THE WORLD OF TRAVEL RIGHT NOW
Air travel is a bit of a mess right now - making our long-awaited return to it, test our patience and serenity in the new world.
For those of you who missed my PACK YOUR PATIENCE blog CLICK HERE.
While things are not about to get better any time soon, here's a few tips and tricks to help you be more prepared.
FLIGHTS/TRAINS
Any time a non-stop flight are an option - take it.
Missed connections, delays and short connection times are the biggest contributors to flying stress and add more risk.
Even if it means a couple hundred dollars more or a longer ground transfer to your hotel.
If you must have a connecting filght , then at least a 3-hour (or more) layover.
Buy a better class of service air ticket - your options for changes, cancellations and refunds are better.
Arrive a day earlier than a planned train ride or coach tour - anything can happen - an unexpected emergency landing due to a medical emergency even. Every time a plane has an unexpected landing, there's maintenance checks, fuel checks, etc needing to be done - everything takes time.
Photo: Venice Simplon Orient Express Train Bar
PACKING
Never check-in anything you can't live without. Delayed luggage takes at least a day (or more) to arrive at your hotel. Your carry-on should include all your valuables - jewellery, chargers, eyeglasses/sunglasses, contact lenses, medication.
Place an Apple AirTag in your suitcase. The Bluetooth device sends wireless signals to nearby Apple products, and your iPhone uses the "Find My" app to find its location as it would with your AirPods or Apple Watch.
Luggage loss was a reality before, but now the chances of it happening has escalated. It doesn't prevent it from getting misplaced, but it does help you find it sooner.
Pack snacks, reading material and your laptop/work device in your carry-on.
Carry-on at least one outfit. If the luggage goes missing or is delayed, you'll be thankful to have one outfit (shorts/bathing suit, flip flops if going to a hot destination) and clean underwear to change into when you arrive.
You'll have something fresh to go shopping in, while you wait for your luggage to turn up.
Less is more ... although easier said than done (speaking from experience).
Able to only use carry-on without checking (you're my hero!)?
Best hacks for carry-on: downsize your toiletries into smaller bottles (100ml max each), take 1/3 of the clothes you think you need, nothing "sharp" allowed (ie razors, swiss army knives, wine bottle openers, etc - anything that can be used as a potential weapon) - unless you're going somewhere remote, you can pick up waht you need there.
TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR PASSPORT AND YOUR LUGGAGE (inside and out)
Lost or stolen passports are always a possibility - and one of the reasons I always ask for a copy of yours when planning your trip.
The only way to get home when it happens is to visit a Canadian/US embassy or consulate office at your destination.
They'll be able to issue a new passport, but it'll be faster if you can present an image of your lost passport.
Cell phone gets stolen too? Find a way to have someone call me once you've made contact with the Embassy/Consulate or before, if you can't find one on your own - I'm always to send them a copy I have, if I have an email address or text message/messenger to send it to.
Photo: Canadian Passports - have a photo on your phone
COVID/INSURANCE
It still exists - take at-home test kits with you. Recently the Canadian Federal Government reinstated random testing at major airports again.
Feeling sick any time during a trip? If your at-home test is positive, go get a PCR or antigen test as soon as possible.
Why? You'll need a valid document showing the first day you tested positive, because that's your first day of quarantine/isolation. It'll mean you being able to get back a lot sooner than if you don't have a valid test.
You'll need to stay 10 days (it can vary) from the day of diagnosis (not until you're negative as it could be months before the virus leaves traces in your body).
We're all at risk of having to stay longer than planned - this' where the most comprehensive insurance plan comes in. I always make a point of discussing it with m clients.
Unforeseen circumstances are unpreventable, but taking some precautions will certainly prepare you if they happen!
Always travel with your work laptop ... oh .. and did I mention? PACK YOUR PATIENCE.
Remember, a little grace goes a long way in either direction.
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