31.3.10

Lady Travel Talk: Staying Safe without Losing Adventure

We are pleased to introduce our 3rd guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk series, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing. Today's guest blogger is Brenda Boitson, she is a Content Producer for Associated Content, a blogger and first time novelist.

She works for an architectural firm, storage rental facility during the day, in addition to her freelance work for Associated. Brenda will graduate with her Associate's Degree in Business this fall. Actively involved in sarcoma and young grief awareness due to personal experience, Brenda maintains a blog about her life as a widow.

Brenda is resident of Lancaster, PA and spends a lot of her time exploring the world around her through various forms of travel: road trips, camping, flying, on her bike, etc. She's embarked on numerous road trips to nearly a dozen National Parks, has visited 37 states, and enjoys camping, hiking and surf fishing.

Today Brenda shares insights from her journeys that have kept her adventures safe, not sorry:

Post-high school graduation, a girlfriend and I drove from Pennsylvania to California and back in 15 days, camping most of the way. That trip was just the start of an insane love affair with the open road, the clear blue skies, and being anywhere but here.

I have taken my various trips by road, and by air, and have learned along the way how to stay safe as a women traveler. While I am fiercely independent, I also understand that does not mean I need to ignore warning signs.

With restrictions on the types of protection you can bring with your person on an airplane, it has become harder to protect ourselves with common devices such as pepper spray. Around town, it stays with me all the time, but when I travel it is prohibited.

Before you leave on any trip, streamline your belongings. That means you need to clean out your purse, or decide to leave it at home. Bring only the necessary cash, credit cards, and identification-leave everything else in a secure spot at home. The more you bring the greater chance you have of dropping something, or losing your entire identity on a trip.

Over the years, I have learned to keep a bag ready to go with an extra set of toiletries so that all I have to do is throw in some clothes, and I am good to go. It has helped me to stay organized, and never forget a thing. This also allows me to make more spontaneous trips, as I can leave at a moment’s notice. Make sure you know where all your important documents are stored that are required for traveling so you can grab and go.

Another good pre-trip necessity is to program emergency contact cell phone numbers into your phone. Who would you want called if you are found lying in the street? While I hope this never happens to any of you, it will save emergency officials time and possibly your life to be able to call a family member or friend immediately. I have those people listed as “Emergency Contact #1, #2 and #3” in my phone.

I would highly consider purchasing travel insurance. It is quick and easy to purchase online, and there are many reputable companies that offer this service. It can be done on your way to the airport, and may save you thousands of dollars if you become ill or have an accident on your trip.

When flying, I opt not to use the overhead compartment on the airlines as my luggage storage. I check all my bags but one that contains my check in necessities, along with clean underwear, toothbrush, deodorant, contact solution, and of course, a good book. While my luggage has been lost in the past, I find that dragging my luggage through the airports weighs me down. I feel better protected with having it stored away to be lost at someone else’s expense, versus making me a target.

When you arrive at your destination, familiarize yourself with key locations. Find out where the nearest hospital is located, make sure you have important contact numbers in the case of an emergency, and stay organized. Usually when I arrive at my destination, I throw my suitcase on the ground, and collapse on the bed. It is always good to unpack immediately to make sure you have all the items you brought with yourself, and to store away important items you cannot risk losing.

You can become sufficient in protecting yourself just by becoming aware of your surroundings. Stay around groups of people, look down all alleys you pass, and never be afraid to look behind you like a paranoid tourist. So often I catch myself riffling through my purse trying to find my lip balm, and that distracts me from my surroundings. Moments like these put us at risk for becoming a potential victim. Use a purse that goes across your torso, and again-streamline, streamline, streamline. Traveling is a great time to become organized!

Before you leave your destination, re-organize your suitcase, carry on, and purse. Make a list of the items you purchased at your destination in case of having to claim them. Double check your room before you check out and always provide a tip for the cleaning staff. Don’t forget that clean pair of underwear in your carryon bag. One never knows when bad weather will strike and an unexpected overnight layover will occur; no one wants to go commando on an airplane!

By far, traveling spontaneously is one of the best adventures you can take. However, we should never lose sight of preparation. You can be prepared for spontaneity if you stay organized, and still enjoy the beauty of exploring the world.

Do you, like Brenda, take time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings when traveling?
What have you found to be the best method to do this?
Another point that we found interesting from Brenda's post is the recommendation of checking your bags to lighten your load once in the airport. Do you agree?

24.3.10

Lady Travel Talk: Safe & Exciting Travel Made Easy

We are pleased to introduce our 2nd guest blogger of the Lady Travel Talk, a mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This series covers a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Tracey C. Jones, she is a President of Tremendous Life Books.

Her father, the late Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, started Executive Books for the purpose of changing the world one book at a time. With an exceptional leadership background, Tracey became the company’s new president in 2009 in order to carry on her father’s legacy.

Tracey was born and raised in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. As a high school graduate anxious to see the world, she attended New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM, earning an associates degree and an appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1988, she earned her degree and commission and entered the Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Her first assignment to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina took her overseas, where she participated in the first Gulf War. Upon her return to the States, Tracey moved to Bitburg Air Base, Germany and then RAF Lakenheath, UK where she honed her operational skills and filled command roles of increasing responsibility.

After twelve years as a commissioned officer, Tracey left the Air Force in 2000 and moved to Austin, Texas working for a top manufacturing firm in the semiconductor industry. There, she continued to develop her skills, this time in the civilian workforce as a project manager. While there, she earned an MBA in Global Management. Tracey recently moved back to Pennsylvania from St. Louis where she most recently was the project manager in charge of a diverse base operations service contract for the government.


Today Tracey shares with us a series of tips and trips that have helped her experience safe and exciting travel:

Traveling is one of my very favorite things in life. I grew up accompanying my father on business trips via planes, cruise ships and the infamous RV. I then continued my love of travel by joining the Air Force, where I got to fly in all types of aircraft to all sorts of locations. Once you get your routine down, travel for me is an escape, even if it’s for business reasons. It’s the one time I can sleep uninterrupted by the dog and cats vying for space on the bed all night long. While I am in those hotel rooms, I also imagine that my own personal house is that decoratively furnished, clean, and organized. What if I could fit all my belongings into a singular closet or dresser? I fantasize about my life being that clean and light.

But back to reality; I’ve learned a few tips along the journey’s way. First comes the packing. This is my very least favorite part of the trip and one I put off until about an hour before leaving for the airport. Since 9/11, the sky rocketing cost of fuel and the economic woes of the airlines, baggage has become a costly issue. So you’ve got to pack lean. Like any real woman, my instincts tell me to pack 20 pairs of shoes for a long weekend. But when it comes right down to it, just take two, a black one and a brown one. If its summer, indulge since sandals don’t take much space at all.

Also, if you don’t work out at home, don’t bother thinking you’ll work out on a business trip or vacation. Tennis shoes are big and heavy unless you plan on traveling in them. As far as the type of clothing, I would highly recommend the Travelers line from Chico’s. There’s even a store at the Hershey Outlets and they are always sending a catalogue full of further discounts. Their Travelers line has that name for a reason. The material can be balled up in your suitcase and will come out of the other side looking like new. I bring several skirts, pants, shirts made of this material with a belt or jacket to mix it up. This line covers the gambit from professional, to funky chic, to casual.

Now onto the personal items that fill your carry on. I always have the little dollar store plastic bottles on hand that I keep my shampoo and conditioner in. Or you can always use the hotel’s samples. Another huge advancement for women is the fact that almost all hotels now have a hair dryer in each room which saves a lot of room and weight. Every time you get a sample of perfume, keep it for your travel trip. That way you can bring that instead of running the risk of having your bigger bottle leak in your bag or, God forbid, get confiscated due to size. Lastly, I use Arbonne skin care products. They have their whole skin care line in these little travel containers and gorgeous gold mesh bag that I worship. When it’s time to travel I just grab the whole thing and slip it in my carry on.

With the strict limit of two carry-ons and more and more airlines using smaller regional jets, hauling a laptop if you don’t have, to is a nightmare. There’s also the hassle of getting it through security and having to pay fees for hotels that don’t offer free WiFi. My biggest headache relief was when I finally turned in my old phone for a Palm Pre that cost me $150 after rebate. I’m not promoting a particular brand, but do upgrade to a phone where you can synch your emails and review them while traveling. That way you can stay involved from afar and call if you need to. I can check work emails via Outlook, as well as my AOL account, and take a picture and load it immediately to Facebook to show everyone what a mahvelous time I’m having. Don’t let the technology scare you. Once you upgrade, you’ll wonder what took you so long.

Favorite girls' destinations are anywhere that has shopping, great dining, sightseeing, cool places for us to get dressed up and go out to, and spas. First and foremost is Las Vegas for so many reasons. The family traveled to Las Vegas when I was five years old and I’ve never forgotten the colors, the sounds, and the vibrancy. Vegas has something for everyone and you can go as high end or as budget conscious as you want. You can wear what you want. You can dine at award winning restaurants or hit the buffet. And the free people-watching is priceless. The lounges always have free entertainment, or you can pay to see one of the many amazing shows.

Security issues should always be taken into consideration. Only pack the credit card(s) you need. In other words, don’t take your whole wallet if you don’t need it. Don’t bring the high dollar jewelry unless you know the hotel has a safe in the room, is guaranteed in the event of theft, or you intend to keep it on your person. I always bring the costume stuff so if something happens, no big deal. After all, what better place to wear huge CZ baubles than Vegas, where nobody knows if they are real or not. Also, unless you are traveling out of country, leave your passport at home as well.

Be aware that when you arrive at the larger airports, you may be approached by taxi vendors that are not approved by the airport, i.e., scam artists. If in doubt, ask a sky hop where the approved waiting lines for taxis are. I also MapQuest how far my hotel is from the airport and the general direction so I can ensure I am not getting taken on a wild and expensive goose chase. It also never hurts because sometimes the taxi drivers do not know where something is and don’t have a GPS in their car! I’ve had this happen more than once.

Once in the hotel, ask the concierge what activities are going on or if there are hotel shuttles to tourist activities nearby. Another piece of advice: I am a very light sleeper, so I always see if there are rooms available on the business level. If not, I always ask that I not be near a wedding party, high school reunion, or any other large group where folks are going from room to room all hours of the day and night. When you get to your room and before you unpack, make sure everything works from the hot water to the fan. I once got all unpacked and ready for bed when I went to turn on the heater and soon found that my room was right by the heating unit. It made so much noise I could not sleep and had to change rooms.

Hope these tips help and that your travels are exciting and safe!!

Which of Tracey's tips and trips resignated with you the most? Do you have something to add to her content that you feel other female travelers would benefit from?

You can read more from Tracey at her blog.

17.3.10

Lady Travel Talk: Mon bagage est manquant, pouvez-vous m'aider?

We are pleased to introduce, Lady Travel Talk, a new guest blogger mini-series tailor made for female travelers. This new series will cover a host of topics related to the travel experiences of each of the ladies contributing to the series. Today's guest blogger is Laura Stocker, she is a member of the leadership team of Tin Cans Unlimited. Laura travels extensively for not only business, but for pleasure as well.

Laura spent more than 10 years managing public relations and destination marketing for Hershey Park and Zoo America, before focusing her attention on helping business and industry navigate the World Wide Web. One of the founders of Tin Cans Unlimited, Laura has presented programs and workshops as far away as Amsterdam and Paris and as local as the Pennsylvania Association of Municipalities and the Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. Her areas of expertise include on and offline marketing, public relations, branding, search engine optimization, non-profit marketing, social networking, crisis communications and tourism marketing.

Today Laura will share her thoughts on travel etiquette, learning native tongues, and much more:



I was blessed to grow up in a family that traveled extensively. Beginning as a 20-something (yes, some 20 odd years ago!), I reveled in multiple opportunities for solo travel – both for business and pleasure!

If I did the math, I am certain that I have traveled more independently, than with others, including my own husband and family.

My first solo ventures were business related – day trips, mostly by car and train – but as I grew more confident, I began traveling by myself for pleasure as well. In recent years, I’ve even managed to combine the two – Paris on business, but with plans to stay an extra few days, for example.

Along the way, I’ve had to deal with getting mugged (managing to keep my bag!) and getting myself through customs and immigration alone. I’ve lost count of the non-English-speaking countries where I’ve had to deal with trying to recover lost luggage!
Here’s what I have learned:

1. Courtesy matters. A little etiquette goes a long way when trying to get upgraded on a flight, or determining if your hotel room will overlook a busy highway in a foreign country. I have always found that merely being polite will open many doors.

2. Learn the language. I know how to say “where is the powder room” in a half dozen languages, along with all the niceties (please, thank you, good morning, etc.). I also teach myself how to ask for help before I leave the US. Best phrase I ever taught myself? “Pardon me for butchering your beautiful language, but could you please…” Disarms them every time.

3. Make copies. Of everything - your tickets, itinerary, passport and any and all visas. Leave a set at home with a trusted friend or family, carry the originals with you, and leave a set in the hotel safe.

4. Honor traditions and customs. Research before leaving home will tell you that women in Eastern Europe don’t wander the streets alone after dark. Or that in many places of worship, bare arms are considered offensive.

5. Project confidence. Don’t advertise the fact that you’re a woman traveling alone. Use your business card, not your home address, as a luggage tag. Carry your cell phone, and have a “pretend” conversation with someone if you feel uncomfortable. I’ve even gone so far as to take a photo of the front of a building (capturing the address) and emailing it from my cell phone back to the office, when I once felt uncomfortable.

6. Be safe. I never feel silly asking hotel staff who knock on my room door to show identification. I am always aware of fire exits, working smoke detectors and deadbolt locks.

7. Check in. Befriend the front desk staff. Make sure you smile and wave when you walk by. Check in with the office and/or family and friends daily. No one should have to wonder where you are.

Finally – be prepared. On a recent business trip to Miami, my traveling companion was repeatedly surprised by the things I “just happened” to have with me – from extra batteries, to a small sewing kit, to wrinkle release spray. My business is largely tech – and I travel with my own power strip and extension cord – and used both repeatedly. I also packed a variety of snacks, and my own neck pillow – and no, I wasn’t over packed in the least – just carefully packed!

Traveling, particularly by air, and with an overseas destination, is my very favorite thing to do. And I do it fearlessly.

Well prepared, and well-aware – but fearless!

What are your thoughts on what Laura has suggested to us? Have you made anything part of your routine travel habits as a female flyer that Laura didn't touch upon?

You can read more from Laura at her blog, Through the Looking Glass.

12.3.10

Making Your Travels more Pleasant?

Today we had the opportunity to participate on a live local radio talk show, WITF's Radio Smart Talk*. The topic of the morning was Improving Air Travel. Callers had the chance to not only speak with an airport representative, but a flight attendant from United, along with a communications staff member from US Airways. Some of the callers offered feedback on what they'd like to see as additional services and amenities from the airlines, and a few callers offered examples of how their travels were rendered good or bad based upon how airline personnel responded to the traveler's needs.

Majority of the discussion on this morning's show was what airlines and the Transportation Security Administration can and is doing to lessen the hassle of air travel. However, we're curious about your feedback on what you'd like to see improved within the four walls and roof of the the terminal. Is there something (a service, amenity, vendor, etc) we don't offer that you think is integral to your experience? Is there an aspect of the in-terminal experience that you've witnessed or partaken of at another airport that you would love to see at MDT?

Bear in mind, that we're not able to control any aspect of your travel once you leave your seat at the gate and enter the plane or when you take your shoes off at the security checkpoint. We can however implement change in decor, music, etc. What are your thoughts?

Or, have you had an experience at MDT worth forgetting or remembering? Tell us about it...constructive feedback, positive or negative, gives us the opportunity to address areas of concern or praise that we may not have been aware of!

While we're talking about change, have you used the new info center kiosk located in bag claim? Next time you are wandering around the airport, waiting to pick someone up, or flying out of MDT, or if you just like checking out new technology, stop by the Information Desk (first floor of the terminal, in bag claim) and check out the new kiosk!

*Take a moment to listen to the audio from this morning's show, and participate in the discussion on the show as well!