FriendshipGarden

GardenTalker · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 2:50 am Post subject: Travel Tips and Advice

Want to find the cheapest gas in the area your travelling to:

Mapquest has just launched a new service to help travelers get the best gas prices in any area in the US.- go to http://gasprices.mapquest.com
/searchresults.jsp, put in your ZIP and find the best price closest to you.

Two others are http://www.gasbuddy.com/ and http://www.gasprice
watch.com/new

GardenTalker · Last edited by GardenTalker on Wed Nov 14, 2007 2:59 am; edited 1 time in total

http://seniortravel.about.com/od/singlestravel/ht/10_Sup_howtos.htm

Top Ten Tips To Pay No Single Supplement

Want to pay no single supplements? If you travel on your own, you are part of a growing company. Single travelers now make up a quarter of the US traveling public, according to a survey by the TIA. Having to pay a single supplement for the privilege can be irksome but can be avoided.

1. Travel off-season Some resorts don't charge supplements in their off season or greatly reduce them. A summer resort can be just as delightful, less crowded and cheaper in the spring and summer.

2. Be flexible Some cruiselines offer seniors single supplement waivers on some cruises and not others. Before you get your heart set on a particular ship at a particular time of year, see what's out there. Often older ships have more single cabins because of their more irregular configurations. Ask about repositioning cruises. These are cruises that take the ship to another port for the start of a cruise. Companies often waive supplements and offer discounts for them.

3. Book through a specialist - Big travel companies buy rooms and cabins in bulk and often have the power to demand a few single rooms or single supplement waivers. Companies like Grand Circle, and Saga, that specialise in senior travel, can often find single accommodations, reduced supplements or supplement waivers.

4. Try a more adventurous vacation Safaris and treks that involve staying in tents, mountain refuges or hostels usually don't involve single supplements.

5. Book last minute Resorts will usually waive supplements in the interest of filling their rooms.

6. Join a singles tour Organizers of singles tours will often try to match you with a compatible roommate or to find resorts with some single accommodation.

7. Visit places that charge for the room, not number of guests A lot of hotels and resorts in the US charge the same for a room regardless of whether it has one guest or the maximum the room can accommodate. If it's on a bed and breakfast basis, there may be a small supplement for extra guests rather than a single supplement.

8. Let the company match you with a traveling companion Cruise companies and some travel agencies may offer to match you with a compatible traveling companion. As long as you are careful you can save money and you might make a friend for life.

9. Join a singles travel club or network Look for non-profit singles networks. Many of these have forums and chatrooms where you can meet other single senior travelers or learn about companies that waive single supplements.

10. Try to negotiate It never hurts to ask, especially if you are traveling during the off-season or if travel to your particular destination has been down lately. After 9/11, many Americans stayed home and London hotels felt the pinch. Visitors with enough front to haggle were able to get half price rooms at some of London's most famous hotels

GardenTalker

http://www.tc.gc.ca/aboutus/travel/travellerinfo.htm

* Find out how many pieces of luggage you are allowed to take with you. Checked and carry-on baggage limits vary by airline and destination. It is a good idea to tag all your bags with your name and contact information before you get to the airport. Do not use your home address or business title.
* Pack your own bags; never let someone else do it.
* Liquids, gels and aerosols in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz.) or less are permitted through pre-board security screening as long as they fit comfortably in one (1) clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). Please note that bags stretched beyond their capacity are not permitted. One bag per person. Learn more about security measures for liquids, gels and aerosols.
* Passengers may bring aboard baby formula, baby food, milk and juice if a child aged two years and under is accompanying them. These items are exempt from the size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to additional screening.
* Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, as well as insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines are permitted in carry-on baggage. To speed up the screening process, passengers should be prepared to present documentation supporting a medical condition, i.e. a doctor’s note. These items are exempt from the size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to additional screening.
* Some liquids and aerosols can pose risks to health, safety or the environment when transported and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage. For more information, please refer to Transport Canada’s list of dangerous goods.
* Ensure there are no sharp objects like scissors in your carry-on bag. Pack them in your checked luggage instead.
* Make sure electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers and portable or electronic games are charged and ready to turn on for inspection, as you may be required to turn these devices on when going through airport security.
* Make sure you have an appropriate piece of government-issued photo ID with you, such as a driver's licence for domestic travel or a passport for international travel. Keep your ID handy and accessible. You may be required to show it at the check-in counter and before boarding your flight.
* Know how early you should arrive at the airport. Check with your airline, because check-in times may vary by airline and destination.
* New security measures can cause delays for travellers. Be sure to arrive well before your departure time.

At the airport:

* Do not joke about hijackings or bombings. It is against the law.
* Do not accept parcels or letters from strangers for delivery to persons at your point of destination. Never carry anything onto a plane for anyone else.
* Never leave your luggage unattended, and keep your eyes on your bags at all times.
* If you see an unattended or suspicious bag or package, report it to airport security immediately.
* Bear in mind that you may have to remove some items, such as shoes, when going through airport security.
* Be aware that metal items may trigger metal detector alarms.
* After you have gone through airport security, you and your possessions may be subject to random screening just prior to boarding the aircraft.

During the flight:

* Pay close attention to the safety briefings at the beginning of the flight and know the location of all exits. Safety is everyone's responsibility.
* Be aware of which electronic devices are and are not allowed to be used during the flight. If you are unsure of the rules, consult a crew member.
* Follow the instructions of the crew at all times and be respectful of them and the other passengers. It is illegal to behave in a threatening manner towards others on board the flight. Remember, everyone is entitled to travel in a safe and secure environment.
* Inform the crew of any disruptive behaviour, follow their instructions and be courteous.
* Drinking juice or water during your flight - instead of coffee or alcohol - will help keep you hydrated.
* Try doing seated leg exercises throughout the flight to help prevent stiffness.

greenleaves · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:39 pm Post subject:

Most travellers are or should be aware of that kind of information.
We have travelled several times to Europe or to the US and never
had any problems.
Looking forward to going to Florida in the late spring and to Europe
in the fall.
Our European tour will be a river cruise on the Rhine and Mosel
rivers. We have already been on the Danube, Main & Rhine and
these riverboat cruises are a great way to see some of the
countries.