Travel category archive

Preparing for Tightened Security During The Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are beginning to solidify our plans for seasonal family gatherings. If you or any family members expect to do any air travel this year, you should be aware of some new changes in the security and screening process.

More and more airports are being equipped with advanced imaging technology, or full-body scanners. But for passengers who opt out of this type of screening, you should be aware of the new procedures being utilized in light of a heightened security measures.

Typically, screeners would employ a hand-pat down method to detect hidden items a passenger might be carrying. Now screeners may use more of a hand-sliding motion, and passengers should be aware of the change.

According to TSA officials, passengers should expect an “unpredictable mix of security layers” when traveling by air. Fortunately, you can help facilitate a more efficient trip through security by just planning ahead and taking heed to a few simple tips from the TSA.

  • Pack an organized carry-on and observe liquid rules. Innocent items can seem like potential threats under an X-ray, just by how they are packed. Be sure that any liquids, aerosols or gels are packed in the limited quantities specified by TSA regulations.
  • Dress appropriately. If any clothing sets off the metal detectors, you may be required to remove the article or undergo additional screening.
  • Keep your boarding pass and proper identification handy as you pass through the security checkpoint.
  • Get to the airport on time. Give yourself enough time to check your baggage and move through security. Review the list of prohibited items to be sure you haven’t packed anything in your carry-on that you probably should have checked.

Text Generation: Keeping Your Eyes On The Road

In our fast paced society, our cellphones have become such an important tool for keeping up with contacts while on the go. Whether communicating a change in plans, getting in touch with work or our kids, or during the course of running errands, our cell phones help to keep us moving along without missing a beat.

Unfortunately, for too many people, using a phones on the go means using it while in the car. More and more of us are talking, or even worse, texting while driving, leading to an increase in dangerous highway accidents.

According to American Automobile Association (AAA) research, 1 in 5 drivers in the U.S. admitted to texting while driving at least once in the prior 30 days. Using a phone while driving creates a dangerous distraction to the driver, putting themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road around them at risk of accident. Continue reading Text Generation: Keeping Your Eyes On The Road »

Keep On Guard While Traveling Abroad

vacation safety

With the summer months approaching and travelers looking to visit their vacation destinations, most are unaware of the dangers facing them.

One family learned the hard way as they encountered an unimaginable nightmare in St. Johns, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cockayne family of New Hope, Pa. once called the islands home., but they say they decided to leave after a string of burglaries and an assault. The family no longer felt safe and returned to the states.

After staying away for several years, the family began vacationing in the USVI again, doing most tourists do during a relaxing, tropical vacation. Their son, Jamie — an energetic free spirit — discovered a passion for sailing. Continue reading Keep On Guard While Traveling Abroad »

Practice Defensive Flying During Your Holiday Travels

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, more than 40 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday long weekend. Whether you travel by road or by air, there are always considerations you need to make in advance to ensure you and your family have the safest trip possible.

Just like defensive driving, here are a couple of tips from AAA for defensive flying Continue reading Practice Defensive Flying During Your Holiday Travels »

Tie One On For Safety This Holiday Season

 

As the holidays approach, many of us will be traveling to dinners and parties, to enjoy the company of friends and family. It’s a time of celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when drunk driving is on the rise. Last year, more than 12,000 people were killed in crashes when involving a driver with a blood alcohol content greater than the leagal limit of .08.

Each year, during this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) conducts the Tie One On For Safety public awareness initiative, to encourage us all to “Drive Safe, Sober and Buckled Up.” The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, and promotes always wearing your seat belt, which remains the best defense against a drunk driver. Continue reading Tie One On For Safety This Holiday Season »



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