Must-Have Items For Traveling Abroad
March 17, 2011 by Karen Amin · 1 Comment
The key to successful international travel is thoroughly planning for both for your convenience and safety.
As if “the road” isn’t inconvenient enough, traveling abroad often involves the need to transport more items over greater distances for longer time periods through unfamiliar areas. Which, of course, can be risky for both traveler and his belongings.
Austin House, a division of Travelpro and leading brand of great travel accessories offers a number of travel and personal security items perfect for those far from home.
Gatesafe: Simplify your trip through airport security with this boarding pass holder that provides quick and easy access to identification.
Hi-Lo Converter: You’ll need to account for voltage differences in order to avoid damaging any electrical items you bring. This device converts 220V/240V foreign electricity to 110V/125V for use with most North American appliances rated from 0–1875 watts. Research the voltage requirements for each country you plan to visit, and buy any adaptors you need from Austin House.
Digitime Alarm Clock: A dependable battery-powered clock that features a large, well-lit screen, snooze button and loud, crescendo alarm. Three Button Cell batteries are included.
Personal Safety Alarm: Protect yourself with this small alarm which is worn around the neck and emits a high pitch sound when its string is pulled.
Waist Safe/Leg Safe/Neck Safe: Protect your money and other valuables with these undetectable travel wallets. All are made from washable, lightweight poly/cotton material with Agion treated Cool-Max back panel to wick away moisture and kill odor causing bacteria. Each also features elasticized straps with fabric grip tabs that adjust to fit all sizes.
Compact Door Alarm: A protection device for the door (or window) of your hotel room which emits a high pitched sound when the clips placed between the door and door frame are separated.
In order to use your cell phone when traveling abroad, you may be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card from a vending machine at your destination airport. You’ll need to make arrangements with your carrier to “unlock” your phone beforehand (which some carriers may not agree to).
Finally, the best way to streamline international travel is to check one large Travelpro Rollaboard bag and carry-on a smaller bag that can be strapped to the rollaboard. Be sure to pack essentials (toiletries, medications and some clothing) in your carry-on, in case your checked bag is lost or delayed.
With a little planning and a few Austin House items, your overseas trip as safe as it is exciting. Safe travels!
Baggage Fees Are Here To Stay
February 15, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
If you’re wondering whether the airlines are going to drop those checked baggage fees, a recent article in the Chicago Tribune tells us that, no, they’re not.
From July to September of last year, the airlines took in over $900 million in checked baggage fees (a 23% increase over the same period in 2009). Most airlines now depend on this ample revenue source to offset rising fuel costs and fluctuating airfares.
One prominent carrier, Southwest Airlines, doesn’t charge these fees and is aggressively promoting that fact as part of their overall marketing campaign. But don’t look for other carriers to adopt Southwest’s approach any time soon.
These fees vary by airline, and are typically $20 – $30 for the first bag checked. Higher fees are charged for additional bags, often twice the amount of the initial bag.
If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you’re subject to an overweight fee which is based on how many pounds the bag is “over.” Many airlines also assess oversized fees for luggage that have a combined length, width and girth exceeding 45 inches.
So what can you do to avoid these fees? Fly with Travelpro® Rollaboard® luggage, of course.
Travelpro has been serving the needs of business travelers and vacationers for decades, and we’ve developed a wide range of carry-on luggage that reduces not only baggage costs, but user fatigue and airport hassles as well. We offer carry-on sized Rollaboards, rolling duffel bags, totes, rolling totes, business cases and garment bags.
Constructed of state-of-the-art materials, our lightweight luggage is not only much easier to transport through airports, it is easier to carry on the airplane itself. In the United States, depending on the plane type, airlines generally allow travelers to carry on bags measuring 22″ in length (20″ on international flights).
Travelpro offers many carry-on models that meet these size restrictions, eliminating checked baggage fees and the headache of retrieving your luggage upon arrival. Plus, the carry-on’s light weight and side, top and bottom carry handles make them easier to lift into and out of the overhead bins.
In addition, Travelpro products are extremely durable. Any manufacturer can offer a bag that doesn’t weigh much. The challenge is to provide a lightweight bag that stands up to constant baggage handling and crowded conveyer systems worldwide. As our lifetime warranty demonstrates, we’ve more than met that challenge.
Checked baggage fees are likely here to stay. Fortunately, so is Travelpro carry-on luggage.
What Are The Best Sources For Travel Information?
February 10, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
With the wealth of travel resources available online, we at Travelpro are often asked which sites we recommend for comprehensive information on popular destinations.
Obviously there are many good sites catering to both common and exotic locales, but we have found that the four sites below consistently provide useful information:
Concierge.com: The digital version of Condé Nast Traveler, the industry leading travel magazine is published by Condé Nast Publications. The site offers extensive information on popular destinations worldwide organized in an extremely easy-to-use format.
Concierge.com allows you to quickly access information on the specific city, region or country you’re going to visit. Both detailed articles and user reviews on your destination’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, stores and nightlife are instantly available, along with photos, videos, trip maps and suggested itineraries. You can also explore the site by “interests,” which range from Active/Adventure to Arts & Culture to Green Eco-Travel to Spa & Wellness.
Travelocity.com: Travelocity is a full-service travel planning and purchasing website offering extensive flight, hotel, car rental, cruise and destination information, along with last minute travel deals. Plus they have the cool Gnome commercials.
TripAdvisor.com: TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site which offers advice from real travelers, plus a wide variety of planning tools. It is owned by TripAdvisor Media Group which operates 18 popular travel sites and attracts over 50 million visits per month.
Here, you can not only search flight options to your destination, but compare all fares available from online booking sites. Tripadvisor also provides detailed hotel, restaurant, cruise, vacation and activity information, along with valuable forum in which fellow travelers share their experiences.
Expedia.com: Expedia has everything you’ll need to research, plan and purchase your trip. You can access one of the broadest selection of travel products and tools in North America, as well as localized versions in Europe, and partnerships in Asia. Whether you’re a family booking an extended trip or a businessperson planning a sales trip, Expedia can get you from door to door.
In this computer age, there are as many excellent sources for destination information as there are destinations to visit. The choice, in both cases, is to find the best place for you.
What the TSA’s Secure Flight Requirements Mean To You
February 8, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Getting through airport security can be a hassle, but most travelers agree that ensuring the safety of the flying public is well worth some minor inconvenience.
Hold that thought because, as the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) “Secure Flight” program went into effect on 11/1/2010, travelers learned that additional inconveniences could possibly await them.
Or, they may not. It all depends on the information you provide when booking your flight, and whether that information matches what’s on your government-issued ID.
First, some background: The 9/11 Commission recommended that the TSA assume responsibility for comparing passenger information with government “watch lists” before each flight is boarded. Since that recommendation was made law in 2004, the watch list matching process has been plagued by the misidentification and detention of travelers with names similar to those on the “no-fly” list.
The “Secure Flight” program addressed this problem by requiring that passengers provide not only their name (as it appears on their government-issued ID), but their date of birth and gender, when booking their flight. This additional information more fully identifies each traveler, helping the TSA differentiate between individuals with like-sounding names.
This should reduce the travel woes of passengers with names close to those on the watch lists. But, the hassles could increase for everyone else. For instance, if your reservation does not contain your name, gender and date-of-birth, the Secure First system will not allow the airline to issue a boarding pass.
And, what happens to travelers who provided complete information, but whose boarding passes don’t exactly match their government-issued IDs? According to the TSA website (www.tsa.gov):
Due to differences in boarding pass systems, boarding passes may not always display the exact name you provided when booking your travel. The name you provide when booking your travel is used to perform the watch list matching before a boarding pass is ever issued, so small differences between the passenger’s ID and the passenger name printed on the boarding pass, such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name or no middle name/initial at all, or hyphens and apostrophes should not cause a problem for the passenger.
Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you provide all necessary information, regardless of whether you’re booking your flight with the airline, a travel agent, or online.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the information you provide matches your ID exactly.
When Should I Book My Trip With A Travel Agent?
January 13, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 4 Comments
With the seemingly endless amount of travel resources now available online, does it still make sense to book your trip with a travel agent? It often depends on the complexity of your trip.
If it’s just you and your spouse traveling to a familiar destination, the arrangements should be pretty straightforward and easily handled online. But, if your journey is to an unknown location, and involves coordinating the arrivals and departures of multiple people and the arranging of various outings and excursions, a full-service travel agent can be a Godsend.
Everyone needs a vacation. Everyone.
In his article, “Why Use A Travel Agent,” Joseph A. Watters, President of Crystal Cruises, listed the important services travel agents provide their clients either free or for a nominal charge:
1. Distilling the product information: No one knows more about travel and trip planning than a travel agent. They’re up on the latest news, packages, and ways to save money.
2. Investigating and supplying competitive information: Airlines don’t share competing information, like prices, about each other. Travel agents have that information at their fingertips.
3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Since travel agents get all the information from industry-only emails, airline district managers, and other sources, they have the most up-to-date promotional information.
4. Analyzing the current promotions: Travel agents can also advise you on the best value over the best price. Remember, a cheap price is not always a bargain if you’re uncomfortable, have to pay extra costs, or get bumped.
5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: A travel agent can tell you of any of the pitfalls you might not otherwise spot on a travel booking website.
6. Making recommendations for travel-related options: Since travel agents are always up on the latest news about the travel industry, including the destinations, they can give you ideas of how to pack, what to expect, places to shop and dine, and packages to try.
7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction: Rather than spending hours yourself looking for individual hotels, rental cars, flights, dining reservations, ask your travel agent to help you out. They can act as a personal concierge for organizing your itinerary, saving you the time you need to handle the rest of your life. And you can be sure they’re going to act in your best interest, not the destination locations’
8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: A travel agent, especially one who’s knowledgeable about your destination, can enhance the experience by putting you in touch with special packages and amenities that the average traveler isn’t going to hear about.
9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Travel agents have a little caché when it comes to their position, name, and buying power. Hotel owners, airline booking agents, and cruise organizers know that a big portion of their business comes from travel agents, and they’ll work to keep them happy — even to the point of getting perks and amenities that you couldn’t have gotten if you tried it yourself.
10. Getting problems resolved: Your travel agent will also, like a true concierge, handle any problems you have when something goes wrong. Get bumped from your flight? Call your travel agent to rebook. Need a different hotel or rental car? Rather than navigating everything yourself, place a call to your travel agent, and then wait for them to call you back with the information.
You’re going on vacation to escape planning, scheduling and hassles. Working with a travel agent helps you do just that, so let them handle your next trip for you.
Photo: MikeMcSharry (Flickr)
Enjoying Food During International Travel
November 29, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
One of the great joys of foreign travel is sampling the international cuisine — assuming you take the necessary precautions.
Though the foods you eat overseas aren’t necessarily unsafe, your body isn’t accustomed to them. This gastric unfamiliarity combined with the use of natural fertilizers abroad can lead to digestive difficulties.
So what’s an adventurous foodie in a foreign land to do?
Indulge intelligently. Enjoy the cuisine you travelled long and hard for, but use your head while filling your stomach.
First, research your destination’s most popular restaurants through www.tripadvisor.com, making sure to study the reader reviews closely. If praise for a given eatery is universal, chances are that most travelers aren’t getting sick.
Also, check the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) websites for information on any outbreaks in the countries you are visiting, and plan accordingly.
Plus, maintain a healthy routine during your trip by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. Taking vitamins or other supplements is also recommended.
To minimize your risk of contracting any food-borne illnesses while abroad, be sure to:
- Drink only bottled water, and avoid ice
- Don’t eat raw or unpeeled foods. The foreign traveler’s rule of thumb is “Cook it, wash it, peel it, or forget it.”
- Only eat condiments that come in sealed packages.
- Order entrees “well done”, and send them back if they’re not served hot.
- Use caution when ordering seafood, and steer clear of clams, mussels and oysters.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk, cheese and yogurt.
By taking these simple precautions, you’re free to savor the exotic delicacies. Stride by the Americanized restaurants and find the local bistro offering the most authentic cuisine. Make sure you drink in moderation, however, since most foreign beers and wines are much stronger than domestics.
With a little planning and common sense, you’re in for a gourmet vacation of a lifetime.
We’d like to hear from you. Do you have any tips to share on enjoying food during international travel?
Etiquette 101 For Business Travelers
October 29, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 3 Comments
The rules of travel etiquette intensify when you’re traveling on business. You not only need to observe common courtesies, but avoid social miscues that could derail your business objectives.
During your trip you should follow the same general rules of etiquette that apply to leisure travelers:
- Don’t be rude to flight attendants or fellow passengers.
- Refrain from operating electronic devices when instructed not to.
- Carry on only two bags, placing one bag in the overhead bin and one under the seat in front of you .
- Don’t occupy your seat-mate’s “space.”
- Don’t talk endlessly to fellow passengers who are not interested in a conversation.
Beyond these basic civilities, as a professional business traveler you should always:
- Dress appropriately for every business occasion (and make sure to transport and protect your business wardrobe in Travelpro luggage).
- Respect your customers’ and co-workers’ time by always being prompt for meeting, meals and gatherings. Be aware that in some cultures “on time” means late. Check with your in-country associates.
- Allow coworkers some down time by not doing business around the clock.
- When traveling internationally, research and follow local customs, as well as learn and use key phrases in the host country’s language.
Besides observing business etiquette, you should also follow basic rules to ensure your safety when abroad:
- Don’t dress in a way that would mark you as an affluent tourist.
- Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets, and avoid traveling at night.
- Appear purposeful when you move about, and only ask for directions from someone in authority.
- Keep a low profile, and avoid loud conversations or arguments.
- Don’t discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
- Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
- Be wary of scam artists, pickpockets and groups of vagrant children.
- Keep your hotel room locked at all times, and don’t leave money or valuables in it when you’re out.
- Only take taxis that are clearly identified with official markings.
- If confronted, don’t fight back. Give up your valuables.
To summarize Etiquette 101 for Business Travelers: Be courteous, knowledgeable and safe.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
Etiquette 101 For Leisure Travelers
October 27, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
If you fly regularly, you’ve undoubtedly at some point been seated next to an inexperienced traveler.
He or she is usually (but not always) a leisure traveler who’s nervousness, carelessness or cluelessness ruins the flight to everyone within a five row radius. If only every passenger was required to pass a travel etiquette class before being allowed to fly.
Such a class would emphasize:
- Being courteous to fellow passengers. It only takes one rude jerk to undermine the flight for a cabin full of people.
- Being courteous to flight attendants (who have a lot of authority on board). According to the Air Transport Association, “if a passenger’s behavior is offensive to other passengers, the airline reserves the right to deny boarding or remove the passenger from the flight.” So, boorish behavior may not only offend fellow passengers, it can get the offender thrown off the plane.
- Refraining from operating electronic devices when told not to (they really can interfere with the plane’s navigational systems).
- Carrying on only two bags (Travelpro, of course) and placing one bag in the overhead bin — without crushing the luggage already there — and one under the seat in front of you.
- Respecting your seat-mate’s “space” by not occupying two arm rests, taking up more than one seat, deeply reclining your seat, or spreading out work or reading materials beyond your area.
- Respecting everyone’s right to solitude by not talking endlessly to fellow passengers not interested in a conversation.
If you’re the “talkee” instead of the “talker” in an unwanted conversation, there are ways to diffuse the situation without being rude. You can convey your disinterest through body language by providing short answers, not asking questions, turning away, or reading a book or your computer screen.
If this doesn’t deter the talker, politely tell him or her that you enjoyed speaking with them, but now need to get some work done.
Air travel can be stressful, especially for inexperienced travelers. Don’t add to their stress by being rude or inconsiderate. And, if you’re on the receiving end of poor travel etiquette, manage the situation with finesse.
Do so, and you’ll pass Etiquette 101 with flying colors.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
Currency Exchange Tips For International Travel
October 20, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
International travel involves many mysteries, not the least of which are currency exchange rates.
The exchange rate is the rate at which one country’s currency can be exchanged for another’s. For Americans, it is expressed as the amount of foreign currency one US dollar will buy (example: 1 dollar = 0.7427 Euros).
The rate is determined by a variety of factors including each country’s economic policies, stock market, debts, deficits, interest rates, inflation rates and consumer confidence. Basic supply and demand also plays a major role: the greater the demand for a given currency, the higher its value.
Obviously, when you’re spending your hard-earned money in another country, the exchange rate has a tremendous impact on your budget. If each dollar only buys you $0.74 worth of food, lodging and entertainment, you will need to factor this into your travel budget.
Truth be told, there’s little you can do about an unfavorable exchange rate, other than canceling your trip altogether. But, you can take steps to reduce the other expenses associated with exchanging currency.
You have many options when exchanging dollars for your destination’s currency, all of which have handling and/or transaction fees. The key is to identify these fees, compare them, and chose the least costly alternative.
Exchange Bureaus, found in all major cities and international airports, should be avoided due to their excessive commissions. Local banks are usually a better option, especially when you use an ATM card with a reasonable exchange rate fee. Just remember that you may also be subject to ATM fees from both your and the foreign bank.
Many international travelers prefer charging as many expenses as possible on their credit cards. This can be a shrewd approach if you’ve confirmed that your card’s exchange rate is acceptable. Just be prepared for the occasional secluded restaurant that won’t accept your card.
Finally, Travelers Cheques aren’t nearly as popular as they once were, and are being accepted in fewer destinations.
Some savvy international travelers monitor exchange rates, and use them when planning their trips. For, while the dollar may be weak against certain currencies, it can be a bargain in another part of the world.
Information is an international traveler’s best currency. So, stay informed about exchange rates.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
Preparing For International Travel
September 20, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Traveling to a foreign country presents many opportunities and challenges. In order to take advantage of the opportunities, make sure you prepare for the challenges.
Whether you’re on business or vacation, these tips will help you make the most out of international travel.
- Review your itinerary and destination’s weather forecast, and make sure you pack a wardrobe appropriate for both.
- Don’t pack more clothing than you need and be sure to take clothes that mix and match, so you have a variety of outfits. This will reduce the weight of your luggage and avoid overweight bag fees.
- To avoid excessive wrinkling, roll your clothes tightly instead of folding them into squares. We recommend using Travelpro luggage that features a built-in suiter or garment sleeve, in which you can place dresses and suits. When you arrive at the hotel, immediately hang all clothing in the closet.
- The best way to streamline international travel is to check one large Travelpro bag and carry-on a smaller bag that can be strapped to the rollaboard. Be sure to pack essential items (toiletries, medications and a change of clothing) in your carry-on in case your checked bag is lost or delayed.
- Review the Transportation Security Administration’s website for a current list of goods allowed and not allowed in checked and carry-on luggage, and pack accordingly.
- You’ll need to account for voltage differences in order to avoid damaging any electrical items you bring. Dual voltage (110/125v) and (220/250v) appliances require an adapter plug, while non-dual voltage items require a converter or transformer. Research the voltage requirements for each country you plan to visit, and buy any adaptors, converters or transformers you need from Austin House.
- If you’re a picky eater and can’t go without a food item unique to America, you’ll need to take some with you. Foreign cuisine is divine, but so are Twinkies.
A little research and planning go a long way in minimizing international travel hassles.
