My Travel Tips
By Rita Cardenas, VP Trips
Traveling can be fun, rewarding, and challenging, but also requires some planning and preparation to avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the experience. I am sure you have travel tips to share, here are a few of mine:
• Always carry two credit cards. The reason is that one may become compromised during your trip, so you always need a backup. Make sure to have a card with a PIN, as a PIN is required when traveling internationally to buy subway/train tickets from the kiosk.
• Take a picture of your luggage. This comes in very handy when luggage is lost or delayed. Try to avoid buying a black suitcase, but rather one with color, or if it is black put a scarf or colorful bandanna on the handle. Easier to distinguish or identify when you are filling out a delayed baggage request. Speaking of lost, Beverly Roberts, puts air tags in her luggage, came in handy recently when her luggage was delayed.
• Remote airport parking at hotels when you are on a long trip and do not want to use Uber. I recently started using the app SpotHero to locate airport parking at a good daily rate. Did you know that most of the hotels at IAH offer their parking lots at a very reasonable rate. I recommend you find select a lot that has security and a shuttle that runs frequently to the airport. I usually park at the Sheraton on JFK ($5.85 per day). You pay in advance on SpotHero and usually get coupons via email. With the app you can extend or change your departure/arrival date and time.
• When traveling internationally, I use an undergarment neck pouch (amazon). The main compartment fits your passport keeps valuables secure and out of sight. This comes in handy if you travel to a country with a high risk of pic pockets such as Barcelona. Tom Thomas suggests that men should carry a fake wallet with an expired credit card and a few dollars to be able to hand over in case you are held up.
• Traveling to Europe, I found that hotel beds only have a fitted sheet and a comforter. To make sure I sleep and shower comfortably, I pack a flat sheet and bring wash cloths. Also, if you forget to bring a plug adapter for your iPhone, check the TV to see if it has a USB port. Many of the hotels will provide a plug adapter at no charge to use during your stay.
• Download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app – Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC does not require pre-approval. Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing. Mobile Passport is free, but Global Entry is likely to be worth the time and money for most international travelers.
I hope you picked up some good information to help plan your travels. Refer to the October Stizmark for the full article.
Patience is my top travel tip. Don’t sweat the stuff can’t control. Life is much too short to be angry & annoyed all the time while traveling.
Rita Cardenas - VP Trips
Trips@spacecity.org
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SportsAmerica offers the IKON or Epic Pass Price Increase
Space City has been notified by Sports America that Epic Pass pricing will increase on September 4th.
We strongly encourage members to buy Epic Pass products. Lift tickets are expected to be 2-3 times higher than the Epic Day Pass prices.
To purchase please go to https://www.sportsamerica.com/epic-spacecity
Remember, for the Day Pass products, buy the 'holidays restricted' version NOT the 'limited' version. The limited version is not valid at Beaver Creek.
Guests going on more than 1 trip to an Epic Destination should buy the Epic Local Pass..
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