Posts Tagged ‘discount holidays’

Getting Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily

Friday, March 26th, 2010

There are security check points in almost all transport terminals in the world these days. If you would like to get through those checks like the frequent flyer’s dothere are a couple of things to think about to make the process quicker and easier but plan ahead don’t try to do it all whilst stood in line.

Make sure you empty your pockets and place all coins etc in the bins provided. We all know now anything metallic will trigger the alarm so have things like belts with buckles, watches, bracelets etc ready to place in the bin or better still put in your hand baggage

Think about buying snacks and drinks etc after you have cleared the security and this is particualry important with young children

In the United States, you have to take your shoes off. Slip-on shoes will come off and go on faster. Zippers and laces will slow you down… have your shoes untied or unzipped before you get to the front of the line. (Take care when you put them back on that you don’t trip before you’re put back together!)

Have your one quart/one liter plastic bag with your liquids, creams and gels out of your carry-on, and put it in a bin. Remember each liquid should be 3 ounces/100 ml or less, right? There shouldn’t be any loose liquids in your carry-on bag. If you have “medically necessary” liquids or baby food, in most countries, those can be outside of your plastic bag allowance, but you must notify a screening officer.

You are now approaching the screening area and it is a good idea to approach it in an organized manner.

First put your shoes, coat and your carry-on “personal item” (usually your smaller bag) in the first bin. They will come through the x-ray first, and you can be putting them back on while you’re waiting for your other items to be screened.

If you’re carrying a computer, put your carry-on bag for your laptop in the bin ahead of your computer, then when your computer comes through, you’ll have the laptop bag ready to slip the computer right into it.

nearly half of all security checkpoint bottlenecks are caused by people putting themselves together after screening without moving to the side…. don’t let this be you!Airports report that nearly all bottlenecks which cause people to be delayed clearing security are cause by people stopping to put their shoes on etc so if you need more time please ensure you move to the side where you will normally find chairs and this will speed the whole process up no end.

You’re going to read this, and next time you travel, you’re going to move through that security checkpoint with a plan… and they’ll think you’re an expert traveler no matter whether you travel often or not.

David Henry is a Travel Industry expert and has been providing discount holiday arrangements for over 25 years. The next time you decide to book a package holiday or holiday accommodation please visit online travel discounts. This site searches up to 70 of the top travel web sites to find the best deal then allows you to book direct to make great savings.

How To Get To And From The Airport

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

What are the considerations of going to and from the airport? You’ve been busy planning a trip, figuring what to pack.

You might have hotel reservations, museum reservations as well as rental car reservations…. but before you leave on your trip, you have to get to the airport, and when you arrive in your destination, you must get from the airport to the city…. but HOW?
You can actually research this in advance if you like. Put “getting to and from the airport” into your search engine, and you will find pages telling you the choices for getting to and from almost any airport in the world.

Most major airports offer several options. You will have taxis and private limos. Usually there will be buses, sometimes special “airporter” buses that take you to a downtown central location, sometimes hotel buses that will drop you off right at your hotel. You may be able to take a train or perhaps a subway into town.

Virtually all airports will inform you to beware of “unofficial” taxis. Official taxis may use meters or they may have a set rate for airport runs. Check to see what you ought to be paying before you jump into any vehicle. At some airports, there could be a counter where you pre-pay for a taxi.

Buses may require tickets purchased at a desk inside the airport… others may let you pay the driver.

For those who have made a hotel reservation, check to see if they have a free or inexpensive courtesy shuttle for getting to and from the airport.

In case you haven’t researched this beforehand on the internet… or even if you’ve done a small amount of research…. you can always ask at the tourist help desk you will find in most major airports. The staff there can generally tell you the lowest priced and/or fastest way to get into town.

Remember what’s most important to you. Buses are cheap, but could possibly get stuck in traffic. The subway will whisk you to town, but may require a walk to your hotel. A taxi might seem like the most expensive choice, but a shared taxi might not be as expensive as you think and can whisk you right to the front door.

Then you’ll find the fun ways of getting to and from the airport… in exceptional cases. In Venice, you might take a water bus or water taxi from the airport. There is even a water shuttle or water taxi to take you to the airport in Boston!
I think the most exotic transportation we had getting to and from the airport was when we flew into Tiger Tops in Nepal… and saw elephants waiting to take us to the lodge!

Of course if you are on a tour, you do not have to worry about this… your tour company should have your guide or a representative at the airport to meet you.

If this all sounds confusing… it’s not. Just look around and ask questions at the airport or at your hotel desk. There will be a concierge or an information desk to assist you.

David Henry is a Travel Industry expert and has been providing discount holidays for over 25 years. The next time you decide to book a package holiday or holiday accommodation please visit online travel discounts. This site searches up to 70 of the top travel web sites to find the best deal then allows you to book direct to make great savings.