Quick Travel Tip of the Week

  • During the busy holiday travel season, remember to allow enough time at the airport for baggage check and security.
  • Choose your seat carefully. All seats aren't equal — even in business class, and especially not in economy. You'll want maximum leg room, which is usually afforded by an exit row, and sometimes in the bulkhead row behind the cabin wall.
  • Put a unique marker on your suitcase so you can recognize it easily when it comes around on the carousel.
  • The last thing you need is to be separated from your medicine if delays are long or, worse, your checked bag is lost. Things to keep in your carry-on include prescription medications (in original packaging), nasal sprays, moisturizers and lip balm.
  • Make a note of where you parked your car at the airport. After a long trip, your memory will almost always fail you.
  • Going on a cruise? Stay safe and take care of your health by using your own restroom facilities instead of public ones as much as possible to avoid exposure to contagious illnesses and carrying antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Going on a beach vacation and wear corrective lenses? If your beach sessions involve exploring reefs for colorful fish, you'll want to invest in a prescription snorkel mask. Having your own mask can also prevent communicable diseases.
  • Many travelers suffer from "jet lag." You can help your body adjust to a new time zone by going to bed a little earlier a few days before you leave, getting as much sleep as you can during your flight, and by drinking plenty of water during your flight to avoid dehydration.
  • When traveling abroad, avoid getting sick from street food carts. Pick a cart with a long line and quick turnover, meaning food is hot and fresh. Certain vendors are popular because their food is tastier and safer -- it's woth the extra minutes in line.
  • If you think you are doing everything possible to keep burglars out and valuables safe while you're away from home, you may not be. Click here to determine exactly what goes through the mind of a thief when planning a break in.
  • Before traveling to exotic locations make sure to review the CDC vaccination requirements for your destination. Plan ahead and schedule time with your physician as you may need vaccinations against specific diseases and can prepare yourself for allergies you never thought you had.
  • Be sure to notify your bank before you are traveling out of the country. You don’t want an ATM to eat your credit card assuming that it has been stolen. That’s not a fun way to kick off a trip abroad!
  • Before traveling, email yourself a copy of your passport and/or identification card. If anything should happen to them during your travels, you can simply pull up the copy and print it out. Most airports do accept photocopied forms of ID!
  • Tired of being cooped up in your hotel room? Take advantage of technology and embrace your surroundings by downloading Grafetree travel app. Grafetree allows you to connect with real people near you to to discover trendy places and events. Click here for more information on Grafetree.
  • Want to stay healthy even when traveling? These treats taste good, have nutritional value and take up almost no room when traveling those long distances. Powerbars, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky are some great snacks to hold you over during your travels.
  • When traveling across time zones for an important business meeting, be sure to schedule it based on the time zone from which you are departing. If you live in California and are traveling to New York, schedule your meeting at 1pm, which according to your internal clock would be 10am.
  • When you travel outside the U.S., make spending simple by using a credit card. A credit card is safer than cash, better than a debit card (more fraud protection) and you'll get the best currency exchange rate.
  • When traveling out of the country, educate yourself on the native currency. Come up with a formula for conversion or utilize your smartphone by downloading an app that will convert it for you! XE Currency app is recommended for iPhone and Android users.
  • You may want to think twice before you update your computer when connected to a hotel’s Wi-fi. This “update” could allow cybercriminals to  install Malware that monitors everything you do on your computer—including intercept passwords, view financial records and even turn on to your webcam and record whatever is going on in the room!
  • Travel often? Make a list of the items you need and use it as a checklist every time you travel to ensure you do not forget anything important. Not only does it make the packing process easier but it also saves you time! Need help? Check out this general list of items you may need for your upcoming travels.
  • Don’t spend money on unnecessary rental car protection services when your current insurance coverage may already have you taken care of.  Before setting up your next car rental, do your homework and call your insurance provider, it could save you money!
  • Traveling someplace hot? Prevent yourself from heat exhaustion on your next trip to the desert! Start by increasing your fluid intake, avoid hot foods and heavy meals, use an umbrella to keep shaded, and limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening, to avoid the scorching hot midday sun.
  • It’s time to celebrate Dad! In honor of Father’s Day, check out these clever gift ideas for the dad who likes to travel!
  • The middle of the airplane is known for being the calmest area on the plane. If you get motion sickness, try requesting a seat just over the wing during your next flight!
  • Don’t get charged unwanted roaming fees when traveling abroad. Instead, turn off data roaming and use an internet based Voice Over IP service! Many apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber offer VOIP services which allow you to communicate effectively and affordably!
  • It can be simple to spend less on your next business trip. Fill up your rental car with gas in the morning while the air is cool. Since gas expands in warmer weather, filling up when it’s cooler allows you to get more bang for your buck!
  • Remember when requesting travel with USTravel to include actual calendar dates in your request (i.e. 5/17/12). By including calendar dates, we are able to fulfill your travel plans more efficiently!
  • In honor of Mother's Day consider these gift ideas for the mom who likes to travel!
  • Before traveling abroad, be sure to note the appropriate international number to call in the case your credit cards are stolen. The numbers given on the back of your credit cards may not work outside of the United States. 
  • Summer is just about here, and for many, that means planning your family vacation. Don’t forget, USTravel is here for your personal travel as well! Learn more here.
  • Did you know that in Bulgaria a nod means no, and shaking your head from side to side means yes? On your next international business travel venture, be sure to do your research on the customs and culture of your destination. Or you may be thinking yes, but really saying no!
  • For those tech savvy travelers using smart phone apps for boarding passes; be sure to have your phone screen at its brightest setting to help ensure security can scan your pass.
  • Don’t spend extra time wandering around the airport parking garage searching for your car when you return home. Take a picture of your parking space number on your phone before leaving….that way you know right where to go.
  • Start thinking ahead…or behind to your next destination. Set your watch to the time at your destination as soon as you begin your flight as a mental trick to battle jetlag.
  • Avoid jet lag on your next trip. Prior to your travels, each week push your schedule an hour back or forward depending on where you’re going. Be sure to plan ahead, you’ll need to start earlier the more time zones you’re flying across.  
  • Duct Tape and Safety staying in your room!  Typical travel safety briefings now include packing duct tape in your suitcase in case of a hotel fire.  Tips include and duct tape underneath the door, seal air vents and bathroom wall pipes to prevent smoke infiltration into the room.

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