Are you thinking about taking a trip? Will you be going to another country? Will you be checking bags? Here are a few tips based on recent input from travelers. First of all, know your abilities. A friend was vacationing in the Caribbean and decided to take a snorkeling trip; easy-peasy, right? Well, it turned out a little different.
Generally, snorkeling is in calm waters near shore where you swim along over the coral reefs looking at various marine life. Well, this was different as they were out in deep water. My wife and I personally have done this type of snorkeling, and ours turned out fine. Our water was clear, and you could see all the way to the bottom, perfect. Well, our neighbor’s wasn’t that great. First of all, the weather wasn’t as nice, and the sea was choppy. This caused problems with the snorkels as they tended to collect water, and soon, he was choking. He also got caught in a current, and by the time he was able to breathe again, he realized he was too far away from the boat to easily swim back. He also realized the guides weren’t paying attention to the guests. Fortunately, one of the other people from the group noticed him floating away and notified the guides. Good news, they quickly started the boat and went to pick him up. What had been a great vacation previously now had a dark cloud hanging over it. So, know your limitations and make sure safety protocols are in place. Flying has been difficult for a number of reasons. First, more people are flying, and that makes the airports more chaotic. Since there are fewer pilots available, planes are crowded. And, just when you think you’re OK, the weather throws a kink in your plans. Our daughter’s flight was delayed ten hours, and now she’s at her destination, but her luggage is still in Chicago. The airline knows it’s here but doesn’t know when it’ll get to her. Plus, she doesn’t have her clothes! So, be sure and carry on board critical items you might need should your luggage get delayed or lost. What should you keep close? Definitely any medication, possibly your cell phone charger, return tickets, baggage claim information, and if you’re going out of the country, your passport. Most airlines provide a personal allowance should your luggage be delayed over 24 hours but check with them prior to leaving. You always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worse. Also, be aware of the overcrowded situation when using a carry-on. Previously I stated you should have critical items close at hand, BUT not necessarily in an overhead bag. What if the flight is oversold, and they tell you to check your bag at the gate?
Doubt you’ll have enough time to get everything you might need out before the bag goes into the cargo area. So, keep those critical items in a personal carry-on, one you stow at your feet, especially if you’re going overseas or on a cruise. You may get to the ship on time, but your baggage may not make it before departure. Also, keep a paper copy of passports, travel tickets, any reservations, and any cash and credit cards you may be carrying. When flying, most people look for cheap flights. If you can find them, great, but be careful with connections. One cheap flight we initially considered required us to not only change planes (a normal situation), but ALSO change airports (NY to NJ). We declined. A second choice had an 8-hour layover, which was also not a great choice. So, choose well when traveling. Travel should be fun, but you need to be careful and prepared should things go sideways.
