How Not to Lose Your Child?



In case of separation, every second counts! When travelling through airports or other crowded places, I lace two 'jingle bells' to the toes of my son's shoes. (He calls them his 'jingle boots'.) I also hang a small plastic whistle on a string around his neck to be used ONLY if he gets separated from us. Finally, I carry a recent, full-length photo taken of him in his standard travel outfit (his blue windsuit) - a quick way for people to recognize him in a busy place!

 By: Lorraine Fleck

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids

ID for the Kids



When taking cross country road trips, take small photos of children (school shots, etc.) On the back write their name and age, along with any other information you desire (such as emergency medical, who to notify). Put these in a ziplock baggy and tape to the dash or somewhere noticeable in the vehicle. If an accident were to happen most kids haven't any identifcation like adults do.

 By: B. Robinson

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane



When travelling with children, be sure to pack a change of clothes for yourself. Time and again my children have spilled sticky drinks all over me on the plane and I was glad I had thought to bring extra clothes for myself! Also it helps to premake airsickness bags at home as the ones the airlines provide are not always there. Another tip - put some cold drinks such as Capri Sun or juice boxes in your carry-on. If your child is thirsty and it will be a while for the drink steward to come down the isle, you will be glad you have them.

 By: Lee Ann Steinmetz

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Keeping the Kids Comfortable



When my son was little, just before heading on a drive we would fill his sippy cup with ice cubes, and put in about 1/2 inch of water. This kept him getting sips of water for the whole trip, and prevented any major spills from happening. Also, in a carseat, a child's little 'sit-bones' tend to get sore very quickly. A gel-pad that you can get at a bicycle shop will make the journey much more pleasant for everyone.

 By: sedim

Keeps the Kids Entertained



I travelled over 5000 kilometres with my 4, 5, & 6 year old recently over a period of seven days. It was the third long distance trip on my own with the kids. I made sure I had heaps of individually wrapped potato chips, biscuits, raisins etc., and individual bottles of water with plenty of top up water next to me. Fruit doesn't work as well - as I usually find it weeks later stashed behind the booster seats! Also take lots of children's stories and music on tapes, plenty of cheap toys, and new books. I couldn't afford Gameboys but they might be a good idea! As previously suggested I had the kids constantly check out strip maps for me to 'advise me' how far we had gone. Pointing out any sights along the way kept the kids interest up, but I have to admit - I was EXTREMELY glad to finally arrive!

By: Ruth Nathan



Leave the Noisy Toys at Home




When selecting toys for your baby or toddler on a long road trip, remember to leave the 'noisy' or 'musical' toys at home. Although they are entertaining, they can be very distracting to the driver (especially anything that sounds even remotely like a police siren) and no matter how much your baby loves 'the cow says moooo', you're going to find yourself ready to throw that toy out the window after a few hundred miles!

 By: Cathy Brockway

Memory Making



Memory making is a very important part of your trip. Your children can enjoy creating their own special memories. Have them keep a scrapbook or journal for your vacation. They can cut pictures out of brochures and paste them in, keep their ticket stubs, have new friends they meet sign their books, and much more! Even young children can color or draw things to represent what they have seen on the trip. Mom and Dad can help the younger ones by writing down some of the things they really enjoyed doing on their trip.


Medical Concerns



When traveling with children with medical concerns ... Make sure they have their own identification, whether it be a medical necklace or an identification card. Make sure it has your telephone number, the name and number of their physician, and their medical concerns.



Mileage Game for Kids



While travelling a LONG way in the car, here is a fun game to play with children almost any age! As you are driving, there are signs that state the mileage until cities and states. As you see these signs, have each child state their prediction for how many miles the next sign will say. Whoever comes closest can recieve a small prize or candy as an incentive. It's a great way to pass the time, and even teenagers in the family enjoy playing it! Also, the children get more and more excited as the miles grow shorter. Before you know it the signs will be reading 1 more mile to go! Good luck with your travelling!

 By: J. Ashley



Organizing the Children's Clothing



Taking the family vacation can sometimes be difficult. So when packing, put together the children's outfits and place them folded in a plastic bag. Then you can write on the top what is in each bag and can have the clothing handy in the morning. This way you can keep everything clean and be organized and you won't have fights about what to wear.

 By: B.Holland

Planning a Vacation for Kids



Here are some family vacation planning tips:
  • When planning a vacation, remember the objective of the vacation. For instance is the vacation meant for relaxation, for learning, for unique experiences, or for fun ?
  • Do not pack the day with many activities, which will exhaust the kids.
  • As children tend to have shorter attention spans, do not plan activities which are exceptionally long; e.g. visiting the muesum for one whole day.
  • Ensure that the places you are visiting welcome kids, as some attractions and activities have
  • age limitations.
  • Always investigate the policies for children; e.g. extra charges, height requirements, any child discounts etc.
  • If you are visiting attractions such as museums, consider whether or not your child will be able to understand the materials presented.
  • Don't forget to check out locations of child-friendly restaurants and have a happy meal with your kids.
  • If you are travelling in a budget, do consider family-friendly hostels. They provide great service as well.
  • Always be flexible during your journey, as children are likely to have different demands at different places.

By: Jasmine

Planning to Stay at a B&B?



E-mailing good questions will help ensure a quality experience. This is especially true when you have children. Be sure to note their ages and whether one or two beds are needed. Don't hesitate to ask if the B&B is appropriate, especially for young children. If it's full of antiques, you'll spend your vacation chasing kids. Often B&B couples with kids of their own welcome youngsters of similar ages. Teens have their own special needs, too. Make sure a TV is available in the room if that's a major need. Quiz your kids ahead on what they expect and ask rather than showing up and having everyone unhappy.


Emirates launches Dubai-Sao Paulo service


Emirates launched its first flights to Brazil this week, with a six-weekly service from Dubai to Sao Paulo. The route represents the first direct service between the Middle East and South America.

Flight EK261 departs Dubai at 1000 daily except Thursday, arriving in Sao Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport at 1830, with the return leg leaving Brazil on flight EK262 at 0125, arriving in Dubai at 2305.

Emirates is servicing the route with its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, which includes the carrier's newest fully-flat beds in business class – the flight is configured for eight first class suites, 42 business class seats, and 216 economy seats.

The launch follows the carrier's inauguration of its Dubai-Newcastle service last month, and precedes the Dubai-Houston route this December which will also feature the 777-200 product.

Business Traveller will be carrying out a full Tried and Tested review of the Dubai-Sao Paulo service later this month.

Report by Mark Caswell


Traveling with Children Tips






Tips For Women

Tips For Men




Foreign Travel Tips







Cruises Tips

Bed and Breakfast Tips



Polaroid ID



On the day of the trip, use a Polaroid camera and take photos of each child. Put them in your purse, wallet or bag. If you become separated from your child, you will have a photo of what your child looks like RIGHT THEN, that day. Girls' hairstyles can change, clothing can look different, etc. - so even a recent photograph may not look like what your child looks like on the day of travel. But a Polaroid taken THAT DAY will help in locating a misdirected child.

 By: Kim Williams

Postcard Mementos



To help our kids remember their trip in their own words we buy postcards of the places we go and on the back of each one they write down whatever they want to remember. At the end of the trip we punch a hole in the corner of the postcards and put them on a ring so they have their own special mementos of the vacation.

 By: Elizabeth Mays

Pre-Shipping of Baby Consumables



Everybody knows you can rent strollers and carseats at your destination - these days you can even rent a babysitter at many hotels - but did you know that you can now ship baby consumables to your destination? I've heard of shipping your luggage (very costly), but this is the first site I know of that will ship baby and toddler essentials to your travel destination. No more lugging a suitcase full of diapers and formula and baby food through the airport. No more arriving stressed and tired at your hotel, and immediately going searching for a grocery store! This service works great, whether you're staying at a hotel, condo, resort, or with gramma. :)


Preparing for the Noise



While preparing our 2 1/2-year-old daughter for her first airplane trip, we were concerned about the noise of the plane, since she was terrified of loud noises such as the vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, mixer, etc. We made frequent stops by our local airport (1-2 X weekly) to acquaint her with the noise of the airplanes. At first she was scared, but soon she warmed up to the idea and would just grin while holding her ears. This worked like a charm. She did not exhibit any uneasiness on the entire trip, and she still wants to go to the airport and watch the planes.

By: Mindy Van Pelt

Proteins Win the Race



When they get up in the a.m. before the trip, make their first food/drink of the day, a small bit of milk, (like 1/3 - 1/2 cup) The protein will 'win the race' as the chemical which reaches the brain first. This stimulates a natural 'up' and sharpness as opposed to a day of sluggishness. It will last through mid day 'fueling time' when children typically are tired. Most important part is to prevent your child from eating or drinking anything else (especially sugars or starches), for at least 10 minutes after their milk/protien. The chemicals that are produced by starches, for example, get to the brain prior to the protein, and the milk will not do anyone much good! Laugh, smile, hug a lot (best tip).

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?


Reusable Stickers, Lollipops, and Safety Bracelet




When traveling in the car or on an airplane, a great entertainer is reusable stickers. Your children can stick and restick them on the windows of the car or airplane. Also, lollipops are good for earaches during flying. I travel with my 2-year-old at least once a year by airplane, and when we have to change airplanes, I put a safety bracelet on her connecting her to me. That way I can put my backpack on my back, she's connected to my wrist, and my hands are free to carry her carseat. By the way, I tell her it's a bracelet - and I point out that I am wearing one, too, and that she can take it off when we reach the next gate.

By: Angela Oleson

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?


Sing-a-long



Here is a great activity for long road trips with the whole family: Write down the names of your children's favorite songs on separate pieces of paper. Mix them up in a small box or bag (an empty wipes container works great!) While you are traveling, have your children take turns pulling one piece of paper out of the box. Everyone in the car has to sing the song that's written on the paper.

By: The Caldwell Family

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Snack-Time Tips



Juice boxes, easy-to-eat snacks, wipes, napkins and trash bags are important. Car trips are the perfect opportunity to use those Tupperware containers that are really too small to be useful at home. Be sure to prepackage each snack for each child - that way you're not trying to pass food back and forth.

By The Caldwell Family

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Take a Break



I remember traveling all day to Denver from Wichita with my younger sister, parents, and myself is a carload. We about 9 and 7 years old ... and we would take a break every 3 hours or so - and when you're little, you get cranky and wild. So, we would pull out skip-its and skip in the parking lots! or run around! or even play a little game (4-square or even hopscotch)! Once we played tag, using anything as bases. My mother and father sometimes brought us to an empty lot and let us run for 10 minutes, and then we were out for 5 hours.

By: Angela Regier

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Taking Turns



Our children are now grown, but our system of 'taking turns' made our many family vacations so delightful. We soon found out after arriving at Disney or a theme park or vacationing in general, that we all had different ideas of what activities or rides were the most fun for each individual. We devised a system where we all could enjoy what we wanted. We divided the day (or days) into sections, and each person had an assigned time where they could choose the activities they most wanted. There were 4 of us, so for a quarter of the day, each person got to do their favorite things. It saved a lot of arguments, and no one complained when doing something they might not choose for themselves because they knew that they would have their own opportunity to enjoy their favorites eventually. If there was ever a problem on who would go first, we would either draw straws, flip a coin, or think of a number between 1 and 10.


More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?


Travel Sickness, Cleanups, and Laptop Entertainment



Travel with children can be a challenge.
  • For kids who tend to get travel / car sickness, and even for those who just feel like they may be sick at any time, I suggest that one of their mid-trip drinks be ginger ale (or something with ginger ale as a main base). Ginger works super for those ill feelings. A handful of peppermints (those little round red and white ones) should be tucked away in the glove box. If the tummy ill is indigestion etc., peppermint soothes those pretty nicely for a lot less than on-the-road medications.
  • While you are gasing up your vehicle a week or so prior to your trip, buy some individually wrapped towel naps to put in the glove box, your purse etc.
  • Buy a couple of lap desks that you see kids use to play or color on while sitting on the floor at home. If you cannot find the style with little side pockets, sew a couple of small zip pencil bags to each side, (suprermarkets have them). Avoid buying the large adult-sized lap desks, as they are way too big. Stuff one pocket/side area with necessities and the other with goodies! If you find the small lap desks with the tops that come up to disclose a storage area, they're perfect for small books, stickers etc., - but some of them can be hard to keep on a lap and tote around. The kind with the foam bean fill in them are soft, and can make great pillows too!


More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

What Happens if You Lose Your Child?


Here's a tip that will help defray some of that worry. Before starting on the trip, visit a local hospital and ask if they will make one of those plastic bracelets for each of your children. Usually, they will. Then you can put whatever information you'd like on a slip of paper and insert it into the bracelet. If you're traveling to/through foreign countries, you may want to put the information in several languages.

 By: Rick Williams

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

The Best Women's Travel Writing 2007



“Travelers’ Tales books luxuriate in that complicated, beautiful, shadowy place where the best stories begin, and the most compelling characters roam free.”
—Foreword Magazine

Since the publication of A Woman's World in 1995, Travelers’ Tales has been publishing award-winning books by and for women. We continue this tradition with The Best Women's Travel Writing 2007 , the third collection in our annual series guaranteed to inspire women to take their first trip—or to continue exploring the world with wit, soul, and verve, as so many adventurous women do each and every day. These 32 stories cover the globe, from wandering the Sinai desert with small children, learning to salsa in Cuba to climbing a volcano in Ecuador. The perspectives are global and themes encompass spiritual growth, high adventure, romance, and encounters with exotic cuisine.

In The Best Women's Travel Writing 2007 readers will:

  • Learn to flirt in Paris with Kayla Allen
  • Track down an errant Thanksgiving turkey in China with Nicole Clausing
  • Go on a spirit quest in Arizona with Jennifer Carol Cook
  • Encounter life and death in Mali with Tanya Shaffer
  • Live on Venetian Time with Francesca De Stefano in Venice
  • Survive a New Zealand rip tide with Kari J. Bodnarchuk
  • Discover what can’t be spoken in Morocco with K. Gregg Elliott
  • See how the world is changing one chicken at a time with Barbara Kingsolver in Peru
  • Fall in love in Nepal with Laurie Weed…and much more.

Air Travel Tips






More Sand in My Bra



We giggled all the way to the beach reading Jen Leo’s women’s travel/humor anthology Sand in My Bra, nearly laughed our britches off perusing Whose Panties Are These?, cracked up over The Thong Also Rises, and enjoyed even more hilarity when What Color is Your Jockstrap? transformed the “Leo trio” into a coed quartet. Fans feared that this fabulously funny “Empire of the Underwear” series might come to an end right then and there, but no way Jose!

Jen along with fellow travel writer and misadventure enthusiast, Julia Weiler, just couldn't resist all those requests to keep the comedy coming.

Following up on the best-selling original, this latest collection of slapstick sojourns and globetrotting guffaws returns to the strict “ladies only” policy of its alma mater, and these travel girls gone wild really know how to deliver. With 29 tales of on-the-road mishaps from botched bikini waxes in Vietnam to surviving seventh-hell strep in Peru, these true stories of travel gone hysterically awry are sure to have armchair tourists and hardcore trekkers alike laughing their panties off, again!

  • Get lost in sex camp with Suzanne Schlosberg
  • Tag along with Ellen Degeneres on her cross-country comedy tour
  • Dare to hop aboard Vietnam’s craziest booze cruise with Tamara Sheward
  • Discover how to dress like a local with Laurie Notaro in San Francisco
  • Experience strange cross-cultural culinary creations with Ayun Halliday
  • Dodge mega-doody with Janna Cawrse as she sets sail on her honeymoon...and much more

Antarctica



What is it like to live and work in the coldest, harshest climate on Earth? The stories in this book reveal the challenges and rewards of exploring the otherworldly continent of Antarctica. Through a rich range of wise and funny essays, twenty writers introduce us to a wild cast of characters, share intimate details of daily life on the Ice, take us into a fantastic landscape, and capture the spirit of a fascinating, forbidding land.

  • Explore places where your footprints will outlive you
  • Survive a blizzard of historic proportions
  • Find dinosaur bones while on a hunt for krill
  • Contemplate the fate of the Adélie penguin
  • Live through the “day it rained chickens”
  • Search for meteorites emerging from the ice
  • Spend your honeymoon working on Antarctica’s only newspaper
  • Take the dreaded “psych test” all Antarctic workers must endure
  • Watch the sun rise for the first time in six months at the South Pole…and much more

Allowable 'White Lie'



When arriving at an airport alone I often find people interested in my 'travel arrangements'. I always tell them that my husband is coming on a later flight so that in case there is an air accident, the children won't be left orphaned. This has saved me from a lot of problems and unwanted attentions, especially from taxi drivers.

 By G. Longley


Cosmetic Kit Tips and Recommendations



I always have the following items in my bag: a toothbrush, a sample tube of toothpaste, a box of dental floss, a razor, some tampons and panty liners, a comb, a small bottle of shampoo/conditioner (2 in 1), face moisturizer, face cleansing gel, lip balm, hand & body cream and sunscreen in summer. I pack some cotton balls and perfume samples as well. Antibacterial wipes also come in handy.

By: Maria


Always Carry Tampons



When a sudden monthly flow hits you, the last thing you need is to be stuck in a foreign country with no tampons. Always carry a box with you - even if you don't need them somebody else might get caught out and I am sure you will have made a best friend if you help them.

By: Suzy Preston


Cell Phones - Invaluable



Women traveling alone, whether on long or short drives, should ALWAYS take a cellular phone or car phone. If you don't have time to get a phone before your trip, take something that LOOKS LIKE a cell phone. If you ever feel that you are being followed by a stranger or if anyone, especially a strange man, on the highway attempts to flag down your vehicle, DO NOT PULL OVER! Instead, get out your phone and call someone, or even PRETEND to call someone. This is a major deterrent to would-be attackers who think you are able to call the police. Also, NEVER pull over to help a hitchhiker or a person with car trouble. Instead, call the police from your cell phone or from a phone in a safe BUSINESS in the next town.

By: Wendy Warburton


Dry Facial Cleansing Cloths



Oil of Olay Daily Facials cleansing cloths are wonderful! They are dry and you can put as many of these practically weightless squares as you need in a recloseable plastic bag. They remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize without taking separate cleansers, makeup removers, washcloths, etc. Just wet one, lather and wash, and then throw it away!

By: Tina Fernandez

Homemade Travel Utility Kits



I have found this kit to be highly useful time and time again, having travelled for most of my life: In a Ziplok baggie, put 1 black plastic garbage bag folded TINY, 2 pens, a minilighter, 2 sheets paper, 2 each postage-paid envelopes and postcards, and also A PREPAID PHONE CALLING CARD!! I have bought one for almost all my trips for years, have used it every time, and always regretted not buying one when I didn't think I'd need it.

Another useful small kit: Comb, razor, tooth-brush-and-paste, deodorant, all in the smallest size you can get. Also, Walgreen's sometimes sells a disposable 'just in case' 3-pak of panties. VERY cheap, and WELL worth having if you can get them.

By: Sedim

Homemade Lip Gloss



No reason to go completely makeup-free, even when roughing it! Before your trip, use a penknife to shave off a bit of lipstick from your favourite tube and mix it with some Vaseline in a little plastic pot (you can often get tiny ones with screw-top or snap lids in drugstores). This can be used as tinted lip gloss (with the intensity of tint determined by the amount of lipstick you use) as well as blusher. A tiny bit lasts forever and it's not really affected too much by extremes of heat or cold.

By: L.J. Moore

Hotel Safety



This is really an important tip which I need to use and do so frequently whether I am traveling with someone or not.
  • Use only a first initial when checking in.
  • Try not to get a room on the main floor.
  • Always use the elevator ... save the stairs for your workout at the gym!
  • If there is someone watching you or following you ... by all means, return to the front desk and get a security guard.
  • Leave a television or radio on in the room ... even if you're not there.
  • Never leave your key where someone can glance and get your room number.

More Tips:

Want Privacy? Look Like You're Married
Want Privacy?
Waist Wallet for Passports and Cash
Traveling Toilet Woes Eliminated for Women
Think in Color
Ten Tips to Choose a Trip in Ten Minutes
Solids - Not Liquids
Security Concerns
Safe Clothing
Rental Car Savvy
Quick and Easy Make-up Trick
Protecting Your Valuables
Protect Your Car Keys
Preparation for Lost Luggage
Plan Before You Pack
Morning Sickness to the Rescue
Maxis Can Hide Money
Makeup Packing Savvy
Long-Lasting Eye Makeup
Keep Your Room Number Private
How to Pack Your Earrings
How to Carry Your Purse
Hotel Safety
Homemade Lip Gloss
Homemade Travel Utility Kits
Dry Facial Cleansing Cloths
Cell Phones - Invaluable
Always Carry Tampons
Cosmetic Kit Tips and Recommendations
Allowable 'White Lie'

How to Carry Your Purse



For all of you women who haul around those heavy purses, but have valuable 'stuff' in them, well I've got the travel tip for you. When you're carrying your purse, be sure that you carry it diagonally so that when thieves try to steal it, they won't be able to because of how you are wearing it.

 By: Nikki Murray


How to Pack Your Earrings

To bring a selection of earrings on your trip, get a 25-cent felt square at a fabric store (they sell them pre-cut) and simply fasten earrings through the felt, and fold, fasten and fold. This allows you to bring lots of accessories, protects each pair from damage, and takes up almost no space! Fasten roll with rubber band to keep it from unrolling.

By: Karin Tellis


Keep Your Room Number Private



When travelling alone and checking into a hotel, make sure that the person at the desk does not state your room number aloud. Anyone standing nearby will have already heard that there are 'no other guests' for your room. If this does happen, quietly pass the key back to him/her and politely request that they reassign you and that they not state the room number aloud.

By: Carrie Hopkins


Long-Lasting Eye Makeup


If you need to look gorgeous after a 10-hour flight, and you know that you won't have time to grab a mirror for many hours afterwards, don't put on lipstick that may smear. Instead, go for long-lasting eye make-up. First apply a tiny coat of creamy eye shadow of a natural color (Ninelle is perfect). Wait for 30 seconds until it dries up, and then cover with a powder eye shadow of whatever color you like. Finish with a water-proof mascara. It lasts for 24 hours, really!

By: Maria


Makeup Packing Savvy



When packing makeup for your trip, think about the items you actually use. Honestly, if you never use that cute turquoise liner at home are you really going to use it in Singapore (or Paris or wherever). Bring the basics in compact form - a GOOD foundation (especially a compact), a stick eyeshadow, a lipstick, and a highlighter is about all you really need. If you don't know what a highlighter is, it's a shimmery substance that comes in either stick, gel or powder form and usually comes in silver, gold and bronze. It's especially good for giving you that 'holiday glow' when you don't want to wear makeup (blend around the cheekbones, brow bones and eye sockets. Also remember that your skin doesn't change when you're on a trip - you'll still need your cleanser, toner and moisturizer. You should probably lay off the exfoliation. You're likely to be stressed from travel, and using a mechanical exfoliant can only stress your skin further.

By: Rachael Kendrick


Maxis Can Hide Money



Always bring maxi pads with you regardless if you may need them or not. Place money inside of one of the individualy wrapped pads, then re-seal the pad and return to the package. The ultra thin ones are perfect to hide inside of each cup of a bra on days when you do need to use one. Not only is this inconspicous, but you never know when it may come in handy to use for toilet paper, cuts, etc.

 By: Yoseline Apricio

Morning Sickness to the Rescue



If you are traveling alone and find yourself stuck in male company which is intent on trying to 'party' with you, tell them you are pregnant and could vomit at any moment. Minimal language skills are needed - signing something about a big big belly and holding your hand up to your mouth while looking actively nauseous is almost universally understood. In my experience, you are then usually left alone.

 By: M.K. Flynn

Plan Before You Pack


Take the time to plan plan plan your outfits before you even start packing. The more time you spend planning, the less hassles you'll have with your clothes while you're away ... and you're guaranteed to look better too. PREPARE LIKE A PRO ... do what fashion editors do to prepare for photo shoots. Lay all the pieces of each outfit together on your bed and coordinate everything for each 'look', including underwear and accessories.

By: Elisa


Preparation for Lost Luggage



When two women are traveling together, each of you should put one complete outfit in the other's suitcase in case one suitcase is lost or delayed. It doesn't hurt to carry a change of underwear and socks in your carry-on, either. It can make all the difference during a delay of any kind.

By:Kyra Achee


Protect Your Car Keys



If travelling by car it is indispensable to have a Hide-A-Key stowed under your vehicle's fender. I was once stranded at a rural gas station after midnight, and only by luck did I find a locksmith after waiting alone in the cold for two hours. Just make sure no one sees you putting the key away!

By: Christine


Protecting Your Valuables



If you like to wear dresses, especially the longer lengths, try wearing a pair of cotton bike shorts to which you have sewed pockets on the outer leg. They need to be large enough to hold your passport and extra documents or money. Secure the pocket with some Velcro and you should have a safe place to keep your personal things. The same can be done with a camisole or regular slip.

By: Dodi Weeks


Quick and Easy Make-up Trick


To have a fresh look with make-up, just bring along your 2-in-1 compact powder plus Avian water spray. Spray the water all over your face and pad with your compact powder. The make-up stays on longer. Try it - it really works!

By: Mala


Rental Car Savvy


If you decide to rent a car and need to drive to a location or want to be adventurous ... great! Lock the doors to that fabulous rent a car! Hide any road maps which might tip off a car jacker you are not local to that area. I like to also make sure that there isn't a huge car rental sticker to announce that I'm a visitor either. Contact your car rental company before you arrive regarding that policy and what they might be able to do to help. Most have scaled down their advertising on their cars, specifically to take you off the target list!


Safe Clothing



I feel that most people, especially women, become so concerned with the fear of being taken advantage of - in any way - that they forget health safety. Wearing panyhose in an airplane in flight is extremely dangerous! If there were to be a fire on the flight, pantyhose will literally melt onto your legs and create severe burns. Also, wear leather men's style shoes - in a plane crash or boat accident they will stay on your feet while trying to escape. Some shoes slip off, while plastic or rubber sneakers will simply melt. Never wear shorts on board, but wear thick jeans and a sweater (to help prevent burns). These important safety measures might sound a little bit strange, but it's a lot better to be safe than sorry.

By: Alex Treal

More Tips:

Want Privacy? Look Like You're Married
Want Privacy?
Waist Wallet for Passports and Cash
Traveling Toilet Woes Eliminated for Women
Think in Color
Ten Tips to Choose a Trip in Ten Minutes
Solids - Not Liquids
Security Concerns
Safe Clothing
Rental Car Savvy
Quick and Easy Make-up Trick
Protecting Your Valuables
Protect Your Car Keys
Preparation for Lost Luggage
Plan Before You Pack
Morning Sickness to the Rescue
Maxis Can Hide Money
Makeup Packing Savvy
Long-Lasting Eye Makeup
Keep Your Room Number Private
How to Pack Your Earrings
How to Carry Your Purse
Hotel Safety
Homemade Lip Gloss
Homemade Travel Utility Kits
Dry Facial Cleansing Cloths
Cell Phones - Invaluable
Always Carry Tampons
Cosmetic Kit Tips and Recommendations
Allowable 'White Lie'

Security Concerns



Security is of utmost importance when traveling alone. I wish someone would do a feature 60-minute-type program on this issue. As a B&B owner, and as a single female traveler, here are some tips I've learned throughout my travels:
  • NEVER take a room in which the desk clerk has mentioned your room number out loud. Make them write the number down.
  • NEVER open your room door to ANYONE. i.e., maintenance, FLOWER delivery, etc., until you have called down to the front desk to verify the service. You may even ask that two people, one female, be sent should you be expecting anything.

Solids - Not Liquids




Cutting down on the amount of bottles and cosmetics that spill is always important. Use a stick foundation instead of a liquid. The texture is light, and many if the new sticks are oil-free. Discount store brands are the same quality and much cheaper than popular brand names. The foundation can also double as a concealer and an eyeshadow base. Look for perfume in a solid form as well. The containers are small enough to fit in a purse, yet smell strong. Kiss my Face makes a great peach-scented shave lather in a tube that eliminates aerosol cans. Invest in a good lipstick palette with a variety of colors. The palettes are small, and give you a good variety of colors for all skin tones - and cut down on the number of bulky tubes. Victoria's Secret has an excellent one which isn't too expensive. (It is only available through mail order or online order.)

By: Dana Nazzaro

Ten Tips to Choose a Trip in Ten Minutes



Designed for the impulsive buyer of travel. Not recommended - but if you are going to blitz the brochure, do it with some structure from us at The Women's Travel Club. We are noticing more travelers are too busy to really do their homework so we created this 'quick and dirty' list to help out.

The Women's Travel Club has been running group trips for women in North America for 15 years.
  1. Make sure the people in the brochure look like you!
  2. Small print averse? At least read cancellation penalties and find the point at which the company can cancel on you.
  3. Hotel quality: Google the hotel used in the capital city on the itinerary for a general flavor.
  4. Red flag the word: from. It means you are looking at the lowest price.
  5. To gauge trip pace: If breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, you are on a slow moving trip!
  6. Financial security: only pay by credit card for both deposit and balance. Check for travel insurance availability. Pay the insurance company, not the tour operator, for it.
  7. Forget # of days. Most companies include travel days. Only look at # of nights!
  8. Check trade association memberships like ASTA.
  9. Prompt responses from the company mean they are customer-friendly. Prompt email responses means they cater to internet-savvy travelers.
  10. Check that the company has a street address.

By: Phyllis Stoller

More Tips:

Want Privacy? Look Like You're Married
Want Privacy?
Waist Wallet for Passports and Cash
Traveling Toilet Woes Eliminated for Women
Think in Color
Ten Tips to Choose a Trip in Ten Minutes
Solids - Not Liquids
Security Concerns
Safe Clothing
Rental Car Savvy
Quick and Easy Make-up Trick
Protecting Your Valuables
Protect Your Car Keys
Preparation for Lost Luggage
Plan Before You Pack
Morning Sickness to the Rescue
Maxis Can Hide Money
Makeup Packing Savvy
Long-Lasting Eye Makeup
Keep Your Room Number Private
How to Pack Your Earrings
How to Carry Your Purse
Hotel Safety
Homemade Lip Gloss
Homemade Travel Utility Kits
Dry Facial Cleansing Cloths
Cell Phones - Invaluable
Always Carry Tampons
Cosmetic Kit Tips and Recommendations
Allowable 'White Lie'

Think in Color



Packing with a color scheme in mind eliminates having to take several pairs of shoes or other accessories. One week I had two business trips back to back, with no time to do laundry in between. For the first trip, I used black and white as my scheme and for the second trip, it was navy and taupe. I was surprised at how easy it was to pack. I only needed one pair of shoes for business and one for relaxing/playing. Also, a nice white T-shirt can be worn with a suit, with jeans, with a skirt, with pearls, or a number of other ways. I rarely pack without one; it fits in any color scheme.

 By: Gigi McGuire

Traveling Toilet Woes Eliminated for Women


Ladies, there's a great new product out there that enables you to pee standing up!!! Sounds strange, but it works like a charm. No more hovering over disgusting public toilets or having to worry about not being able to find a restroom when you absolutely need one. Men have always been able to go just about anywhere without any worry - and now women can too!!!

It's called the P-Mate and is a nifty little invention that is so lightweight to carry (fits into an envelope) - is made of a sturdy disposable coated cardboard, is so easy to use, and very discreet. You don't even have to pull your pants completely down!!!

A 'must have' to take along when traveling to places where restrooms might not be as plentiful, or as clean as you'd like. Makes a great everyday gift, or a very practical one for someone planning to travel.


Waist Wallet for Passports and Cash



When traveling out of the country, it is wise to keep most of your travelers' checks where they cannot be stolen. There is an item called a waist wallet that you wear under your garments. It is large enough for your passport and ID as well, but lays flat against your body.

By: Mary Loeffler

Privacy



If you are travelling alone and don't want any company, there are certain things you can do to dissuade unwanted attention. If on a coach or train, sit on the outside seat, placing your handbag, coat and jacket on the window seat. If in a bar restaurant, place your coat on the back of the seat opposite to make it look as if you have company. It may seem anti-social, but sometimes it's the only way.

By: Wendy Sears

Want Privacy? Look Like You're Married



Single women traveling on their own might consider buying a cheap gold band to wear while out and about. When approached by men you can either say you're 'waiting for your husband' or profess undying faithfulness and say you could never stroll down the deserted beach with another man. Of course there are plenty other more direct and to the point comments you can make to fend off unwanted attention, but I've found the wedding band trick provokes less ire.

What to Take for Long Flights



Ladies, on long flights it is wise to have the following: a disposable wet napkin, a small water spray bottle (for spritzing your face), and last but not least, your own water bottle that you can refill on the plane. Drink lots of H20!

By: Debbie Haugen

Lufthansa, Swiss & Qantas introduce carbon offsetting


Lufthansa, Swiss and Qantas have become the latest airlines to offer customers the option of calculating and offsetting their carbon emissions when booking flights.

Few details are as yet available from Qantas, but the scheme introduced by Lufthansa (and its subsidiary Swiss) compares favourably with those offered by the likes of British Airways, Silverjet and Easyjet.

Firstly, Lufthansa has chosen as its partner Myclimate, a Swiss offset provider run on a non-profit basis, whereas the leading UK providers Climate Care (British Airways) and Carbon Neutral (Silverjet) are for-profit companies.

In addition, all funds raised by Lufthansa's scheme will go to designated projects, run by Myclimate, which meet the highest standards set by the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for certification. By comparison, Climate Care and Carbon Neutral provide reductions in the unregulated – and more controversial – voluntary market, while Easyjet buys direct in the certified emissions reductions (CER) market, but doesn't get involved in setting up projects.

Rene Estermann, managing director of Myclimate, said: "Lufthansa wanted a partner which developed its own projects, and that is what we do. Our offsets are quite expensive compared with some other providers, but that's because we concentrate on creating really good, sustainable projects."

Initially, funds raised by Lufthansa's scheme will go towards two projects in India which reduce emissions through the production of electricity from biomass (agricultural waste) instead of coal and diesel. One project, located in Karnataka, southern India, was the first worldwide to meet the criteria for the CDM's Gold Standard, which guarantees social as well as ecological sustainability. The second, in Bihar, is currently passing through the CDM registration process.

Estermann added: "Both of these projects are from our best portfolio. Neither is exclusive to Lufthansa, but depending on take-up we will either develop specific projects for them in future or continue to use our existing portfolio."

Lufthansa is also the first airline to distinguish between the impact of economy, business and first class passengers in its online calculator (which is based on the emissions of the whole group's fleet over the course of a month). Like BA, however, the German carrier has stopped short of applying a "radiative forcing" multiplier to allow for the effect of emissions being produced at altitude, as recommended by some climate scientists and as used by both Myclimate and Climate Care in their own calculators.

Qantas has also chosen not to use a multiplier in its online calculator, but has broken new ground by including its ground operations as well as its aircraft when calculating emissions on each flight sector. The group has achieved certification under the Australian Government's Greenhouse Friendly initiative, but has yet to choose a long-term partner for its scheme. A spokesperson said: "We have a short list for our ongoing programme, which is soon to be finalised. Suppliers are Australian Greenhouse Office accredited and programmes are not Qantas-specific at this stage."

Passengers should note, however, that the Australian government currently gives accreditation to offset providers which run reforestation schemes - indeed to mark the launch of the initiative, Qantas offset all its flights on September 19 by putting funds towards CO2 Australia's project to plant 90,000 eucalyptus trees. Since trees only remove carbon from the atmosphere temporarily, most major European offset providers have switched to energy-based projects which prevent emissions.

For more information go to lufthansa.com, swiss.com, myclimate.org, qantas.com. To read the Green Focus in Business Traveller's September issue, click here.

By Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker



Aqueous Cream

Here's a tip that's useful even if you're not on a trip. If you need a shave desperately and shaving cream is expensive where you happen to be, the cheapest and indeed the best is available over the counter from pharmacies - aqueous cream. It comes in tubes and economy pots and (as the name implies) is excellent for moisturizing dry skin. Highly recommended.

By: Business Traveller Magazine


More Tips:

Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Pickpocket Pocket Fix
Mugger's Wallet
Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking
Keep Track of Your Companion
Frustrate a Pickpocket
Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof

Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof



Consider placing an extra bag with a zipper on your boxer shorts. Put your belongings in a plastic bag in there when going to tropical countries. Sweat will not pass the plastic, and it takes a great pickpocket to steal your belongings.

 By: Jan Egbert De Wit


More Tips:

Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Pickpocket Pocket Fix
Mugger's Wallet
Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking
Keep Track of Your Companion
Frustrate a Pickpocket
Aqueous Cream

Frustrate a Pickpocket


Frustrate a Pickpocket


Another trick for your front pocket wallet: Put a comb in the fold of your wallet. With the wallet opening to the top of your pocket and the teeth of the comb facing up, the comb will catch and make it difficult to remove the wallet. Saved me from a pickpocket on the subway in Barcelona.

 By: Larry Englund

More Tips:


Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Pickpocket Pocket Fix
Mugger's Wallet
Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking
Keep Track of Your Companion
Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof
Aqueous Cream

Keep Track of Your Companion



On a crowded city street with a large tour group, and you are busy looking at history and your wife wanders off to the nearest shop? Men, carry a large patterned umbrella (big, bright flowers work well) and have your wife carry the same. Then, if you get separated, you can both open them up and raise them above the crowd and find each other in an instant.

By: Randy Danielson

More Tips:

Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Pickpocket Pocket Fix
Mugger's Wallet
Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking
Frustrate a Pickpocket
Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof
Aqueous Cream

Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking


Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking


Roll your ties backwards and very tightly round two of your fingers, starting from the narrow end and finishing with the wide. Then secure by rolling a sock over each one, separately. This method will keep the ties from getting creased, and will even remove that annoying twist.

By: Stanley Ginsburg



More Tips:

Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Pickpocket Pocket Fix
Mugger's Wallet
Keep Track of Your Companion
Frustrate a Pickpocket
Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof
Aqueous Cream


Mugger's Wallet

I always carry a 'mugger's wallet' when travelling overseas - with a big bill in front and a half-dozen or so smaller bills behind, along with my photo ID library card, some other papers, hotel coupons, etc, for bulk. Day-to-day, this is my source for minor expenses. But in an emergency, I can surrender it easily and hope that the assailant is more interested in a quick windfall than carefully assessing the situation and evaluating whether or not I have more stashed somewhere that he'll have to go to considerable effort to get. Thus far I've been fortunate and have only used it for the day-to-day minor expenses.

 By: Christopher Nicholson

More Tips:


Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Pickpocket Pocket Fix
Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking
Keep Track of Your Companion
Frustrate a Pickpocket
Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof
Aqueous Cream


Pickpocket Pocket Fix


I carry my wallet in my trouser pocket. Pocket openings are usually quite wide, so I take a safety pin and, from the inside of the trousers, I pin the pocket and reduce the size of the opening so that I can only just remove the wallet. That way it's still accessible but no pickpocket can slide it out of there.

By: Harry


More Tips:

Where to Keep Your Wallet
Two Dollar Bills to the Rescue
Rubberband Around Your Wallet
Mugger's Wallet
Keep Your Ties Fresh-Looking
Keep Track of Your Companion
Frustrate a Pickpocket
Boxer Shorts Pickpocket-Proof
Aqueous Cream


Rubberband Around Your Wallet


Rubberband Around Your Wallet


Make sure that you have a thick rubberband around your wallet. This will ensure that you will FEEL if someone is picking your pocket with the friction of the rubberband against the material of your slacks as they try to relieve you of the wallet!

By: Catherine Pierowicz


More Tips:

Where to Keep Your Wallet