Traveling with Children

Vacationing with children can be tremendous fun.
However, frustration can also be a component. Here are a few quick small tips that can take away some of that heartache. Being better prepared and organized can help avoid the boredom induced meltdown.

Flying...

• Check the age restrictions and regulations for the airline you wish to use.
• Are there discounts for children? At what age do they need their own seat?
• Do strollers or car seats count toward your baggage allowance and/or count as a carry-on?
• Is there a diaper changing facility on board?
• Are children's meals offered? Do they require advance ordering?
• Is their audio or video entertainment available?
• Is security clearance available for someone (spouse, friend, etc.) to assist you to the departure gate? If not, is there airline or airport staff available for this task?

Make certain that all children (even newborns) have passports. If your child shares a name with someone on a "no-fly" list, proper documentation can help to quickly resolve the matter.

Lodging...

• Research the hotel and surrounding area for attractions and events. To avoid standing in a long line with the young one(s), check to see if tickets can be purchaced and printed in advance.
• Check the upcoming weather forecast and pack accordingly.
• Pack as light as possible. See if laundry facilities will be available during your stay. Better to wash a load of laundry than juggle extra luggage.

 
Word of Mouth...

Ask friends about their travel experiences. What friend dosen't love to offer advice? Nothing beats learning from a mistake. So why not avoid the mistakes others have made?

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Power Conversion for Electronic Devices

When traveling ouitside of North America, there is one item that seems to get overlooked.

You've checked the weather and packed clothing accordingly. You made sure to travel light, so you packed the travel size hair dryer, left the laptop behind and opted for a netbook or smartphone, and your camcorder or digital camera won't take up much room.

You use your netbook during the flight and shoot some video during the balance of your first day. Later that night, you go to recharge the batteries and, "Oh no! What kind of outlet is that?"

Electrical outlets, voltage, and current will vary from country to country. So here's a couple tips to help keep your hair dry and your gadgets powered up.

Outlets: The shapes and configuration of the oulets will vary even if the electricity is being delivered with the same voltage. Nearly every electronics store has a plug conversion kit for sale. Expect to pay less than $15.

Voltage: Here's where things get tricky. First the good news. Many common electronic devices like laptops, cameras, MP3 players, and the like will convert the voltage internally. Here in the States our AC outlets deliver 110 volts at 60Hz, while much of the world operates at 220 volts at 50Hz. Check the power supply from your device and see if it says “100V-240V, 50/60 Hz.” Greece uses 230V at 50Hz, so you would only need the adapter for the plug.

But what if the hair dryer doesn't convert voltage? Then you'll also need a votage converter. This device is similar to a transformer that is used for decorative lights along your front walkway. One end plugs into the wall outlet, converts the power into something that the device can use, and delivers it to the device. Travel size versions are available, but may require a trip to an electronic supply store.

What's the votage (V) and frequency (Hz) of your destination? Voltage Valet has an online guide for the power in countries throughout the world. It includes an outlet guide as well. You can click on this link: http://www.voltagevalet.com/elec_guide.html.


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Last Minute Travel Advice

If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel at a moment's notice, great deals can certainly be had. Here are a few tips to help form your last minute plans.

• Check with a Travel Agent: Travel agents often have access to listings and pricing specials that are not available to the general public. Plus, they can do all the legwork for you.

• Keep the Essentials Handy: Keep a small bag packed with essentials you might need for any type of trip. Having toiletries, basic clothing (socks, underwear, etc), and other needed items will take one item off of your packing checklist.

• Pack Light / Pack Smart: When you reach your destination, clothes can be washed for a small price. Less luggage equates to easier movement in the airport, at the hotel, everywhere. Pack for the expected weather conditions. Keep the "just in case" items to a bare minimum. Avoid packing the shorts and flip-flops for a ski trip.

• Pick Your Travel Times Wisely: Weekday travel offers the best availability and fewest travelers. Holiday travels periods are not the time to expect an abundance of flights and accommodations.

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Passport Advice

If you find yourself looking to travel abroad, follow these tips to ensure that you have your passport in order before departing.

Renewing a passport at least six to eight weeks in advance can save you time and money. Waiting until the last minute can cost you several hundred dollars.

Be aware of the stamps that are in your passports. Are you traveling to a country that's in a conflict (strained relations to actual war) with a country you've previously visited? It may raise a red flag with the passport control staff.

Many countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the end of your trip. If you find yourself with passport difficulties while abroad, visit the US Consulate in that country.

The National Passport Information Center's can assist you with all your passport needs. Their contact information is:

1-877-4-USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
Speak with a representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., EST, excluding federal holidays.

Automated passport information is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Visit the US Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

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Buying Currency in a Foreign Country

When traveling outside of the USA, whether it's pesos, euros, or yen, you will need to use the currency issued by the countries you will visit.
Obviously, you are interested in finding the most favorable rate. Just as in any shopping, rates vary by currency. A few minutes of online research before leaving for your vacation destination will give you an idea of the current exchange rate.
Money can be bought at banks, exchange offices, Bureau de Change offices, or ATMs. Banks (either in person or via an ATM), often have the best rates and lowest transaction fees. In addition, ATM’s undeniably provide the greatest convenience. Conversely, the "Change" businesses on tourist streets will advertise "no fees" but normally make this up by providing an unfavorable exchange rate.
Service fees are often tacked on to currency transaction, be certain to ask the rate and if there are any additional fees.
Contact your bank for details on their ATM fees before you depart. Save on transaction fees by withdrawaling enough cash to last several days.
If you can avoid it, do not buy currency at the airport on either end of your flight. Transaction fees at airports are high and the exchange rates are unfavorable. A good rule of thumb: the further you are from the airport, the better the rate.
If you are using an ATM for exchange purposes, you use it in the same manner that you would make a withdrawal at home. Some ATM's, particularly in tourist areas, may provide multi-language instructions. Again, online research before travel will help you find out some tips that will help you navigate a foreign language ATM.
Make sure that the ATM works with your ATM’s network (usually printed on the back of your card - e.g. Interlink, Plus, Star, Cirrus).
If the ATM can print a receipt, be sure to get one. Keeping your accounting straight (for both money and fees) will save you time and effort. It will also help you comparison shop for your next exchange.
Never, never, never buy currency from someone on the street. Buying currency from anyone who is not officially authorized to sell currency is a crime in most countries. In addition, these sales are often set-ups that come with the "timely" arrival of a phony law official who threatens to arrest you, unless you return all of the money to him (while the seller walks away with your dollars).
 
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Holiday Travel Tips from MyDVI.com

If you're planning a trip during the holidays, you're not alone. The holiday season accounts for nearly 10 percent of all miles traveled by Americans during the entire year, according to travel planners. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, airplanes are often overbooked, roadways are crowded, and the holiday spirit is on the decline by the time travelers wearily reach their destinations. Take advantage of everything you can do before you leave. Preparation and allowing a lot of time will make you a lot happier.

Things to do ahead of time...

• Book your travel well in advance
• Pack wisely and tag all your luggage
• Ensure your flight and/or lodging reservations are in order

Keeping the essentials close to you is a great way to prepare. The realization that you have them ready can reduce some travel anxiety.

Things to keep handy...

• Medical perscriptions / eyeglasses
• Small snacks
• A reasonable amount of cash
• A seperate bag of overnight basics
• A fully charged cell phone and/or pre-paid phone card

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