Travel Tips & Trends
Hey, that's my suitcase!
When was the last time a security agent checked to make sure your luggage tag matched the claim number attached to your airline ticket? If it's been a while, don't worry: Theft at the baggage carousel has become so uncommon that airlines rarely look at baggage claim tags.
“Since 9/11, thieves seem to be intimidated by the increase in security at the airport,” says Larry Ratti, a police sergeant at San Francisco International Airport. “It used to be that maybe five bags a month were stolen at SFO, and now it's down to maybe one, and sometimes even none.” Many airports have undercover officers who monitor carousels.
What travelers really need to worry about is someone taking their suitcase accidentally.
“Theft does occur, but much more frequently someone's bag ends up in the hands of another passenger by mistake,” says Debbie Millett, a spokeswoman for McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas . “There are a lot of black bags out there.”
To avoid mix-ups, use a bright ribbon or strap to distinguish your suitcase from others. Always double-check to make sure that the bag you've grabbed is really yours, and try to get to the carousel quickly so you're there when your luggage arrives.
Amending your passport
The Department of State recently changed its policy on amending passports. For security reasons, customers requesting name changes or other corrections must now apply for replacement passports instead of having their current passport amended.
If you need to make changes to the information on your passport within one year after issuance, there is no charge. You must submit a Passport Re-Application Form along with your current passport, any documentation required, and new photos.
If the change takes place more than one year after issuance, you will need to submit an Application for Passport By Mail, together with your current passport, documentation and photos. The cost is the standard $67.
The Passport Amendment/Validation Form, previously used to amend passports, will no longer be valid. For more information visit the only official U.S. government website for passport information at www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Driving in Britain —No Sweat
Many Americans worry about renting a car in Great Britain , Australia , New Zealand or other countries where they drive “on the wrong side of the road.” In fact, left-side driving is easier than you may think.
The pedals are configured the same as in your American car. The major difference is that the gearshift is operated by your left hand, not your right.
For this reason it's best to request a vehicle with automatic transmission so you can fully concentrate on left-side driving. If this isn't possible, take a few moments to practice shifting in an off-road location such as an empty parking lot.
The hardest thing for many people is judging their distance from the curb. Using your rearview mirrors can help you stay in the middle of your lane.
An easy way of keeping yourself on the correct side of the road is to remember that the driver should always be positioned closest to the center of the road, no matter which country you're in.
For highway driving, remember which is the slow lane. Just like in the USA , the slow lane is the one in which you enter and exit the highway. So in countries that drive on the left side of the road, the far left lane (entry/exit lane) is the slow lane, and the far right lane is the fast lane.
Roundabouts (traffic circles) are a common method of controlling intersections. Traffic moves in a clockwise direction and you must yield to all vehicles on your right. If you're not sure where to exit the roundabout, feel free to go around again. Many learner drivers have memories of circling their first roundabout numerous times before finding their exit!
Speaking of learners, an “L” sign displayed in the rear window of a car indicates that the driver is inexperienced. If you lack confidence, a homemade “L” may be a good idea, usually prompting other motorists to give you a wide berth and extra courtesy.
Know and obey the road rules, stay alert and drive with extra caution. You'll soon be keeping up with the locals.
Fingerprints for faster airport screenings?
Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced several parameters for a nationwide private sector Registered Traveler (RT) program, including the use of fingerprints for identification purposes. The program is intended to accelerate the screening process at participating airports for passengers who voluntarily enroll. There will be a price associated with the RT program that will be established by the private sector providers.
In order to give providers the opportunity to begin offering Registered Traveler programs later this year, TSA is directing them to collect 10 fingerprint images from each applicant. These fingerprints will be stored on Smart Cards that will be used to verify participant identity at RT checkpoints. All Registered Traveler data will be handled in compliance with the Federal Privacy Act.
If providers wish to invest in approved screening equipment, fund additional screeners, and/or obtain space for separate RT screening, then TSA is prepared to authorize the use of dedicated screening lanes or alternative screening locations for RT participants.
TSA says the additional security of a more thorough background check may give significant benefits to participants in terms of airport wait times.
Being a Registered Traveler will not exempt participants from random additional screening, and program benefits will change from time to time in order to make it more difficult for terrorists to anticipate security activities.
TSA approval of qualified RT programs is expected by June of this year.
What do AAA Colorado members think of a voluntary, fee-based, fingerprint program that will speed participants through airport security? Email your thoughts to editor@colorado.aaa.com.
Alternative Vacations for Families
A discussion of top family vacation spots normally lists those destinations drawing the most visitors, such as major theme parks. Following are some ideas for U.S. destinations that offer real-world travel experiences:
• America 's early roots can be traced in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region during visits to Colonial Williamsburg, historical Philadelphia , and Mount Vernon , the former home of George Washington.
• Washington , D.C. offers an incredible array of national monuments and museums, and Gettysburg National Military Park is a poignant, 3,000-acre memorial to the 158,000 Americans who fought in that pivotal Civil War battle.
• The American West conjures images of cowboys, Native Americans, pioneers, and outlaws. Many seminal events in our nation's history occurred on our western frontiers. The region is also home to some of our most inspiring national treasures, including Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Grand Canyon.
• Our 49th and 50th states, Alaska and Hawaii, could hardly be more different. Each offers a variety of scenic wonders and cultural heritage sure to delight children and parents alike.
Motion sickness dos and don'ts
Whether it happens in a boat, plane or car, motion sickness is the most common medical problem associated with travel.
The problem is caused by a disruption to your sense of balance, which is maintained by your brain based on information it receives from four sources:
1. Structures in your inner ear monitor your direction of motion.
2. Your eyes monitor your body's orientation—upside down, right side up, face down, etc.—and also your direction of motion.
3. Skin pressure receptors in the joints and spine tell what part of the body is touching the ground, and where “down” is according to gravity.
4. Muscle and joint sensory receptors tell what parts of the body are moving. When your brain receives conflicting messages from these systems, motion sickness is the result.
For example, when you are sitting in the back seat of a moving car reading a book, your inner ears and skin receptors detect the motion of your travel, but your eyes see only the pages of your book, giving your brain the message that you are stationary.
To reduce the effects of motion sickness:
• Do ride where your eyes can see the correct context for the motion that your body feels. For example, sit in the front seat of the car and look at the distant scenery; go up on the deck of the ship and watch the horizon or the land (not the waves).
• Do avoid rapid head movements, strong odors and greasy foods.
• Do stay in the fresh air if possible. If not, use vents to direct cool air toward your face.
• Do not dwell on the problem. On a ship or plane, get up and do something; it will distract your mind and help your body get back to normal.
• Do choose a seat over the wing or a cabin in the middle of the ship, where the motion is least.
• Do not sit facing backward, lie down, read, or stare at the floor.
• Do try your favorite folk remedy. Though still unproven by medical science, many people have their own “secret cure” they believe works for them. Ginger is highly regarded by some; others swear by flat soda. If nothing else, at least it will keep you eating and drinking! Wristbands based on acupressure points are one of the most popular methods.
• Do talk to your physician if you regularly suffer from severe motion sickness. He or she may recommend medication for your next trip. Some types can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription. Drowsiness is a side effect of some, so consider the activities you have planned when choosing a remedy.
Fuel for Thought
• The United States is by far the largest consumer of gasoline in the world, accounting for 43% of the world's total gasoline consumption.
• There have been no improvements in the average fuel efficiency for passenger cars since 1992. Most of the increased U.S. gasoline consumption over the last two decades has been due to the use of larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.
• While U.S. oil companies held enough gasoline in inventory to cover about 40 days of average U.S. consumption in the early 1980s, by 2004, the gasoline they held in inventory could cover less than 23 days' consumption.
• As demand has grown steadily and refinery capacity tightened, the U.S. has imported increasingly larger volumes of gasoline. In 1970, imported gasoline accounted for about 1% of total U.S. gasoline consumption. In 2004, imports accounted for 10%, or about 38 million gallons of gasoline per day.
Avoiding post-cruise sticker shock
By Rebecca Antioco
While cruising can be a cost-efficient way to travel, it does have additional expenses beyond the cruise price that should be considered when budgeting for your trip:
• Gratuities. Most cruise lines now charge gratuities directly to your stateroom. The standard starts at about $10 per day, per passenger in your room. You can increase or decrease this amount, or recognize a specific crewmember at the front desk on the last day of your cruise.
• Shore excursions. If you want to participate in tours and other organized on-shore activities, you'll have to pay. Most cruise lines send you their shore excursions list prior to departure and let you reserve tours in advance.
• Spa and fitness. The ship's spa may not be your thing, but if it is, many have lower rates when the ship is in port. Fitness center use is usually free, but there may be a fee for some exercise classes. When in doubt, ask.
• Pictures. Cruise line photographers take your picture when you embark, at the lifeboat drill, in port, at dinner, on formal night—in short, everywhere. Then the pictures are posted in the photo gallery for you to buy. Wait to buy until the end of the cruise so you don't wind up with more than you really want.
• Shopping. The ship's shopping areas offer the usual souvenir fare alongside jewelry, duty-free liquor and more. Ports teem with shops. Be wise and budget accordingly.
• Drinks. A few sodas at lunch, a poolside beer, a bottle of wine at dinner, an evening cocktail—it adds up. Some ships offer a discount system for non-alcoholic beverages, such as a punch card or refillable mug.
• Casino. If you plan to play, use cash, and keep gambling money separate from the rest of your traveling cash.
Lastly, plan for the unexpected. Maybe your sunglasses fell overboard, or you needed to email your friends back home. Small expenses can add up, so put a little cushion in your travel budget, just in case.
Where are you thinking of going?
Each month thousands of AAA members visit the AAA Colorado website, www.aaa.com, to route and map travel, and search for hotel rooms, car rentals and flights. Here are the top five destinations researched in January:
Colorado:
1. Denver
2. Colorado Springs
3. Grand Junction
4. Breckenridge
5. Black Hawk
Outside Colorado:
1. Las Vegas
2. Phoenix
3. Orlando
4. San Diego
5. Los Angeles
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