Did you forget your underwear? Did airport security confiscate your toiletries? According to ScamBook, here's how to avoid these issues, and 10 more, while traveling.
1. Make a checklist. A list will help you decide what's essential based on the location, length of stay, and other factors like access to laundry facilities. Use an interactive packing list to create a custom list based on the following details: dates, weather, suitcase size, and mode of transportation.
2. Mail your gifts ahead. With limited space, mail the presents to your destination. Wrapped gifts may be confiscated and opened by TSA.
3. Get your documents in order. Organize your tickets, maps, official IDs, and any other documents before you travel. Make copies to store in a safe place at home and keep the originals close at hand. You should also send your itinerary (including flight numbers and arrival time) to whomever you're meeting.
4. Get car maintenance done before you leave. Leave your worries at home and visit your car mechanic in town. Don’t leave yourself at the risk of breaking down in an unfamiliar location with a mechanic who may overcharge you.
5. Use real maps or print your own. You never know when you may lose satellite reception so be sure to pack a real map. It’s better to pull over and spend a few minutes with your map than drive and get more lost.
6. Pack an emergency kit. Remember to pack a first-aid kit, jumper cables, road flares, a flashlight, a blanket, bottled water, food and anything else you might need for emergencies. Even if you don't need them, it will give you greater peace of mind.
7. Know the TSA's rules. Don't bring any prohibited items that could hold you up during security. Remember the 3-1-1 rule: all carry-on liquids and gels need to be 3 ounces or smaller, stored in a 1 quart bag, only 1 bag per passenger. Visit http://www.tsa.gov for a full list of travel restrictions as well as a smart phone app. If you have a disability or medical condition, call the TSA Cares Hotline at 1-855-787-2227.
8. Research your airline. Know their policies for check-in, lost/delayed luggage, and delayed/cancelled flights. Be prepared for the worst and know your rights as a passenger as listed by Airfarewatchdog.com and Faircompare.com.
9. If your flight gets cancelled, call. Program the airline's customer service number into your cell phone in case of a flight cancellation. If you know the rules of your airline, you know the airline may be required to book you on the next available flight to your destination, even if it's a seat on a different airline.
10. Use smart phone apps. There are a number of mobile apps designed to help navigate your way around the terminal and check if your flight is on schedule. Scambook recommends GateGuru (free for Android and iPhone) and FlightBoard ($3.99 for Android and iPhone).
11. Protect yourself against identity theft. Airports are prime places for identity theft because they are crowded and travelers carry valuable identification. Identity thieves can remotely scan passports so protect yourself with an RFID-blocking wallet or passport case. If you use the airport's WiFi, don't go to any websites that store your personal information (e.g. online banking).
12. Get picked up at departure. If you're being picked up by a friend/family member, ask them to meet you at the departure terminal. Even if you checked a bag, you'll save time because the driver can get to you quicker.
For more information, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/12/prweb10238897.htm
