Disney World Travel Tips
August 4, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
It’s the one vacation every parent feels obligated to take: the trip to Disney World. But, with the huge crowds, long lines and steamy Florida climate, will you survive it?
Absolutely! With a little research, you’ll not only survive your Orlando pilgrimage, you’ll thrive, as will your kids and their memories.
Image via Wikipedia
First, you’ll need to determine whether to stay on-site at one of the resort hotels, or off-site in less expensive lodging. If your budget allows, staying “in the world” offers many advantages.
You can ride the monorail to and from the park, access the park when non-lodging visitors can’t, and have any items you purchase in the park delivered directly to your room, sparing you the inconvenience of lugging them around all day.
Many first time visitors don’t realize that Disney World consists of four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) and two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach). With so much to see, it’s important that you prioritize your time.
When planning your itinerary, consider the age and height requirements of the attractions your kids want to see, and make sure their favorite rides aren’t closed for maintenance. Walt Disney World’s official website — disneyworld.disney.go.com — is a excellent planning tool, as is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and similar guidebooks.
Other proven tips for maximizing your Disney World experience, thanks to About.com include:
- Pick your park according to “Extra Magic Hour.” Each day, one of the four theme parks opens early for Disney World resort guests only. If you’re staying onsite, take advantage of the early opening . If not, avoid that park for most of the day.
- Get to the theme parks early. This advice is especially important for Disney’s water parks, which can be packed by noon at peak times of year, and for the Animal Kingdom theme park, which closes early.
- Take a break in the afternoon. Go to the park of your choice early in the morning; return to your hotel during the heat of the day; then return to the park in the evening. Three of the theme parks have special night-time events.
- Use Fastpasses where they’re available. A “Fastpass” is a time-specific pass to certain rides and shows. They’re free and save you from standing in line for the most popular rides.
- Use Advanced Reservations for restaurant meals.
- Use the Disney Transportation System. Every hour air-conditioned buses carry people from one park to another, and to and from the Disney resorts at no charge. Also free, the monorail and boat shuttles are excellent ways to get around.
Finally, consider the hopper passes, the passes that let you “hop” from one park to the other during the same day. Visit the Magic Kingdom during the day and then head over to Epcot’s World Showcase for dinner. We know a few families who do this on a daily basis, enjoying dinner in Italy, Germany, Japan, and Morocco on different nights of the week.
Don’t dread your Disney duty. Plan properly, and enjoy the magic.
Related articles
- A Whirlwind Tour of Walt Disney World (gadling.com)
- Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas. (thejetsetfamily.com)
- Traveling with kids: Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando (mfinocchiaro.wordpress.com)
Tips For Flying With Grandchildren
August 2, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
One of the great joys of being a grandparent is watching your grandchildren experience new things. And, there’s no better way to share in these experiences than by taking trips together.
Traveling to exciting new places with your grandkids enables you to broaden their horizons, enhance their education and deepen your bond with them. Plus, your adult son or daughter will appreciate both your relationship building efforts and the “time off” from parenting.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
But, remember that these trips aren’t for the faint of heart. You’re not only assuming responsibility for the children’s well being during your travels, but you’ll need to match their energy levels as well.
To minimize stress, it’s important to think through beforehand what everyone in your party will need during the flight. By anticipating the challenges of navigating your grandkids through a busy airport terminal and frantic security checkpoint and onto a crowded plane, you can plan and pack accordingly.
Here are some tips that every inter-generational traveler should consider:
Create A Handy “Trip Case”: While shepherding young children through the airport, you shouldn’t have to hunt through multiple bags to locate airline confirmations, boarding passes or rental car reservations. Simply tuck a “trip case” containing all travel documents into your Travelpro Rollaboard’s ticket pocket, and relax. Everything you need in now in one place for quick and easy access.
Be Prepared: You’re the children’s guardian during the trip, so make sure you have their proper identification, health insurance, contact information and notarized authorization from their parents in case they need medical attention. Plus, it’s your job to know all their medications and dietary needs.
Let Your Grandkids Carry-On: Have your grandchildren pack a backpack that they’re responsible for. By involving them in the planning process, they’ll be less intimidated (and more agreeable) at the airport. You should limit the number and size of items they take, and encourage them to make a list of their belongings which they’ll keep in their backpack.
Pack A Surprise Bag: Bring along a “surprise bag” containing books, games, dolls and other visually stimulating toys that you can pull out when they get restless. Engaging your grandkids will not only make the trip more pleasant for you, but for surrounding passengers, as well
Load Up On “Apps”: Instead of weighing down your Travelpro® Rollaboard® with a bunch of books, why not load some stories and games onto your iPhone or iPad? There’s a wide array of whimsical and delightfully illustrated online books available for kids.
Finally, don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you have many grandchildren, consider traveling with no more than two at a time. You’ll not only be able to provide each the attention they deserve, but you have a ready-made excuse for future trips with the ones left behind.
Related articles
- What To Pack When Backpacking Europe (travelproluggageblog.com)
- Grandparenting in the Digital Age (education.com)
- Ways To Get Through Security Checkpoints Faster (travelproluggageblog.com)
New Passenger Rights Rules Mean Fewer Headaches For Air Travelers
June 30, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
At long last, there are some sensible new rules to reduce air travel hassles.
According to an article in the May 1 edition of The Baltimore Sun, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a new series of passengers rights designed to correct a range of issues that have outraged air travelers in recent months.
Addressing such irritations as involuntary “bumping” on overbooked flights, excessive flight delays, lost bag fees, and deceptively advertised discounted fares, these rules are scheduled to go into effect on August 23, 2011.
Image via Wikipedia
According to Ambrose, if you’re bumped from an oversold flight, you’ll soon be compensated more generously. Currently, you can receive the price of your ticket, up to $400, if the airline gets you to your domestic destination within two hours of your original arrival time (four hours on international flights). For longer delays, you can receive twice the ticket price, not to exceed $800.
The new DOT rules raise these limits. For short delays, you’ll get double the price of your ticket, but no more than $650. For long delays, you will be entitled to four times the value of your ticket, not to exceed $1,300. These limits are to be adjusted every two years for inflation.
Regarding extended flight delays (a recent blizzard at New York’s JFK airport stranded a group of passengers on the tarmac for 11 hours), carriers won’t be able to keep passengers on the tarmac for more than four hours. And airlines must make sure passengers have food, water, working bathrooms and medical treatment, if necessary, after two hours.
Plus, when an aircraft is delayed on the tarmac, airlines will have to give passengers a status report every half-hour. And carriers will have to notify the public within a half-hour of learning about a change that will delay a flight by 30 minutes or more.
In addition, the new rules will require that airlines not only reimburse passengers for lost luggage, but refund the baggage fees they assessed to transport those bags. And, to address the problem of undisclosed airline fees, carriers must now include all mandatory fees, including taxes, in their advertised fares and on their website.
Once you combine these updated DOT rules with the convenience of flying with Travelpro® Rollaboard® luggage, the skies are suddenly much friendlier.
Must Haves For Traveling With Children
April 13, 2011 by Karen Amin · Leave a Comment
What travel items should you take when traveling with children? Beyond your Travelpro rollaboard carry-on packed with travel documents, toys, snacks and diapers, what items would make the trip far more enjoyable for both the kids and everyone around them?
Austin House, a division of Travelpro and leading brand of great travel accessories, offers a number of innovative, high quality items that will simplify life for anyone flying with small children. Here are a few recommendations:
Pressure-Less Earplanes: Few things bother children more when flying than inner-ear discomfort caused by air pressure changes. These specially designed ear plugs relieve air pressure during take-offs and landings. EarPlanes work naturally using the exclusive Ceramix™ filter, and are good for two flight segments.
Motion-Less: If motion bothers your child, Motion-Less wrist bands are for you. When worn correctly, these elasticized wrist bands control nausea due to motion sickness and inner ear imbalances. One size fits most wrists.
Personal Safety Alarm: For your own peace of mind, you’ll want to protect your child from strangers while traveling. This alarm is worn around the child’s neck and emits a high pitch alarm sound when string is pulled.
Super Soft Blanket: So what if most airlines don’t provide blankets any longer. Simply remove the “2 in 1″ blanket and pillow set from the pouch, inflate the pillow and use the pouch as a pillow case. You and your child will arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.
Hide-A-Cup: Nothing soothes an irritable child like a drink. This collapsible high quality plastic cup with a pill container in the lid holds 4 ounces and fits easily into a pocket, purse or briefcase.
Adjustable Luggage Straps: If you’re checking bags for either you or your child, you need these handy luggage straps. They prevent accidental openings, protect zipper pulls and help you identify your luggage on the crowded conveyor belt. These rugged polypropylene straps contain an ID window and feature a high impact side-release buckle.
These are just a few of our travel tips. There are many other must have Austin House products that travelers of any age should consider. Check out the Austin House website for more information.
Etiquette For Traveling With Children
March 29, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Child travel is challenging for both passengers flying with kids, and those flying near kids. Preparation, patience and proper travel etiquette go a long way in ensuring the flight is as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.
For those passengers traveling with children, it’s important to think through what everyone in your group will need during the flight. By anticipating the challenges of navigating them through a busy terminal and frantic security checkpoint and onto a crowded plane, you can plan and pack accordingly.
Here are some travel tips everyone flying with kids should consider:
Prepare A Trip Case: While shepherding young children through the airport, you shouldn’t have to hunt through multiple bags to locate airline confirmations, boarding passes or rental car reservations. Simply insert a trip case containing all travel documents into your Travelpro rollaboard’s ticket pocket, and relax. Everything you need is now in one place for quick and easy access.
Anticipate The Needs Of Infants & Toddlers: When traveling with kids two years old and under, you must always be prepared for emergencies. You should not only pack diapers, clean clothing and medicine in your Travelpro luggage, but place them in the outer pockets so they’re readily accessible. Whenever possible, be sure to change diapers in the bathroom instead of at your seat.
Encourage Your Kids To Carry-On: Have your children pack a backpack that they’re responsible for. By involving them in the planning process, they’ll be less intimidated at the airport. (Plus, you relieve yourself of the burden of crammed-full carry-ons.) You should limit the number and size of items they take, and encourage them to make a list of their belongings which they’ll keep in their backpack.
Board First And Deplane Last: By boarding the plane before other passengers, you buy extra time to get the children settled in their seats. By waiting to deplane until after your fellow passengers, you won’t stress over everyone’s mad rush to leave. Obviously, you’ll need to arrive at the airport earlier, and allow extra time between connecting flights.
Pack A Surprise Bag: Bring along a surprise bag containing books, games, dolls and other visually stimulating toys that you can pull out when your children get restless. And don’t forget technology when finding ways to keep your kids entertained in flight. Be sure to load up on appropriate iPhone® or iPad® “apps”.
To those passengers who find themselves seated next to small children in flight, please be patient with any resulting inconvenience. In most cases, the parent is doing all he or she can do to keep the child occupied. And, if they’re not, an angry confrontation will only make matters worse.
Just remember that children are children, and they’ll do what children do. By practicing a little etiquette and understanding for everyone, your flight will be much more enjoyable and less stressful.
When Should I Book My Trip With A Travel Agent?
January 13, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 4 Comments
With the seemingly endless amount of travel resources now available online, does it still make sense to book your trip with a travel agent? It often depends on the complexity of your trip.
If it’s just you and your spouse traveling to a familiar destination, the arrangements should be pretty straightforward and easily handled online. But, if your journey is to an unknown location, and involves coordinating the arrivals and departures of multiple people and the arranging of various outings and excursions, a full-service travel agent can be a Godsend.
Everyone needs a vacation. Everyone.
In his article, “Why Use A Travel Agent,” Joseph A. Watters, President of Crystal Cruises, listed the important services travel agents provide their clients either free or for a nominal charge:
1. Distilling the product information: No one knows more about travel and trip planning than a travel agent. They’re up on the latest news, packages, and ways to save money.
2. Investigating and supplying competitive information: Airlines don’t share competing information, like prices, about each other. Travel agents have that information at their fingertips.
3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Since travel agents get all the information from industry-only emails, airline district managers, and other sources, they have the most up-to-date promotional information.
4. Analyzing the current promotions: Travel agents can also advise you on the best value over the best price. Remember, a cheap price is not always a bargain if you’re uncomfortable, have to pay extra costs, or get bumped.
5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: A travel agent can tell you of any of the pitfalls you might not otherwise spot on a travel booking website.
6. Making recommendations for travel-related options: Since travel agents are always up on the latest news about the travel industry, including the destinations, they can give you ideas of how to pack, what to expect, places to shop and dine, and packages to try.
7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction: Rather than spending hours yourself looking for individual hotels, rental cars, flights, dining reservations, ask your travel agent to help you out. They can act as a personal concierge for organizing your itinerary, saving you the time you need to handle the rest of your life. And you can be sure they’re going to act in your best interest, not the destination locations’
8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: A travel agent, especially one who’s knowledgeable about your destination, can enhance the experience by putting you in touch with special packages and amenities that the average traveler isn’t going to hear about.
9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Travel agents have a little caché when it comes to their position, name, and buying power. Hotel owners, airline booking agents, and cruise organizers know that a big portion of their business comes from travel agents, and they’ll work to keep them happy — even to the point of getting perks and amenities that you couldn’t have gotten if you tried it yourself.
10. Getting problems resolved: Your travel agent will also, like a true concierge, handle any problems you have when something goes wrong. Get bumped from your flight? Call your travel agent to rebook. Need a different hotel or rental car? Rather than navigating everything yourself, place a call to your travel agent, and then wait for them to call you back with the information.
You’re going on vacation to escape planning, scheduling and hassles. Working with a travel agent helps you do just that, so let them handle your next trip for you.
Photo: MikeMcSharry (Flickr)
Currency Exchange Tips For International Travel
October 20, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
International travel involves many mysteries, not the least of which are currency exchange rates.
The exchange rate is the rate at which one country’s currency can be exchanged for another’s. For Americans, it is expressed as the amount of foreign currency one US dollar will buy (example: 1 dollar = 0.7427 Euros).
The rate is determined by a variety of factors including each country’s economic policies, stock market, debts, deficits, interest rates, inflation rates and consumer confidence. Basic supply and demand also plays a major role: the greater the demand for a given currency, the higher its value.
Obviously, when you’re spending your hard-earned money in another country, the exchange rate has a tremendous impact on your budget. If each dollar only buys you $0.74 worth of food, lodging and entertainment, you will need to factor this into your travel budget.
Truth be told, there’s little you can do about an unfavorable exchange rate, other than canceling your trip altogether. But, you can take steps to reduce the other expenses associated with exchanging currency.
You have many options when exchanging dollars for your destination’s currency, all of which have handling and/or transaction fees. The key is to identify these fees, compare them, and chose the least costly alternative.
Exchange Bureaus, found in all major cities and international airports, should be avoided due to their excessive commissions. Local banks are usually a better option, especially when you use an ATM card with a reasonable exchange rate fee. Just remember that you may also be subject to ATM fees from both your and the foreign bank.
Many international travelers prefer charging as many expenses as possible on their credit cards. This can be a shrewd approach if you’ve confirmed that your card’s exchange rate is acceptable. Just be prepared for the occasional secluded restaurant that won’t accept your card.
Finally, Travelers Cheques aren’t nearly as popular as they once were, and are being accepted in fewer destinations.
Some savvy international travelers monitor exchange rates, and use them when planning their trips. For, while the dollar may be weak against certain currencies, it can be a bargain in another part of the world.
Information is an international traveler’s best currency. So, stay informed about exchange rates.
For more information on Travelpro luggage, visit our Travelpro Retail Locator on our website.
Tips For Traveling With Young Children
September 1, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Traveling with young children is no day at the beach. In fact, all too often, it’s a day at the airport.
To minimize stress levels, it’s important to think through what everyone in your family will need during the flight. By anticipating the challenges of navigating them through a busy terminal, frantic security checkpoint and onto a crowded plane, you can plan and pack accordingly.
Here are some tips that every flying family should consider:
- Create A Handy Trip Case: While traveling with young children through the airport, you shouldn’t have to hunt through multiple bags to locate airline confirmations, boarding passes or rental car reservations. Simply tuck a trip case containing all travel documents into your Travelpro rollaboard’s ticket pocket, and relax. Everything you need is now in one place for quick and easy access.
- Ship Ahead: If you need a lot of luggage for your trip, you should consider shipping it instead of carrying it onto the plane or checking it at the counter. Granted, shipping can be pricey. But having to manage multiple bags while watching your kids may make the extra expense a bargain. Keep in mind that using lightweight Travelpro luggage will reduce shipping costs (not to mention overweight charges should you decide to check your bags instead).
- Let Your Kids Carry-On: Have your children pack a backpack that they’re responsible for. By involving them in the planning process, they’ll be less intimidated (and more agreeable) at the airport. You should limit the number and size of items they take, and encourage them to make a list of their belongings which they’ll keep in their backpack.
- Anticipate The Needs Of Younger Children: When traveling with kids two years old and under, you must always be prepared for baby emergencies. You should not only pack diapers, clean clothing and medicine in your luggage, but place them in the outer pockets so they’re readily accessible.
- Pack A Surprise Bag: Bring along a surprise bag containing books, games, dolls and other visually stimulating toys that you can pull out when your children get restless. Engaging your kids will not only make the trip more pleasant for you, but for surrounding passengers, as well.
- Load Up On Apps: Instead of weighing yourself down with a bunch of books, why not load some stories and games onto your iPhone or iPad? There’s a wide array of whimsical and delightfully illustrated online books available for kids.
When traveling with young children, a little planning goes a long way. For once, you won’t need a vacation when you return from vacation.
Finding The Best Luggage
August 25, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 2 Comments
With the wide range of premium quality luggage available, do you wonder which bag is right for you? It all comes down to your preferences, which are usually based on how often you travel, the type of trips you take and your budget. The first step is to review the styles available.
Roll-Aboards: With models available throughout Travelpro’s collections, rollaboards range from carry-on to larger check-in sizes. Carry-on size bags will fit in the aircraft’s overhead bin and help eliminate the cost of checking your bags at departure, and the headache of retrieving them upon arrival. In the U.S. a carry-on bag must measure no more than 45 linear inches (the sum of the bag’s length, width and height). Larger size bags are great for long/extended trips.
Travelpro’s innovation that revolutionized travel worldwide, wheeled upright luggage allows you to pack for a week without having to carry the weight on your shoulders. Today’s rollaboards, or rolling uprights, feature inline skate wheels and a telescoping handle.
Business & Laptop Cases: If you’re a business traveler, you’ll appreciate the fact that Travelpro’s line of nylon business and laptop cases are lighter and more durable than leather cases. They store and protect laptops, private documents and other business materials.
All Travelpro cases meet carry on size restrictions and many are available in rolling models. Many new cases are also “Checkpoint Friendly,” eliminating the need to remove the laptop from the case as it’s scanned at airport security.
Totes: Smaller bags which are ideal for outings and overnight trips, also make an excellent companion piece for longer trips. Travelpro Totes are available in several styles, some with shoulder straps and some in rolling models.
Duffels: These durable, soft-sided bags provide both capacity and convenience on long trips. They are available in rolling or non-rolling styles and in carry-on or check-through sizes.
Garment Bags: Considered portable closets, Travelpro garment bags are popular with travelers who want to keep their suits, dresses, and other clothing wrinkle-free. Garment bags are available in both rolling and non-rolling versions, and in carry-on and check-through sizes.
Whatever your travel plans, whatever your luggage needs, Travelpro has the bag to suit you. You can check out our website, or use Travelpro’s Retailer Locator to find a retailer near you.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas For Traveling Dads
June 10, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 3 Comments
With Father’s Day fast approaching, you’ll want to show Dad your love and appreciation. So, what’s the perfect gift for your hard working “road warrior?” A gift that will not only make life on the road easier, but more enjoyable, as well.
We have several suggestions.
Travelpro® Maxlite™ 22” Carry-On Rolling Duffel is ideal for hassle-free traveling. Weighing under 8 pounds, it features a two-stage extension handle with stops at 38 inches and 43 inches to ensure a balanced roll regardless of how tall Dad is. Its two large storage compartments provide ample packing room, and its DuraGuard coated nylon fabric gives it the look and durability of a top-of-the-line bag without the weight and high price tag. The Maxlite Rolling Duffel is available in either black or maroon and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
You might also consider the Travelpro® ExecutiveFirst™ Computer Backpack for Dad. It is the ultimate business backpack and features five main storage compartments, a padded computer sleeve and four side pockets for storing accessories and other small items. The ExecutiveFirst™ Backpack also comes with a limited life time warranty.
Travel accessories are another option for unique and practical Father’s Day gifts. Austin House™, a leading brand of great travel accessories, offers a number of cost-effective items that will stretch your gift-giving dollar.
The Austin House Universal Adapter Plug is compatible with outlets in more than 160 countries, and comes standard with built-in surge protector. The Austin House Travel Scale with Built-in Tape Measure enables Dad to weigh and measure his luggage in advance, avoiding overweight baggage fees and unnecessary frustration at the airport.
The Austin House Leather Bag Tag conveniently holds a standard size business card, and features top-grain leather for durability and a flap which covers his name and address to protect confidentiality. The Austin House Cell Shelf will keep Dad’s phone off the floor while charging in inconvenient locations. And, for Dad’s long car commutes, the Austin House Auto Neck Rest provides a soothing massage to relieve tension.
Granted, it’s going to be difficult for Dad to leave behind such thoughtful children when his next business trip rolls around.
Luckily, he’ll have Travelpro luggage and Austin House travel accessories to remind him of why he works so hard.
