Travel Tips Archives - Page 4 of 7

Global Entry-Make Going Through the Airport a Breeze

December 23, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Funny as it is may seem, I was a bit slow in getting my act together. Despite my heavy international travel I had avoided getting this convenient approval. I often have been questioned by the passport control workers as to why I didn’t have it, especially given the number of stamps in my passport. However, I was challenged in November by a group of my fellow Travel Agency owners to complete it by December. Here is what you need to know.

What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program used by the United States Customs and Borders Protection service that allows approved individuals considered to be low risk expedited clearance through customs when arriving in the United States.

Besides the advantage of clearing the lines in customs, global entry also comes with TSA Pre-check making your domestic security experience faster and less invasive. It does require registering your known traveler number when booking your flights or attaching to your frequent flyer accounts. Full information and direction on how to do this are given to you during your interview.

How do I Get Global Entry?
The process of getting your approval is quite simple, but times do vary on it’s completion process. The cost is nominal considering your number is good for 5 years before you need to do renewal. You begin by going to www.globalentry.gov. You will be asked to set up an account. Once you have the account you can proceed or log back in when time allows. Once in your account you will have to fill out a questionnaire verifying your identity information and pay the $100 fee.

After you’ve completed the application it will go into review. The time it takes for the review to be completed and get your approval for interview will vary depending how busy the offices are and the verification of your information. You can use your log-in to periodically check for your approval as you will not receive anything by email alerting you to the approval.

Once you’ve received initial approval you will then select your global entry center and schedule your interview. Availability of appointments and the speed at which you will be able to get in will depend on your specific center. You will report to you interview center on the date and time you selected and wait in a waiting area until and agent calls you for your interview. The agent during the interview will again verify the information you entered on your application, take a photo and get your finger prints, but overall all time for interview is relatively short, approximately 15 minutes.

Now that you’ve had your interview you are approved. Your agent will give you information on activating your card, getting your TSA Pre-check and other general information for use when arriving and updating should any information change. It takes about 2-3 weeks to receive your actual card.

Tips on getting your Global Entry
-Make sure you have good internet connection and allow about 30 minutes to complete your application online.
-Remember to log back in periodically for your approval so you can set up your interview.
-Arrive 15 minutes early for the appointment as to not have to reschedule.
-Turn off your phone before going in for interview.
-For Newark, New Jersey the interview center is in baggage claim B in the back. Park in short term parking B.
-Make sure to bring your approval letter, passport and driver’s id.
-Once you receive your card remember to go back online to activate it and sigh up for your TSA Pre-check.

Now you are ready to breeze through the airport the next time you fly.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Don’t Skip the Insurance

October 7, 2018 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Speaking of Mother Nature. This past month we have seen exactly what Mother Nature can do and how unpredictable and destructive weather can be. We had major areas of the South and the Caribbean devastated by Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Isaac. I found myself asking my clients more then ever, “do you want travel insurance”? Are you someone who declines travel insurance?

Let me tell you why you should not decline the insurance. For the small amount of extra money, it will cost to add insurance to coverage to your trip, you will find it is well worth its weight in gold. We use and recommend at Boomerang Escapes, Travel Guard Insurance. My recommendation is the Travel Gold with the cancel for any reason add on. We find it to be the best comprehensive coverage for our clients and ourselves. If you add the policy on at the time of your down payment for the trip or within 14 days of said deposit, it also has a pre-existing clause. I and the staff at the agency are not travel insurance agents, so I will not go into major details on coverages. However, I send you a quote directly from their website that provides you all the coverage details and I do give you the 800 number they provide, so you can speak with an insurance expert on the coverage specifics. They have a 24/7 line during travel as well, so no worries if the unexpected happens.

I have had people who have had to change their plans at the last minute and those who have opt’d to purchase the insurance have been very happy to have that peace of mind. Should something happen the claims process is quite simple, and we are here to help you through it as well as the trained staff at Travel Guard. Travel Guard is not the only travel insurance provider available, along with their competitors, almost all the suppliers offer a version of insurance, but I have found in my experience that the coverage that is offered through the suppliers is no where as comprehensive as the coverage through Travel Guard. With travel insurance you have peace of mind 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You have worked hard to earn the time and save the money for you vacation, don’t let the unexpected ruin it.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Return to Your Happy Place

September 23, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Hi there. Yes, I am the girl you love to hate. The girl who wakes up with a smile. The girl who wakes up on the right side of the bed. The girl whose energy levels are so high each day that you want to stomp on her because you have yet to have your morning coffee. ( and trust me you don’t want to see me on caffeine) Yes, I am the girl who sees the world through rose colored glasses and drinks from the glass that is half-full. I am the girl who has been recently given the nick name “Positive Polly.” How did I achieve such a great attitude and outlook on life? How do I manage to get through all the daily crap?

First, let me begin by letting you in on a little secret. I am not always happy. WHAT??? Yes, I am not always happy! The reality is there are times when life sucks. I have down moments and down days. Bad shit, happens to me just like everyone else. The difference my friends is that I’ve groomed myself with daily practices and strategies not to stay in that state of doom and gloom, poor me, low energy, or whatever you want to call it.

You may recognize the title of this article, as it is also the tag line to my travel company. The tag line truly embraces what we all need to do. It is what I do almost daily and definitely throughout the year. And you have to make these things a practice. For me, getting to my happy place encompasses 4 key components….THRIVE, REVIVE, INDULGE, ESCAPE.

Here are my definitions.
Thrive-
To thrive is to reach and maintain a level of health and well-being that provides you longevity in life. No longer are the days of matching up to an image society has created. Today, it is about reaching your best and feeling your best, so you can continue to do the things you love.

Revive-
To revive is to take time to fuel your soul and mind. Feed your spirit whether you have a regular religious practice or just take time for yourself. It is about reaching deep within, connecting with your inner being. This can be achieved through practices of church, meditation, yoga, personal development through reading, and/or journaling. The point is to find what helps you most to restore your inner peace.

Indulge-
To indulge is to try new things, taste what the world has to offer, and to treat yourself. Stop saying no to yourself and start saying yes. I believe all aspects of life should operate on an 80/20 rule. 20 percent of the time you give in. Have the piece of cake, buy the new outfit, enjoy the seaweed wrap. To indulge is to let yourself have the things you think you shouldn’t.

Escape-
To escape is more then merely traveling. To escape is to let go of you daily routines and disconnect from your devices. You can escape alone or with others, but you must escape. Escaping can be as simple as a walk or as elaborate as a trip around the world. By escaping we can easily bring the other 3 components into action… thrive, revive, indulge.

When you learn to balance your life by setting aside time for these 4 realms, you return to your happy place.

Here is how I incorporate theses into a daily action.
I have a “me” routine. The “me” routine incorporates the thrive and revive. Being the morning person that I am, my “me” routine begins my days. For revive, I journal and meditate daily. Or sometimes swap this out with prayer. Walks and yoga are other key components in my revive arsenal.

For thrive, I do a daily workout. My workouts vary from cardio, weights, Pilates, yoga and more. Often I do the workout in the comfort of my home, but keep a gym membership as well to change it up.

For indulge, I reward myself each day. Sometimes it may be a food item or sometimes I treat myself to. One of the ways I encourage myself to get my to do’s done is by telling myself when the list is done I can have ____. Why did I have so much pool time this year????

Which brings me to escape. The pool was one of my escapes. Another is a walk and just getting back in tune with nature. It could be finding time to disappear in a good book too. When you make time or take time to step away from the grind you will find the picture gets clearer and the energy or creativity you need to get through the project comes back. Of course on a larger scale, taking that weekend getaway and making time for your vacation aka ESCAPE you will be able to begin that journey back to your happy place.

As the song says, “Changes in latitudes Changes in Attitudes” ~ Jimmy Buffet

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Jet Lag…There’s an App for That

June 24, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Jet lag, that wonderful temporary sleep disorder we get when traveling. It’s caused by the body being out of sync with it’s own clock do to various time zone changes. The more zones you change the worse the jet lag can be. Some travelers are more susceptible than others, but often everyone feels it to some degree.

Specializing and selling the South Pacific, I’ve gotten quite good at battling this phenomenon for my own travels. I have event written this tip article, “2 Meals, 2 Movies, and a Nap!”, specifically written for the flights from the West Coast, USA to Australia. These are things that have worked for me over the years as I have made my way to the South Pacific. Of course, we in the travel industry are always on the watch for something that might work even better.

On my most recent Amazing Aussie Adventure, we were given the opportunity to test or try out for free an app called Uplift. Uplift works on a scientific premise of being able to reset your body’s clock through the use of pressure points. It made sense to me as I am know stranger to using pressure points to divert pain from headaches. So the concept that a pressure point could change how the body thinks was something I was willing to give a go.

It’s a very easy application to use and is easily downloaded to your smart phone. I have an iPhone. There is a pre-tutorial video to watch on how the application is used, what information from your trip you will need, and an example of a person locating and using their pressure points. Basically you will be entering the information from the time zone you depart from and then the arrival zone. Preferably it is best to do at the airport after landing, but can be done once you arrive at your hotel destination.

For my most recent trip, several of us in the group did use Uplift to see how it worked and if it made a difference. Given I was traveling from Newark, NJ to Perth, Western Australia I actually used the application twice during the flights over as recommended by the company. I did my first pressure point session when I arrive in Auckland where I had a 5 hour layover. What was interesting, was that we had different pressure points to use depending on which area we left from. So not all of us had the same points. Mine happened for this first use to be inside my leg above the ankle and my wrist area. The second use, I did once I was settled into my room in Perth which was several hours after arriving in Western Australia. My pressure points were again different than the previous set. I had now been traveling roughly 30 hours since leaving New Jersey. I went to bed about 11pm local time and slept through the night waking just ahead of my alarm at 6am. I felt great. Got up did some meditation, grabbed a shower and headed up for breakfast. I was right on track the rest of the trip.

When the trip ended and I headed back to the states, I forgot or neglected to do the first round of points in Auckland, but I did do it back at my condo. I arrive home on a red eye out of California at 6am my time. I took about a 5 hour nap upon arriving home and then was up and ready for the day. I even attended a trade event that night.

I can’t say definitively that the application was the reason as I have a tendency to adjust well, but given the quite short length of my trip, only 7 days in Australia and 30hrs of travel time, I think it may very well have helped. I believe the application runs about $9.99 and might be worth you giving it trial for your next international flight. Can’t hurt, right?

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Why You Should Download Your Airline’s App

May 6, 2018 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Given the uncertainties of life, it made me realize that there are things that you can do as a traveler to make your travel a little less unpredictable. Let’s consider technology. One of the great technologies is that of our cell phone. It like no other device can let us know what is going on minute to minute. All you need to do is download applications to your phone. There are tons of them out there. What I recommend for making your travel less stressful is to add the airline apps to your phone such as United Airlines. Almost every airline now a day offers an app for your smart phone. Whichever airline or airlines your flying add that application to your phone. Any of the airlines applications can be found in your phones app store.

Once you have the app downloaded you can access information about your flight, use it to check-in online, purchase upgrades, check baggage allowances, and more. One of my favorite things is being able to turn on the notifications button for my flight. When you have notifications on you will receive alerts as to any changes or delays. As a travel planner, I keep these notification alerts on my phone not only for my personal travel, but for my client’s travel as well. By adding my client’s flight information into notification alerts, I can stay on top of any issues that may arise prior to departure or arrival home. It also gives me peace of mind when I know my client’s flights have safely departed and arrived. In the event of an issue such as weather that can cause a delay or cancel the flight, I can quickly be in contact with you and start working on other options to get you to your destination in what hopefully is the most stress-free way possible. The apps truly are handy for us both. While nothing is a guarantee and the apps won’t prevent a flight from being delayed or cancelled, the advanced knowledge and ability to stay in touch with your air carrier and your travel planner does help. Try it on your next vacation escape.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Your Aussie Travel Expert’s In-Flight Essentials

April 29, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Australia, Travel Tips No comments

I do love Australia, but what I really love is to travel. I thrive on exploring new destinations and sharing my experiences through my weekly travel journal blog. While this year has been quiet thus far on the travel front, only a quick visit to North Carolina, I’ve been known to be on the road more than once a month. You can often find me visiting such places as Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Mexico, and beyond. Currently, I am getting ready for next month’s trip back to Australia (visit #6) and thought it would be fun to share with you what are some of my must-have items in my carry-on.

Your Aussie Travel Expert’s In-Flight Essentials

Socks-I love to fly with my shoes off. Barefoot even while seated. But when the cabin is cool, or I need to take a stroll through the cabin, I have my feet cozy and free.

Comfy Change of Clothes-Once we are in the air, I take off my business casual and get into my loungewear. Once we get close to landing at the destination, I freshen up and change back into my casual attire. I am ready to greet the day.

An External Charger-Vitally important for me to always have my phone, if nothing else, working. Not only to stay in touch with the family, office, and clients but also to capture images and video of the destination.

Journal-I like to make notes, write down thoughts, and keep a detailed account of my time in a destination which can later be used for photo books, blogs, and more.

Moisturizer/Lip Balm-It’s essential to keeping your skin hydrated and refreshing. I travel with moisturizer and lip balm that has SPF in it, too, for outdoor exposure.

Breath Mints-My favorites are the cinnamon Altoids. Not only a quick fix for the breath but sometimes a little wake me up.

Immunity Boost-I carry Airborne or its generic equivalent. Typically I use the dissolving tablets when traveling because of their ease to mix in a glass of water and smaller package sizing for the bag or purse. I find keeping your body filled with good vitamins and antioxidants helps keep you from picking up those nasty travel bugs that seem to inhabit the flights.

Sunglasses-Don’t leave home without them. Of course, flying to the South Pacific, we leave at night, but we arrive for sunrise. Plus, sunglasses can hide tired eyes.

A Pareo-A large scarf essentially that can be used or worn in a multitude of ways. Check out a previous journal entry here.

Body Wipes-Perfect for freshening up before your arrival after the long flight.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

What Do I Do with a Butler?

March 4, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Caribbean, Travel Tips No comments

During a recent phone conversation with my friend and fellow travel agent Cheryl, from Bay Head Travel, I was inspired to write this blog. We were discussing how are clients are always wondering why they would want, need, or even what to ask their butler for. Clients always ask, “What types of things should I ask my butler to do?” “Will my butler always be around?”

Cheryl and I have both experienced a bit of the butler life. For me, my favorite thing was having my beverage cooler waiting for me at my beach cabana each day. And we will tell you, you only really see the butler or speak to the butler when you want to. They slip in and out, almost like ghost, going very unnoticed except for that which you have asked to be done. Now question is, what do you ask?

My specific experience and examples comes from the elite staff of butlers that Sandals and Beaches Resorts employ. I have had the pleasure as well as my clients to enlist their services. I have also had the pleasure during training trips to the resorts to meet butler staff in person and hear their stories. Now one thing to know is most butlers that you are encountering have gone through rigorous butler training. I know for a fact that all of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts butlers have been trained by The Guild of Professional English Butlers. So, let me share a few things you may of thought of and may not have thought of when it comes to enlisting your butler’s services.

Butlers are there from the get go. Typically contact begins with your butler prior to arrival either directly through you or your travel professional. On the front end they are finding out your favorites, dietary needs/restrictions, medical concerns or anything else that may be of importance in serving you. Upon arrival you are usually greeted with special transportation to your resort along with expedited check-in. Your butler will give you a communication device, usually a phone to reach them during your stay. Sometimes you many have more than one butler assigned to you. They are there to take your luggage and even unpack it for you if you’d like.

During your stay, here are several things to consider asking them to do:

Make all your dining reservations in advance
Schedule any excursions off property
Service you at the beach with your favorite beverages
Arrange for special spa treatment or romantic dinner
Clean or shine shoes
Iron your clothes
Draw a bath and have it waiting when you get back
Take care of any laundry you’d like to have done
Fetch something from the room you may have forgotten, such as a book or sun lotion
Add special room touches such as scented oils
Have your ice bucket filled every evening
Have your coffee ready and delivered in the morning
Have your evening drink poured
Unpack or pack suitcases

Just a handful of ordinary things to make your life easier and your vacation experience more restful. Vacations are all about taking a break from the daily grind. Your butler will also be there to make your departure a breeze. So, sit back, relax, and ask the butler to do it.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

My 5 Favorite Travel Items

February 25, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

As some of you know who have been around or even had the chance to read my bio, I’m a wanderer by birth. I currently have moved 22 times and have lived in 10 different states. Though I am still working on visiting all 50. No, I was not an “Army Brat”, but rather the product of corporate America at the time. When dad did well, we moved. When my ex-husband did well, we moved. All of this well before my interest in becoming a travel professional.

This year now celebrates 10 years of being in travel and a big 5th anniversary this spring for having my own agency. With my love of moving, and my love of travel, I have learned a few things over the years and constantly improving my own travel process. This week I’d like to share with you my current top products/items to take on the road.

First, I’m a big fan of Airborne, generic or brand name. Currently in my cupboard and kit bag is the CVS brand gummie version. Working from home the majority of the time, I am not exposed to germs the way I used to be, so I like to arm myself since airplanes and airports are notorious for picking up an illness. I actually make a daily practice of arming myself with this immunity booster. (Mind you I am not a doctor. Please consult with a doctor before adding anything to your current regime.)

Second, I love my eBags. I used to be like the run of the mill traveler packing my largest suitcase to the brim. Often at the airport having them label it with the heavy tag. Today, I am in the carry-on with a tote. The eBag system makes it so easy to pack efficiently and get so much into a little space. I also love them for the return because I can sort out the dirty clothes into their own bags. It’s perfect when you get home to unzip and drop in the laundry basket.

Third, a journal is a must for me. I love to be able to write down fun facts, places I’ve been, my impressions. It’s great for labeling photos and doing any sort of memorabilia scrapbooking or such. In my case, it has also come in handy for the current book/s I am working on. I personally love pen and paper still, but when short on room or for you techies out there the notes app on your phone or tablet works great too!

Fourth, always keep a pen on you. Having a pen is very important for flying internationally. International arrivals require filling out custom paperwork and the plane is always short or has no pens at all. If your one of my clients, no worries, as I include at least one pen in your documents.

Lastly, I love my apps. I keep the airline app on my phone to receive notifications of any changes to my flights. I keep my meditation on my phone as well to not skip a beat. Same with my workouts. And, for me I can access work should I need too. Have Wi-Fi will work as I say!

Times and experiences are always changing, so what works today may not work tomorrow, but these are my current go to items as we cruise through 2018.

Happy Travels!

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Packing Tips for Your Caribbean Escape

February 18, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean, Travel Tips No comments

A New year means new opportunities. Now is the time to let me help you escape to a new destination or maybe visit one of your old favorites in 2018. In this month’s newsletter I want to give you some tips on packing for your Caribbean Escape. Leaving to go on vacation doesn’t need to be overwhelming or extremely time consuming. All you need to do is have a little organization and then relax. Make yourself a list and then check it twice. You don’t need a lot when vacationing in the Caribbean. The five most important things to remember when traveling are as follows:

Make sure you have all your Travel Documents together and that they are organized in a safe but accessible place. This will include your passport, airline tickets or boarding passes. Any special vouchers that you may have for your transfers or resorts that you will be staying at. If you happen to be on prescription medication, you will want to pack copies of your prescriptions and make sure you take medication with you, that it is always in the original containers.

Having a well packed carry-on is essential. Not that you want to plan for things to go wrong, but being prepared will make things much easier should a problem occur. Things you will want in your carry-on bag will be your toiletry bag, a change of clothes, swimming suit, cash (small bills for paying tips or cab), medications, and a small snack. Essentially you will want to have everything you would need for your first night. On the occasions when I travel with a checked bag, I usually pack at least a lite pair of pajamas, a cotton sundress, extra undies and a pair of flip flops in addition to my toiletries in the 3-1-1 format.

Heed the 3-1-1 format for your toiletries when carrying them on. It will make your trip through security a lot less stressful. What is 3-1-1 you ask. You can bring on liquid toiletries that are under 3oz. Everything must fit in a 1-quart, clear, zip-top bag per person. If you have samples those are always a great option. You can also find travel size of all your needs at most stores.

Invest in a TSA approved lock for you checked luggage. This will prevent any chances of your personal belongings from going MIA. I suggest that you go with the combination locks over the ones with keys so that you have one less thing to keep track of. It would be horrible to get to the island and not have the keys

Don’t overpack. You won’t need much. Remember what the weather in the Caribbean is like, an average temperature is 82F. You will want to pack lightweight clothing, as there is some humidity in the Caribbean. Choose items that don’t wrinkle and items that you can intermix with one another. You never end up wearing everything you bring. Multiple swim-suits I think are a must, along with a cover up. Don’t forget a good pair of comfortable shoes. I also like to have a light jacket to go over my evening outfit as most of the restaurants are air-conditioned and after a day in the sun I find myself catching a chill. Other essential items are sunblock, Aloe Vera, lip balm with SPF, some sunglasses and a hat.

One other thing I suggest you do, and that I think is very important so that you don’t have any surprises, is to call your cell phone service. Call them and check on international charges and make sure you have your data and roaming set up the right way so that you don’t come back to a large cellular bill. Make sure you pack your charger as well and I recommend that you bring an adaptor plug as too. Happy traveling…now let’s get you booked for your next Caribbean Escape!

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Flight Survival 101

April 16, 2017 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Air travel is probably one of the most incredible forms of transportation we have. Being able in one day or less to be on the other side of the world or in a completely different hemisphere is incredible. Air travel has not only become one of the most popular forms of travel, but also one of the safest. However, flying can cause health discomforts and issues, especially on your longer flights.

Here is your Flight Survival 101 list of the top issues plaguing passengers and what you can do to combat them.

Dehydration

It is highly unlikely that are bodies will become seriously dehydrated while flying. However, due to the drop in humidity levels that our bodies are most comfortable with we will experience symptoms such as dry eyes (especially for contact wearers) and dry throat. While the dryness resulting from the lower humidity levels in the plane is a discomfort, it can also leave us more prone to infection.

To prevent flying dehydration drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Try to avoid the coffee, tea, and alcohol which all have a diuretic effect, unless you plan to balance with additional water consumption. Don’t make avoiding a trip to the loo prevent you from keeping hydrated. You will also feel less tired and less prone to any jet lag when your body is properly hydrated.

Germs

Airplane cabins are a perfect germ breeding ground. Lots of people from all walks of life in an enclosed space with recycled air.

To stay healthy in close quarters there are a few things you can do…

Boost your immune system before you go with Vitamin C or an immunity booster such as Airborne.

Use hand sanitizer. You can get one of the little travel sizes to take with you in your carry-on and use before eating or drinking.

Use the air vent above you to help blow germs away from your inhalation. Set the vent to low or medium so you can feel the air flow on your hands in your lap. The vent will create a current to help blow anything away from your immediate space.

Pressure

The change in altitude and the pressurization of the cabin can wreak havoc on your inner ear. It actually has been appropriately been give the name airplane ear. This same issue can be experienced when you are swimming/diving or driving up into the higher altitudes of the mountains.

To help relieve the pressure or clogged feeling of the ear there are several approaches. Swallowing or yawning can help ease the discomfort because it allows air flow to the middle ear, thus equalizing pressure. Chewing gum often helps to facilitate the same effect during take-off and landing. And of course, back to our fluids, if you a drinking your water, you are swallowing, so you solve two issues at once. Last, you can take a sinus decongestant like Sudafed before flying to dry up the mucus membranes.

Swelling

Leg and foot swelling is common during flying and usually harmless. It is often the result of sitting inactive for such a long period of time, especially on your long haul overseas flights. The bent seated position of your legs also contributes to the issue by increasing pressure on your veins.

Swelling can become an issue if it lasts for a long time and is isolated to one side or the other. In this case you may need to worry about a more serious condition such as a blood clot. There is higher risks for clotting if you have recently had major surgery or take birth control pills. In such cases as this, you should consult your physician before flying as he may prescribe medication or suggest the wearing of compression stockings.

For the average flyer, here is a list of things to do during your flight to relieve swelling…

Wear loose fitting clothing
Get up and walk every hour or so
Do foot exercises while sitting where you flex, extend, and rotate the ankle
Change your position in seating often and avoid crossing your legs
Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol

Be mindful of your body, before, during, and after travel! No one wants to start their long awaited vacation feeling sick. Following a few simple tips and being prepared for your time in the air will make a more joyous you upon arrival.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Your Aussie Travel Expert’s In-Flight Essentials

Here is your Flight Survival 101 list of the top issues plaguing passengers and what you can do to combat them.

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