5 Fave Friday - Getting Home for the Holidays

It is that time again! Some of you will be or are already heading home for the Christmas-New Years holiday. This is the busiest time to travel no matter what your mode. If you are in the process of traveling maybe some of this will help, if you are getting ready to travel take this to heart. These are things to think about as you travel that will make your, and other peoples voyage smoother.

5. Be nice to the TSA people (they are just doing their job) - This time of year you hear a lot of bad things about the people who work security for airports, train stations, etc. I know well the effect that a bad security person can have on your trip (usually because it is the beginning or end of the trip). My advice to you is be as helpful as you can. Remove your shoes, any metal objects, let them know if you have medical prosthesis or other things that make you not the average Joe/Jane passenger. Give them a little slack, they deal with hundreds or thousands of people who are stressed just because they are traveling, and some who procrastinated because they thought they could cruise through the security line. I am not saying that you should do something unreasonable, but if it is just removing your jacket or being wanded, don't hassle them. If it is an unreasonable request politely ask for their supervisor, as is your right anywhere.

4. Have what you will need at the ready- Basic common sense tells me that if I am flying that I should have a picture ID ready to show the ticketing agent, security, and the lady that boards us on the plane. You will also want to have your ticket, boarding pass, or proof that you belong on the bus/train/plane/parking garage/etc. But I can tell you that I have had to wait for people who were shocked that the complete stranger behind the counter had no idea who they were. Grocery store (if you use a check to pay fill it out in line before you get to the register) rules apply in these travel situations. If you know you need to take off your jacket, keys, and shoes perhaps waiting until the last minute isn't the best plan for everyone.

3. Other people, be courteous- It seems like courtesy gets tossed out of the window when traveling in general, and during the holidays particularly. Remember the reason that you are traveling is that your holiday of choice has a message (treat everyone like you want to be treated) so how about walking the talk. Here is an idea, if you see an elderly person waiting in the taxi line having trouble ask if they need assistance ( and if you are not in a huge hurry let them get the cab before you), driving on a family car trip can be stressful try to be courteous and not drive aggressively or be a Griswold (see National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation), see a struggling mom with a few kids, offer to take something off her hands,  or let her in front of you in line so that she can get the kids out of everyone's way. It is just a human thing to do.

2. Fill your tank before you go (check your fluids, fill your tires, get an oil change, make sure you have an emergency kit for the car and wheelchair). Just think ahead about what might go wrong on your trip, and have a plan. Don't freak out about it, or let it ruin your vacation. If you use a walker or wheelchair research the repair places where you are going. Do you have a baby or toddler look up the places that may have stuff the kids may need. Print it out and put it with your travel documents. Be proactive not reactive, if you don't use it there was no problem, it didn't hurt having it.

1. Relax - if you have followed this blog you know that our motto is plan it to death, then enjoy yourself. Bring a book, e-reader, or portable video game. This is suppose to be fun, AND you paid for this experience.

Happy Holidays from me to you! Safe Journeys wherever your trip is taking you.

5 Fav Friday - Carry on items

In the last 5-10 years carry on items have really taken a beating. You cannot have liquids that are over a certain amount, no bottles water, my wife even had a screw driver taken out of her eyeglass repair kit. It is enough to make you want to check everything (resist that urge). Here is my list of 5 that you should carry on with you.

5. Electronics- camera, ipod, e-reader, tablet computer, it doesn't really matter. They will all be banged around  if you check them. They may even disappear from your baggage all together. Just keep them with you in your carry on, or don't take them.

4. Toiletries- Grandma was right. Keep a spare pair of undies, tooth brush, travel toothpaste, and face wash with you in the off chance that your checked bags get lost. Sure you can always buy what you need in most places but that can be a hassle. Plus do you really want to be breaking a new pair of undies in on your trip?

3. Spare clothing- if you have room to toss in an extra set of clothing I recommend it. You will want something to put on when you arrive and if your stuff is lost this will give you a buffer before you have to go to the store. It seems like a rehash of #4 but it is a good thing to be prepared for.

2. Medications- ALWAYS take any prescription drugs with you on the plane in their original pharmacy issued bottles. Otherwise you will be held up and possibly miss your plane, or potentially make everyone in the security line behind you really angry.

1. Identification/placards- You would be surprised how many people pack their cute little purses with their ID or passport in them and don't realize it until they are at the ticketing desk. Hell even my wife and I forgot the disabled parking pass when we went to Hawaii this year. I am not saying it won't happen, just that this list will help you remember.

Runner up:

A spare inner tube and tire change kit. This happens when you are in a hurry, have plans or just when it isn't convenient. Be prepared.

5 Fave Friday- Shopping (for the holidays or just because)

A ton of people will have already been out and completed their Christmas shopping  by the time this post hits. Today is known as Black Friday (A nickname store employees gave the busiest shopping day of the year because of the insanity of customers). I thought I would run down cities that I think would be fun shopping excursions for those who live to shop.

5. Hong Kong, China- One word "electronics". Gadgets, gizmo's, and do-dads all seen to come from this city. Most of the world can't seem to get enough of them. Plus they have a fairly respectable fashion and jewelry district for those not interested in bootleg Blu Rays, and the IPhone 4S (cheap) that isn't officially out anywhere (not that I condone any of those things)

4. Paris, France- I know that there are those out there that think New York is the fashion capital of the world, and to a point I would agree with you. However this is one of those cities that has been doing fashion for a very long time (they even had a war in part due to the fashion of the haves vs. have nots). I personally do not understand "contour" but if I were to go shopping for it, it would be there. Here is a run down on accessibility, which is pretty bleak right now but is improving.

3. Milan, Italy- For pretty much the same reasons listed about Paris. Only with pasta!! Here are some tips to keep in mind that I though were useful.

2. Chicago, Illinois/ New York City - These two cities tie for me because in a lot of ways there very alike. They have world class museums, hotels, restaurants, and shopping. I really couldn't choose one over another. Both have been working on making their cities accessible for people with disabilities, and are welcoming to families.

1. London, England- It is getting ready to host the Olympics and Para Olympics which is always a good sign for accessibility. It is also an amazing place to find fashion, furniture, and the latest trends that may not have made it across the pond. There is stuff that the non shopper can do while you are doing your thing.