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Transportation Safety Tips

ASTA

American Society of Travel Agents

ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Agents, is the world's largest association of travel professionals. Our 24,000 members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. We are the leading advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. For the "official word" on what ASTA does, please see our Mission Statement below.
http://www.astanet.com/travel

Air Travel
Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Consider joining an airline's private lounge club, which may offer several amenities that will make your wait more comfortable and/or productive.

Do not leave your luggage unattended or with someone you don't know. Never agree to carry anything on board or in your luggage for someone else. If you see an unattended briefcase, suitcase or package, notify security.

Dress comfortably and inconspicuously; leave flashy jewelry at home. When deplaning, claim your baggage immediately and leave the airport quickly. Beware of drivers in unmarked cars claiming to be cab drivers.

Some materials are prohibited in checked or carry-on luggage, including: mace, tear gas, sharp objects, aerosols containing flammable material, loaded firearms, gunpowder and ammunition, propane, any equipment containing fuel, scuba tanks if pressurized, fireworks, flares, corrosive, radioactive or poisonous material, and infectious substances. Electric wheelchairs may only be transported as checked luggage. (This information is not all-inclusive; check with the airline for more details.)

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Train Travel
Train travel is an excellent way to see the countryside and meet local citizens. Plan your tickets and reservations carefully with your ASTA travel agent. Be specific when referring to train stations because many large European cities have more than one. Never entrust your luggage to someone not in uniform. Get baggage claim checks and hold on to them.

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Ocean Cruises
Many travelers have found that cruising is the most relaxing and comfortable of vacations. If, however, you are particularly sensitive to motion, choose a mid-section cabin, the most stable area. Here are some shipboard safety tips.

  • In doorways of older ships, look out for raised ledges.
  • In your cabin, close and secure your closet doors.
  • If the lock on your cabin door requires use of a key from the inside, leave the key in the lock when you are in the cabin. In case of power failure or nighttime emergency, you don't want to have to hunt for your key or search for the keyhole.
  • Do not attempt to enter or leave the upper berths without using the provided ladder.
  • Never throw smoking materials overboard, even if you think they are extinguished.
  • Ship stairs are different from ordinary stairs, and the decks may be damp from sea mist. Walk cautiously and use handrails. Wear rubber-soled (not crepe) shoes for extra traction on decks.
  • On deck, a cool breeze can mask the effects of the sun. Use plenty of sunscreen or lotion, and don't overexpose yourself to the sun.
  • If you think you may be subject to motion sickness, check with your personal physician before your cruise. Medication is available to prevent this problem.
  • You will be required to participate in a lifeboat drill. Be sure to cooperate in familiarizing yourself with the procedure.


    Travel Books

    Travel Book link from Whispers Online Magazine for Women
    The Art of Travel

    By Alain de Botton

    Book Description: An experienced traveler and the author of five books, including How Proust Can Change Your Life, De Botton here offers nine essays concerning the art of travel. Divided into five sections "Departure," "Motives," "Landscape," "Art," and "Return" the essays start with one of the author's travel experiences, meander through artists or writers related to it, and then intertwine the two.

    Travel book link from Whispers Online Magazine for Women
    Rick Steves' Italy 2003

    by Rick Steves

    Book Description: Rick Steves doesn't just list where to travel in Europe, he leads travelers through the "Back Door," and reveals how to give every journey an extra, more authentic dimension. He shows travelers how to delve into European culture, make friends with the locals, and experience each region's natural wonders -- economically and hassle free.

    Romance book link from Whispers Online Magazine for Women
    Colorado (Waterfall cover)

    by James Frank

    Book Description: Featuring more that 100 full-color images, Jame's Frank's Colorado presents a magnificent portrait of the Centennial State. From the quite grandeur of the Eastern Plains, to the urbane excitement of the Front Range, to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains to the incomparable scenic splendor of the Western Slope and Four Corners, Franks' gifted photographic vision shares a Colorado which is truly wondrous. .

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