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Showing posts with label travel tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel tips. Show all posts

Aug 14, 2017

Travel Hacks: How to make the most of what you carry

travel hacks

Travel hacks: How to make the most of what you carry (click to tweet)
Guest post by Connor MacDonald from ridgewallet.com

travel hacks

The water is warm, the days are longer, and we all get the best excuse to take a few days off from work—it’s Summer! Hopefully, you’ve been lucky enough to have escaped your office for a few days to hit the road, catch a flight, and just get away.

So before you pack up your bags for a weekend getaway, let’s talk about what you’re bringing. Because let’s remember, vacation isn’t about going there it’s about being there. The last thing you want is to have to worry about dragging that bulky luggage through the airport or showing up to your destination dangerously under-packed.

Jun 5, 2017

Summer Travel Tips And Gadgets: Staying Safe In The Sun

Summer Travel Tips And Gadgets (click to tweet)


Sunscreen

» Good idea to wear especially during warmer months when the sun rays reach the Earth a lot more
» Even when it is cloudy, it is a good idea to wear sunscreen

May 1, 2017

This Event Will Not Happen Again For 28 Years, Time To Travel


Total Solar Eclipse 2017

Update: Did you get glasses to watch the eclipse? You don't have to just throw them out. You can donate your eclipse glasses to schools outside the U.S. Astronomers Without Borders is offering to collect them ahead of eclipses in South America and Asia.

On August 21, 2017, there will be a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse that has not been seen in nearly 100 years. The next total solar eclipse over North America will be on April 8, 2024. An eclipse with a similar path across U.S. will not be back until August of 2045.
It is estimated that between 1.5 million and 5 million people may travel into the path of the eclipse.

What Is An Eclipse?

Feb 23, 2017

Good To Know For Travel: Baggage Guidelines Infographic

Good To Know For Travel: Baggage Guidelines Infographic (click to tweet)




travel baggage guideline
Source: RealMenRealStyle.com




To help determine the weight of your luggage before getting to the airport, and while traveling, get a small portable digital scale



Related Articles:
New Travel Requirements At Airports This Year
5 Gadgets To Help You Save Money On Family Vacation
Family Trip to DR - What To Pack
7 Gadgets to Make Travel Comfortable

Top Digital Luggage Scales:
Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
Tarriss Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale w/ 110 lb Capacity
EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale w/ 110 lb. Capacity
Digital Luggage Scale Dunheger 110 lb
Camry Luggage Scale 110 LBS Capacity








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Feb 20, 2017

7 Tips for Traveling with Tech Gadgets


7 Tips for Traveling with Tech Gadgets

1. Pack Light
How much technology do you need to lug along with you? It’s heavy. It might get damaged. Or stolen. Before you load your laptop, tablet, phone, and camera, think about what you’ll be doing with all that gear on your trip. A phone and tablet might be more than adequate for some of the trips. Especially if you are planning to do more leisure than work. And if you’re not planning on doing a lot reading, maybe just a Kindle is all you need instead of a laptop.

Jan 12, 2017

Why You Should Never Instagram Your Boarding Pass


Why You Should Never Instagram Your Boarding Pass

Or Facebook, or tweet, or post a picture of it on any other social media site. Boarding pass has a lot of traveler’s personal details on it. All of it contained within the pass's barcode. By using technology (there are even websites that will decode it for you) to read that barcode, someone can get access to your full name, future flight information, frequent flier number, address, and more.

You shouldn’t put pictures of it on the internet. That’s true even after the flight itself has taken place since a lot of personal detail is still extractable.
The information on your boarding pass can provide access to other confidential information, and it can allow someone else to cancel your booking. Steve Hui decided to demonstrate how easy it can be to access a stranger’s information by using a photo of a boarding pass. The traveler who posted the photo was flying on Delta Airlines, so Hui headed to the “Manage My Booking” section of Delta’s website. All the site required was the passenger’s name and the booking reference or ticket number, which was printed right on the boarding pass. Using this information, Hui was able to see all of the passenger’s details, including their travel itinerary, frequent flyer details, and the last four digits of their credit card number.

With this information, an unscrupulous person can change future flights’ seats, cancel the flights altogether and even reset the airline account so that the original account holder is no longer able to access it.

Nov 7, 2016

Traveling During the Cold Season - What to Take and Do


Traveling During the Cold Season -
What to Take and Do


Every year in America alone, there will be more than 1 billion colds reported, resulting in more than 50 million missed workdays along with 60 million school days. And you see the news reports, school notices, and health alerts about cold and flu season. Why is it this time of the year? The answer is in how cold and flu viruses spread.
The “cold season” begins in November when the number of reported colds and flu illnesses rises sharply and remains elevated until late April. This is the case for North America. In the opposite hemisphere, the season has just passed. We keep passing colds back and forth across the hemispheres like the great, big, global family that we are. The main reason for it could be airplane travel.
A Harvard study found that domestic airline travel volume in November, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday, was an accurate indicator of how rapidly a flu virus would spread. The more air travelers there are, the higher are the rates for colds. The combination of drier air and people spending more time indoors enables the germs to survive during these times of the year and to migrate.
Cold weather doesn’t give you a cold. However, spending more time indoors causes you to breathe more germ-infested air, which likely contributes to why you get sick more often in the winter.

Travel Tips:

Oct 24, 2016

Best Time To Travel Is Right Before The Storm


Best Time To Travel Is Right Before The Storm

Experts predict a slightly more active hurricane season in 2016. While this is something to keep in mind, it should not dampen your travel plans.

Aug 1, 2016

How To Watch 2016 Olympic Games in Rio


How To Watch 2016 Olympic Games in Rio

http://wtvpc.com/2016-summer-olympics-live-stream-guide/

Olympic Games are truly a world stage. If there is one thing that represents the world and tourism it is the games. Competitors come to these games from all over the planet.

Did You Know?
For two weeks during the games, all wars and other things are stopped. It is called the Olympic Truth. "The Olympic Truce is a tradition originating from Ancient Greece that dates back to 778 BC in the 8th century BC. A Truce was announced before and during the Olympic Games to ensure the host city-state (Elis) was not attacked and athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games and peacefully return to their respective countries. During the Truce period (lasting up to three months), wars were suspended, armies were prohibited from threatening the Games, legal disputes were stopped, and death penalties were forbidden." Wikipedia

Jul 11, 2016

Find My iPhone - Locate Your Misplaced Phone As Well As Sanity

Find My iPhone - Locate Your Misplaced Phone As Well As Sanity

Find My iPhone feature of iPhone not only can find your phone within the exact address as we know first hand (story below), but the latest feature that the phone has is that you can use it to locate a misplaced phone as well. Using another iPhone or computer, login into iCloud and Find iPhone. Afterward, you can turn on sound on your missing phone, even if it is on vibrate. The feature will override it and will play a loud ping sound continuously for two minutes to help you locate the phone. It is a great thing to know for someone who is always looking for their phone.

Other things that you can do using the Find My iPhone app:

• Remotely lock your device with a passcode

• Display a custom message on the Lock Screen

• View recent location history of your device while in Lost Mode (iOS devices)

• Get driving directions to device's location

• Remotely erase all content and settings on your device

• Battery charge indicator


Did You Know?:

How to turn on Find My iPhone for your iPhone or iPad
  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap on iCloud.
  3. Tap on Find My iPhone.
  4. Turn On the option for Find My iPhone.
Related articles:
10 Great Smartphone Camera Hacks For Travel
What is the one thing you can't travel without?
Finders Keepers - How To Find and Keep Your Travel Gadgets
Amazon Prime - Why I Use It For All My Travel and Gadget Needs

Our lost phone story:
"Going into an elevator I and my wife reached for the elevator door that was stuck at the same time. Bump. Since my wife was also holding her phone in that hand it went flying. We both watched in slow motion as it went to the floor and somehow tilted on its side and was able to slide through almost the same width opening between the body of the elevator and platform. It ended up going down into the basement.
We called the superintendent, and he let us know that it is a big fall but not far, however, there was water at the bottom. That did not sound great. Neither did the fact that he could not go down and access it. Though he was able to tell us that elevator maintenance would be able to do that. During a workday. And this happened on Sunday.
The next day coming back to the same spot, we noticed that it looked like some work was done on the broken door and we were hopeful that the same people were able to access the basement and retrieve the phone. Super did confirm that some maintenance guy did come by but he was not sure where the phone was located. So this is when we decided to turn on Find My iPhone via computer and check it out. Once the map came up, there it was, several miles in a different borough. Turns out not only did the maintenance guy find the phone, he decided to take it with him.
After contacting the super, who contacted the elevator company, who in turned contacted the guy, we were able to confirm that he had possession of the phone. Through this same chain, we received the phone back. Though it seems that the guy was not happy about us tracking him down, and decided to run over the phone with his boot or car as it was very damaged. Thankfully, the Geniuses at Apple Store were able to retrieve some of the data and give us a replacement. We are very thankful for the Find My iPhone app and have it turned on on all of our devices."

Sound-off: Have you used Find My iPhone app or any other similar ones? Or had other situations with "misplaced" phones? Tell us your story below


Is your phone/tablet/computer open to hacking? Protect the ones you love with a PIA VPN service for safe and secure Web Browsing: VPN for Android VPN for iOS

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Jun 27, 2016

Road Trips With Kids - What To Take Along


Road Trips With Kids - What To Take Along

Last weekend, we took a road trip to NJ to pick strawberries. On the way, my daughter got sick all over the car seat. It was all over my arm, herself, the doll - you get the picture. It was not pretty. It made me seriously re-consider what we stash in the car.


Also, now that she’s getting older, she needs something entertaining. (Before she would just zonk out and it was glorious!)

Below is a quick survival kit that you can stash in the car or bring with you:

On the Go Potty - Below are our picks:
Kalenco Potty
Cool Gear Travel Potty
Boy portable Potty 
Folding Seat Cushion
While you are at it, get some toilet covers for older kids and yourself

Disposable wee wee pads - when my little one got sick, these came in handy! The car seat was wet so we padded with this sheet and threw one over her (new) clothes just in case of another accident. They are also great for potty training! These are a good value on amazon: http://amzn.to/1UXio5H Don't worry that they say Pet or have a picture of a dog, they work great for kids too at the price :)

Hand Wipes - I really wish I stashed more! We needed a ton. I use these: Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes

Baby Wipes - You never know what kind of situation may arise but you bet your baby’s bottom you’ll need at least a pack

Change of clothes - Refresh every 1-2 months dependent on child’s age to ensure it will fit. Basic items like leggings, bodysuits or t-shirts, underwear, socks and a change of shoes are a must

Tablet holders - Cars with entertainment packages built-in are overrated and expensive. Make your own unit by getting a tablet holder like this: http://amzn.to/1UXi0nR

Charger - Our car has your standard cigarette lighter so we bought a converter for a USB and can use our regular chargers in the car: Satechi® Smart Converter USB Port Cigarette Adapter


Related articles:
Family Trip to DR - What To Pack
Aruba Vacation - Kids Gadgets and Accessories
Aruba - First Family Trip South - Summer Continued
How To Travel Light With Your Family To the Beach
More below..

Toys and Games - Below are a few of ideas for each age group

2 and under:
Brica Mirror
Pull vibrate toys
Toy Arch
Baby Einstein Musical Toy
Electronic Books

2 and over:
Tin Magnet Puzzles
Melissa and Doug Stickers 
Fisher Price Doodle (LARGE)
Fisher Price Doodle (SMALL)
On the Go Color blast - LOVE this
Portable art studio

Trays and containers - a tray and a few spill proof containers will reduce the mess you’ll need to clean up, plus it gives them space to draw, color and play. Win Win!
This tray has it all: http://amzn.to/2606uDr

Spill proof containers are perfect for little hands: http://amzn.to/265BcHP


Car protection gear
We outfitted our leased car with several of these items to protect the vehicle:
Kick Mats: http://amzn.to/2605lvP
Sun Visor: http://amzn.to/1Ub8FJw
Seat protector (works well for rear facing kickers too!): http://amzn.to/1tynjEo
Car Seat Sun Protector (we didn’t want her to touch hot buckles): http://amzn.to/1XYnENu

Emergency Medical Kit
When we travel, I bring any necessary meds with us and do NOT leave it in the car. If you have to, put them in a cooler (extreme hot or cold temps can mess with the meds). You should keep a basic First Aid Kit in the car all the time. It is great to have in case of a scraped knee or cut. This one is perfect for any medical emergency: First Aid Kit 115 Piece for Car

And of course, let’s not forget, snacks and drinks! Bring at least 2 bottles per person of water and a variety of snacks in ZipLocks or individual portions. Granola bars, nuts, goldfish, puffs, cheerios, crackers and other dried snacks are always perfect on the go. Grab some peeled and cut bananas, apples, and other fruit as well in a cooler!

Enjoy the trip and let us know where you went!



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Jun 13, 2016

Rio Summer Olympics 2016: What Travelers Need to Know & Pack

Rio Summer Olympics 2016:
What Travelers Need to Know & Pack



Rio Olympic Games 2016 begins on Friday, August 5 and run through Sunday, August 21

Precautions
By this time a lot of folks looking to travel to South America are aware that there is the Zika virus outbreak. In just over two months, Brazil recorded 91,387+ probable cases, as well as a rise of chikungunya and dengue, diseases transmitted by the same mosquito. To make sure you have a great trip without a lot of mosquito bites, pack these travel accessories:

Mosquito Repellent Shirts and Bandanna

Repellent Sprays and Fans

Repellent Bracelets

Getting in there
Currently, a valid passport and tourist visa are required to travel to Brazil. However, it looks like visa requirements may be waived for travel during the Olympics. This is great for travelers during the time period since that would save both time and money.

Good to know:
You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. Visas cannot be obtained at the airport, and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa.

What Gadgets To Bring:

Smartphone
It is likely to be one of the first things that will be on the list to take along. It is an essential travel planning tool. Though the smartphone is also the communication device, and I am not even talking about making calls. Social media, and sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, have become the top news sources around big events. The Olympics of 2016 will be even more so with people from around the world posting messages and pictures from all of the competitions.

Camera
Brazil is known for its colorful scenery, outfits, and people. You would want to capture all of the scenery of the country as well as the Olympic events.

Top Recommendations for Travel & Outdoor Photography

Binoculars
Everyone wants to be close to the action. Though finding tickets that are in the front is either too difficult or too expensive. And some events occur in a large stadium where no matter where you sit you might not see all of the action up close. And a pair of light compact binoculars will come in handy in those cases.

Electrical Adapter
The type N socket and plug are the official standards in Brazil, see image below. In parts of Brazil, an electrical outlet allows for plugs with two round pins, as well as American-style plugs that have two flat prongs. However, that is not common

type n electrical sockettravel adapter

US Travel Adapters

UK Travel Adaptors

Get Ready For Winter (in Brazil)
August is the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere. It happens to be one of the most comfortable months to visit. Rainfall is low, temperatures remain high. The average temperature is 19°C (66°F) at night and up to 26°C (79°F) in the afternoon. Swimming is possible all-year-round in Rio, with a water temperature around 22°C (72°F).


VPN Connection
If you live in the United States, the only way to watch the Olympics is to see it on television. Although NBC has streaming available, only customers with a cable subscription can use the service, which includes the same tape delay as the regular broadcast. The BBC is also streaming the Olympics, and they’re doing it live. The catch is that the stream is region-locked. To bypass the restriction you can use a VPN service, such as the Private Internet Access, to create a proxy that will let you stream the games.

Accessories to take along
Sunscreen - SPF 30 or higher!. Apply it before you leave the room and frequently at the beach. Rio is on the Tropic of Capricorn and the sun is blistering hot. Don't ruin your vacation by baking red as a lobster.

Filter Water Bottle
It's best not to drink the tap water while on your Rio de Janeiro vacation but instead opt for bottled or filtered water. Tap water is fine for bathing, cooking, and washing dishes. Though problems have been known to occur with Rio's water treatment system.

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle with Integrated 1000-Liter LifeStraw Filter

Related Content:
Apple Maps Gets Public Transit Directions For Rio de Janeiro Ahead Of Olympics


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Jun 6, 2016

13 Tips For Safe Summer Road Trips With Kids

Family Travel Safety Tips and Gadgets

2016 is shaping up to be the summer of the road trip
Cheap fuel prices, and with summertime gas prices predicted to be the lowest in 13 years, families have more spare change to spend on their trip. 90% of Memorial Day travelers are planning to go by car according to AAA.

Image: Newsroom.AAA.com

Safety

• Traveling during the warm weather months, give yourself an extra five to ten minutes to get the car cool before putting the kids inside. It can be miserable and also dangerous in a hot vehicle. Plus this will get you off on a better start to your trip.

Make sure the kids have all the snacks and drinks they need

Kids Play Tray for Snacks Great for Car Bus Train and Plane Journeys

Cozy Greens® Backseat Car Organizer - Must Have For Traveling With Kids

High Road Kids Food 'n Fun Car Seat Organizer with Cooler and Snack Tray

Make sure that you have the directions to your destination set up on your GPS

Google Maps App (iTunes/Google Play)

How To: Use Google Maps Offline When Traveling

Waze - GPS, Maps & Traffic (Google Play/iTunes)

Garmin nüvi GPS

Place your sunglasses and glasses by you/driver

Driver’s See Through Sun Visor that blocks glare from the sun and oncoming traffic could be a good idea in addition to glasses.


Take out (if not already) electronic toll collection device, such E-Z Pass, and mount onto the windshield

Phone charger is plugged in and ready to charge phone that is put away into a cupholder

Or if you are using it as GPS or handsfree calling, make sure that the phone mount is securely in place
We have used on many road trips and love the iOttie Easy One Touch Car Mount

Answering the phone on the road is not a safe option. Best, if you do have to, is to use Bluetooth for hands-free system

Related articles:
Family Trip to DR - What To Pack
Aruba Vacation - Kids Gadgets and Accessories
How to Get Your Phone and Tablet Travel Ready
Summer Family Trip to Norwalk CT
more tips for summer road trip below

Entertainment

Keep the backseat passengers busy and enjoying the ride

Travel-Themed kids packs that include 20-page activity booklet, fun souvenirs to review, flashlight adventures, trading cards, stickers and luggage tags. These will keep them busy for awhile.

Play movies and shows

Best way to watch movies in the car is with a mount that would hold the iPad or other tablet in place, hands-free, and away from kids' faces. Giving them a better view and also some distance from the screen.

Listen to music

iPod Nano these days is under $100 and has 16GB of storage which can hold around up to 30 hours of music. More than enough for most road trips.

Share the sound

Better yet, the backseat passengers can share the music, as long as they agree on the genre, for duration of the ride without needing an extra MP3 player. A headphone jack splitter will allow multiple users to plug into the same device and listen to the tunes

Charge All Your Gadgets

Using the car's cigarette lighter, or better name would be an electrical port since we never use it for that, you can charge your gadgets with the USB chargers specifically designed to fit there. We currently have the Griffin dual USB charger in the front. It has been plugged in there for 3+ years. The latest gadget for charging your devices in the car is the Belkin Road Rockstar with 4 USB Ports. Not only does it have the same USB plug for the electrical port, but it also has an extension that is pulled through to the backseat and 2 other devices can be plugged in. The secondary portion has 2.4A ports that can charge tablets.


Extra

The Best Part of Road Trips is…

Water Safety Tips for Kids

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Travel Gadgets