| TRAVELING & SNORKELING PACKING TIPS |
Getting ready for a vacation can be a frustrating experience. Between dealing with flight changes, confirmations for accommodations, making sure you have all your documents and packing the traveler often feels the need for a vacation from his vacation. To top it all off, air travel has become quite strict due to the worldwide threat of terrorism.
Snorkeling Online wants to make your preparations for travel as easy as possible with the following tips and recommendations:
Pre-Departure Tips:
1. If traveling out of your country, make sure that you get a passport as well as any visas that might be needed. Passports are wonderful things to have for traveling even if you are flying domestic. If you need to get a passport, allow plenty of time before your departure to get it. Click here for more information on U.S. Citizens Passports. Certain post offices have the forms necessary to apply for a passport and can help with a lot of questions that you might have. Click here for a U.S. Post Office near you.
2. Once you have all of your documents, keep them in one place. A good idea is to place them in the luggage you are planning to carry-on with you when you travel or in your purse/backpack.
3. Make sure that where you are planning to go doesn’t require inoculations against such things as malaria or hepatitis. You can check the Center for Disease Control website which will list any recommended or required inoculations that you might need. Inoculations should be received 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure.
4. If you take prescription medication then make sure that you have a supply to last for the duration of your trip plus a few days in case your return is delayed for any reason.
5. With any trip travel insurance is highly recommended. Some insurance companies like Center for Disease Control are definitely worth it should you have problems during your trip.
6. Airline restrictions and allowances often change without much notice. It is strongly advised to check with the individual airlines being used for your transportation to find out in advance as to current restrictions.
7. With the threat of terrorism the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website is the best way to find out what is ok to bring with and what is not. The newest rule as of January 1, 2008 is regarding lithium batteries.
Pre-Trip Packing:
Packing is one of the most distasteful parts of the whole vacation. It can be extremely frustrating trying to make sure that everything you want to bring fits into the weight allowances for the airlines. To help keep everything organized checklists for packing are advised. One should be for your carry-on while the other should be for your check-in baggage. When deciding what goes where (carry-on or check-in), ask yourself the following questions.
1. Will I need this item the first day of my vacation?
2. Could this item be easily replaced should my luggage end up getting lost?
3. Will not having this item affect my vacation plans should my luggage end up being lost, delayed or stolen?
4. Is there a chance for this item to get broken if I put it in check-in baggage?
5. Is this item on the list of NO NO from TSA?
6. If traveling internationally, does the country where I am going allow this item to be brought in?
We encourage the following items to be included in your carry-on luggage.
1. A complete change of clothing suitable for your destination in case your luggage is delayed.
2. One swim suit in case your luggage is delayed
3. Your mask and snorkel (especially if the mask is prescription) to reduce the possibility of breakage and in case your luggage is delayed.
4. Two or three ballpoint pens to fill out customs forms and visitor information cards, which are handed out during flight
5. Film for cameras as well as the camera itself as the x-ray machines used to scan check-in luggage will destroy unexposed film.
6. Any toiletry articles will need to conform to TSA standards.
7. Travel Documents and itinerary
8. Paperback book or puzzle book to pass the time
9. Any medicines that might be needed in the original prescription containers
When it comes to packing your check-in luggage you are pretty much on your own with that but take the following into consideration:
1. Include a garbage bag or two to pack wet stuff on the return trip
2. Make sure that everything you are packing does not conflict with the TSA’s rules and regulations
3. Any valuable items such as jewelry should be put in carry-on or left at home
With all of the changes in security procedures, it is definitely recommended that you allow time to check in and time to clear security. International travelers are advised to arrive 2 hours before departure. There are 45 airports in the United States that have incorporated a “Black Diamond” self select process for passengers to help alleviate the wait while going through security. This is based on the type of traveler you are. When approaching the security area you may see a sign with the 3 pictures. Their picture and meaning are as follows.
This one is the Family lane and is intended for:
1. Families with small children or passengers with special needs
2. Those that may require special assistance or extra time at the checkpoint
3. May or may not be familiar with TSA procedures
The logo for the Casual Traveler:
1. Is somewhat familiar with TSA procedures
2. Travels a few times a year
3. Not an “expert” traveler who does not want to be rushed at the checkpoint
The expert traveler is who:
1. Is a frequent traveler who knows how to get through checkpoint quickly & efficiently
2. Very familiar with TSA procedures and always prepared
3. Understands 3-1-1 liquids policy
For information on the “Black Diamond” self select lanes and which airports offer them click here.
Snorkeling Online wants you to have fun before, during and after your trip. Remember that traveling is an adventure and you need to be patient and get to the airport early as security can take awhile to get through.
We hope that these tips help you do just that. We welcome any additional comments, tips and corrections. Getting ready for a vacation can be a frustrating experience. Between dealing with flight changes, confirmations for accommodations, making sure you have all your documents and packing the traveler often feels the need for a vacation from his vacation. To top it all off, air travel has become quite strict due to the worldwide threat of terrorism.
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