Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf861946.tip.html

Planning on Doing Some International Travel for the Holidays?

By Susan Dunn, MA

(shudder). No really, a little EQ - managing the attitude, and using the ole noggin' - can make it more of a Joyeux Noel.

1. Pack your patience and your Emotional Intelligence. Turn down the emotion, turn up the forethought. Example - research your destination on the Internet prior for websites where individuals (not paid interests) can tell you what you can ^anticipate^.

2. Pre-arrange everything you possibly can  air, hotel, car, restaurant, attractions, plays.

3. Make copies of your passport, travelers checques, credit cards, itinerary, and airline tickets.

Carry one copy with you and leave one copy with your designated emergency-contact.

4. Carry with you the address and phone number of your countrys embassy (consulate) for each country youll visit.

5. Take any regular medication in your hand luggage and be sure you have more than enough for your trip. (Remember needles and scissors cant be in hand luggage.)

6. Check the US State Dept. advisories, www.travelstate.gov, before your go for immunizations, hazards and other pertinent information; the Overseas Security Advisory Council, www.ds-osac.org, and the Transportation Security Administration site, www.tsatraveltips.us.

7. You'll know you'll be waiting, so use your EQ and figure out how to make it A Good Thing.

  • Use e-ticket and online checkin when you can.
  • Bring along that book youve been meaning to read
  • Bring a pre-paid phone call and catch up with buddies
  • Bring a neck pillow and plan to catch up on your rest
  • Dress appropriately for sitting or lying around an airport for a long time  loose clothing that can be abused. YOu can ^impress^ them once you're there.

8. Use your neocortex when you pack, not your brain-stem. (You KNOW the rules, abide by them! Exorcize from the brain-stem another time, another place.)

  • Pack carry-ons lightly so they can be checked more easily
  • Check the checked baggage allowance and be sure your name and contact details are on the outside of each bag
  • Avoid packing anything that looks like a weapon (guide  anything you wouldnt give an 18 mo. old free access to  nail file, letter opener, knitting needle, and the more obvious hand grenades)
  • When traveling to and from North America, TSA recommends not locking checked baggage
  • Check here www.tsa.dot.gov for common items which become hazardous in flight due to temperature changes and pressure, and dont pack them.

9. Be sure you have a valid passport and any required Visas and be prepared to show them at any point along the way.

10. Know the rules of security checkpoints and abide by them.

  • Only ticketed passengers can proceed beyond it
  • All electronic items will be screened  laptops and cells. Remove laptop from travel case.
  • Keep ticket and boarding pass and ID within easy reach  like on neck chain
  • Wear shoes easy to remove and as little jewelry as possible

About The Author:
Susan Dunn - EQ Coach
http://www.susandunn.cc

This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf861946.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.