Archive for November 2011
Ten Items that Make Air Travel Fly By
Author Alexine
When traveling on airplanes some flight can seem like they take forever. With crying children, snoring adults and bright lights it seems as though you can never get any good sleep on airplanes. To help you pass the time when you are stuck in a small seat for hours on end I have come up with ten items that make air travel fly by.
1. Ear Plugs
With loud noises everywhere on airplanes you can hardly get any rest. The best solution to drown out the noise is to pack a good pair of ear plugs. The soft squishy ones that you squeeze and then they expand to fit your ear are best at blocking noise.
2. Eye Mask
Whether you are trying to sleep on a redeye flight with reading lights on or on a day flight airplanes can be very bright. Purchasing an eye mask is a life saver for those of you who have a hard time sleeping with light. They are lightweight and pack easily so you can fit it in your purse.
3. Sleeping Medicine
One trick to getting a nice solid nap on your long flight is to take a mild dose of sleeping medicine. This is only good if you do not have any children to take care of as you will fall into a deeper sleep than usual. Tylenol PM is great for six hour cross country flights.
4. MP3 Player
Packing your MP3 player is a great alternative to the music selection on most airplanes these days. They offer a decent selection on some of the larger and newer planes but most do not have the personal entertainment centers. Make yourself a mix of relaxation music to listen to for the flight and name it flight music so you can find it easily.
5. Headphones
A nice pair of sound eliminating headphones is a great investment for traveling. They reduce the background noise dramatically so you can hear your music clearly without turning the volume on high.
6. DVD Player
Watching a couple of movies on your flight really helps time fly as long as you really like the themes. The best thing to do is bring your own DVD player and headphones so you do not have to watch what the plane is watching unless you want to.
7. Books
Reading a good book is an easy way to pass the hours of a long airplane flight. Bringing along one or two chapter books that you have not had time to read at home is always nice. This is a great opportunity to get any pleasure reading done in your busy schedule.
8. Puzzle Books
Playing around in a puzzle book can really pass the time as well so make sure you bring one you enjoy. Things like Sudoku and crossword puzzles are fun to do when you are stuck in your seat for hours to take you mind off of the flight.
9. Computer Games
If you are into computer games and have a laptop than bringing it along for the flight can be fun. There are some simple games on computers like solitaire and spider solitaire that you can play. However, if you are into the more complex computer games it is possible to use them on most domestic flights now with the internet access.
10. Sketch Pad
For the aspiring artist or artist at heart it is always nice to pack a sketch pad and some pencils to draw. This is a lightweight and fun activity that is sure to pass the time of a long airplane flight.
While you may relate to a couple or more of the things listed above there is something for everyone. It can be difficult to sit in your small seat for long periods of time but with the things listed above your travel experience will not seem so long. Enjoy your flight and remember to pack the necessities to make your flight more enjoyable.
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Tags: air travel accessories, items for air travel, travel accessories, travel advice | 
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The Best Beach on Kauai for the Whole Family
Author Alexine
Poipu Beach is by far the best beach on the island of Kauai to take your whole family. This beach has some of the calmest waters. Just outside the breakwater you can take part in snorkeling, boogie boarding, kayaking, surfing and swimming. Do not miss out on this beach if you are traveling to Kauai, Hawaii with your family.
Great Location
Poipu Beach is located on the south shore of the island of Kauai in the town of Poipu. There are plenty of beautiful accommodations nearby that you can rent rooms out of for nightly or weekly rates. If you are looking for a month or two then there are also great condos to rent in Poipu. By renting a condo you are able to prepare your own food which is a great money saving opportunity.
Plenty of Shade
This beach is wonderful for shade as there are plenty of large palm trees to sit under. There are also a few really nice covered areas that have picnic benches for eating and staying cool. With shade abundant you do not have to worry about burning too bad the first day as long as you wear plenty of sunscreen.
Showers
Poipu Beach has several wonderful showers that are great for rinsing off the salt water after swimming in the ocean. This way you do not feel sticky from the salt and sweat from being out in the sun for several hours. Take advantage of these while you are there since not all beaches have a place to rinse off.
Restrooms
There are several restrooms down at Poipu Beach which are great for changing into your bathing suit and back into your clothes. It is nice to also have the ability to use the restroom whenever you need to without going back to your room.
Playground
There is a wonderful playground down at Poipu Beach that is great from young children to keep busy. When the kids are ready for a break in the water it is nice to have a playground right there to entertain them. This is a definite perk for families with younger children that need lots of busy body entertainment.
Young Children
Babies and young children will love spending the day at Poipu Beach. There is a wonderful pool of water that is less than two feet deep on the left side of the beach. This area has a breakwater of volcanic rock that keeps the water very calm even during larger swells on the ocean. This is the perfect place for babies and young children to play in the water and learn how to swim.
Beautiful Sand
Poipu Beach has some areas that are rocky however there is a good portion of the beach where you have plenty of beautiful sand. This is perfect for digging holes and making sand castles for hours on end. Do not forget to bring your buckets and shoves when you visit the beach. Most rentals have beach toys for you to use or you can purchase them cheap at the grocery store.
Wonderful Overall
Overall Poipu Beach is by far the best beach on Kauai for the whole family. With the beautiful sand, calm waters, entertainment and plenty of restrooms and shade you really cannot go wrong here. Make sure you visit this wonderful beach during your vacation on Kauai. You may even be lucky enough to stay in a nearby accommodation. This beach, water activities and playground are sure to give your children hours of great play time.
TSA Rules for Traveling with Luggage
Author Alexine
Since the security breech almost a decade ago there has been heightened security in all airports around the world. In the beginning there were no liquids or potentially harmful metal objects allowed in your carryon but as time went on they became more reasonable. Now days there are specific allowances and restrictions for carryon and checked luggage. Here is the most recent safety information so you can pack accordingly.
Liquids & Gels
The rule for each passenger when it comes to liquids and gels is known as the 3-1-1 rule. This means that each person can have one zipped closure bag that is one quart size. The person is allowed to fill the bag with three ounce sized containers of liquids and gels. The actual maximum size allowance is 100ml so make sure you check your bottles and tubes.
Sharp Objects
You are allowed to bring disposable razors and their cartridges for shaving in your carryon luggage. Also you can bring scissors that are shorter than four inches, plastic knives, butter knives, tweezers, nail clippers and nail files.
You must pack all other sharp objects in your checked luggage to comply with their regulations. The objects must be properly stowed in a case or wrapping to not inflict harm on potential inspectors. This includes but is not limited to box cutters, ice picks, ice axes, pointed knives, meat cleavers, utility knives, sabers, scissors longer than four inches and swords.
Sports Equipment
Now days you cannot carry on most types of sports equipment except the different types of balls and protection gear. Round small sports equipment like softballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs and hockey pucks are not listed as prohibited items.
Things like baseball bats, cricket bats, weights, hockey or lacrosse sticks, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and bows and arrows are not allowed on board. These items have to be packed and checked in luggage underneath the plane. Also skis, snowboards and surfboards have to be packed in special bags and checked on their own.
Firearms & Ammunition
While many airlines do allow you to check your guns in proper cases in your checked luggage some do not allow guns period. It is important to contact your airline to see what is allowed and what is not before packing for your trip. If the airline does allow you to pack firearms they must be declared at check in to show they are packed correctly.
The rules for BB guns, pellet guns and compressed air guns are the same as regular firearms. Also gun parts and replicas must be packed under the airplane as well. These rules are in place to protect you and other travelers. Also remember that flares and gun powder are not allowed when traveling on airplanes ever.
Tools
Most tools are to be wrapped and packed in your checked luggage except screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches seven inches or smaller .The tools that must be checked include axes, hatchets, crowbars, hammers, drills, saws and large wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers. Remember only seven inch or smaller tools may be packed in your carryon.
Self Defense & Martial Arts
While it is important for many people to have personal self defense items on themselves at all times you cannot carry these items onboard. Items such as Billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, kubatons, marital arts weapons, night sticks, nunchakus, stun guns, shocking devices and self defense sprays must be checked. However you cannot check a self defense spray with containing more than 2% by mass of Tear Gas.
Explosive & Flammable Material
There are no explosive or flammable materials allowed on the airplane in either your carryon or checked luggage. The explosive items include but are not limited to dynamite, fireworks, flares, hand grenades, plastic explosives and realistic replicas of explosives.
The flammable materials not allowed include most aerosols, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, torch lighters, strike anywhere matches, flammable paints, paint thinner and turpentine. You are allowed two properly cased lighters with fuel in them and one book of non-strike anywhere matches in your carryon.
Chemicals & Other Items
The only other items that may be checked in your luggage or carryon are small compressed gas cartridges, nonflammable paint, and small aerosol toiletries. Remember that the containers in your carryon must be clearly labeled at 100ml or less.
Items such as chlorine for pools and spas, fire extinguishers, liquid bleach and spray paint are not allowed period. However, gel candles, snow globes and gel shoe inserts are allowed in checked luggage only.
It is important to be up to date on the current rules and regulations by the TSA to ensure you are flying safely. Do not forget to pack your carryon liquids and gels in one quart sizes bag and large liquids or gels in your checked luggage. Also make sure you check with your airlines with any questions regarding items in your carryon or checked luggage. This will ensure you do not have any troubles when traveling at the airports.
