Euro Travel & More

We’ve collected airmiles for years now and have always heard of people cashing in on their airmiles and making use of them to travel for free.  This year we are planning to visit Disneyland with our kid – so we are also cashing in on our airmiles and flying economy to Orlando Florida and we heard that Westjet – the airline we chose to travel in – had very good seats for our trip.   They have skullcandy headphones for kids when they watch their movies on the plane.   My kid had asked me if she can bring home those skullcandy headphones after using it – and truth be told I don’t even know if we can.  I guess if she liked it so much we can buy it from the airlines or search for them for sale online.   I hope we get good seats with our airmiles – even if we don’t get the skull candy headphone for free -  a 4hrs flight and a layover of 3hrs is not exactly fun if the seats on the airplane isn’t good.

So it’s that time of the year again – where you see tons of Canadians flocking to the south to the warmer weather – and to our friendly neighbors in the south.  If you ever go to Cuba or Mexico – you would think that the entire population in Canada might have migrated there.  But hang on before you head for the airport with your tablet laptops and 3D cellphones  – what are the laws to bringing them on the airplane and crossing custom?

Like many travelers, we cannot travel without at least 1 of these gadgets – and I don’t blame you because we still need to keep in contact with the rest of the world/work even though we are on vacation.  So I found out a little more about traveling with electronics like cellphones, laptops, your favorite androids, your e-readers, gaming devices and digital cameras.  And it looks like we are all safe with that – all passengers can bring their personal electronics on board but make sure you check with your airline for its restrictions.  But most airlines prefer your carry them with you on the plane – so that they don’t have to be responsible for any damages/lost item.  But you still cannot use your electronic items when the plane takes off and land – so there you have it.  And going thru’ custom with them shouldn’t be a problem at all.   So those escaping the winter – and heading out south – have fun !

I’ve flown on Malaysian Airlines many a times on first class and to fly first class in domestic flight on this airline is super cheap – maybe that is why Malaysian Airlines not allowing babies on their first class seats?   This new rule does not sit well with a lot of parents of course.  But the business class cannot be that bad either right?   So if you are flying from KL to Amsterdam, London or Sydney with babies – forget about flying in first class seats and because of what Malaysian Airlines is doing – I hear that other airlines are thinking of doing the same too.    Now that would not be good at all.

Traveling with a physically challenged person – especially in the air – is not as difficult as you think it is.  I’ve traveled with some during my time – when I was working in Spain.  You see – one of my bosses – was physically challenged but it didn’t stopped him from doing anything that we were doing.   The most important thing to remember – when traveling with a physically challenged person – is to plan ahead – and to call the airline ahead to make sure that they know about the travel – the flight and making sure that there are people in the airport and on the plan to assist.  And don’t forget about the insurance and health plan when you are traveling with them.

While Medicare part D plan is different from a corporate health plan when traveling for business – it is good to know that there are people out there to help those who needs help with their health plan insurance from the government.  Different countries have different medicare for these people – and different benefits, so if you are traveling with them – make sure you check that out too.  But let me assure you – most airlines are pretty good with helping out – but be prepared.

So what do you wear during a long flight – folks like to ask me this.  Well, to tell you the truth – if you are going on a very long flight – anything more than 5 hrs – you should be dressed most comfortably.  In fact, I would suggest – a track pants or a sloppy jeans but that doesn’t mean – that you have to dress poorly – that only means – you should wear your seasoned clothes.  Clothes that you’ve worn often enough to keep you company – and comfy for a lot of hours.  Clothes that are easy to unbutton or unzipped or take off within seconds.   Why? because the washroom is so small – you really cannot afford to turn around a lot – well – unless you are in business class or first class – but how many o f us get to go on first class that much right?  But yes!  be comfortable – while you are flying on a long haul – but not sloppy.

I found it very scary traveling during the winter – but like everyone around the world – we want to be home for Christmas or Thanksgiving.  It’s a huge deal to a lot of people to be with family during these 2 important festive season.  So what do you do when you need to travel during the winter and with kids?

If I am traveling on a plan – I make sure I’m there early – and also make sure that my luggage are light – I would pack extra for the kids of course – but since it’s winter – don’t forget to pack enough of snacks and food for a day.  Airlines are usually delayed during this cold and horrid weather – so be prepared to entertain your kids – with your laptop or a portable dvd machine and lots of movies on a USB key if possible – that way – you don’t have to carry the movies with you.  A favorite blankie and her teddy for comfort during the long delay and definitely lots of water and milk.

But what if you are driving home?  first thing first – check out with your AAA who to call – which hotline – and so forth.  Make sure your insurance is active and snow tire is on.  Do your oil change – have the car checked basically before you take that long drive home.  In your car – make sure you have warm blankets – food and drinks to last a day in case of emergency.   Torch lights very important too – and last but not least – plot your route carefully before leaving.  Make sure your family knows when to expect you – so that if you don’t show up – they know what to do.  Happy Holidays everyone and have safe trip home.

(Photo: elitechoice.org)

Why am I not surprised to read that Singapore Airline has one of the best in-flight services, in terms of food, movies, quality, comfort and check in process?  No wonder the ex-boss only chooses to fly Singapore Airline during long hauls.  They ex-boss was saying to me the other day – that he believed they play blu ray movies on their in flight movies.  I know that if you fly business class on long haul – you can pull out your chair and make it to be like a bed – and you have your own private corner – shield away from others if you wish to – but look at that screen there.  The next time we fly back to Singapore – i bet the spouse would asked to fly business class just because of the blu ray movies and the huge screen – hahha!  one can hardly blame him either – because I’ve flown long haul on economy before and yes – suffered  all the way!  cup noodles!!! yaks!!!

We took a short trip before school started to see the Canadian National Exhibition and managed to catch the snowbirds in action. The Canadian National Exhibition is an annual event – I had been to one – many years ago – and some of the things they had were still there.  The Ex – as they called it – is nothing like the Ex we have in this town.  If you compare the CNE with our Ex – ours is put to shame.

This is the B – 25 Mitchell.

Mike Wiskus flew his stunt plane past Canadian coast guard boat during the air show.

The F16 Viper – flew right in front of us.

Canadian International Air show, at the water front – what a sight and what a show!

An exhilarating air show – the weather was good – we went to the other part of the exhibition as well – but that will be for another day.  Watch out for the Euroslide!

Traveling for the first time with babies can be quite frightening – as the girlfriend told me on her recent vacation – traveling first time with her child on a plane.  Like myself – I could never travel without my child – so the first time we brought her on an airplane while I was still breastfeeding was quite traumatic to my body as well.  With not enough preparation – I couldn’t produce enough milk for her while we were vacationing.  So how to increase breast milk while you are vacationing or under a lot of stress? was what my girlfriends had asked me – before they traveled.

Besides making sure that we have all the necessary items needed for our vacation, I made sure that the airline knew that I was traveling with express milk and needed storage place for my express milk. Also make sure if you are breatfeeding, to bring a bottle of water for yourself to keep yourself hydrated during your trip on the air.Always have a blanket with you so your baby has a cozy, soft place to lie his or her head down and take a nap or even crawl around or roll on.  But most importantly rope in the spouse to help with rocking the baby and letting the baby sleep with him. Airport staff and attendants are very helpful – when it comes to baby – and don’t forget to bring that pacifier to soothe baby while you are expressing your milk.  Oh one more thing before I forget – to check on the policy of breastfeeding on different airlines and your rights to breastfeeding.  I know that in Canada and USA – you will have no problems – but if you are traveling internationally – make sure you check with the airline and the airport.

Yes ! air and hotel only at $299 I heard coming up – so look out for it!  I’m sure I would take advantage of the sale as soon as it comes up.   I heard that if you are the first 100 – you get up to $100 discount making it only at $100 for a 3 nite stay at some resort.  Not some lousy resort either – pretty good ones – Ocean front resort was what i was promised.  So don’t forget to check them out yourself.