Tips for Summer Travel

Summertime often means travel for families with school-aged kids. So I've put together a short series on my best travel tips for frequent travelers. Feel free to add your own in the" comments" section. And check back tomorrow for more.· Search smartly for airline tickets. Most people don’t cancel their “hold” reservations when they change their minds. Because "holds" usually expire at midnight, 1 AM is a better time than 2 PM to grab good seats.
· Use a credit card that offers generous points on air and hotel travel. For example, the Capital One Visa card allows a lot of flexibility and generous points on a variety of airlines (two miles/dollar). If you fly only on American, you might prefer the AA Citicard Mastercard.
· If you travel to do humanitarian work, know that some airlines, such as British Air, will allow you to take up to three bags of 50 pounds each without charging extra-luggage fees. (Remember to factor such fees into the price of your ticket.) Some airlines also extend to humanitarian travelers a longer “hold” period on reservations, and they will allow last-minute changes in transit without penalty. Investigate your options.
· Once you book your lodging, check to make sure you belong to the hotel’s frequent-traveler program. Even if you plan to stay only once, enroll to receive benefits such as free Wi-fi, cookies on check-in, daily newspapers, and/or access to executive lounges.
· Choose your airline seat with care. If you want the smoothest ride, select a place over the wings. If you need quiet, sit as far forward as possible, but avoid the galley and bathrooms. If you have long legs, go for the first row or select a seat beside an emergency exit. Consider whether you prefer a good view (window seat) over access to a restroom without having to crawl over anyone (aisle).
· Use luggage that’s not black (like everybody else’s), so you can quickly identify it in baggage claim. But avoid purchasing a brightly colored bag that will get you targeted as an American.
· Create a checklist in your computer and print out a copy when it’s time to pack. Cross off each item as you pack it. If you travel with a pet, keep a list for Fido or Fluffy’s items, too. Make sure your list includes ticket, money, itinerary, and passport.
· Complete the emergency contact information on your passport and keep it updated.
· Forward a copy of your itinerary to a family member or trusted friend so at least one person knows how to find you if you don’t answer your phone.
· Tuck a few thank-you notes inside a book or magazine you plan to keep. If you need to thank someone, you’ll have what you need.
· Check the weather report for your destination, and pack accordingly. If you live in Dallas or Maui, where it often stays warm at night, it’s easy to forget that August nights in the Pacific Northwest require sweatshirts.
· Buy a good pair of shoes for travel that could pass for dress shoes. Make sure they slip on and off easily and that they won’t hurt your feet if you have to run from one end of an airport to the other.
· Keep a separate cosmetic kit for travel-only and fill it with copies of your travel insurance card and eye-glass prescription, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, aspirin, cotton swabs, a brush, deodorant, extra contacts (with cases) and eye drops, nail clippers, purse-size tissues, an extra set of eyeglasses, your favorite make-up, shampoo, conditioner, curling iron, and an empty pill bottle. The latter will remind you to take medications with you. When it’s time to go, place in the empty bottle the number of pills you will need for your trip and stash in your carry-on.
· Keep a flashlight in your luggage. Install the batteries upside down so if the light gets knocked on, the batteries won’t go dead.
· Purchase an extra phone recharger cord and store it in the pocket of your luggage so you never get stranded without that necessary item. For creative summer fun that doesn't require travel, go here for ideas.