Watch for a New Special Series Staring Monday

We’re off to be with our grand kids in Orlando- learn more at www.DirectoryofOrlando.com

Travel Safety Tip #13- Ever thought of this one?

We all know to carry copies of our passport in case it’s lost, but why not take this tip into the 21st century? Scan your passport, airline tickets and any other important documents you could need and send them, attached to an eMail, to yourself. Be sure to use an eMail address accessible from the Internet. If you need to access them, most cities and towns now have Internet cafes. Wow, what a great idea! Mike

Travel Safety Tips #12

Some items you might not think to pack in your carry-on: a change of underclothing and any necessary medications, just in case your checked luggage goes astray; bottled water to combat the dryness of the airplane; a list of your packed items, again in case of lost luggage; a list of all credit card numbers, passport number and emergency contact numbers; a photograph of your checked luggage – it will make describing your lost luggage much easier. Losing your luggage is never fun, but you can make the experience less traumatic with a little planning. (I read somewhere- sorry, can’t remember where- to put an empty water bottle in your carry-on, then fill it after security to take on the plane- great for larger water bottles-thanks to whoever thought of that!) Mike

Travel Safety Tips #11- This is Great!

Whenever traveling through airports with young children, take a Polaroid picture of each child before leaving the house (wearing the same clothing he or she will be traveling in). That way, if you become separated from your child, you’ll have an extremely current photograph, and authorities will also know what color and style clothing to look for.

This could apply anywhere, like Theme Parks, the Zoo, etc.- Great Tip!

Mike

Travel Safety Tips #10

When overseas, avoid demonstrations, protests, or other situations that may become unruly, or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. Common sense is always your best travel companion!

Travel Safety Tip #9

Deal ONLY with authorized agents when exchanging monies or currency, or purchasing high ticket items such as antiques, artwork, etc. to avoid violating local antiquity laws or being jilted by unscrupulous criminals. Hey, Buddy, want to buy the Brooklyn Bridge- cheap?

Travel Safety Tip #8

Do not set yourself up as a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing, expensive or gaudy jewelry, and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

We had a credit card stolen once- boy, that was a hassle-

Mike

Travel Safety Tip #7

While abroad, recognize that using illicit drugs or overuse and abuse of alcohol can have serious consequences. Don’t associate yourself with people who do, as “guilt by association” may have different parameters in a foreign country!

Travel Safety Tip #6

Do not leave your luggage unattended in any public areas, and never accept packages from strangers under any circumstance. Period. Enough said- Mike

Fantastic Customer Service from Enterprise Car Rental in Portland, OR

I had the pleasant experience of speaking with Hannah at one of the Portland, OR Enterprise offices (503 230-1212) and she went overboard to help me book a car for an upcoming trip. She even referred me to a local office nearer my hotel in Portland and Nick (423 NE 102nd AVE) was also very helpful in arranging my vehicle and transportation to and from my hotel. Kudos! It is refreshing to experience “over the top” customer service!

Mike

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