love to travel! It is an activity I have pursued since the early 1970’s, and it continues today. So, I have decided to share what I know with others. I had to learn how to travel light, and how to act in various countries. There are some things that are perfectly acceptable in some parts of the world, and in another area it is strictly taboo or frowned upon. Americans as well as people wanting to travel from other Western nations need a whole course at the local community college to travel safely in Mid-Eastern and Moslem countries. On the other hand, our Arab friends are having to deal with additional security hassels the rest of us may not have to address.

Gone are the days when your family could walk down to the gate at the airport and kiss and wave goodbye. The little kids could stand at the window and watch the plane leave. Then the whole family would be at the end of the ramp waiting and smiling when you came home. No more! Those days are gone—probably forever. America has arrived at the spot where a lot of other countries have been for many years. Terrorism and bombings invaded Europe and other parts of the world long before they started occurring here.

Today there are long security lines, and new travel security regulations that grow in numbers every day. Domestic travel in the United States has become quite involved. Most airlines have up to date information, but it would advisable to check the Transportation Security Administration website for any new information. www.tsa.gov This website has a complete list of permitted and prohibited items that will be allowed or confiscated at security checkpoint. I was surprised to find out that cigar cutters and nail files would be allowed as a carry on, and that scissors are allowed as long as the blades are shorter than four inches long. The list is comprehensive, and very informative.

It is a good idea these days if you are planning any overseas travel to check the State Department bulletins for up to date travel advisories. www.travel.state.gov This site gives all kinds of information about passports, visas, and temporary papers that the traveler may need on a trip. They have all the embassies listed, and they furnish valuable emergency information. As an example: U.S. Passports are no longer being issued abroad. This is important information for those who are frequent business travelers, or those who vacation yearly in other countries. The government is using a new photo-digitized imaging system. The only passports issued abroad will be those needed for urgent travel.

Airport status information can be found at the website for the Federal Aviation Administration www.fly.gov Along with other important travel information the traveler can get reliable information about flight delays.

Passports are going to be put on line after December 31, 2006. There are new passport regulations going into effect. It might be a good idea to renew passports now to avoid the boggle that might occur later. People will need a passport to go into Canada and Mexico. This makes things difficult for people who live on the borders, or for those who travel frequently north or south of the United States.

The security checkpoints are only going to become more difficult. These days I try to wear shoes that slip on an off easily, and I try not to carry a purse. I have a roll on bag that has room for a lap top and other business materials, plus my passport, wallet. If a purse is needed at the destination I pack an empty purse that can lay flat in one of my checked bags. I also save room in my roll on bag for snacks. On a domestic flight meals on most airlines are no longer figured into the price of a ticket. Usually, $10.00 is charged for one meal. The meals that I have seen are not worth that much. If snacks are purchased it is best that it done in the stores that are past the security checkpoint to avoid item confiscation. Usually a banana and a bag of trail mix along with a bottle of water will get me from San Diego to Minneapolis. Most beverages are still served free with the exception of those with alcohol content. If there is time to get a meal prior to boarding that might be a good plan. These days it is also a good idea to use the restroom prior to boarding. The use of airplane restrooms are restricted. Flight crews do not allow lines to be form outside the in air lavatories anymore leaving passengers with the option of making a mad dash when a unit is available. It is one reason I try to get an aisle seat.

It is harder these days to get to any destination. But, remember that the individuals running a security checkpoint are only doing their jobs. I do everything I can to make things easier for them, and in the long run things go smoother for me too.

Posted December 11th, 2006 by blogger in General, Trip Planning |