Executive Summary about Travel Tip by Chika Nwaka , Quentin Shires and
Edit by a.hbo
Packing for international travel can be a challenge. Each
airline has its own regulations for baggage allowance, and airport security can
be difficult to negotiate. Place Valuables in Carry-on Luggage
Carry-on luggage can be used to pack a day's change of
clothes as well as essentials and valuables that cannot easily be replaced at
the destination. It's also a good place to put documents, non-liquid
medications, smaller electronics and heavy items, such as books, that do not
fit into your checked baggage because of weight restrictions. For ease of
access, place your essential travel documents --- passport, ticket or ticket
reference number and customs forms --- in an easy-to-reach part of your handbag
or carry-on.
Weigh Luggage Carefully Before Getting to Airport
Baggage policies for check-in luggage vary by airline, so
check with their website before you travel for specifics on maximum weight
allowed, number of free baggage allowed per passenger, excess baggage fees and
items that need to be handled specially. To avoid unnecessary expenses at the
airport, weigh your bags beforehand and distribute weight evenly among them. Also,
consider placing some of your heavier items, like books or shoes, in smaller
bags (or in your hand luggage).
Pack for Your Destination .Secure Your Belongings
Make sure your address and telephone number are on the
luggage tag as well as inside the luggage to increase your chances of
recovering it if it becomes misplaced. Also, to prevent mix-ups at the baggage
claim area, make sure you can easily identify your bags by tying a small ribbon
around the handles. To secure your belongings inside the luggage and prevent
accidental spills on your clothing, secure liquid containers by placing them in
plastic bags or by putting plastic over the cap before screwing on the cap. Remember,
aerosol cans should not be carried on board as the decompressed nature of the
cabin may cause them to explode.
Tips for Traveling
With Crutches
Although traveling can be more difficult on crutches, if you
plan ahead you can have a more comfortable journey.Navigating the AirportTransportation Security Administration rules require that
all crutches undergo X-ray screening. Screening agents, therefore, must assist
all passengers who have mobility issues until they are able to pick up their
crutches. Airlines are also required to assist travelers who use crutches. When
booking your ticket, inform the customer service operator that you use crutches
so the airline can issue you a pre-boarding pass. Pre-boarding passes allow
passengers to board the plane first and get settled before general boarding
begins.
Consider traveling with a pair of collapsible crutches. Collapsible
crutches fold up and can easily fit in your seat pocket, under your seat or in
the overhead bins. Before traveling, talk to your doctor about the best kinds
of collapsible crutches; they come in both forearm and traditional styles.
Carry-on baggage should be limited when you are traveling
with crutches. Consider carrying a backpack instead. When packing carry-on luggage
take only essential items in your backpack. Medications, passport,
identification card, tickets and entertainment items all fit nicely in a
backpack, allowing you easier mobility.
To help keep your backpack as light as possible, ask other
family members if you can store other essentials in their carry-on luggage. A
change of clothes and personal care items are important if you are traveling on
a longer flight and will provide you with solace if your checked baggage gets
lost.
Hotel Accommodations
Ask if the hotel has an elevator and rooms that are
handicapped-accessible. If the hotel does not have an elevator, request a room
on the first floor.
Recreation Activities
Just because you are on crutches doesn't mean you have to
stay in your hotel room. Many tourist attractions and recreational facilities
cater to people with mobility issues. Consider renting a wheelchair. Or call
ahead to see if the museum or attraction you are visiting has loaner
wheelchairs.
