Common travel mistakes to avoid! PART 1

It common to make a careless mistake or two when we travel. Blame it on excitement or inexperience, but whatever the reason, simple mistakes can often cost you much money and disappointment. That is why, this series of posts focus on some common travel mistakes that most of us are guilty of making. I hope that these tips will prevent you from falling victim to these common mistakes and save you time and money!

Mistake #01: Waiting.

If you book your air tickets online be sure to review every reservation you make online or offline immediately. And if there’s a problem, speak up immediately and have the mistake amended to avoid being refused boarding when you reach the airport. If your name is John Smith, your e-ticket should read John Smith and not a variation of your name. So the bottom line is check, check and check again to avoid disappointment and money wasted.

Mistake #02: Not inspecting your rental car upon collection
When renting a car, check for damage, even minor ones and have an employee from the company sign off. You can even take a dated photograph of the car before and after you return it so as to avoid being charged for something you were not responsible for. Bottom line, get a sign-off from the rental company before you leave with the vehicle.

The World’s Best Airline Food

The top 10 best rated airlines for good in-flight meals in 2010:

Cathay Pacific – This Hong Kong airline is always highly-ranked for just about everything, and its meals are no different. Every Cathay Pacific plane is outfitted with toaster ovens and rice cookers, so things are all prepared fresh, and they keep a rolling stock of fresh fruits and snacks available throughout every flight to keep your tummy happy.  They also serve a selection of excellent wine vintages and champagne…

Singapore Airlines – This airline has been lauded for its customer service and neatly-dressed flight attendants, but the food is also stellar. They have employed a panel of international chefs (including British star Gordon Ramsay) and wine consultants to create their menu, and even in economy class, you’re treated to meals like sautéed prawns with steamed asparagus and Singapore noodles.

Turkish Airlines – From choices like their fresh Mediterranean salad to the Hindu meals served on flights to India to the fresh cheeses and choice wines – you won’t go hungry on a Turkish Airlines flight.

Emirates – Your stomach will thank you for flying with this Dubai-based airline, which offers entrees such as smoked tuna and lamb marinated in Arabic spices and served over fresh broccoli. For a snack, they’ll bring you cheese and crackers and for dessert a special sticky date pudding. And this is all in economy class. Furthermore, the wine list on board any Emirates flight is a surprising mix of French, New Zealand and Australian vintages.

Malaysia Airlines – This airline employs a specially-trained chef to create all of their menu options and they have won several culinary awards, including a Skytrax Signature Dish award for their Satay and the Favourite Airline Food award from Smart Travel Asia. Among their offerings? Black pepper lamb shank, North Atlantic baked cod and an Australian cheese plate.

Air France – Is it any surprise that the French national airline would be good for food? Their on-board culinary excellence ranges from steaks to traditional French meals, all served with a fresh bread basket. If you are a premium economy passenger, you are also treated to a 24-hour tea buffet of deliciousness that includes mini-sandwiches and Häagen-Dazs ice cream!

Thai Airways – If there is any airline you want to fly first-class, it is Thai Airways, which offers you a choice of 22 different meals, which can be chosen through an online ordering system prior to your departure. Economy passengers are not left out either, with choices like Shrimp in Thai dressing with asparagus tips or Beef Rendang with white rice and peas.

Japan Airlines – How about sushi on your flight? Japan Airlines’ Executive menu (shown above) features dishes like tuna or squid sashimi, braised bamboo shoots, Soba noodles, while their economy class garlic tomato chicken or Soba noodles aren’t too shabby either. And everyone gets complimentary mineral water and free-flowing snacks on long-haul flights.

British Airways – A typical economy class meal on a long haul BA flight consists of a fresh Greek salad with feta cheese and chicken with boiled carrots, potatoes and vegetables. But the real stars are the “Club” class meals, which feature fresher ingredients and silver service, as well as access to a full-service snack-bar stocked with mini-sandwiches, wraps, salads and even on-request hot meals.

Virgin Atlantic/America – Virgin America has been consistently voted as one of the best airline meals in the U.S., and its international partner, Virgin Atlantic, offers a similar amount of quality with their airline meals. How about a bagel with raspberry cream cheese, a tapas plate or a turkey Caprese sandwich? A Champagne cocktail or a Hornitos margarita? Not only that, but you can order all of your meals from a touch screen at your seat!

When traveling on shoe string budget….

For those of use not blessed with a copious amount of money to throw around, it helps to know that it is indeed possible to find comfortable and clean accommodation for under USD19 a night. I have compiled a number of charming budget accommodations across the world which are affordable and let you get a taste of the culture and people of that country.

If you are traveling to Beijing, China, check out the Red Lantern House where an average room costs USD10 a night. The rooms are small but clean, the staff friendly and the atmosphere laid back. Perfect if you want to bask in the local culture and get to know the natives.

For those of you making your way to Dalat in Vietnam, try Dreams Hotel where the average room price per night is USD 15. Clean, simple and comfortable, its located close to the market and the friendly staff and owner help in making it an enjoyable experience for all the guests. A piece of advice; book directly with the hotel instead of through the website.

A room at Penguin Hotel in Dahab, Egypt costs USD15 a night on average. The rooms are clean and simple. A good place if you are not a fussy traveler. The restaurant placed right on the sea front is one of its greatest attractions.

Maya Guesthouse in Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia, is a family run establishment with simple bungalows, of which four are beach facing. Experience Malaysian hospitality and enjoy the beach at this charming guest house where an average cost per night is USD18.

Traveling on a shoe string is indeed a possibility, all you need to know is, where to stay :) so tune in to arrivedok.mobi, as we share tips, tricks and hints on all things travel related. Not a fan yet? Check out our fan page at www.facebook.com/arrivedok and be a part of our community of travel lovers!

Flying in comfort: Part 4

Catching up on the zzzz

If you intend to sleep on the flight, bring earplugs, eye shades, and sleeping pills. Also, try and get a seat in the ‘frequent flyer’ section, which is less likely to have chatty vacationers. Be aware that “bulkhead” can equal “babies”, although the one behind business/first class may be fine.

Seats next to emergency exits generally have more leg room, but usually do not recline. If you are up for the task of helping evacuate others in an emergency, try to request that you get a seat in the emergency exit aisle, unless you are travelling with children, who are not allowed to sit there.

Many airlines offer “sleeper service” in parts of the aircraft. In the “sleeper service” cabins, lights are extinguished after reaching cruise level. Call your airline and see if they offer that on your flight.

Bring some sort of foot elevator or use your carry-on. Airline seats are way too long in the thigh for short passengers, and you either end up hurting your back slouching to touch the ground or suffering from leg cramps because your feet are dangling in mid-air. Travel supply companies usually sell some kind of compact folding contraption for this.

Bring a travel pillow, because the armrests aren’t in the right place either. Put the pillow in your lap and rest your arms on that instead. A stuffed animal might work well too, and it’s smaller. Most Boeing planes have little wings where you put you head that you can bend forward. You can use one of those blow-up neck pillows to support your head while you sleep.

Use your blanket to ’swaddle’ your upper body and create a ‘cradle’ that pins your arms to your body, keeping them from flopping out and hitting others next to you or in the aisle. Holding one end of the blanket in one hand, tuck it under the opposite arm, then use the other hand to pull the blanket across your body and tuck in on the other side. It sounds strange, but this technique has helped on numerous transoceanic crossings.

Flying in comfort: Part 3

Tips

Go to the bathroom RIGHT before you leave. This will decrease your chances you will have to go on the plane. The bathrooms on an airplane are small, and they don’t have the most pleasant smell.

(Sudafed) to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Please note, however, that if you fly to Japan or New Zealand, Sudafed and other cold cures that contain pseudoephedrine are considered controlled substances and are illegal to bring into the country. Pseudoephedrine is also an “upper”, and may prevent you from napping.

Alternative solutions to the ear pressure problem (whether or not you have a cold) include chewing gum and opening your mouth.

Pressure relieving earplugs (a brand name is EarPlanes) also help to relieve air pressure changes during flights.

Don’t worry about getting up to use the restroom often; the walking about will be good for the blood flow in your legs.

If you have a strong fear of flying or have troubles falling asleep during the flight, you could ask your doctor for a benzodiazepine medication [Valium/Xanax/Restoril(c)]. These will lower your anxiety levels and are sedating. Do not use alcohol to sleep.

If you tend to get airsick, drink a small bottle of ginger ale before boarding, carry a newspaper in your backpack, and take some lemon drops. The ginger will help calm your stomach, the smell of the newspaper will help you relax, and the lemon drops will soothe your body.

If first (or business) class isn’t completely sold out, boarding crews occasionally invite some coach class customers to move up. Your chances of this happening are best if you are dressed appropriately—this means no jeans or sweatshirts, no open-toed sandals, and no backpack or other unwieldy carry-on luggage.

Get the wax mouldable over-the-counter ear plugs. They work better than the cheap foam ones and are less expensive than the custom made ones. If you are concerned about noise, try to sit forward of the engines.

WetOnes are one of the best inventions ever: a self contained bath. They are pre-moistened anti-bacterial towelettes. They sell a small pack about the size of your palm for a couple of bucks.

Don’t use “no jet lag” pills. These are placebo (so called “homeopathic”) sorbitol pills with zero active ingredients. You will get similar results from tic-tacs.

Try downloading a few podcasts to your MP3 player before you leave. There are loads of them around, and there should be one that suits your interests. If you’re travelling alone for a while, a podcast or two should keep you company.

The last row of seats usually do not recline.

If you want earplugs but didn’t bring any, use tissue.

Armrests can be raised (even on the aisle) but some have a hidden release latch. Ask flight crew.

Short flights may take longer than driving when you consider airport parking, security lines, waiting for boarding, luggage pickup, car rental, cost, etc.

Keep a photocopy (or more) of your main passport page spread out through your luggage. If your passport is lost or stolen, having the copy will make it MUCH easier to straighten out. If your bag is misplaced, it’s more likely to be returned to you.

Bring a bag of lollipops. If you’re seated near a crying child, offer them to the parent; they make an effective silencing tool!.

Plan for airport layovers, too. They can take time, but they are also a good opportunity to stretch your legs.

Turn off all Wifi/Bluetooth/Cellular communications in your phone. Most smartphones have the aptly named airplane mode.

If the airline you are travelling with provides blankets, it is a good idea to sleep with the blanket over your head to block out light and also if you like privacy.

This may go without saying, but this does happen. DO NOT attempt to shave in a airplane!