Good Morning San Diego.

Sandy Dhuyvetter presents
Travel Tips that create the comforts of home!

I have put over 250,000 miles on this past year and if there is any wisdom I have gathered from spending hundreds of hours in route is that comfort and relaxation contribute more than you think to escaping the wrath of JETLAG and sickness!

I have not been ill due to travel since I have taken these precautions. Is it a coincidence? Maybe, but even if it is, I will continue to follow a few tips that have made my travel more enjoyable.

These tips are based on traveling more than 1 hour in the air. These simple tips can be followed to insure a restful journey and glorious arrival to your destination.

First create Peace of Mind;
Start out on time! Get to the airport early. Do not bend or break this first tip as it will make a great deal of a difference on the outcome of the rest of the trip. I have been there and it is not a pretty picture; pleading and perspiration do not mix well at security checks. Plus I know personally, that humans become non affective communicators when frustrated and frantic and airline and airport employees have only so much patience with folks who disrespectful and rushing. Of course, there is always someone who has a good reason for being late to the airport, if that is the case, go to an airport or airline employee immediately and explain your situation. You will be amazed how helpful these people are when approached with regard.  I know I mention that airline and airport employees only have so much patience, but more than anything, they are angels that listen to a lot of malarkey every day. So be respectful and courteous.

More peace of mind;
Bring a copy of your ID or passport and put it somewhere deep, (but don’t forget about it!).

From mind to stomach;
Food:
Order food in advance when possible.
If you airline is going to serve you meals, always order a special meal. Whether it is vegetarian, no salt, kosher it doesn’t make a difference, but two things will happen. You will be served first and there is more of a likelihood that the food will be fresher.

If you carrier is not serving or sell food the best bet, hands down, is pack it yourself. No liquids please, always wait to purchase until behind the security screening. For snacks, I am old fashioned, I love Tiger Bars, one of the earliest health bars sold. They are small, inexpensive and they fill you up in a pinch. Or if you emptied the frig before you left, buy a fresh sandwich where you can choose the ingredients. For some reason high calorie foods and airports seem to be synonymous. So choose wisely. We welcomed Charles Stuart Platkin, JD, MPH, Nutrition and Public Health Advocate, Author of The Diet Detective to TravelTalkRADIO this past week. Check out Charles's Interview to find out what airlines are serving. Charles gives us the score card for  the healthiest foods all the way down to the darn right nasty meals. http://www.traveltalkradio.com/archives_dec17_06.html#1005
One thing you will find, even the high scorers like American and United still welcome outside food to be brought on board flights.

Drinking
If you have a chance to escape Jetlag, your chances of success are much higher when you do not consume alcohol. Water is the magic liquid here and lots of it. The plane is drying and your skin and your organs need to be moist. Drink drink drink.

Now for the comforts of home.
If I am comfortable, I can ride seriously, for days in a plane, seriously! If I am cold, tired and hungry, it’s a different matter. For good measure I am listing the accessories I carry with me in my travels. I use them all, I must look interesting all geared up, but do I care? Nope, not as long as I arrive ready to hit the road running!

If you are a road warrior and your work involves travel, you will identify with this list.
If you have any added suggestions, I would love to hear from you.

        ·          Eye covers for sleeping
·          A pillow that is pliable
·          Blanket
·          Noise cancellation head sets
·          JetLag herbal chewables from Sweden
·          Wipes to clean the bacteria
·          Head rest cover
·          Socks – take off those shoes and relax your toes! (Put your shoes
           back on when using the restroom!)
·          Flashlight perhaps to go with a good book.
·          Mp3 player

My luggage also means peace of mind. Easy operation, lightweight and I can sit on it when there are no seats available. That is why I only travel with TUTTO. I discovered TUTTO at a travel exhibit in San Francisco several years ago. I immediately bought the luggage and have only added on additional pieces. Check it out!

Happy and safe travels,

Sandy Dhuyvetter,

Executive Producer and Host of TravelTalkRADIO
www.traveltalkradio.com