Tag Archives: first-time traveler

Pack a shirt without wrinkles

This Travel Shirt Folder Keeps Dress and Casual Shirts from Scrunching up and Wrinkling in Your Bag

A wrinkle-resistant shirt folder is a must-have travel accessory for packing shirts without wrinkles. This shirt folder can keep up to five shirts wrinkle-free in your checked or carry-on luggage. It also keeps your shirts clean and minimizes space in your bag, so you can pack more and stay organized.

A clever packing aid keeps shirts from wrinkling in your carry-on or checked bag. This shirt packer comes with the instructions printed on the board, so you’ll always have them handy even while on the road.

How to Pack a Shirt, or Several Without Wrinkles

This lightweight travel shirt folder keeps up to 5 shirts from sliding and wrinkling in your luggage. There’s no better way to pack your shirts (long or short sleeves.) The Shirt Packing Folder is sized to fit into your carry-on, most briefcases, and, of course, your checked luggage. Arrive with virtually wrinkle-free shirts with this folding board and case. Ultralight, the shirt folder packing aid, keeps you looking sharp. Pull out a shirt, and it’s ready to wear.

Holds up to 5 shirts
Breathable mesh interior
Includes folding board with printed instructions
Keeps items organized and easy to access
Minimizes wrinkles
Zippered mesh tie pocket

The instructions on how to pack a shirt with wrinkles using the travel shirt folder are printed on the laminated folding board that’s included for easy reference every time you travel.

Wrinkle-Free Packing is Easy

This packing folder has compression with the integration of stretch side wings to keep your shirts and slacks secure to look their best. It’s a medium-sized folder, so whether you’ve packed one or five shirts, it conveniently fits inside most carry-on bags.

Look your best with wrinkle-free dress shirts, pants, and dresses. The best of of this packing aid is that it includes instructions printed on the folding to help you pack your things nice and crisp no matter where you are.

folding instructions, shirt folder, pack a shirt without wrinkles

The shirt folder is made with premium quality lightweight material for years of travel to come. Besides dress shirts, this packing aid works with pants, t-shirts, and pants.
Look your best when you arrive.

Minimize wrinkles and maximize space in your luggage for your next trip!

Related Posts

The 8 most purchased must-pack over-the-counter travel medications you should pack. It never fails if you’re going to get sick while away from home, it’ll happen at night when the stores are closed or somewhere when you’re a distance from a town with a drug store, and the worst scenario is it happens in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. So be prepared to alleviate your symptoms or cure your ills by always packing a few key medications in travel sizes.

Best Tip for Storing Travel Medications

I personally keep them in my toiletry bag and never take them out, so they are always on hand for my next trip. The trick to not packing your whole medicine chest or liquids is to look for travel-sized packages of tablets, as they are light and take up minimal space in your luggage. Make sure you check the expiration date on the individual packages of your travel medications each time you go.

Should You Contact Your Doctor Before Travel?

If you’re going to a more exotic destination, visit a travel clinic first. The clinic doctor can help with vaccines and prescription travel medications. Contact your physician if you need to travel with prescriptions or medical devices. Take photos with your phone or photocopies of your prescription bottles and scripts in case of loss while you’re traveling. Having your exact dose, physician’s name and contact information available can help facilitate getting replacements in another location.

Our Top 8 Picks for Over the Counter Medications Smart Travelers Keep Handy

Anti Diarrheal and Heartburn Medication

Stomach Upsets and gastrointestinal issues are the number one sicknesses travelers fall victim to. Diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated food or water or by bacteria that your system is not used to. Rich foods, strange water, and spices are enough to cause problems for even the heartiest of travelers. Whatever the cause, you want relief as soon as you feel bad. Select tablets or capsules, as these forms won’t leak and make a mess inside your bags. Tablets and capsules are also lightweight, which is another advantage over the liquid form of relief.
Pack: Imodium or Nexium.

2. Pain and Fever Medication

These medicines can help with achy feet, sore muscles, headaches brought on by high altitude or jet lag, and so much more. One of the most typical complaints of travelers is general aches and pain caused by walking. You can easily log a lot more miles walking in urban settings in a day than you do at home. Too much walking can cause achy feet, a sore back, and overusing of muscles. Make sure you select a medication that doesn’t interfere with any other medications you’re taking. If you’re unsure as t which type of pain reliever is best for you a quick call or email to your doctor will clarify your choice.
Pack Advil or Tylenol

3. Over the Counter Motion Sickness Medicine

Feeling motion sickness in a car, bus, train, or cruise ship is absolutely awful. Nausea and dizziness can make the journey unbearable for you and your companions, especially if you’re prone to vomiting during your bouts of motion sickness.
Counter the effects with motion relief medicines Pack: Dramamine or Bonine.

4. Over the Counter Mild Laxative

Here we go with more tummy ailments. Sometimes, when you’re on the go, it is tough “to go.” Different foods, water, and getting used to any time changes can have an unpleasant effect on your digestive system. We recommend looking for products that are tablets or capsules that can’t accidentally spill into your luggage. When looking for a travel laxative, look for a mild formula, one you may have already tried. You don’t want any uncomfortable surprises.
Pack Miralax

5. Over the Counter Antihistamine

Allergies can spring up in a new climate; don’t suffer the misery of a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing. Different locations, even just a couple of hours away from home, can be a new micro-climate. A new micro-climate or location can encourage different grasses, flora, and other allergy-triggering plants to create a miserable experience for you. And don’t think that an urban or city location is exempt from triggering allergies.
Pack Claritin or Zyrtec

6. Over the Counter Cough Drops and Suppressant

You’re at an increased risk of getting sick while traveling. Usually, it’s only a cold or related symptoms. Those symptoms can be irritating to you and your companions. Cough suppressants can help soothe your throat so you don’t cough as much, and a suppressant does, well, what the name implies. Pack Halls or Cough Relief Soft Gels

7. Over the Counter Decongestant

One of the worst feelings is a stuffy nose, a runny nose, or a sinus pressure headache, especially when flying when the changes in altitude can cause discomfort and even pain. Look for non-drowsy formulas. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, so be careful when using it. We like to opt for non-drowsy formulas. Pack: Sudafed or Mucinex

8. Over the Counter Sleep Aid

These can come in handy to help overcome jet lag, noisy sleeping conditions, and uncomfortable sleeping conditions while en route. Frequent flyers keep a sleep aid handy in their carry-on for longer overnight flights. Read the packaging so you don’t inadvertently find yourself groggy upon arrival at your destination. You certainly don’t want to drive in a sleepy state. Consider using eyeshades and earplugs to also assist in getting the rest you want.
Pack Unisom or Melatonin

Travel confidently by thinking ahead and having solutions in your bag for any minor inconveniences and symptoms that travel may throw your way. Over-the-counter travel medications can help you feel better, sleep well, and get the most out of your travels.

Bonus Tip:

Keep your small bottles of travel medications (pills or soft gels only) with your toiletry bag. That way, you’ll remember to bring them with you and the comfort they can provide. If you’re a mom of a young child, store and bring any medicines they may need in the same fashion. Lastly, keep other medication information here, too.

Is it better to carry your passport on your person or use to store it in the hotel safe?

Detective Kevin Coffey, travel safety expert, offered advice on protecting your passport on Rudy Maxa World Travel, America’s # 1 Travel Radio Show.
You can hear the short 4 minute segment here:

Following is a summary of the tips he offered the listeners.

What is best? Do I carry my passport or use the hotel safe?

Answer. Use the hotel safe. There’s a greater chance you’ll lose it or that it’ll be stolen from your bag or pocket than it being stolen from the safe. Plus you can use a secondary lock hotel room safe for additional security of the safe.

Advice regarding your passport before you travel

1. Get the mobile passport app by the US government, It helps get you through passport and immigration control. It helps you get through 25 US airports and 3 cruise ports. Find it here https://mobilepassport.us/

2. Get travel insurance that covers costs associated with lost passports such as the cost of a later flight home as you await your replacement passport.

3. Check the expiration date on your current passport. You should have at least six months left on it from your return home date. Use google calendar to remind you when you need to apply for a new passport.

4. Look at the expiration date of your children’s passports. They expire every five years versus the passports for adults which expire every 10 years.

5. For women, this usually applies to women who have recently married and are going on their honeymoon or have divorced. Do not change your name after you’ve purchased your airline ticket. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport.

6. Get a second passport if you plan to visit a country that will deny a visa due to the fact that your passport contains markings or visas showing you traveled to certain other countries. You can contact the consulate of your destination country for advice and guidance.

7. Get a US passport card that is designed for travel. The passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings or ports of entry by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel. It’s also good to carry on your person and keep your passport locked up in your room safe.

America’s #1 Travel Radio Show is hosted by Rudy Maxa and is aired on over 385 affiliates nationwide. Hear more broadcasts and visit the show site here:

www.RMWorldTravel.com

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Welcome to Kimber Westmore, inventor of the PillMap a new and clever item to simplify life and travel. Read how the PillMap solves a problem for people taking multiple medications with a management system that easily updates as medications change. This could be a lifesaver!

Article by Kimber Westmore

PillMap^TM – Don’t Fly Without it!

Did you know that 43 percent of Americans take at least one prescription medication each day? Seventeen percent take at least three. And even people who pop as few pills as possible typically pack extra medication in anticipation of out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. For instance, you may not regularly take allergy meds but carry them as a precaution when traveling to a new city. Or, it may be a good idea to pack anti-nausea medication if you’re heading somewhere with an unfamiliar fare. With so much medication to manage, make sure you take extra care when it comes to packing and traveling with pills. The inexpensive, easy solution for managing medications on the road or at home is PillMap^TM.

Before Your Trip-Up Date Your Pillmap

Gather all of your medications, including extras that are not part of your normal routine.
For each med, add the generic name of the drug and purpose under the line on each cardboard card. For example, under Prodaxa (which is the manufacturer’s name), write “Dabigatran” and a description, such as “blood thinner.”) This will help in the event replacements are necessary if your travels take you to another country.
Once you have completed the card, take a picture of the front and back of it to send to family members. This will help if they need to speak to doctors or pharmacists on your behalf in the event of an emergency.

The PillMap Speeds Up Travel

Speed things up at TSA. Up your game by presenting agents with a completed PillMap^TM. TSA and Customs’ agents can use the card to cross-check any pills you might be carrying in baggies or pillboxes. Bring a list of your prescriptions, as well, to further speed the process.
Reduce stress. Travel often involves ever-changing time zones, demanding schedules, mentally draining meetings and even much-needed relaxation by the pool. All of these can lead to the perfect storm in terms of thoughtful medication mismanagement. Keep PillMap^TMin your hotel room for easy reference.

About PillMap^TM

PillMap^TM takes the guesswork out of medication management. It is easily customizable to fit patient and caregiver needs, including maintaining consistency and safety in hand-offs between multiple caregivers. We’ve poured our learning and our care into PillMap™. We want you to put your time and your attention to the one you love, instead of pill bottles. Don’t take a chance with your loved one’s health. Order PillMap^TM today.

Medications change? No problem. PillMap^TM is easy to re-customize with new meds or routines. With a pocket for a visual sample pill to make sure the meds are correct, PillMap^TM was designed for once-a-day meds or multiple medications throughout the day. You customize it to your needs! It is simple to use, highly affordable, and puts you in control.

PillMap Helps First Responders

During an emergency first responders and medical personnel need to know which medications a patient is on. Rest easy knowing you, or your loved one just need to hand over the PillMap to the first responder.

Travel Inspiration-Where to Experience the World

NatGeo takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip, so we think this is one of the best travel books you should look at. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization’s world-class photographers. These images, coupled with evocative text, feature a plethora of visual wonders: ancient monoliths, scenic islands, stunning artwork, electric cityscapes, white-sand seashores, rain forests, ancient cobbled streets, and both classic and innovative architecture. Loaded with hard service information for each location, Destinations of a Lifetime has it all: when to go, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do to ensure the most enriching and authentic experience. Learn More

This richly illustrated book from the travel experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, out-of-the-way museums, and more. You’ll discover the world’s longest yard sale in Tennessee, swamp tours in Louisiana, dinosaur trails in Colorado, America’s oldest street in NYC, and the best spot to watch for sea otters on the central California coast. Each entry provides detailed travel information as well as fascinating facts about each state that will help fuel your wanderlust and ensure the best vacation possible. In addition to 50 states in the U.S., the book includes a section on the Canadian provinces and territories. Learn More

Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher

Take a journey through every country in the world. 850 images. 230 countries. One complete picture. With details of every United Nations-approved country in the world, and a few more principalities and dependencies besides, Lonely Planet’s Travel Book is the ultimate introduction to a world of travel and the essential travel reference book for every household!

Each country is profiled by Lonely Planet’s expert authors and features details of when to visit, what to see and do, and how to learn more about the country’s culture from its film, music, food and drink. Every entry has a map and statistics about the country. All brand new, incredible photography illustrates each country, depicting what life is like in each nation from photographic portraits of people, beautiful landscape photographs and vibrant street photography. Learn More

The world’s bestselling travel book is back in a more informative, more experiential, more budget-friendly full-color edition. A #1 New York Times bestseller, 1,000 Places reinvented the idea of travel book as both wish list and practical guide. As Newsweek wrote, it “tells you what’s beautiful, what’s fun, and what’s just unforgettable— everywhere on earth.” And now the best is better. There are 600 full-color photographs. Over 200 entirely new entries, including visits to 28 countries like Lebanon, Croatia, Estonia, and Nicaragua, that were not in the original edition. There is an emphasis on experiences: an entry covers not just Positano or Ravello, but the full 30-mile stretch along the Amalfi Coast.

Every entry from the original edition has been readdressed, rewritten, and made fuller, with more suggestions for places to stay, restaurants to visit, festivals to check out. And throughout, the book is more budget-conscious, starred restaurants and historic hotels such as the Ritz, but also moderately priced gems that don’t compromise on atmosphere or charm. Learn More

Master Globetrotting Before You Leave
Best Travel Books That Guide You on How to Travel

Become a travel expert before you leave home.
In this short guide, there are hundreds of tips that will help to enhance your journey. Find out how to select and make the most of your next cruise, how to cope with a long-haul flight and how to write a travel preparation checklist. Discover how to explore any destination, the best tips for escorted tours and the best travel booking tips. Don’t miss the recommendations on travel safety, senior travel and travel photography. And get some inspiration from the travel packing guide.

There is so much to be seen all over the world: breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, towns steeped in history, fascinating cultures, and modern marvels. Here is your chance to master the art of successful globetrotting! Don’t leave home without reading it. Learn More

More a guide to travel than a travel guide, Destination Earth transforms how you view travel and its relation to Life. It also provides a philosophical framework for embarking on more meaningful and purposeful travels, whether it is an around the world journey, or an exploration of a region, or even a city. Destination Earth is the product of the author’s unique 6.5-year continuous around the world journey, during which he visited 70 countries on 6 continents and treated the world as if it were a single destination. From Chile and Argentina to Thailand and Japan, Destination Earth explores the delicate and invisible interconnections of nations and countries, people and cultures, and delves deep into all aspects of travel and its transformational power: Learn More

· Why long-term and world travel is the ultimate university
· How to create a wise-line of travel through any region
· How to go about capturing the Soul of a country

· How to deal with the unpleasant realities of the world while on the road

· Balance the relationship between travel planning and spontaneity

· How a Travel-Journey is related to our Life’s-Journey

· Practical advice on how to plan the exploration of regions and countries

· 23 inspiring travel stories from the author’s journey that augment the main text

· 60 color photos from various places around the world

Ideas, experiences, stories, and photographs are interwoven into a newly created Philosophy of Travel that is practical and easy to read.

Best in Class for Budget Travel

Now in its fifth edition, The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget has all you need to know for an out-of-this-world trip that won’t affect your credit rating. Leave financial woes behind and get to grips with every corner of the continent, from awe-inspiring Stonehenge to the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel, blissful beaches on Croatia’s Brac and cool beers in Budapest’s ruin pubs.

Handy itineraries will help you decide your route, clear, color-coded maps let you plan your days and gorgeous photos will have you rearing to go. Combined with in-depth descriptions of all the key sights and painstakingly researched recommendations for the best hostels, hotels, campsites, cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs, The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget reveals the continent in all its glory, without breaking the bank.

And if you do feel like splashing out occasionally, “treat yourself” boxes offer inspiration – take a dip in the rooftop pool at Bath’s Thermae Spa or track down Wroclaw’s most mouthwatering pierogi, for example. Make the most of your European adventure with The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget which includes countries like Albania, Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine. Learn More

For over a decade, Matt Kepnes (aka Nomadic Matt) has used his massively popular travel blog to teach readers how to travel the world on a budget.

Traditional media shows you expensive hotels, resorts, cruises, and packages because that’s what makes them money. They make you believe you have to spend lots of money to have a great experience traveling. This book will show you why that is a lie and how you can visit any destination in the world.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world, flying off to Europe, a honeymoon in the Seychelles, or just taking your family to Disney or a trip to London, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day will give you the practical, step-by-step instructions to get you there – from start to finish on $50 a day (or less). Matt reveals the tips, tricks, and secrets to comfortable budget travel that you won’t find anywhere else with over 100 new pages of updated content in this third edition. He interviews dozens of other travelers about their success on the road and how you can apply that to your own trip.

There’s never been a more perfect – or cheaper – time to travel and Matt will show you how to make the most of your time and money so you stop saying one day and start taking action today! Learn More

There has to be a better way to travel cheap over the long-term and save money. Ryan Shauers’ new book Big Travel, Small Budget helps you look at long-term travel in a whole new way. Based on the lessons learned in nearly three years of travel, this book will show you how to save money traveling and provide you with an inexpensive path to a rich life. Introducing: Big Travel, Small Budget – How to Travel More, Spend Less, and See the World. This book includes sections on:

How much money you really need to have on hand and how long it will last you (it probably isn’t as much as you think).
How traveling as an overlander can be one of the most liberating (and affordable) ways to travel.
How to fly around the country or around the world for pennies on the dollar.
How you can move overseas, become a temporary expat, and live nearly rent-free thanks to the new sharing economy.
How to find lodging for weeks or even months in some of the most desirable places around the world and not pay for it.
Your biggest obstacle to achieving your travel dreams (and how to overcome it).
It’s time to stop putting off your travels for “someday” start traveling now. Learn More

Planning a big trip abroad can be an overwhelming task, but this book makes it easy with in-depth advice that helps you properly plan, pack and prepare—so that you can travel anywhere with confidence. Whether you’re going away for 3 weeks, 3 months or even a year, Travel the World Without Worries will act as your trusted guide and friend through the entire process.

I’ve traveled to over 50 countries and want to share what I learned with you. I’ll put your mind at ease with honest advice and relatable anecdotes, giving you a sense of what it’s actually like.

You’ll learn the pros and cons of different travel styles and destinations, how to fund your travels and save on expenses, and how to avoid common pitfalls in your planning phase. The book also prepares you for any social, cultural, or personal challenges you might face on the road. By the end, you’ll be armed with all the tips and knowledge you need to fully enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Learn More

Topics include:

Creating a realistic travel plan
Budgeting and funding your trip
Packing the smart way (and what to leave at home)
Dealing with visas, currencies, insurance, travel health, and more
Saving money on airfare, accommodation, and local tours
Overcoming cultural and language barriers
Enriching your trip with authentic experiences
Dealing with travel adversities (and staying out of trouble!)

These books are great starting points to find the best travel book for you, your passions, and your budget.

Sleeping onboard an aircraft is tough but following the advice of seasoned travelers on how to sleep on a plane is a good start to getting the rest you crave. Selecting the right seat can make a difference, some seats are better than others if you want to sleep. Read on to learn how to avoid noisy passengers and other annoyances of a red-eye flight. These are the top hints we found to ensure you get rest while en route.

1. Book Your Flight Just Right

The first choice is to pick a nonstop flight. If you must have a connection try to break it up into a long and short leg rather than two legs of the same length. You’ll have more time for uninterrupted sleep on the longer leg.

Regular airplane seats don’t recline much, you’ll need a few tricks to get the sleep you crave. Read on

2. Select Your Seat Wisely

Choose a window seat for less interruption from seat-mates who need to pass in front of you as they make their way to the aisle. If you sleep on your right side choose a seat on the right side of the plane. That way when you turn you’ll be facing the window not the traveler in the seat next to you. Same idea if you sleep on your left side, select a seat on the left side of the plane to maximize privacy. Back sleepers, either side of the aircraft is fine. For all try to select a seat not directly across from the galley or near the lavatories for maximum quiet.

When looking at the seat map pay attention if the bulkhead or exit row seats that offer more legroom also recline, many do not. Pass on the legroom they offer and opt for a seat that reclines. A reclining seat with less legroom is better for sleeping than a seat that doesn’t recline and offers more legroom.

3. Dress for Comfort and Sleep

Wear loose clothing for comfort. If you have to arrive wearing business attire, pack it in your carry-on and change just prior to arrival, you’ll look freshener. We recommend bringing a large wrap or shawl it can act a blanket (do this even in the summer when air conditioning can be particularly strong and uncomfortable) plus it looks fashionable draped around your neck. Men should opt for loose or stretchy pants. Many jeans today are made with a hint of lycra for comfort.

4. Bring Your Own Pillow

Airlines don’t have enough pillows on board for everyone, and the style they offer is not necessarily the best for sleeping while sitting upright. Fortunately, there are several styles of travel pillows, designed especially for sleeping on board so you’re sure to find one that’ll give you the support and comfort you need for sleeping in an airplane seat. We like inflatable neck pillows that help keep your head from flopping over to one side or onto your chest. If you’re concerned about the bulkiness of bringing your own pillow, select an inflatable one you only blow up when flying and then deflate to store in your carry on bag.

how to sleep on a plane self inflating travel pillow

Self Inflating Travel Pillow with Twist Valve

How to sleep on a plane inflatable neck pillow

Inflatable Neck Pillow Supports Head, Neck and Chin

5. Stay Warm

Cabin temps can fluctuate and you won’t be able to sleep if you’re cold, so bring your own blanket. The blankets on-board have usually been used by previous passengers and may be of questionable cleanliness. If you board late you may miss out on finding one altogether. This clever blanket rolls up to about the size of a soda can and can be stowed in your carry-on bag.

Blanket attaches to luggage, pocket + inflatable pillow

6. Use an Anti-Jet Lag Remedy

A homeopathic version (non-drug) is safe and yes, it really works. Avoid alcohol. Even if wine can make you sleepy while you’re earth-bound, in an aircraft it accelerates dehydration. You will only need this if you’re passing through multiple time zones and primarily going overseas.

7. Try a Sleep Aid

There are several over the counter options for you to consider to help you sleep on a flight. Dramamine, which helps with motion sickness can make you drowsy. Unisom and ZzzQuil are designed to help with insomnia so can help you sleep on a flight. Melatonin is a hormone. Discuss these sleep aids with your doctor for advice on which is best for you. Hint: Store your sleep aid in your toiletry bag at home so you don’t forget to pack it.

8. Block-out Noise

There are several alternatives for getting for blocking out sound. Earplugs are a good way to block-out unwanted noise, they’re small and inexpensive. If you like soothing music, make sure you pack your earbuds and phone/iPod. Noise-canceling headphones are a great investment for quiet on board too. The idea is to re-create the sleeping environment you enjoy when not flying. If you get earaches while flying due to the change in cabin pressure, you will need pressure reducing ear filters, they are different from noise-blocking earplugs!

9. Stop the Light

Light, like noise, is a sleep disrupter. The sudden opening of a window shade or the flashing light of a screen whether it is a seatback screen or a seatmates laptop can disrupt your slumber. The solution is an eye mask. Find one with formed with contours. The contour feature is a little formed cavity so your eyelids won’t touch the mask. The bonus for women is that this style doesn’t smear makeup. So you won’t wake up looking like a raccoon.

Molded Eye Mask for Men & Women + Ear Plugs

10. Buckle Up

To avoid being disturbed by the flight attendants during their safety checks make sure your seat belt is secured and visible (over the blanket.) That way the cabin attendants will pass you by.

Try out all or several of these suggestions for sleeping on a plane. A little pre-flight preparation can make your next flight pass quickly as you sleep peacefully and arrived refreshed at your destination.

How You Can Track the Spread of Any Illness Around the World

Concerned about where to travel or if where your plans are taking you are safe from a health perspective? Now you have a couple of tools to help you learn about your destination with up to the minute advice.

The following two websites show where the Coronavirus has spread and where there are outbreaks of other illnesses too.

This tracker shows ALL pathogens/epidemics tracked around the world, be sure to use to the filter on the top right to isolate which pathogen you’re interested in tracking, You can track measles and hepatitis in addition to many other pathogens. Both are easy to use interactive maps.

https://www.epidemictracker.com/All-Pathogens

This tracker is dedicated to the Coronavirus

https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

Quick Coronavirus Facts: as of Jan 30th, 2020

The coronavirus family is a large group of viruses that typically affect the respiratory tract. Coronaviruses can lead to illnesses like the common cold, pneumonia, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and even death. he virus can spread from an infected person to others before the infected person shows any symptoms of the disease.

The deadly coronavirus has spread to over 20 other countries within Asia, Europe, and North America, with the vast majority of cases being in mainland China. In China over 170 people have died and there are at least 8200 confirmed cases reported throughout China.

Due to the outbreak of the virus, the U.S. State Department has issued its highest travel advisory, a Level 4, to the Hubei province in China. Level 4 advisories urge travelers “Do not travel,” their strongest recommendation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Warning Level 3 (red) Alert – which states “Avoid all non-essential travel” to this destination. The outbreak is of high risk to travelers and no precautions are available to protect against the identified increased risk.

The CDC reports that there are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

How the Corona Virus is Spread

Like the flu, the Coronavirus which can be spread from person to person and is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or touching an infected person – so getting to close to someone who may already have the virus would be risky.

What Are Airports Doing

Air passengers arriving in the US are being screened now at 20 airports — Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York’s John F. Kennedy among the most popular with flyers. Those airports receive most of the travelers on direct and connecting flights from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and other cities too.

Passengers are being screened by the CDC personnel which includes administering health questionnaires as well as checking passengers for fever and other symptoms.

How Travelers Can Avoid Catching Coronavirus

Try to stay away from sick travelers – when possible

Because the viruses are spread through airborne droplets (sneezing, coughing), when possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick — particularly those who display symptoms similar to those of pneumonia or the common cold, such as coughing or runny noses.

Wash Your Hands Often

Frequent hand washing is an effective way of reducing the potential for infection. Touching of others or touching an infected surface can transmit the illness. If hand washing is not an option, the use of a good alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good substitute. Try not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose.

While On Airplanes – Wipe Down Surfaces

It’s also wise to take into consideration that airborne droplets can be deposited on hard surfaces that can last for several days.

Compounding this issue, if an infected person coughs or sneezes onto a surface – such as an airline tray table, and another person touches that surface, there may be a chance the virus could be transferred. This potential transfer is greatly increased if the traveler then inserts their fingers in their eyes, mouth, or nose, as reported by the University of Georgia. It should also be pointed out that as of this writing, it’s unknown how long coronavirus particles can live on surfaces.

To reduce the chances of contracting a virus while on board an airplane, travelers should take additional measures to minimize exposure to germs and infection, especially if they suffer from a weak immune system or are particularly vulnerable to illnesses.

Travelers should consider using disinfecting wipes to help kill germs and disinfecting hard surfaces they will be exposed to. They should pay special attention to wiping down:

Seat tray table (top and bottom). The tray table is the most important, as it usually tops the list for bacteria per square inch.
Armrests,
TV-screen and/or remote,
Seat buckle,
Seat storage compartment, and,
Seat call buttons

Related Article: What is a Travel Health Clinic

Wearing Masks?

Wearing surgical masks has become a phenomenon in China since the outbreak of coronavirus – but there are mixed reports about their use. What’s consistently reported is that when a mask is worn, it needs to be a higher quality mask.

To protect themselves from infection, health care workers don’t wear the kind of thin, over-the-mouth masks you see in operating rooms, which are designed to keep germs from leaving the mouths and noses of medical staff in the room. When it comes to preventing infection from their surroundings, health care workers wear N95 respirators, which fit much more tightly. It’s also reported that these respirators haven’t been tested for effectiveness when worn by the general public. Learn more about the N95 mask.

While the CDC does not discourage healthy people from wearing surgical masks as a precaution, the agency is only recommending their use for patients thought to have the virus and the medical professionals who interact with them.

It should be noted that some airlines, including American Airlines and Cathy Pacific are allowing their flight attendants to wear masks on certain flights to or from China.

Coronavirus Online Training Resource

The World Health Organization has a free, online training course that has been made available to the general public. The course, called “Emerging respiratory viruses, including nCoV: methods for detection, prevention, response and control” is appx one hour in length, and can be located here.

More Travel Health Information

CDC Coronavirus Home Page

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

World Health Organization

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

World Health Organization – Situation Report Review – Released Daily

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/

CNN

https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-01-27-20-intl-hnk/index.html

Travel Insurance — coverage for health-related issues you encounter while out of the country

Travel medical insurance protects people. This type of insurance protects travelers from unforeseen health issues that may arise while they’re traveling abroad. This includes sickness, injuries, and accidents. Often these plans will cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation, accidental death repatriation, etc. Many companies will assist with finding a hospital via their customer help desk. One key aspect to understand is that you will usually have to pay for the medical costs and the insurance company will then reimburse you. Hint: call your credit card companies and ask for a limit increase before you go.

Medical
Accidents & Evacuation
24/7 Worldwide Assistance

Medical

Check your health insurance before hitting the road. Many travelers assume that their health insurance will cover them for any medical service, but this is not the case. Many health plans today are based on in-network- only coverage. Does your plan only cover illness and accidents that occur domestically?

Accidents & Evacuation

There is no telling when an accident (physically or geographically) can occur. With accidents and evacuation insurance, you can receive the quick medical attention you need in the event of a national or life-threatening emergency and evacuation back to your homeland.

Trip Insurance — protects you from financial loss due to trip related issues

Trip insurance protects purchases. This type of insurance usually protects travelers against financial losses due to unexpected situations that might include trip cancellation, interruption, or delay; missed flight connections; or lost baggage. Financial losses typically are transportation costs, hotel costs, etc. Get your trip insurance when you book your flight, don’t wait, if you have to cancel your trip then the money you’ve already paid will be covered according to the terms of the policy you select.

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Damaged, Delayed or Lost Baggage
24/7 Worldwide Assistance

Trip Cancellations

The most common type of travel insurance bought is trip cancellation insurance that can usually be bought for an additional price when booking your upcoming flight or cruise Travel insurance will either fully or partially reimburse you supposing your flight gets canceled or you have an emergency causing you to cancel your trip. Make sure you understand ahead of time how a policy defines a personal emergency.

Trip Interruption

Trip interruption coverage is similar to trip cancellation coverage. However, the policies offer travelers reimbursement of their pre-paid, non-refundable expenses when you unexpectedly need to cut your travels short.

Damaged, Delayed or Lost Baggage

There’s nothing more upsetting than starting off your trip with damaged, delayed or lost baggage. Unfortunately, it is quite a hassle to get together when such situation occurs, but insurance can reimburse you for your personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged as well as give you extra money to buy your necessities if your baggage is delayed.

Insurance Package Plans

Most insurance companies that provide travel plans offer different types of “Package Plans.” A package plan is created based on your possible outcomes based on your destination and preference. Package plans are perfect for families, friends traveling together, and groups because they bundle the two types together.

Bundled Coverage Typically Includes

Trip cancellations for specific reasons like accidents illnesses, injuries, job loss, military duty, natural disasters, and more.
Trip interruptions like delays that could include extra lodging and transportation.
Dental and medical expenses due to an accident or illness.
Emergency medical/political evacuation coverage in case you cannot obtain proper medical care in your location.
Coverage for lost, stolen, delayed and destroyed luggage.
Cancellations at any time.
Customer service help from a trained travel specialist.

24/7 Assistance

The majority of travel insurances provide their clients with 24/7 assistance in case of all types of emergency and needs.

They can assist you with:

Help with any language barriers
Lost baggage search and replacement assistance
Lost passport or travel documents assistance
Medical transportation to and from the hospital
Location of the best hospital near you
Transportation home
Identity Theft

Valuable Tip: Check with your home insurance, health insurance carrier and credit card company you used to purchase your flights, book your hotels, rental car or cruise with about what they cover before buying additional insurance. Doing this could save you money so you don’t buy duplicate coverage.

A couple of the most reputable travel insurance companies are:

Take matters into your hands before it’s too late! You can save a lot of money and time signing up for travel insurance.

Pack a shirt without wrinkles

This Travel Shirt Folder Keeps Dress and Casual Shirts from Scrunching up and Wrinkling in Your Bag

How to Pack a Shirt, or Several Without Wrinkles

Wrinkle-Free Packing is Easy

Best Tip for Storing Travel Medications

Should You Contact Your Doctor Before Travel?

Our Top 8 Picks for Over the Counter Medications Smart Travelers Keep Handy

Anti Diarrheal and Heartburn Medication

2. Pain and Fever Medication

3. Over the Counter Motion Sickness Medicine

4. Over the Counter Mild Laxative

5. Over the Counter Antihistamine

6. Over the Counter Cough Drops and Suppressant

7. Over the Counter Decongestant

8. Over the Counter Sleep Aid

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Travel Insurance — coverage for health-related issues you encounter while out of the country

Medical

Accidents & Evacuation

Trip Insurance — protects you from financial loss due to trip related issues

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24/7 Assistance

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