Features > Security > The Freedom To Travel
Do you have strategies for traveling?
Planning is more important than ever
The freedom to exercise or not, the freedom to travel
We travel and enjoy it personally and professionally. Your choice to travel is your choice alone. If you don't feel comfortable venturing away from home, don't do it. If you do choose to travel, go full steam and enjoy it to the max.
E-tickets or paper? Proceed with extra caution as you book airfare online these days. Take the time to read the fine print before you buy. Electronic tickets have always been a luxury. I've used them since day one and as a person who never checks luggage, it allowed me to go directly to the gate. Today, I recommend getting paper tickets ahead of time. With them in hand and only a carry on bad, you can still bypass the check in counter and proceed directly to the gate. You must have a receipt for your electronic ticket in hand to proceed past terminal security. In some places, this is not good enough. Puerto Rico for example, you must have a paper ticket or a printed receipt from the airline desk. So you may wind up standing in an extra long line instead of avoiding one! A paper ticket solves that issue.
If your flight is cancelled, a paper ticket can be easily transferred to another flight or another airline. An e-ticket puts you in an extra line. You must first stand in line to get a paper ticket and then another line to get it transferred. By that time, the seats may be gone and you may be looking for a hotel room.
Insurance deserves a second look. Previously, I wasn't too keen on insurance as long as I was certain I was going on the trip. Today, I recommend looking at more closely. For a cruise or any major tour package, I recommend it. The initial cost is minimal and but the risk and chance of problems is greater. Always fly in the day before a cruise or tour. With flights getting canceled, bumped and delayed on a regular basis, you can not afford to cut it so close. The price of one night in a hotel is less than the cost of an extra flight to catch up with your cruise ship in another country!
Pack light. Prepare to have your nicely packed travel bag dumped out onto a table in the airport. Using clear plastic bags to separate your items will help. They can segment your items for easy repacking. Buy your toiletries at your destination. Razors, scissors, clippers, aerosol cans may all be confiscated at airports. This only costs you more money in the end and delays fellow travelers. Do not gift wrap presents, as they will only be torn open at the airport. The best thing is to ship them separately or wrap them at your destination.
Charge your batteries. Any electronic device (laptops, cell phones, cd players, games, etc) will be inspected and you'll probably have to turn it on for security to show that it's a real working device.
Sports enthusiasts. Avoid wearing or carrying any clothing you may have used at the gun club or rifle range or anyplace where guns may be fired. Sensors may detect residue from firearms or explosive material. You'll then be enjoying the company of airport security for quite some time as your plane arrives at your destination.
Bring a good book and small change. This is the best advice for an enjoyable trip. No matter how long the wait, if you have a good book and maybe a soda or snack, it will be tolerable. Using the time wisely, enjoyably and productively will reduce the stress of travel this season or any time of the year.
Travel smart and your trip will be enjoyable.
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