Important Tips for Traveling with Minors

When I renewed my kids' passports over the weekend, I was a bit shocked to find that both parents (if still living and in a custodial relationship) are now required to be present when the renewal documents are submitted.  This was definitely not the case 5 years ago.  Why the change?  I'm told that it is related to the increased awareness of abductions, most often by a parent who doesn't want the other parent to have custody.  

But tighter restrictions for traveling with kids doesn't end there.  Airlines and immigration officials frequently require notarized letters from the other parent if one parent is traveling alone with a child.  If you have sole custody, you'll need documentation that proves it, including a birth certificate naming only one parent, a death certificate proving that the other parent is deceased, or other official certifications.  Be sure to bring copies, in case the authorities need to keep one.

Incidentally, remember that children's passports must be renewed every 5 years.  And note that you must keep your passport updated: many countries won't allow you in if you have less than 6 months remaining on your passport.

Traveler's Insurance

The Wall Street Journal published an article in today's paper with useful tips about traveler's insurance.  When we first started traveling for business, traveler's insurance was often pooh-poohed as an unnecessary rip-off and in those days, when the airlines often flew half-full planes, a cancelled flight wasn't as much of a big deal: rebooking (for whatever reason - I once got on a different flight with a different airline at no extra cost to me just because I missed the plane - and I was flying an extremely discounted ticket) often wasn't a problem.  But today itineraries are more complex, people are traveling at older and older ages, and more people are going to parts of the world that they never would have considered before, and so insurance can often make good sense.  But as the article cautions - be sure to read the policy carefully so that you know that the most likely scenario that you want covered really is.  


See the full piece at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704281504576331252643248680.html?mod=ITP_personaljournal_4#articleTabs%3Darticle.

Here's to Healthy Travels - Summer 2011

Research studies prove that taking a vacation is good for your health.  In fact, a nine-year study found that middle-aged men who skip their annual vacations are 17% more likely to die (and almost 35% more likely to die of heart disease) than men who do take vacations every year. And that boost of energy and improved mood you get from time away from the office will increase your work productivity when you get back -- so not only will you stay healthier, but your career may get a boost, too!  Want more proof?  Consider this:

• Taking time off will decrease stress and tension and the maladies they lead to (like hypertension and migraines).
• A change of pace now and then helps fight off symptoms of depression.
• Less downtime can lead to less sleep; this in turn may lead to weight gain.
• More time outside, in fresh air and sunlight (rather than in recirculated air under artificial lights), gives your body Vitamin D to protect bones and lower cancer risk.

But travel has its health-related downsides, too, and as the 2011 summer vacation season approaches, it is smart to think about the preventative measures you can take to keep you and your travel companions safe and healthy, no matter where you go. Here are some ideas:

In the Air

1. We all know about the germs that are recycled -- along with the air -- in a crowded airplane cabin. So keep your time on the plane as short as possible by booking flights early in the morning when you're least likely to be delayed. And travel on Monday (the day with the least crowded flights) rather than Thursday (the day with the biggest crowds).
2. Don't use the airline's blankets or pillows unless they come in a sealed bag. These items are not always washed between flights and can therefore be rife with the germs of the gent who drooled on the pillow an hour ago.
3. On long flights, get up and move around every hour or two to avoid cramped muscles and reduced circulation.  And consider wearing compression socks or stockings.
4. Hydrate, hydrat, hydrate!

In the Car

1. If you are preparing for a long trip, have a tune-up -- check the oil, tire pressure, etc. -- before you leave, and make sure you have emergency equipment, including flares, in your trunk.
2. Take a break from driving if you feel tired or sleepy.
3. Always lock your doors while you are driving and keep windows rolled up far enough so that no one can reach in while you are stopped at a traffic light.
4. Never leave the car unlocked and never leave the keys in the ignition -- even if you are just stopping for a moment.

In the Hotel

1. Use antibacterial wipes to clean items in your hotel room that housekeepers generally ignore, but that can be rife with germs from former guests: the TV remote, telephone receiver, and clock radio.
2. Always order extra blankets when you reach your room to replace the bedspread. Why? While most hotels only wash bedspreads every couple of months, the blankets from the housekeeping closet are laundered before they are put away.

With Children

1. If your child needs to use a car seat or booster seat, make sure you know how to install it correctly and always use it. (The American Academy of Pediatrics has a thorough online guide to help you.
2. Bring along items to help child-proof your hotel room (or Grandma's house, if you're visiting relatives).
3. Young children have sensitive skin, so remember to slather them with sunscreen and put on a hat if you'll be outdoors.
4. Dress your child in bright, easy-to-recognize clothing and always carry a current photo in case you are separated.
5. Carry a first aid kit, that includes items such as antibiotic ointment, band aids, and Tylenol.

No matter where you are, always carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (like Purell) or cleansing wipes with you to use when soap and water aren't available.  And be sure to pack a first aid kit, that includes wound wash, bandages and band aids, antibiotic ointment, waterproof first aid tape (to dress wounds, create splints, and even fix a hem), Tylenol, Benadryl (for congestion, allergies, bug bites, rashes, and - in a pinch - insomnia), antacids (to relieve heartburn and indigestion from eating foods outside your norm and, perhaps, overindulging), insect repellent, and high SPF sunscreen.  You might consider adding an antibiotic like Cipro, too.

One of the biggest way that travel - even vacations - can wreak havoc on your health is by interrupting your usually healthy daily regimen. Once you are out of your usual routine, it can be easy to go whole hog at dinner and to skip your usual workouts. But even business travelers who are extremely pressed for time can squeeze in some exercise by following these tips:

• Pack healthy snacks like dried fruit and nuts to eat on the plane and between meals.
• Drink plenty of water - not only air travel can be dehydrating, but being off your usual schedule can affect your digestive system and staying well-hydrated will help keep you regular.
• Get to the gym whenever you can. Most hotels now have some sort of workout space - make sure yours does (with extended hours if possible) when you make your reservation.
• Walk whenever you can, whether it is part of your sightseeing or a means of transport from one appointment to the next. If you are near the shore, walking on a sandy beach has special benefits for your legs and feet.
• The hotel's stairway can be a great place to work up a sweat! Race up as fast as you can (taking the steps 2 or 3 at a time) then use a recovery pace on the way down. Repeat or do as many floors as you can. You might alternate with sprints in which you take every step.
• If all else fails, here are some basic exercises you can do in your hotel room (or really, anywhere):
  - jump rope (bring one with you since it doesn't take up much room in a suitcase)
  - push-ups (always considered the ultimate fitness test so do as many as you can)
  - crunches and reverse crunches (lie on back, bring knees to chest)
  - windshield wipers (lie on back, raise legs straight up, then lower to floor on one side and raise up to center and the over to the other side)
  - forward and side lunges (do them down the hallways if you're brave and want the space)