in July/August 2005
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resources_travelwisdom.html
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The Little Book of Travel Wisdom
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25. In-Flight Wisdom
Spend your in-flight hours smartly and you'll arrive at your destination refreshed. You might even avoid jet lag altogether. Wear layers on the airplane to weather cabin temperature changes and for pocket space to store handy items like snacks, glasses, and medication. Stretch in your seat, breathe deeply, and amble up and down the aisle. Avoid the seduction of in-flight movies: Eight hours of cinema might sound tempting, but sleep will undoubtedly prove more rewarding. Preparation for smart flying begins a day before your long haul: "Re-duce preflight stress," says Manhattan-based Dr. Ronald Primas, a travel medicine specialist. "Pack ahead of time and don't race off to the airport at the last minute." To aid personal comfort while cabin-bound, bring skin cream to ward off dry air, Blistex to moisten lips, earplugs to aid sleeping, and saline solution to keep eyes lubricated.
26. Unexpected Layovers Flight delays and the need to arrive at airports early often leaves travelers with time to kill. So airports have improved the passenger experience by providing more amenities. Check with the airport's information booth to inquire about art exhibits, outdoor terraces, and other on-site offerings. For example, Miami International Airport's hotel has a gym and swimming pool; London Heathrow Hilton has a spa and showers; San Francisco International Airport has a mini aquarium.
27. Foreign Currency
Whether you need yen or euro, exchange enough money at your departure airport to cover cab fare and incidental expenses at your destination, but no more as fees will be high—they are lower at a bank in your destination city. Another option: Order foreign currency online and have it delivered to your door before your trip. Wells Fargo offers online purchase of 14 foreign currencies and charges a service and delivery fee starting at $8 for up to $1,000. Travelex Currency Services offers 75 currencies through "My TravelWallet" with no service fee, and free second-day shipping on orders over $500.
»On Holiday 28. Ride Guide
Taking a cab from the airport to your final destination is convenient, but it's usually expensive. From New York City's JFK, a cab costs $45 plus tolls to Manhattan; from Charles de Gaulle into Paris, 40 euro ($49); and from Narita into Tokyo, 15,000-20,000 yen ($138-185) plus tolls. Save money with the two-prong approach: Take the subway, train, or a shuttle bus into the general city vicinity and from there hail a taxi. Research transportation before arriving at the airport; airport websites often post links to bus routes or subway maps, if not detailed descriptions of ground transportation options.
29. Risk Factor
If you're headed to a destination in the off-season and you're willing to risk it, show up with no hotel reservations. Walk into a hotel between 4 and 6 p.m. and start bargaining. They'd rather have you pay a low rate than let a room go empty for the night.
30. Foreign Travel Etiquette
When traveling in countries where English is not the first language, learn how to say these five expressions in the local tongue: hello, goodbye, thank you, please, and pardon me. It's amazing how far these words will get you when spoken in a person's language, even if he or she knows the English equivalent.
31. Safety on the Road
Travel is an improvisational art: Hope for the best, but be prepared for complications. Always carry your passport, and bring along photocopies—in some countries, hotels hold your passport during your stay. Keep all trip information (reservation numbers, itinerary, and telephone numbers, including that of the local U.S. Embassy) as well as relevant health information (a list of medications, allergies, blood type, and an emergency contact number) with you at all times. Blend in by dressing like the locals; leave labeled T-shirts and baseball caps at home. Watch your pockets and purse, and keep cameras, computers, and other gear concealed and close at hand. Carry enough local currency for cab rides, and regardless of what country you're visiting, always keep $100 hidden in your wallet or security belt for emergency purchases.
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