Travel Tips

10/22/07

Times are changing, and that includes airline regulations and best practices for long journeys. Read on to learn about the new rules and some great travel tips and products available to make your experiences on and off the plane more comfortable.

Airline Regulations

3-1-1
Stock up on travel size toiletries if you like to keep them with you in your carry-on. The latest TSA regulations follow the 3-1-1 rule:

• 3 ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols placed in
• 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
• 1 bag per passenger placed separately in a security bin for X-ray screening. Take your medicine with you in your carry-on as well. If it is larger than 3 ounces, be sure to have your prescription with you.

Tips and Products

• Buy a pocket language dictionary and bring it with you to restaurants. Even if you speak the language, there are always things on the menu you don't know, and it helps you be a little more adventurous when you know for sure you aren't going to eat cow's stomach.
• Buy a travel pillow to go around your neck on the plane, especially if you have a long flight. If you know of a Chinese dollar store, many of them sell these for only $1.
• Still using film cameras? Make sure you pack your camera and film in your carry-on bag. The screening equipment used for checked luggage will hurt your film.
• Airports aren't always friends to allergy sufferers. To stay comfortable on your trip, bring rewetting eye drops and antihistamines to keep your head clear and eyes moist.
• It is more important than ever to apply for passports as soon as possible. The State Department has reported delays on issuing passports due to a high volume of applicants this year. Visit the State Department's website to look up their updated processing times.
• Many cathedrals (particularly in Italy) do not allow sleeveless shirts when touring. If it’s a hot day, go ahead and wear your sleeveless shirt (no bellies please) and carry a large scarf in your bag. You can drape this scarf over your shoulders and go into a cathedral; then tuck it back into your bag when you come out. A way to stay cool on a hot day yet still be allowed into St. Peter’s!
• For those of you who wear eyeglasses, buy Lens Wipes by Berkley & Jensen. They are pre-moistened and disposable, and they come in little sachets that you just tear open one by one as needed. They are very easy to pack, and you don’t have to worry about having your bottle of lens-cleaning liquid confiscated by security at the airport.