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Thursday, December 30, 2010

TRAVEL WITH SERENA-- TRAVEL TIPS FOR PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES

Whether you’re planning a trip by plane, train, or automobile, travel editor Serena Brower has some helpful tips for you. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. When I take a plane trip, I always used to grab one of those complementary little pillows as soon as I entered the cabin. They can be back-savers, especially on long trips. However, most airlines are no longer offering this fluffy little perk.

My first tip today is to pack a small pillow in your carry-on. Place it between your lower back and the seat, and you’ll find your flight far more comfortable, no matter how packed the plane. This works for train trips as well.

And don’t cross your legs! (Not that most planes give you enough leg room to do so nowadays.) When you cross your legs, you put stress on your pelvis and hips. This contributes to lower back pain.

Another tip -- make sure you walk or stand every two hours to keep your blood circulating and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. This is extremely important the longer your flight.

If you’re traveling by car, stop every couple of hours to stretch and walk around. It’s also not a bad idea to do a bit of stretching and/or walking prior to starting your car journey.

Be prepared. No matter how you travel, make sure you pack everything you need. I keep a list of must-haves on my smart phone. Before I take any trip, I check the list against what I’ve packed, making sure I’ve remembered such essentials as prescription meds, sunscreen, hair care products, all necessary clothing (underwear, pj’s, etc.), and emergency items such as band-aids, aspirin, etc.

Thanks, Serena. I won’t be traveling anywhere any time soon, but these are great tips for our readers who do. When I did travel, I usually forgot one essential item each trip.
What about the rest of you? Have you ever forgotten to pack something important? How did it impact your trip? 
Post a comment to be entered in our giveaway from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

2 comments:

Unknown said...

When packing my suitcase, I have a small bag that always goes in. It has a small bottle with a couple of days of my meds a list of what they are (the names and the dosage from the bottle from the pharmacy) that way I am never out. If I DO forget them, it is quite easy to get them refilled. In the same small bag are the essentials, a portable toothbrush and sample size toothpaste, shampoo, etc. bandaids, and a small sewing kit, and an easy to read book.

I started to do this when I travelled for work every week. I can't tell you how handy this bag is for both myself and other people I have travelled with!

ANASTASIA POLLACK said...

Great ideas, Cat from Hell (love the moniker!) Thanks for contributing.