Kid Friendly Airports - Family-Friendly Flying...Really
Airports - often over or under air-conditioned, laden with security lineups, hard floors, and other less than fun attributes - not exactly the most family friendly of places. Couple that with the high travel season and you may have a stressful experience ahead of you if you are traveling with your children. This is why I can't recommend the Kids Airport Diversion Guide by Cheapflights enough.
Cheapflights has taken some of the busiest airports in the United States, and a few international ones too, and found things you can do to pass the wait time with the younger set. There are lots of tips to make you and your family's airport experience easier this summer.
Tips from Cheapflights' Kids Airport Diversion Guide
To obtain the guide in its entirety
Family Vacations - Plane Trips
What to Bring to Amuse Kids on Long Trips
Tips for Busy Air Travel Times
The end of May brings more than spring flowers - busier airports...
There are tactics, strategies, tips - call them what you will - to deal with the inevitable airport congestion. The following list of articles is aimed at facing the challenges of traveling during holiday periods:
Help prevent lost luggage that you've checked in: Baggage from Departure to Arrival
Know what kind of cash you'll be doling out to check in luggage (not all airlines charge, but most do) Luggage fees and what's free
Arm yourself with strategies to contend with all the people at the airport: Navigating the Airport During Peak Times
Bring lists and copies of important documents, information, etc. : Travel Tips for a Safe Air Travel Trip
Airfare Specials - Vision Airlines from $39
Vision Airlines is kicking off a $39 one-way fare sale on VisionAirlines.com ... ending on June 20, 2011. Flights to and from Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) are included in this sale for travel before June 30, 2011 - so had to check it out. I was able to find the $39 airfare on the very first dates I tried for Destin, FL (VPS) to St. Louis in June.
Sample one way airfare - Destin / St. Louis $39
Other airfare specials on sale now.
Jet Lag - Ideas for Beating Jet Lag
The sleeplessness of long air travels - I've had jet lag on countless occasions, and continue to search for ways to minimize its effects.
When I travel through several different time zones I am usually absolutely useless at sleeping on flights. I've used medications, tried homeopathic options and other tricks to combat jet lag. Nothing works 100% of the time for me.
Ah, the not-so-wonderful experience of waking up several mornings at 3am after returning from a trip to Australia - of falling asleep and not knowing whether it was 6am or 6pm after long travels. Jet lag can manifest itself in different ways so I'm sharing as many solutions as possible. Hopefully, some of them will work for you.
Jet Lag - several articles about jet lag, symptoms and signs, and potential remedies.
How athletes can reduce the effects of jet lag on sports performance
Jet lag and your brain
No-Jet-Lag, A User Friendly Aid for Jet Lag Symptoms
Natural Remedies to Avoid Jet Lag
Pregnant Passengers - Air Travel During Pregnancy
It wasn't always comfortable, but I traveled a lot by air during my own pregnancy. Airlines really vary in terms of rules. Factors that influence an airline's policies and can make it more restrictive for pregnant women to travel include: how far along one is in one's pregnancy; whether one is expecting a singleton or multiples; and overall health and risks during one's pregnancy.
What this may mean as a pregnant air traveler is either having practically no restrictions until weeks before the due date, to requiring medical personnel to travel with you.
Given that policies vary, I have compiled the information from airlines based on different parts of the world.
Pregnant and Flying - In the Americas
Pregnant and Flying - Europe / Africa
Vision Airlines Airfare Deals - by June 20
Vision Airlines is kicking off a $39 one-way fare sale on VisionAirlines.com ... ending on June 20, 2011. Flights to and from Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) are included in this sale for travel before June 30, 2011 - so had to check it out. I was able to find the $39 airfare on the very first dates I tried for Destin, FL (VPS) to St. Louis in June.
Sample one way airfare - Destin / St. Louis $39
Other airfare specials on sale now.
Travel With a Purpose - Volunteering and Travel
Volunteering and travel, or voluntourism, is on the rise. There are so many options when we travel, and the idea of working on projects that help others on the planet is growing, especially among baby boomers. Sometimes, in terms of air travel, getting to the volunteer sites can be the biggest challenge.
Our About.com guide to Adventure Travel has outlined the principles of voluntourism, and ways to get involved. In her words "Combining a vacation or trip abroad with volunteering on local projects is one way you can immerse yourself in local cultures and make a difference."
To and From New York City Area Airports
Big cities can be intimidating places for an air traveler. How do you get to and from the airport? What is the fastest route out of the city? Which mode of transportation is the cheapest or most convenient?
If you are traveling by air in or out of the Big Apple, then our About.com Guide to New York City Travel has written essential guides to the major airports serving the city - LGA, JFK and EWR - or LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty.
Getting To and From LGA - LaGuardia Airport
Getting To and From JFK Airport
Getting To and From EWR Airport
Airport Resources and Information
photo: Arlene Fleming
Airfare Deals - US to Spain
Some sweet deals to Spain...
Great deals for summer travel to Barcelona, Spain - roundtrip airfares starting just under $600 including taxes/fees. Vayama found an airfare deal that extends over the traditionally expensive summer period. Book by May 31, 2011 and travel must be completed by September 8. Sample roundtrip airfare - New York / Barcelona from $588.
Flight Deals - Travel Within Canada
Good airfares for travel within Canada...
Air Canada has several online airfares that are decent deals for travel within Canada. Book by dates vary a lot so check individual routings. Most offers require travel to be completed by the end of June. Sample one way airfare - Toronto / Vancouver $199 plus taxes.