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Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge.  Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer.  However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel.  In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion.  In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

The World and Covid

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical.  Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Traveling with younger children.

Traveling with younger children.

by | Mar 14, 2021 | 0 comments

I was an international flight attendant before I had children, so I thought I had all the knowledge I needed to travel with children.  Knowing and doing are two different things. I made many mistakes along the way, and it has been a long time since I’ve traveled with children.  Here are my five tips to help young mothers on the journey.

1. Traveling with pre-made infant formula or breast milk is allowed through TSA.  Inform them in advance that you have liquids for your baby so that you will be processed accordingly.  Not every TSA station, even at the same airport, treats everyone the same or seems to have the same policies at times. Using clear containers for your baby’s feeding is recommended, and having just enough feedings for travel time plush a small extra is usually enough.

2. Airplanes are always equipped with babies and children in mind. Some even have special-size life jackets or supplies and activities designed for children in mind.  What is common, however, is a bathroom equipped with a drop-down changing table for babies.  Use it and not the seat. It’s unhygienic and inconsiderate to your fellow passengers.  Also, don’t hand the dirty diaper to your flight attendant. Use those airsick bags provided and dispose of them in the restroom.

3. Children have different preferences for their feedings.  If your child prefers warm bottles, make it hot before you leave, wrap it in aluminum foil and towels, and place it between diapers.  It will not stay warm forever, but it should last a shorter, distanced flight.  Towels can serve as double duty for cleanup, and you can never run out of diapers.

4. Try to arrive at the airport with time to get through security without the stress of possibly missing your flight.  Give yourself time for the realities of traveling with children and the extra security you may encounter.

5. Traveling with infants allows you a few privileges such as early boarding and gate-checking your stroller.  Use the stroller to get through the airport and to your gate.  Once there, you should check your stroller, so it is not another piece of luggage you need to worry about.  You will not need it in flight, and in most cases, it can be delivered to you when you get off the plane.

Traveling with children is indeed a stressful experience.  However, there are so many ways to make it less so and a pleasant experience.  Have you traveled with children? Do you have any suggestions? I’d like to hear.

Travel and culture.

Travel and culture.

by | Mar 11, 2021 | 0 comments

Travel and culture do not necessarily go hand in hand. They are many people who have traveled extensively but are still culturally unaware due to their unconscious biases. When thinking about traveling, travelers must always be aware that they will experience cultural differences and be respectful of the culture they choose to place themselves in, even if they don’t accept it. Here are five ways to become a more culturally sensitive traveler.

1. Know that culture is not limited by race or ethnicity. People have different cultures based on their upbringings, language, gender, religion, or sex, to name a few. As a traveler, expect to see people who have different experiences, backgrounds, or viewpoints.

2. Know that you will see, hear and possibly feel things that will be different from what you are accustomed to. For example, queuing or standing in line is common when traveling through airports in the boarding process. However, in some cultures, the boarding process can be chaotic as some cultures are accustomed to a “me first” mentality.

3. Know that even though you might recognize your destination for a particular culture, this does not mean that you have to abandon your own culture. Be culturally sensitive as many places are multi-cultural, and you can add value to your destination with your own culture.

4. Know that culture influences people’s attitudes, beliefs, values, and behavior. Try not to judge a person based on what you presume to be their culture; oftentimes, your judgment is based on your own unrecognized bias.

5. Know that travel becomes a much more pleasant experience when you have learned to accept and respect people and their differences. You will become much more open to new knowledge and experiences and add value by sharing your own culture with others.

It has pained me to see the new wave of Asian racism as much as it has been to experience it as a person of color. What I do know, however, is that traveling has opened my eyes to see people as they are and not what I think they are. Has traveling opened your eyes culturally? I’d like to know.

Five tips to become a first-rate traveler.

Five tips to become a first-rate traveler.

by | Feb 24, 2021 | 0 comments

With my years of experience in professional and personal travel, many people have asked me to give travel stories about my experiences.  This interest makes for great conversation pieces and ways to find commonality with people I meet. Here are my five tips to become an excellent traveler and share great travel stories with people you meet.

  1. Be kind.
  2. Be kinder.
  3. Be the kindest.
  4. Be one of a kind.
  5. Don’t be that kind.

It’s incredible how kindness changes not only your experience but the experience of others.  We are all a part of the world, and being kind is simply the least expensive and most significant way to show love to others.  What tips would you give? I’d like to know.

Five tips from a seasoned traveler.

Five tips from a seasoned traveler.

by | Feb 17, 2021 | 0 comments

After twenty-three years as an international flight attendant and having lived and traveled on my own for many years, traveling has become second nature. However, it is not the same for many travelers, and it’s best to remember that airplanes are modes of transportation. Not all travelers have similar reasons for travel, so here are five of my tips to keep you grounded while traveling.

1. Unless you are traveling on a private jet, chances are the people around you aren’t traveling for the same reason. Your exuberance on your travel plans may be a bit annoying to your fellow traveler who may be going to a loved one’s funeral. Be mindful of others and pay attention to those around you.

2. Airline agents and flight attendants are people too. They are not there to serve you literally; their primary purpose is customer service and your safety. Everything else in between is simply a service provided by the airline or the flight attendant or gate agent’s kindness. Be respectful, and they will respect you in turn.

3. There is a saying, “you catch more flies with honey.” Flying often is a stressful time, and many people may act in ways that they usually would not. Offer grace to those who you may find annoying or intrusive. Many times, they are simply nervous and trying to find commonality with you. Remember that you probably will never see this person again, or they may live in your neighborhood.

4. Say thank you. It seems simple but showing appreciation can give you the most pleasant experience. I walk with Starbucks gift cards loaded with five or ten dollars. If an agent, flight attendant, or airport worker does something to be appreciated, show your appreciation. Remember that although you may do this a few times a year, airport workers do this every day and enjoy the recognition.

5. Be kind; it is merely the most gracious and inexpensive way to be a good human and an excellent traveler.

These ideas are not unique, but I know they are impactful after spending years in the travel industry. Do you have any tips? I’d love to hear them.

Five tips to claiming your space when traveling.

Five tips to claiming your space when traveling.

by | Feb 15, 2021 | 0 comments

I mentioned before about biases and microaggression often encountered by people of color while traveling. Even though I am an experienced traveler, I recently traveled and had some similar travel experiences, so I wanted to share my thoughts on how to feel more secure in your travel experience.

1.Keep in mind that you paid for the same privilege of travel no matter if you paid more or less than other travelers. Be mindful of others but always remember that your personal space is just that, and do not allow others to infringe upon your right.

2.If you have followed all the rules for the boarding process, know that you can take the time to put your items away and settle yourself in your seat.  You should always give thought to the people behind you but remember the plane can’t leave until everyone is seated, so don’t feel obligated to rush because of an impatient traveler.

3.Storage space on an airplane is shared space, so feel free to place your items where there is space.  Often travelers get quite flustered as the space above their seat is not available.  So keep an eye out for storage space as you are going to your assigned row, and if you see that the space above your row is not vacant, feel free to use the overhead storage area before your seat or after. It is easier to retrieve your luggage when getting off the plane if it is in front of you rather than behind.

4.Try always to acknowledge your seatmates if they are already seated or if they sit after you.  If they don’t respond, don’t be insulted, as this allows you to make sure you are being seen, even if not acknowledged.  Many times, as travelers of color, there can be a perception that you don’t belong in a space. Claim your right and stand by it.

5. Finally, if you have paid for a specific seat, do not feel obligated to adjust to other traveler’s needs.  It is thoughtful to help out if it fits your need but do not feel obliged to give up your seat to accommodate others, especially if your preference is not what has been offered as an alternative to you.

I hope these tips help for a more pleasant travel experience. Have you ever been made to feel as if you don’t belong when traveling? I’d love to hear about it.