Consumer Focus

The Great Escape: Planning Your Vacation Adventure

Need a break from the daily grind? A vacation may be just what you need. Or maybe you have already begun thinking about where you want to travel in the upcoming summer months. Whatever your plans, start making them now. Planning ahead can help you get the best deals on airfares and accommodations. And it gives you time to prepare for a vacation of a lifetime. Here are some tips to make your trip a fun, safe, and memorable one.

Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

If you are traveling abroad, a good first step is to check out the State Department's Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets. Warnings are issued when the State Department determines that Americans should avoid travel to a particular country. The Consular Information Sheets include information about the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. For health information on the country you are traveling to, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers' Health web site . The site includes destination-specific health information on infectious diseases and vaccinations. You can also find food and water safety tips and a Traveler Checklist outlining everything from traveling with special needs children to insect protection and travel medical emergencies.

Traveling with disabilities may present an extra challenge. Find useful tips and links on traveling with disabilities at the AARP's web site. This site also offers valuable tips on traveling with grandchildren and highlights interesting travel spots.

Travel Troubles

Let's face it, sometimes your travel experience may not be smooth sailing. Luckily, there are plenty of places to turn if your last trip was not exactly your dream vacation. The Department of Transportation's (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Division web site features the Air Travel Consumer Report, which focuses on common consumer complaints. You can also find a toll-free number to voice your concerns about airline problems and links to DOT travel-related publications.

Find out your rights as an air-traveler on the web site for the American Society of Travel Agents. The site offers the Air Travelers Bill of Rights in addition to tips on how to avoid travel scams. Use its resource section to find more information and tips on what to pack, where to go and the weather at your vacation destination.

Baggage Tips for Flying

Thinking of taking to the friendly skies for your next vacation? Nothing can be more troubling when you are on a trip than worrying about your luggage. Here are some tips on keeping your personal property safe.

• Pack light and tight - use a few pieces of luggage packed tightly (without forcing luggage to close).
• Carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks and other valuables in hand-carried luggage.
• Check with airline for specific baggage guidelines.
• Lock all bags and remove old destination and I.D. tags before you check baggage.
• Put I.D. on both the inside and outside of luggage.
• Coats, umbrellas, reading material, small purses, and items to assist with disabilities are generally not counted as carry-on items.
• Backpacks, laptops, large purses, and briefcases might be counted as carry-on on crowded flights.
• Place liquid toiletries in small bottles and don't fill to the top (contents expand under pressure), then place in heavy sealed plastic bags in case of leaks.

Other Resources

This is just a brief overview. For more information on travel check out these resources on the World Wide Web:

• New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability

• Fly-Rights
• Passports: Applying for Them the Easy Way
• Foreign Entry Requirements

• Publications available for ordering from the Travel Page

Web Sites*:

• Department of State
• Centers for Disease Control and Protection
• Department of Transportation
• American Society of Travel Agents
• AARP
• American Automobile Association

*If you click on these links, you are leaving our web site. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. We are not responsible for the content of these web sites.

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