Introduction
Vacations are a time for relaxation and bliss. Many people have their moments of rest interrupted by stress and anxiety resulting from robbery of their luggage, briefcases, travel accessories, etc. The best way to defend yourself from theft is to increase your awareness. The following article illustrates helpful tips to help avoid incidents that will ruin your vacation.

Stay seen
Often, people will separate themselves from populated paths to find sights of seclusion. Always be aware of your location. If you desire to visit a sight that is not populated, be sure to take several people with you. It is never wise to be by yourself in an area that you do not know well.

Be alert
Thieves usually look for travelers. Carrying luggage, backpacks, duffle bags, cameras, maps, etc. along with you signifies you as a traveler. These items may be a necessity, but be especially aware when you immediately “look” like a traveler.

Stay modest
Rich victims are the best targets for thieves. Avoid wearing lavish jewelry and expensive clothing. Keep your name brand luggage stored away safely at the hotel. Dress modestly, or better yet, dress in attire similar to the locals. This will help you blend in with the crowds and avert you from the eyes of thieves.

Do not assume
Many people will feel a kinship while traveling with other travelers because they feel they have vulnerabilities in common. For instance, people will feel comfortable asking a fellow traveler to watch their name brand luggage, duffel bags, briefcases, etc. for them while they go to the restroom, etc. Do not assume others are traveling. Thieves often pose as travelers hoping to promote their trustworthiness.

Keep your things with you at all times
It is not easy to remember to act differently when on vacation. Most of the time, we leave travel accessories, luggage, and laptop cases, etc. unattended without thinking. Do not leave items idle while on vacation; they may not only be stolen, but others can also put something harmful or illegal in with your luggage as well.

Be extra cautious
When using hotel rooms, restrooms, in a restaurant, etc. - be extra cautious. Make sure to always lock doors, look through peepholes, do not place name brand luggage, duffel bags, travel accessories, etc. out of eyesight, try to sit where you can see everyone, and the like. If you have something of high value, ask to use the hotel safe rather than a room safe. If you are staying in a hotel, rent a room off the main floor. Thieves like to prey on victims staying on the first floor because it makes their escape easier.

Be reserved
People enjoy conversing with locals and enjoying new people and experiences while on vacation. This is not to be discouraged, but do not release too much information. Oftentimes, thieves will attempt to engage in a friendly conversation for the purposes of getting information from potential victims. Be reserved in providing hotel, personal, and destination information.

Double check
We often rely on the safety of regularity. We often do not look at prices on dinner checks, totals on credit card receipts, etc.- we assume paper copies are going to reflect what is mentioned. Make sure to double check all prices before paying and signing your name to credit card receipts.

Make duplicates
It can become troublesome if necessary documentation is lost or misplaced. Make duplicate copies of all integral traveling itinerary. Leave the copies at home with a reliable person that can be contacted if the event of needing them arises.

Conclusion
Following these precautions will ensure that you get the most out of your vacation and your time is spent on the right things – like relaxation.

Labels: travel, work

To insure passenger safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed strict security procedures at our nation’s airport. Here are some tips to help you comply with the new regulations.

Checking In

» Arrive at the airport at least two hours before flight time. You may encounter long lines at check-in counters and airport screening stations.

» Curbside baggage check is being reinstated on an airline-by-airline and airport-by-airport basis. Check with the airport to see if your airline has been approved for curbside checks. Otherwise, proceed directly to the check-in counters.

» If you are traveling with a tour group or cruise group, you will no longer be allowed to check in for flights at hotels or at the cruise terminals. You must check in at the airport.

» If someone is dropping you off at the airport, they must stay with the vehicle at all times. They should not leave it unattended, even for a moment.

» You must have a picture I.D. such as a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued identification. Insure that you make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the identification you plan on presenting at the airport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order). If traveling with an e-ticket, you must produce a copy of your e-ticket receipt when you check-in.

» The FAA also requires all non-U.S. citizens boarding international flights in the United States to show evidence of admission into the United States. Evidence of admission can consist of visas, I-94, parole letter, admission stamp, alien resident card, etc.

Getting to the Gate

To enter the secured area beyond the security screening checkpoint, you must show a valid picture I.D. and one of the following boarding documents indicating a flight departure for the current date:

1) A receipt for an electronic ticket;
2) An itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket;
3) A boarding pass; or
4) A paper ticket.

The FAA says receipts and itineraries MUST have ticket numbers on them.

If you do not have a boarding pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued boarding document must be obtained at the ticket counter prior to clearing security.

E-ticketed passengers with no receipt, agency or airline-issued itinerary must first go to the airport ticket counter to obtain a boarding pass. More information can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Web site at www.faa.gov/apa/faq/pr_faq.htm.

Passengers who do not have baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate. Although no curbside or skycap check-in is permitted, wheelchair assistance from curbside will continue to be provided.

Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medial emergency beyond the check point.

All passengers should check with their airline or airport, or visit the airline or airport web site for additional information.

Keep your identification handy, as you may be asked after entering the gate area to produce it for airport or airline personnel.

Luggage

Keep your luggage and carry-on bags with you at all times prior to arriving at the airport and while in the terminal. Unattended bags will likely be confiscated – and even destroyed – by airport security.

The FAA has recommended that passengers be allowed one carry-on bag and either a purse or briefcase. Airlines have the option of following the FAA's recommendation. Check with your travel agent or airline for information on carry-on luggage restrictions.

Do not accept any packages or materials from strangers.

Do not carry any sharp instruments (i.e., letter openers, knives, box cutters, scissors, etc,) in carry on luggage. They will be confiscated at airport screening stations.

If you see any suspicious activity or see unattended bags, contact airline or airport personnel immediately.

Carry medications in your carry-on bags.

Hold onto your baggage claim check. Individual airports may elect to provide more security in the baggage claim area.

Labels: travel, work

What you pack, as well as how much you pack, will be largely determined by the type, destination and length of trip you take. But Innovation Luggage can help you through the frustrations of planning with the following, useful checklist on the bare necessities.

The Basics - What You Will Need
These are the items Innovation Luggage advises you not to forget.

• Travelers' checks - Bring a mix of traveler's checks, a credit or debit card, an ATM card, a few personal checks and some cash. Bring American dollars for situations when you want to change only a few dollars and not an entire traveler's check. And bring about $50 foreign currency for each country you plan to visit, so you can function easily until you can get to a bank.
• Passport - (if necessary) A passport, driver's license, any medical alert cards and one credit card can be kept along with paper money in a belt around your waist, leaving your hands free to take pictures or to handle merchandise. Keep a notebook elsewhere with passport and account numbers.
• Visas - (if necessary)
• Identification - Bring your passport, airline ticket, rail-pass or car rental voucher, driver's license, student I.D., and so on. Photocopies can help you get replacements if the originals are lost or stolen. Carry photocopies separately in your luggage and keep the originals in your money belt.
• Hidden money belt - You could lose everything except your money belt, and the trip could still go on. Be sure your money belt (lightweight and low-profile beige is best) is fastened securely or it could slip off unnoticed (especially if you're wearing a skirt). In addition to threading the belt through the D-rings, knot it.
• Comb, brush, or pick (the smallest you have)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Small bottle of roll-on deodorant
• Small bottle of shampoo - (preferably concentrated) Look for sample/travel-size toiletries, or squeeze your regular products into small plastic bottles. Square bottles fit together well, taking up less space and weight than cylindrical bottles. Don't fill bottles to the top if flying because air pressure may cause the contents to expand and explode. These should all be packed in a heavy plastic bag in case of leakage.
• Soap - (bar or liquid) You may not need to bring a bar of soap: most hotels provide a small one. Bring an empty travel soap holder, and just save and reuse the hotel's complimentary bar.
• *Razor - (with spare blades or cartridges stored elsewhere).
• Nail clippers, nail file - As well as clear nail polish and remover if you have weak nails (nails easily get chipped with all the activities and luggage-carrying).
• Small mirror
• Lip balm - A must for long, dehydrating flight and severe temperatures.
• One lipstick/one eye liner/shadow - If necessary. Try for trial sizes wherever possible.
• Sun-block - Bring a sunscreen that doubles as moisturizer.
• Roll of dense-pack toilet paper. - Space saving methods like these should leave your bag only two-thirds full to provide room for snacks and souvenirs.
• Tampons - All feminine products (even many of the same brands) are sold all over the world, but it's easier to figure out how many tampons, pads, or panty shields you'll need in advance and bring them with you rather than having to buy a large box in a foreign country.
• Plastic zip baggies - Use large Ziplock bags or mesh bags to keep items separate and visible, and to keep together what you need together. Also great for saving a little lunch from the breakfast buffet, leftover picnic food, containing wetness, and bagging potential leaks before they happen.
  

Clothing

In general, every piece of clothing should match at least two other items or have at least two uses. Certain items are specific to destination, temperature or season. Use common sense and limit yourself to the bare necessities in these instances.

Optional Items

• Spare eyeglasses, contact lenses - Many find their otherwise-comfortable contacts just don't work for them while on vacation. Bring your glasses just in case. Contact solutions are widely available.
• Prescription for eyeglasses
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat - (not just a visor) Save yourself a headache, or worse yet, a sunstroke.
• Guidebook - Make photocopies or rip pages out from books. Entire guidebooks are bulky and heavy.
• Language dictionary/phrase book
• Maps - Rip out appropriate chapters from guidebooks, staple them together, and store in a zip-lock baggie.
• Camera - If you're not a professional photographer, a couple of throw-away cameras will do. If you are, put a new battery in your camera before you go. Bring a protective and polarizing lens, midrange zoom lens, cleaning tissue and a trip's worth of film. Store everything in a low-profile nylon stuff bag, not an expensive-looking camera bag. Too much camera gear marks you as a typical tourist, giving con-artists the idea you're helpless. What’s more, changing locations becomes a major operation. With one bag hanging on your back, you're mobile and in control -- and less likely to have your luggage and camera get lost, broken or stolen.
• Film - If your sink lacks a stopper, pop a film-canister cap in the drain.
• Mini binoculars
• Magnifying glass
• 2AA flashlight, with spare bulb and batteries - Handy for reading under the sheets after "lights out" in the hostel, late night trips down the hall and exploring castles and caves.
• *Swiss army knife - with corkscrew Great for peeling fruit or whatever else might arise.
• Mini sewing kit - Try on your outfits before you leave to make sure no buttons are missing and things still fit. But bring a needle and thread and a couple of safety pins, just in case.
• Mesh or nylon bags - When deciding what to take with you, anticipate articles that you may want to purchase at your destination. And, always include a collapsible nylon tote bag that will fit easily into your luggage to accommodate new purchases.
• Whistle - For scaring away possible thieves or getting the attention of those you are traveling with when in busy, noisy areas.
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito netting
• Water bottle
• Mini umbrella
• Journal and pen - A tiny notepad in your back pocket is a great organizer, reminder, and communication aid, and an empty book filled with the experiences of your trip will be your most treasured souvenir. Keep a traveler's check and expenses log in the appendix.
• Mini address book - Use it to send postcards home and collect new addresses, though just a square of paper with these addresses will take up less space.
• Envelopes
• Small gifts such as postcards from home
• One or two credit cards
• ATM card
• International Drivers' License (and/or your standard license)
• Wallet Daybags and convertible daybags/fanny packs are also popular, but some women prefer the type of bags that look more like a purse, which sling across your body for safety, and are easier to access than a daybag on your back.
• One small candle/matches
• Sleeping bag along with inflatable pillows for more comfortable napping on trains, planes and beaches.
• Paperback book/cassette or mini-cassette player/recorder - There's plenty of time on a trip to just kick back and relax and enjoy some good reading/music along with the scenery.
• Batteries (AA alkaline batteries are available almost everywhere)
• Foam ear plugs - For noisy train rides or hotels.
• Rubber bands - Roll and rubber-band clothes to minimize wrinkles.
• Hair dryer - Essential in the winter and for those with long or thick hair. And it doubles as a sock dryer! To save money, buy a compact travel hairdryer with a built-in voltage converter rather than buy a converter for your regular hairdryer. Remember to bring a plug adapter. If you must bring a curling iron, consider the cordless ones with canister fuel -- but check with your airline's regulations regarding the fuel. For international travel, it is advisable to take along an electrical adapter kit for your hair dryer, shaver or travel iron. Most European countries run on 220 volts rather than 110. Your electrical adapter kit will not only convert the voltage, but also accommodate foreign plug designs.
  

*Post-September 11 FAA regulations mean you CANNOT bring these items on the plane and should perhaps consider not bringing these items -- or others that pose a potential threat – with you whenever possible to avoid complications when traveling.

Labels: travel, work

Introduction
Do you often travel for work? Aside from occupying time at the airports, purchasing premier luggage, and battling jet lag, you need to pay attention to taking care of your well-being.

The following article offers suggestions to the road warriors out there. Most of us are traveling alone when traveling for work; the following are reminders and tips to make the best of your time on the road.

Search for the unusual
Whether it is stumbling into a dancing lesson or taking advantage of your comfortable travel pillow, and taking some timeout in your room, it is good to plan ahead. Locals are a good source of information. Ask around about popular things to do in each place. Who knows? You might learn some new steps or become engaged in a new hobby.

Portable activities
Reading is often done on planes and in terminals, but there are other options. Try taking your lap top out of your computer backpack and paying some bills.

Group activities
See if your home activities are present in places abroad. Take a class, attend a place of worship, go to a meeting, etc. Be social when alone, even if it means to take advantage of your money belt by going shopping, get out and be around others.

Stay in touch
Have you used your worldwide adaptor yet? Why don’t you charge your cell phone and call mom, old friends, or your spouse? When traveling alone, it is nice to talk to the people closest to us to feel not so alone.

Let go of the office
Your leather luggage bag looks somewhat like a briefcase doesn’t it? You are thinking about work and if things are being done in your absence. Relax and enjoy being away from the office, you will be back there soon enough thinking about your next business trip.

Stay in shape
You don’t want to pack extra clothes in your name brand luggage because you are expanding your waistline. See if your hotel or a nearby gym will offer you the occasion of working out and staying in shape while on the road.

Eat variety
Different locations offer varied delicacies. Take advantage of being in a new place and try some new food. Certain destinations are revered for particular dishes, it is best to ask locals about what foods are popular in the area.

Bring home with you
It is usually comforting to bring something from home with you. Whether it is a favorite t-shirt, your hometown papers, or family pictures, place some items in your luggage that will provide a connection with home.

Labels: travel, work

Introduction
Do you travel often? Are you that guy hanging around the plane terminals with your laptop and computer backpack? You probably like to get work done on the plane. Isn’t it difficult to concentrate during your flight?

If you are attempting to meet a pressing deadline and prepare to keep busy on the plane, then read the following article about how to maintain attention while on a plane.

Silence the noise
Distractions will not ameliorate focus. I know - you want to stay on top of your emails, keep your IM on, and be at everyone’s beckoned call, but you need to maintain focus and tend to one thing at a time. Put your blackberry away in your carry-on backpack and focus on one task.

Know your environment
Look around the plane when all passengers have boarded and all the name brand luggage has been loaded underneath the plane. Get a sense of any potential distractions (children, talkative people traveling together, etc.). If you are prepared for a distraction, you will not give it attention when it occurs, and you can stay focused.

Think ahead
Know what you will be working on, what it will take to complete the process, and have a general sense of what the result will look like. Creating a mental picture and planning will promote the ease of your concentration in completing your tasks.

Establish a deadline
Set a time when you want a certain task to be completed. A deadline is especially useful when time is limited, other ideas may occur that will make you lose sight of the primary task, taking a nap with your comfort accessories, and when procrastination would otherwise be imminent.

Eat healthy
We are often tempted to consume coffee and foods high in fat content when we are on the go. Besides the obvious long-term health detriment, these foods are not conducive to immediate sharpness of the mind. Drink plenty of water and eat light and healthy before your flight.

Be patient
It takes at least fifteen minutes to procure a sense of concentration. Be patient; think about something relaxing like finally arriving back home, taking the clothes out of your luggage, and doing one of your most beloved hobbies. When you feel at ease and focused, start on your work.

Labels: work

Introduction
Choosing a bag is just as important as selecting a destination, airline, time of year to travel, etc. The following article will help in choosing the right luggage for you.

Aspect to consider
Quality- Quality is never to be taken lightly. Quality luggage will last a long time and serve as the best investment for your money.

Ease of transport- It is important to consider the practical transport of your luggage. How comfortable/easy will it be to carry around your luggage?

Other- the following are ancillary aspects to consider:

- shape of the bag

- number and organization of compartments

- type and organization of zippers

- handle and shoulder strap comfort and design

Business or pleasure
There is luggage for business and there is luggage for adventure. There is a time and place for both types of luggage, so it is to your benefit to choose the appropriate type depending on the reason for your journey.

For business, it is best to search for luggage with more stable construction such as hardside luggage. This way, suits, business papers, and other articles necessary for business will not be interrupted by outside forces during the journey.

Traveling for adventure presents more leniencies in bag construction, and depending on the purpose and engagements of your trip, you may want to choose from daypacks, duffels, and sling bags.

Carry on
We have all experienced first hand or heard horror stories about bag mix-ups and the like. This inspires most of us to use carry on luggage rather than luggage to be checked. Unfortunately, depending on the length of the trip and situation, it is not practical to bring one bag.

For those of us attempting to bring a carry on, length and weight of the bag will determine if the airport workers designate your luggage as carry on. Every airline seems to be different. It is best to contact the airport before your trip and get an idea of what is allowed as carry on.

Material
It is important to consider what material your luggage is made of in relation to your destination and usage. For instance, leather luggage looks beautiful, but moisture is not conducive to its luster, so when traveling in moist climates, it is best to choose to bring luggage made of other materials (such as nylon).

Travel Accessories
There are many travel accessories available for your convenience. For instance, packing kits, will offer room for smaller items and allow more room throughout your bag. For longer flights, your neck may later appreciate your purchase of a travel pillow.

Labels: travel, work

Introduction
Your itinerary is in order, your luggage is packed, and you have said good-bye to your family. What is next? Have you forgotten something? What is the best way to travel as a businessperson?

The following article seeks to address pressing questions that the business traveler may ponder. Read what we have to offer.

1. Don’t pack more than you will need. Take that Hawaiian shirt out of your leather luggage; you will not be needing it for this winter trip to Chicago!

1. If you are one to carry many metal items: keys, pens, coins, phone, glasses case, etc., put them in your jacket pocket, and then put the jacket on the conveyor belt at security to save time.
   

1. Take a pass on the alcohol and peanuts on the plane. Be healthy. Opt for water (hydration is important) and fruit.

1. If your flight is long, eat before you go rather than during the flight.

1. If you are visiting a different time zone, try to acclimate yourself as soon as possible. You can start on the plane; take advantage of your travel pillow and readjust your sleep cycle.

1. Would you like to do some reading, but continue to get interrupted by the ranting child a few aisles down? Use your earplugs.

1. Pre-book your seats. Print and keep the confirmation in your ticket organizer.

1. Always pack your laptop with your carry-on luggage. We have heard of quite a few computers making their own trips to the repair shop for being tucked away with the hold luggage.

1. Use a waist pack to hold our tickets, wallet, pens, memo book, etc.
   

• If you are traveling abroad, it is always good to bring your own adaptor with you to use with your cell phone, laptop, etc.

Labels: work

There are multiple amenities offered to the business traveler: frequent flyer mileage, discounted rooms at luxurious hotels, name brand luggage, and five-star dinners on the company credit card. Unfortunately, the business traveler may not always have the time or services needed to take care of their travel wear.

The following article offers suggestions pertaining to looking the part while you are playing the part.

A swanky business dresser’s worst enemy is wrinkles. The ideal situation is to make sure your trendy clothes are still looking perfect when removed from your suitcase. Look for suits made with mircrofiber and blended fabrics that are wrinkle-proof, stain-resistant, and odor-repellant.

These materials are lightweight and flatten nicely. You can fill your leather luggage with more without worrying about the weight.

Survey your current clothes before making any additional purchases. Buy from designers that release clothes that can withstand the business day and still look good by evening. Cotton and microfibers mask heavy wear, while dark colors are good at hiding stains and wrinkles.

Be prepared for formal occasions when going on a business trip. Some trips may suddenly produce opportunities to attend an event where networking and looking good is a necessity, so load up your luggage with something extra special.

If you are looking to put fewer clothes in your luggage, pack clothes that can easily be mixed and matched together. This will create more dress options. This way you can leave more room in your luggage for accessories.

Always expect the unexpected. Worst-case scenarios of lost luggage could result in an embarrassing situation if you are not dressed properly. While traveling for business, never wear anything you would not wear to work.

Labels: travel, work