Gas Prices Too High to Drive to a Destination? Try These.

Bus Travel:
A recent study at DePaul found city to city bus travel growing faster than any other form of city to city transportation. Motor coaches have improved greatly in the last few years. Many of them even have free Wi-Fi; as well as leather seats, more legroom, and some have reclining seats. If the distance isn't great, you might find going by bus is something to consider. It's also cheaper than air.

COMFORT MASTER travel neck pillow made from high quality memory foam that molds to your neck for comfort. "It's like sleeping on your own pillow at home". 

Includes special elastic strap to attach to luggage.

Train Travel:

Amtrak has upgraded with improved seating and believe it or not, you can print your boarding pass at home, eliminating standing in line.  With speeds up to 110 miles per hour, it beats driving your own vehicle, time wise.

It just might be worth considering bus or train for your next getaway.

I read a good tip the other day. We all take photos of the special sites when we travel to new areas. How about taking photos of the town signs to remind us of where those special sites were?

Good buy on Amazon right now.

Lightweight slim and stylish. Fits in small spaces.

Hidden Airline Fees and Delta's New 5 tiers seating for 5 different prices.

Remember the days when you called your travel agency and let them do the work to get you the best fares? Those fares were based on First Class and Coach. Soon came First, Coach, and Business. 

Now we go online to find out own best deals and Delta has just made it a little more difficult with 5 tiers and 5 different fares.

  

Here are your choices:

The "First Class" fare includes "first to board" rights, preflight alcoholic drinks, snacks on flights longer than 250 miles and meals on flights longer than 900 miles. 

The "Delta One" elite first class fare includes access to Delta Sky Clubs, full flat-bed seats on wide body aircraft, in-flight bedding, chef-curated menus, noise-reduction headsets and more.

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The "Basic Economy" bare-bones coach fares will be available on domestic routes, and they're already available in some areas where Delta competes with deep discounter Spirit Airlines.

The "Main Cabin" coach fares on domestic and long-haul international flights will allow seat selection at time of purchase and flexibility for flight changes. On long-haul international flights, the fare will include alcoholic drinks, meal service and a sleep kit.

The "Delta Comfort+" coach fare on all flights will include priority boarding and dedicated overhead bin space, alcoholic drinks, premium snacks, premium entertainment, up to 4 more inches of legroom and quilted seat covers.

Will the other airlines follow Delta's lead? Most likely.

Hidden fees are happening on almost all airlines.

Carry-on bag: free to $45.

Checked baggage: first bag: free to $45. Second bag: Free to $55. Third bag: $50 to $150.

Pet boarding: $10 to $200.

Flight-reservation cancellation or change: free to $150.

Over-the-phone and in-person booking: free to $45.

In-flight TV or movie: free to $8.

In-flight Wi-Fi: $5 to $14 for a 24-hour unlimited pass.

Unaccompanied minor: free to $100.

Extra legroom and picking a seat: $4 to $199.

Snack: free to $10.

Meal: $3 to $14.

Nonalcoholic drink: free to $10.

Alcoholic drink: $5 to $10.

Pillow or blanket: free to $10.

Maybe it is time to go back to our travel agent and let them search for all the hidden fees and special tier fares.

                                     

Packing Perfectly for a Trip

Good to know before you go: All liquid and gel substances going into your carry-on bag must be in individual containers of 3-4 ounces or less, and must be in a clear, see through plastic zip top bag. Anything larger must be in your checked baggage.

Know the airline's rules for checked bags. How many, what is the weight limit, and how much must be paid per bag?

Don't over-pack. Screeners will have a hard time closing your bags if selected for inspection.

Packing:

Best packing tip I ever got was don't fold clothes the way they are in the dresser. It creases them. A seasoned traveler on one of my trips showed me how to roll them. You will be amazed at what a great way it is to pack.

For dresses and shirts, lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and roll from bottom to top.

For slacks, lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Take the other and fold it on the top. It gives each pair a cushion where it is folded and is much less likely to crease.

Simple Tips:

Staying at a hotel?  Don't bring your large containers of bath soaps, shampoos or conditioners. Hotels have them. If staying at someone's home, use the travel sizes found in most drugstores.

Most hotels have blow-dryers. Keep as many bulky items as possible at home.

Bring clothes in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched. At least one pair of shoes that can be worn with anything. My choice is black ballet flats.

Are you or your travel mate traveling with a disability? Check out this Senior Travel Tips Plus,

Traveling With Disabilities

Some of the best packing aids I have found to use when I travel.