Checklists for Life

12

Travel

Travel usually goes most smoothly for those who’ve had the most experience doing it. But this expertise is usually won the hard way, by making plenty of mistakes. You can avoid learning the hard way, though, by cruising through these lists. They’ll help you get organized, and you’ll soon be traveling with the ease and sophistication of a seasoned pro.

 How to Choose a Travel Agent

Despite the sharp rise in the number of travelers purchasing their own airline tickets on the Internet, 80 percent of all flights are still booked by travel agents. Their services cost you little or nothing because they are mainly paid through commissions from airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and so forth. Although some agents now charge a processing fee to make up for commission caps instituted in 1985 by the airlines, most are trying to give you your money’s worth by offering better and more creative services. Many agencies now do specialized destination planning (they can arrange your African safari, your white-water rafting trip, or your trek through Nepal), but even for less exotic trips, a travel agent can set you up with rental cars, getaway packages, and guided tours and save you a lot of legwork.

Before you put your dream vacation or important business trip in anyone’s hands, make sure you will be working with a seasoned agent who has your best interests at heart. Ask these questions at three or four agencies and take notes on the answers.


1.

Are you approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC)? IATA requires bonding for membership; ARC is the organization that collects funds from travel agencies and regulates their daily operations. An agency without IATA or ARC affiliations is not a travel agency at all, merely a booking agent or tour operator.

2.

Are you a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)? Membership doesn’t guarantee professional conduct and ethics, but ASTA has a code of principles to follow. The Society also has a mediation/arbitration system between member agencies and their customers.

3.

Are your agents Certified Travel Counselors? The Institute of Certified Travel Agents only grants CTC status to agents who have completed a special training course and have at least five years’ full-time experience. If your agent doesn’t have this certification, he or she may not have the background and experience necessary to get the best deals for you.

4.

Do you have preferred supplier arrangements with any travel companies? If your agent has such relationships and receives bonuses, rebates, or other remuneration from certain companies, you may not wind up with the best deal. On the other hand, if you suddenly need an airline seat or hotel room for an emergency trip, your agent’s relationship with “preferred suppliers” could work to your advantage. Evaluate a “yes” answer in terms of whether it might be of value to you.

5.

Does your agency subscribe to the OAG electronic tariff system? This is a computerized version of the monthly tariff book most travel agents use. It is updated daily and allows agents to get the hottest information on special offers, such as promotional and introductory fares.

6.

Do you focus primarily on business or leisure travel? Do you have agents who specialize in one or the other? It’s wise to pick an agent who specializes in the kind of travel you do most often. You might even consider using one person at the agency for vacations and another for your business trips.

7.

Does your agency use three or more Computer Reservations Systems (CRSs)? With fewer than three, the agency may be missing the latest and best fares. If it doesn’t have access to more than one, an agency can make up for it by routinely checking last-minute seat availability with airlines for which it doesn’t have direct CRS access.

8.

Does the owner work in the agency? An owner-operated agency often runs more smoothly and has less turnover of agents. It is also good to know that if you have a problem, you can immediately take it to someone with a vested interested in keeping you happy.

9.

Do you deliver tickets and is there a charge for it? This can be a wonderful convenience if the agency you choose is not on your normal driving route.

10.

Will you keep my travel profile on file? A profile that includes your frequent flier numbers, your meal and seating preferences, and any other special needs will save you time and lessen the chance of booking errors.

Sometimes in-house travel agents at large companies will book personal travel. Check to see if your company offers this convenience.

 How to Pack for a Trip

The most important advice about packing for a trip can be stated simply in two words: pack light. Figuring out how to do that—while packing everything you need—is more complicated and takes practice. Follow the tips on this checklist and you’ll pack like a veteran traveler the next time you go away.


1.

Coordinate your outfits. Bring clothes you can mix and match. Choose one main color for your travel wardrobe, such as black, gray, navy, or khaki, and pack only items that coordinate.

2.

Consider your plans. Make a list of your planned activities and consider which clothing will be best for each event. Remember color coordination as you do this.

3.

Figure out what you can get away with. If you’ll be seeing different people every day, take fewer items and get more use out of them by bringing clean shirts or tops to refresh a few suits, skirts, pants, and jackets.

4.

Inspect your clothes. Don’t wait until you’re filling your suitcase to look at the clothes you’re planning to pack. Give yourself time to sew on buttons, do laundry, or take clothes to the cleaners.

5.

Shun your shoes. Coordinating your clothing means you’ll need fewer pairs of shoes. Since they are usually the heaviest and bulkiest items in a suitcase, consider taking two pairs that can be rotated for hygiene and comfort and a third pair of casual shoes or sneakers.

6.

Avoid wrinkles. Pack in layers that are tight enough to keep garments from shifting around and loose enough so they aren’t jammed together.

 

• Pack suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses in plastic dry cleaning bags.

 

• Drape longer clothing across the suitcase and leave the edges hanging. Lay smaller items like T-shirts on top before folding the long ends over. This provides a little cushioning and helps prevent creasing.

 

• Roll sweaters, pajamas, and other casual clothing to fill any gaps in the suitcase.

 

• Put heavy items, such as shoes and hair dryer, together along one edge of the suitcase or in a separate bag to keep them from weighing down and crushing clothing.

 

• Forget about linen.

7.

Make a list. Before you pack, jot down everything you must take with you. Check each item off as you put it in your luggage (don’t forget to include toiletries, medication, etc.). This will do wonders to reduce travel-induced premature aging.

Roll underwear, socks, and other small items and tuck them into your shoes to keep your favorite wingtips from being crushed. Put shoes in plastic bags to avoid soiling other clothing.

 What to Pack in Your Carry-on

If you’d hate to lose it, pack it in your carry-on. Also, pack whatever you need for one night in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Use these ideas to create a checklist tailored to your requirements.


1.

Medication.

2.

Eyeglasses and contact lens solution.

3.

Expensive or irreplaceable jewelry.

4.

Itinerary.

5.

Tickets.

6.

Hotel address and reservation number.

7.

Rental car information and confirmation number.

8.

Directions to destination.

9.

Money and credit cards.

10.

Overnight essentials. If you’re caught without your luggage, you’ll want your toothbrush and other toiletries.

11.

Passport and visa if needed.

12.

Reading material.

13.

Camera, computer, and any other expensive equipment.

 Before You Go Abroad: What You Need

If you are traveling to a foreign country for the first time, you may be in unfamiliar territory long before your plane takes off; it isn’t easy to figure out exactly what you need to do to leave and enter another country legally. This checklist tells you what you may need and how to get it.


1.

Passport. A United States citizen must have a current passport to leave the country. U.S. passports are good for ten years and cost $65; renewals are $55. It usually takes about six to eight weeks to process a passport, but that can be cut to about ten days by asking for the Expedite option, which costs an extra $35. First-time passport applicants must go in person to a passport office or post office with proof of citizenship (a certified copy of a birth certificate or naturalization or citizenship papers), and proof of identity (a driver’s license or photo identity card). You’ll also need two identical 2×2-inch front-view photos of yourself against a white or light background which you can purchase quickly and easily at most photo stores and certain copy centers. (It helps to wear a dark color when you have this photo taken.) Make a copy of your passport to carry with you, but keep it separate from the original.

2.

Visa. A visa is an official authorization stamped inside your passport showing that the host country permits you to travel within its borders for a limited amount of time and for a specific purpose (vacation, business, academic study, etc.). Not all countries require American tourists to obtain visas. To find out if you need one for your trip and how long it will take to obtain one, call the country’s embassy or consulate in the city nearest you or the airline or hotel you’ve booked. But make sure your information is current; visa requirements can change quickly with new governments or during politically sensitive events.

3.

Vaccines or immunization shots. To find out about the requirements for your destination, call the State Department at 202-647-5225 or the Centers for Disease Control at 404-639-2572. You can also check with your local health department.

4.

International driver’s license. In many countries, a valid U.S. license is sufficient for legal driving and car rental. Call the American Automobile Association to find out what is required where you are traveling. The AAA can issue the license, which costs $10, requires only a simple application form, and is issued immediately.

5.

Automobile insurance. Call your insurance representative and ask for details on what coverage your policy provides for driving in a foreign country. Also talk to your credit card company; some offer fairly generous coverage for their customers traveling overseas. It’s a good idea to bring your automobile insurance information with you in any case.

6.

Foreign currency. Purchase foreign currency before your trip through Thomas Cook Currency Services (800-287-7362) or a foreign currency office in your area (listed in the Yellow Pages). The exchange rate is published in the Sunday travel section of most major newspapers; you can get updated information by calling a currency dealer. It’s cheaper to obtain foreign currency by using your ATM to withdraw money from a bank machine in that country. But there can be glitches if you don’t ask your bank for the exact procedure ahead of time (must it come from your savings account? will your PIN number work as usual?).

7.

Telephone codes. Call your calling card company to ask for the access numbers for the countries you’ll be visiting. Also, let them know you’re going overseas. Occasionally telephone calling card companies will place a “theft and loss” hold on a card that suddenly turns up in a foreign country.

 Extras to Pack When You Travel Abroad

Experienced travelers have a saying about packing for overseas trips: “Bring half the clothes and twice the money.” Here’s a checklist of the other things you’ll want to take along.


1.

Passport.

2.

Visa, if required.

3.

Electricity converter for foreign plugs. You’ll need a 1600-watt converter.

4.

Adapters for the converter. Electric outlets differ the world over. You’d be wise to pick up an assortment of socket adapters when you purchase the electricity converter.

5.

Foreign currency to cover taxi or other transportation expense when you arrive.

6.

Street address and telephone number of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination city.

7.

List of credit card numbers. Make a couple of copies and take one with you, leave one at home.

8.

Emergency assistance numbers for your credit cards, in case they are lost or stolen. Add this to the list of credit cards, but keep the number in another place just to be extra careful.

9.

Currency conversion chart. Freelance foreign correspondent Kitty Felde suggests making one yourself before leaving home by sitting down with your calculator and the currency exchange rates from the daily newspaper. It is especially convenient for odd sums or multiple countries. Keep the chart in your wallet.

10.

Washcloths. They aren’t standard equipment all over the world. If you use them, consider packing a few.

11.

Benadryl. This over-the-counter antihistamine usually causes drowsiness as a side effect. Many veteran travelers take Benadryl to help them sleep during overnight flights.

12.

Small book of foreign phrases. The simplest transactions can become complicated if you have no idea how to communicate with non-English speakers.

13.

Preaddressed envelopes. You can also print out computer labels for postcards and letters you plan to send. This method is lighter than carrying your address book and safer in case you lose it.

14.

Reentry packet. Put everything you’ll need when you get home (house and car keys, parking receipt, money for parking lot, phone calls, public transportation, etc.) in a change purse or Ziploc bag in a deep pocket of your carry-on. These items will be out of your way during the trip but right where you need them when you get home.

 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Hotel Room

The quality and character of your accommodations can influence the whole experience of your trip, sometimes coloring the way you feel about an entire city. Ask these questions to ensure you’re getting exactly the room you want and at the best possible price.


1.

Is there a cancellation penalty? Some hotels keep a portion of your deposit, some will refund only if they are able to book the room after you cancel, and still others will refund a deposit if the reservation is cancelled with a certain amount of notice. Make sure you understand what the policy is.

2.

Is there a check-out penalty? Some hotels charge you for leaving before your check-out date. For example, if you book the room through Monday, but decide to leave Sunday, will you pay a fee?

3.

What are check-in and check-out times? Is there any grace period for checking out a bit later? Is it possible to check in early, or to store your bags at the hotel if you arrive before your room is ready?

4.

What other costs may be added? A hotel’s overnight rate may sound good, but it quickly becomes expensive if you must pay substantial taxes and surcharges or high fees to garage your car each day. (These fees may not apply at lodgings outside major cities, so you may want to consider staying beyond city limits.)

5.

What is your confirmation policy? If you arrive late in the day, until what time will the hotel hold your room? Does your deposit guarantee it for you?

6.

What is nearby? Ask where the hotel is relative to the activities you plan for your visit (going to the beach, visiting museums, exploring the historic district, going to the theater). Even if you will have a car, it’s good to know how much time is required to get where you want to go.

7.

Are the facilities modern? Many older hotels absolutely ooze charm. But when the shower oozes rusty water, the charm dries up fast. Ask what you’re getting into when booking older accommodations.

8.

What amenities do you offer? Do you prefer a swimming pool? Workout area? Do the rooms have telephones and televisions? How about hair dryers? The answers to these questions will definitely affect your packing decisions and could have an impact on whether or not you’re happy there.

9.

Do you have discounts available? You may be eligible for discounts based on your age, membership in associations such as AAA, or your frequent flyer status. But you won’t know if you don’t ask.

10.

May I have a confirmation number? This will be invaluable if the hotel “can’t find” your reservation when you arrive.



SPECIFY EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT

Don’t take anything for granted when booking a hotel. If you want a king-sized bed in a nonsmoking room and you can’t bear street noise, tell the reservation agent.


Avoid calling a hotel chain’s toll-free 800 reservation number. You’ll almost always get a better deal by telephoning the hotel directly and dealing with a clerk at the desk who will have more information about specials and more leeway to offer lower rates.

 Checklist for Staying Safe at a Hotel

The key to protecting yourself and your possessions while traveling is not very different from staying safe at home: be alert to your surroundings and use common sense in evaluating situations that come up. Put this checklist in your luggage for reference while traveling and review it before you leave home.


1.

Safety in numbers. If you’re a woman traveling alone, consider booking the room and checking in as husband and wife. To avoid a double room charge, phone the desk shortly after your arrival to let them know that “Mr.” won’t be coming after all.

2.

Study the fire exit plan posted on the back of the door. If nothing is posted, make a note of the exits nearest your room and spend a couple of moments planning a quick exit route, just in case.

3.

Don’t attract attention. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other valuables at the registration desk, hotel restaurant, or lobby.

4.

Keep your door shut. Use your peep hole to find out who’s at the door before opening it. Never open the door to anyone claiming to be a hotel service person unless you’ve called for one. If in doubt, telephone the desk to confirm the identity while the person waits outside the door. A rubber doorjamb—the kind used to keep doors open—also works well to keep doors closed when it’s wedged under the inside. Make sure any connecting or sliding glass doors and windows are securely locked.

5.

Don’t hang the “Make Up This Room” card on your door when you go out. It’s an invitation to burglars looking for easy pickings. Leaving the “Do Not Disturb” sign up and the television on can be a fairly good deterrent. If the maid passes you by, you can always call housekeeping later in the day.

6.

Avoid regular patterns of entering and leaving your room. Vary the times at which you leave and return and occasionally come back to your room after a few minutes, if possible.

7.

Be alert for staged distractions in the lobby that may be created to provide an opportunity for a pickpocket or purse/luggage snatcher.

8.

Hand carry your precious items and vital documents. Keep your laptop, personal travel documents, and anything else you can’t afford to lose under your own control at all times.

9.

Use the room or hotel safe. Don’t leave anything valuable behind when you exit the room.

10.

Use the main entrance to your hotel when returning after dark. Avoid dimly lit garages without security patrols. In any type of parking structure, look around for strange or suspicious behavior before you get out of the car.

11.

Purchase an instant release key chain so you can keep your house and other keys when you leave your car key with valets or other parking personnel.

12.

Keep your room key where it can’t be stolen.



Checklists for Life
Checklists for Life: 104 Lists to Help You Get Organized, Save Time, and Unclutter Your Life
ISBN: 0375707336
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 1998
Pages: 28

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