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 don’t know if I want to live in an airport for 80 days and 80 nights – even with $50 a day for food and snacks but the winner of the  Live @ YVR contest – Jaegar Mah will be doing just that.   He will be staying that the Fairmont Hotel in the airport in Vancouver and have the inside scoop as well as get to use and see anything he wants inside the airport – they probably even let him use the usb barcode scanner at the Duty Free shop if he wanted to try a day’s work at that department.  But it would be fun when he is done is project – because he gets $15K in cash and he might just be hired by some local radio station then.

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 truly admire parents who travel with their babies, as for myself  – I don’t think I would be brave when they are so young.  In fact, my daughter was rarely brought out when she was this young.  But thank God for ergo baby carrier which helps traveling parents.  It’s not uncommon to see parents using these baby carrier as an easy means to lug them around – not only are they safe – they make the baby feel safe being so closed to their parents.  It also leaves the parent with a pair of free hands to do whatever they need while traveling.   But yes! some friends of mine – have already brought their baby home on their own – to Asia all the way from United States – and I can never do that – if i ever travel home – I’ll have to have the spouse with me – that’s for sure.

Some who may be taking their pets – don’t forget to pack a copy of all vaccination records so that you can quickly access information in case of an emergency. You’ll also need those records if you board your pet while going on an excursion where animals are not allowed, according to Fido Friendly magazine.

]]> http://www.isbreading.org/2010/11/thanksgiving-travel/feed/ 0 http://www.isbreading.org/2010/11/traveling-tips-during-winter/ http://www.isbreading.org/2010/11/traveling-tips-during-winter/#comments Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:01:12 +0000 breading http://www.isbreading.org/?p=2461

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.

A customer was in a few minutes ago – to say that he and his wife was turned back in Quebec because the airports in Glasgow were closed due to the ashes. He said – fun stuff – and thought his wife was joking since he was looking at some  instant free life insurance quote and not paying attention.  So anyhow, he turned back and he was at our store – renting a movie and waiting to be called by the airline – they expects it to be Monday at the latest.Looks like it’s not only the Glasgow airport is closed – there are quite a few in Europe too – Belgium, Copenhagen, Helsinki and the list goes on.

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