17 Ways to Keep Safe and Secure When Flying

Here are 17 ways to keep safe and secure when flying domestic or abroad. Air travelers need to keep a sharp eye and an ever present focus on what’s going on around them. Even though it has been a few years since the September 11th 2001 hijackings, the threat of terrorist actions against air travelers is still ever present. Not to mention with the hustle and bustle of a busy airport. This is a prime place to be potentially burglarized by a professional thief or criminal.

1. Keep Your Photo Identification Handy.
If you do not have photo identification, make sure you have two pieces of some other form of identification, one of which must be issued by a government authority. Minors are not obligated to have identification. Failure to have proper identification may result in additional security inspection and search. Some airlines may also prohibit you from boarding without proper ID. For international flights, airlines are required to collect your full name and ask you for a contact name and phone number.

2. Give Yourself Some Extra Time During busy hours, or when traveling.
With elderly or disabled passengers, young children or infants, give yourself more than enough time to maneuver through a busy airport or to make necessary arrangements with airport personnel.

3. Do Not Park Your Vehicle and Left Unattended in Front of the Terminal. The airport parking rules are being strictly enforced and your vehicle may be very swiftly ticketed and towed. So make sure to park in well-lit, designated areas. Find a parking garage or lot you are comfortable with and is well populated.

4. Know What You Have with You.
Watch your bags all throughout the airport terminal, shops, and lavatories. Don’t accept packages from strangers or persons who you might have a casual conversation with. Be prepared to answer questions about who packed your bags and whether you might have left them unattended at any time. Focus carefully and answer honestly—previous history has shown terrorists and criminals use unaware passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous devices on board an aircraft, either by deceiving passengers into carrying packages or by slipping items into unprotected bags. If you’re unsure, make it known to airport security personnel.

5. Beware of Unattended Packages.
If you see an unattended package, bag or piece of luggage in the terminal, report it to the airport security staff or other airport personnel immediately.

6. Don’t Fool Around. Don’t joke about having a bomb, firearm or weapon with you. Security personnel are trained to react when they hear these words. Punishment can be harsh and can include the possibility of time in prison and/or large penalties and fines.

7. Anticipate Having Your Bag and Luggage Searched.
Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, especially when airline security personnel cannot determine by X-ray machines the contents of one. Keep gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. Airline security personnel will open it if X-ray machines are unable to identify the contents.

8. Leave Behind Firearms and Hazardous Products at Home.
Many hazardous products are not allowed on aircraft. Don’t pack or carry firearms, fireworks, flammable materials, household cleaners, or pressurized containers. Violations of hazardous materials regulations can have harsh civil penalties, as well as possible national legal action taken against you.

9. Be Aware of Your Surroundings.
When you are in an airport terminal or on an aircraft, take notice of your surroundings, and those around you. Especially, if activities or situations don’t appear to be of the norm.

10. Report Strange or Odd Activity.
If you see anything in the airport or on an aircraft that looks out of place, unfitting and unusual behavior or potential security violations, inform either a law enforcement representative or security personnel.

11. Have No Bias About the Who May Pose a Threat.
If someone is intent on perpetrating violent acts against the air transport system, that person can be of any gender, age, or nationality. You should not presume any specific type of person is likely to do damage based on outward appearances.

12. Keep Away from Suspicious Circumstances.
If you are exposed to a potential risk in the airport, move away from the situation before contacting someone in authority. If necessary, inform others in the vicinity. Examples of these are; unaccompanied packages, suspicious behavior, or an unusual disturbance.

13. Leave Your Seat Belt Fastened While in Flight.
When you are seated, keep your safety belt securely fastened through your flight will provide extra protection if the plane is in unexpected turbulence.

14. Focus on What the Flight Attendants Are Saying.
The number one reason flight attendants are on an aircraft is for safety, so if there is any kind of emergency or potential crisis situation, look to the flight attendants for help and assistance.

15. Remember the Basic Rules for Wireless Devices.
In the U.S., cell phones, pagers, and other wireless communications devices may be used until the passenger entry doors are closed prior to takeoff. Do not use these devices for routine communications until the passenger doors are opened at the end of the flight. Rules vary around the world, so check with your airline.

16. Emergency Use of a Wireless Device. In the event of an in-flight emergency, you should take stock of the situation before using any communications device, including the aircraft's seatback telephones. If a situation calls for it, use your cell phone or other personal to contact help. In the U.S., a helpful number to call is the FBI at 1-866-483-5137. If you are a flight attendant or other airline employee, contact an appropriate office or department of the airline.

17. Work Together.
If circumstances on an aircraft have the potential for danger, it is usually better to share information and work together with crew members and other passengers.

By taking the necessary precautions when you fly, you can travel with a piece-of-mind and have your security on ‘high alert’ and ready for anything.

About the Author

Michelle Annese is a 3rd degree black belt with 15+ years experience teaching self defense and safety for women and children. She is a World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee for Achievement and creator of The Realtor Survival Guide, Protection for Women, and The SafeGuard System for Kids. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family go to http://www.michelleannese.com to get her free weekly safety tips e-newsletter.

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3 Ways to Get the Lowest Airfare Possible

The easiest way to break the traveling budget is with your flight. It's hard to find the lowest airfare out there these days, especially with the myriad of companies trying to tell you that THEY have the lowest airfare prices, or know where to find them. Lucky for you, there are several ways to take a bite out of the cost of flying. Here are some tips and techniques to make sure you are getting the lowest possible airfare. Please note that the advice given here is just that: advice. Companies mentioned are not better, or worse, than any other organization out there that claims to offer the lowest airfare possible.

Lowest Airfare Technique #1: Courier It

Without a courier, many important packages that are working their way through the flight system would be stuck in customs an awfully long time. Therefore, courier companies "hire" people to transport their packages for them in a set. All that you have to do is forfeit your baggage space, and you can receive some of the lowest airfare prices available. There isn't actually a "payment" that is exchanged here; you are providing a service, but in return you are only getting the lowest airfare that the company can afford. Also, scheduling can be a bit of a pain in the butt - you may have a quick stopover in one place you wanted to visit, and days in another that really doesn't interest you. Plus, can you imagine flying to Paris with only your overnighter bag? Those with light luggage and really flexible schedules may love this option, though.

Lowest Airfare Technique #2: Bid

Online services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing the tradeoff of 'maybe' getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it's a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for the lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you've bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts the bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you're off the hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries.

Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages

Every airline has a 'special offers' page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for the lowest airfare deals before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these 'special fares' will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).

About the Author

For more air travel tips, visit my website: http://www.airtravelhelp.info

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Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world on a stately Cunard has been the exemplar of the good life for 163 years. Cunard

Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world on a stately Cunard has been the exemplar of the good life for 163 years. Cunard’s rich legacy of lustrous White Star Service™ and realm of privileged indulgence are the gold standard by which others are measured. Few thrills compare...

Cunard has launched nearly 180 ships with enough firsts and foremost to be forever inscribed in maritime history. Canadian Samuel Cunard began his steamship company in the early 1800's with a vision, but it is unlikely he foresaw ships with the size, speed or cultured, gracious living afforded by the magnificent Cunarders of today.

The onboard ambience attracts a loyal following of guests with similar interests and values - the opportunity to socialize with peers who share so much in common is one of the great joys of "traveling Cunard."

Cunard Cruise Lines White Star Service can only be described as truly European in that staff attends to every desire with polite, gracious and highly responsive attention - unobtrusive but very much there. When you first come on board, if you half-close your eyes, you will sense immediately that you are on a liner from the twenties or thirties. But open them fully and you will realize at once that the décor is strikingly contemporary.

Civilized pleasure of afternoon tea, complete with crumpets, scones, berries and clotted cream. QM2 and QE2 each have an authentic English pub offering an incredible variety of beverages ranging from single malt whiskies, special brandy and cognacs, to beer from around the world. Guests can watch sports programs on satellite TV and enjoy time honored pub food.

Each Ship Is A Virtual City At Sea!

Each ship is a virtual City at Sea featuring every pleasurable pursuit found in the most cosmopolitan metropolis. There are sports activities, fitness classes, spa treatments, and exquisite boutique shopping and stimulating enrichment programs, from round-table discussions with eminent scholars, to a wide variety of classes and workshops.

In the tradition of the great ocean liners of the past, accommodation is matched with reserved tables in one of the main dining rooms, most with single seating dining. Cunard's Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants are recognized as providing the finest epicurean experiences on the globe. And there are many complimentary alternative restaurants as well.

Evenings are filled with excitement with gala balls and dazzling theme events providing the opportunity to dress to the nines - an increasingly rare treat in a day and age governed by the monotony of "country club casual". Add dancing to a live orchestra in the ballroom, fine liquors and smokes in the cigar bar, cabaret, film festivals, superb performances in the grand show lounge (QM2's Apassionata, as just one example, is a dance extravaganza with styles from Glen Miller's Swing to the tantalizing Argentinean Tango). It is not to be missed.

Cunard's goal with the introduction of QM2 is to acquaint a whole new generation of travelers with the joys of a Transatlantic Crossing. You could fly across by air in six hours, but six rewarding days at sea give you the gracious gift of time - the opportunity to do wonderful things that you never have time for at home. Freedom at last!

More grand news! Plans call for another magnificent Cunarder, the Queen Victoria, to be delivered in 2007. At 85,000 tons she will carry 1,850 guests, and will be in the style of QM2 and QE2.

Queen Mary 2 (QM2)
A magnificent cruise experience on board the world's most prestigious ocean liner, Cunard's renowned White Star Service, Sophisticated and extravagant, yet paradoxically, an intimate, casual ambience, accommodation paired with distinctive sea-view restaurants, Ten restaurants. From lavish dining in baronial splendor to your tasty local pub fare…with absolutely everything in between!

Superb gustatory celebrations by Mediterranean master Todd English, 24-hour room service, Largest wine selection afloat, Acres of poolside decks and promenades. Full scale Illuminations Planetarium, Afternoon tea accompanied by a string quartet in the colonial-style Winter Garden, and a 20,000 square-foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub® brims with therapies and facilities.

Fitness center with 50 pieces of card equipment, weight room, Deck sports, Canard connections, and QM2's academic and enrichment programs. On the Transatlantic Crossings the renowned University of Oxford will present their fascinating Oxford Discovery Programs, as well as a Grand West End style cinema, Ballroom dancing, jazz and champagne clubs.

Fine wine bar, G32 for rock and disco, cabaret in the Chart Room, casino, Royal Court Theatre for brilliantly staged shows and West End-caliber productions. Gallery of shops, the largest library at sea, Computer Center (classes too), The Play Zone - supervised "kids camp", Gentlemen hosts, Facilities for pets.

She's like every Cunarder before her. The stupendous QM2 is a ship of opulence and splendor where classic Cunard hallmarks weave throughout. Sweeping staircases, towering dining salons, a grand ballroom and an unprecedented cache of innovations include a virtual college-at-sea, Cunard ConneXionssm. ConneXions are a cultural campus with a full syllabus of mini-courses, seminars, workshops and eminent guest lecturers selected by the University of Oxford. You can learn about everything from film-making to the marvels of the cosmos, even take a ride through outer space in a "Search for Life" at IlluminationsSM, QM2's planetarium.

If you want to get physical, there are five pools (one with retractable dome), golf simulator, shuffleboard, paddle tennis, a 360 degree promenade for walking and jogging, plus a fitness center which features personal trainers and panoramic views. Then reward yourself in the 20,000 square foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, brimming with therapies and a wondrous thalassotherapy pool.

Evenings bring out the best in QM2 - and her guests. Beaded gowns, black ties, laughter and applause. Crystal chandeliers preside over dancers sweeping across the largest ballroom at sea. Guests sip from long Waterford flutes in the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. Wine enthusiasts sip Bordeaux in Sir Samuel's. Jazz sets the tone in the Commodore Club.

You can dine on cuisine created by Boston superstar Todd English, darling of the food critics, and after dinner, enjoy a superb musical production in the Royal Court Theatre or a play performed by actors from London's famed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Then how about rolling the dice in the Empire Casino, or enjoying a nightcap in the Chart Room where a cabaret singer croons Some Enchanted Evening…which, in fact, occurs nightly aboard QM2. You'll feel like one who has caught the golden ring.

Accommodations

Nearly 80% of QM2's staterooms are ocean view with over 94% of these offering spacious balconies. Accommodation choices range from the merely commodious to the shamelessly extravagant, such as the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites with elevator access reserved just for you.

Queens Grill Accommodation (Q categories) is the ultimate in luxury living. Marble baths with whirlpool tubs, fully stocked en-suite bars, private butlers and concierge service. Choices range from duplex apartments to grand duplexes, to the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites and the Queen Anne and Queen Victoria Royal Suites. Guests enjoy single seating in the renowned Queens Grill. The elegant Queens Grill Lounge and a private sun terrace are also reserved exclusively for Queens Grill guests.

Princess Grill Accommodation (P categories) is on Deck 10. The spacious 381 square foot Junior Ocean-View Suites feature a large balcony, bath with tub and shower, sitting area with sofa, TV, walk in closet, concierge service. Guests enjoy single-seating dining in the elegant Princess Grill.

Britannia Accommodation (B, C and D categories). The Deluxe Balcony Staterooms, Premium Balcony Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, Inside Staterooms with Atrium View and Inside Staterooms found in B, C and D categories are anything but ordinary (more like the deluxe staterooms on other ships). Guests in these accommodations have a reserved table in the Britannia Restaurant.

Atmosphere

"Untold elegance and grace". Magical and worldly where glamorous, bejeweled women in beaded gowns and men in black tie or tails are in their element. Soft music, quiet murmurs, excited laughter and friendly banter around the tuxedoed croupiers at the roulette wheel. A string quartet and freshly brewed tea in the Winter Garden, premier cru Bordeaux in Sir Samuel's, jazz in the Commodore Club, cabaret in the Chart Room. Dancing on moonbeams. Shangri-La really!

Dining

The centerpiece of the QM2 experience. Superb award-winning gustatory celebrations inspired by Mediterranean master Todd English. Owner of the internationally famous Olives of Boston among others, Todd English is one of America's leading chefs and the darling of the food critics. He has been named both "Rising Star Chef" and "Best Chef: Northeast" by the James Beard Foundation. His beautiful restaurant on board QM2 overlooking the Pool Terrrace has been designed with intimate alcoves and exquisite architectural detailing - the perfect setting for his highly interpretive Mediterranean cuisine.

The best restaurants in the land are now at sea and the Queens and food critics as the premier dining experience afloat have chronicled Princess Grills. Gourmet delicacies are staples in QM2's ten restaurants. Feast in baronial splendor. Superb amid genteel chatter in The Carvery. Dine al fresco on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Fans of dim sum, tuna tartar and nouvelle cuisine, even pub food (accompanied by televised sporting events) have not been forgotten. QM2 is the first Cunard ship to debut a "Chef's Galley" Restaurant where chefs will teach guests how to prepare their meal just prior to dining. Chef's Galley features both Cunard chefs and guest appearances by world famous chefs sponsored by Gourmet Magazine.

Entertainment and Activities

Brilliantly staged West End calibre shows in a state-of-the-art show lounge with tier seating, cabaret performances, ballroom dancing in the Queen's Room, the Empire Casino, G32 Nightclub for rock and disco.

At Cunard ConneXions enjoy workshops, seminars and lectures conducted by historians and scientists, college professors and top diplomats (as well as cooking classes, wine appreciation courses, foreign languages and photography spotlights as examples). On Transatlantic Crossings, the renowned University of Oxford will present their fascinating Oxford Discovery Program.

London's prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) will perform plays and lead a variety of readings and workshops, including acting classes. In addition to seminars led by graduate students, QM2 guests will have the rare opportunity to see talented performers on the threshold of their careers in plays seldom seen in the commercial theatre.

Public Rooms/Facilities

Grand lobby, restaurants galore, including the Queens Grill, Queens Grill Lounge, Princess Grill, and Britannia Restaurant. Todd English Restaurant, King's Court with an Asian restaurant, an Italian trattoria, the Carvery, and the Chef's Galley (24-hour room service too). There's even a full-scale planetarium dubbed "Illuminations" where you can view the stars and other visual spectacles or take a course on celestial navigation.

Cunard World Club

World Club is Cunard's Past Guest Program. World Club guests enjoy on board parties, priority check-in and embarkation, recognition gifts, additional savings, quarterly Cunard World Club Newsletters and periodic mailings. Guests will be automatically enrolled after completion of their first Cunard voyage.

Cunard's Connoisseur Collection

For a truly grand holiday, guests can combine a QM2 Transatlantic Crossing with a leisurely European exploration before or after their voyage.

Cunard's fabulous selection of European land tours offers something for everyone. Guests can choose from a London Holiday, a Paris Holiday, a London & Paris Holiday, a Glimpse of Ireland, Royal Scotland, a Wimbledon Tennis Holiday, and the ultimate QM2 holiday. In New York guests may select Broadway Up-close. These tours may also be requested in conjunction with Caronia, and QE2 cruises.

About the Author

About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is a professional in the Travel Industry and is the owner and author of “Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site” available at http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com/index.htm

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Reasons We Love Traveling To Florida & You Will Too!!

I think that we have been to over a dozen beaches and cities in Florida. It seems to be the place we choose whenever we travel for a number of reasons. Maybe you have a certain destination you love, and like us, want to venture out and try new vacation spots.

So, without further ado, here are our reasons we love traveling to the best Florida beaches & you will too…

Florida has some of the best beaches in the world. You have an array of places to choose from that will provide you different activities, beauty, and fun each time you go. Whether you go to the Gulfcoast of Florida, the Atlantic Coast, or The Keys, you will get everything you want and need out of your trip. Plus, if you get bored or tired of one coast, which probably won't happen, try the other coast. The Keys are one vacation spot you must visit at least once.

Perfect for anyone. Whether you are a family taking your children, an older couple taking time together, a group traveling with friends, a student wanting to party on spring break, or a couple wanting to find romance, Florida will offer it all.

Orlando and Disney World. Who doesn't want to visit this magical place? With so many attractions to choose from and things to do in Orlando Florida, you can't go wrong. There is shopping, adventure, romance, great food, entertainment, and everything you can imagine from a Disney extravaganza.

Variety. Again, if you are looking for multiple vacation ideas, Florida is your spot. There are plenty of things to do in Florida. This ranges from relaxing on the beautiful beaches, sunsets, fishing from piers, driving down the A1A highway, visiting some of the most luxurious spots in the world (like Palm Beach), shopping that will have your heads and wallets spinning for weeks, boating, jet skis, other water activities, golfing, and more.
Enjoy great food, entertainment, nightlife, gorgeous architecture, history, people, and so much more.

The Weather. The weather is great. Yes, there are hurricanes and you should plan your vacation wisely. This is typically between August and October, however we have been seeing a string of hurricanes beginning earlier in the summer. Otherwise, you will receive weather that is awesome. Excellent fun and sun!

You have many options on where to stay and how to get there. Stay in a beachfront condo or home instead of a hotel. Venture off into the woods in one of Florida's great campgrounds or rent a houseboat for the week. Florida is fairly convenient for everyone for flying and perhaps even driving (depending on what part of country/world you live).
We always suggest, and do ourselves, fly down because you get there quicker, and rent a cool car for your vacation. You will have fun touring around town and exploring.

This leads us into our favorite reason…
Cost. Traveling to Florida is quite inexpensive. It can be as luxurious as you want, but if you are looking for an affordable vacation, Florida provides that too. If you are like us and on a budget, taking a vacation is something you must plan ahead and save for. Plus, you want to be able to enjoy and do everything possible. If you worry about money the whole time, your vacation becomes less relaxing and stressful. Don't let that happen. If you can't afford to visit an exotic island this year, don't fret, go to Florida and have a wonderful time!!!

About the Author

Discount Florida Vacations is a total Florida vacation guide offering fun, sun, tips, ideas, checklists, help, recommendations, resources, and experiences for anyone traveling to Florida.
You can find excellent information or plan your trip with us at…
www.discount-florida-vacations.com or order attraction tickets on Flymetravel.com