Stay Healthy During Your Holiday Travels, Part II

Earlier this month, we posted some insider tips for staying healthy while you travel.  A helpful article in today's Wall Street Journal reminded us of a few more:

• Use a disinfecting wipe to clean the tray table (and while you're at it, why not wipe down the armrests, too?).
• Avoid the seat pocket - it can be full of nasties like used tissues and napkins.
• Request a seat change if you are next to someone who is obviously not well (but don't expect much -- planes are very crowded at this time of year).
• Use the air vent above your seat to bring fresh air toward your face.
• Complain if the air circulation system is turned off for more than 30 minutes.

Christmas in New York, Part II

New York City is the perfect setting for a Christmas story.  And Hollywood obviously thinks so, too, since so many holiday movies are set in the city.  To wit:

• Miracle on 34th Street
• Elf
• Serendipity
• Scrooged
• Christmas in Connecticut
• Ghostbusters II

Holiday Vacation Photos

We've written before about how to take great vacation photos (see our list of related posts below), but photos related to the holidays present some special challenges.  Keep all of our other tips in mind, of course, but also note the following:
For babies and toddlers, limit what's new.  Don't put young children in brand-new and possibly uncomfortable fancy outfits and then go to the mall to be photographed with Santa for the first time without expecting a melt-down.  Have the tots wear something they are used to, and spend some time hanging around with the elves before getting in line for the big pic.  And don't underestimate the help that a favorite toy or lovey can provide in helping to soothe their mood.
When you are photographing family and friends in front of a brightly lit Christmas tree or Hanukkah menorah, you won't need your flash since most newer cameras are more light sensitive than older models, and will pick up on the light behind your subjects.
For photos out in the snow, use the sports setting to reduce the glare and to help the camera focus on your subjects.

For more vacation photography tips and tricks, see:
Insider Guide To Taking Great Vacation Photos

New Ways to Enjoy Your Vacation Photos

Capturing and Displaying Vacation Memories

More Vacation Photo Ideas

Stay Healthy During Your Holiday Travels

If you've ever picked up a bug on a plane ride, you won't be surprised to hear that a study of more than 1000 airline passengers found that you are 23 times more likely to catch a cold in the air than on the ground.  But the culprit isn't just the recirculated air or even the tight quarters.  It is also the low humidity in the cabin, which dries out your nasal passages and makes you more vulnerable to viruses.

So if your next flight is more than two hours, consider bringing saline nasal drops, sprays, or gels (brands include Ayr, Ocean, Simply Saline), or moisturizing nasal swabs (SkyCap) on the flight with you. At the very least, they'll help you breathe more comfortably and prevent congestion while you are in the air.

Of course, some of the precautions you take on the ground are helpful on planes, too.  For example, you'll want to wash your hands often, even if it only with a liquid hand sanitizer or wipe.  And if you haven't yet had a flu shot, consider getting one a week or so before you fly.

Want more tips for staying healthy when you travel?  See our full list of Insider Tips for Healthy Travels.

Museum of Art & Design - NYC

I worked at Columbus Circle for years, and in all that time, never once heard a nice word spoken about the "Lollipop Building" at 2 Columbus Circle.  So like many people, I was surprised by all the hoopla and controversy that accompanied the facade redesign commissioned by the Museum of Art & Design, which moved into the space in 2008.
Frankly, a recent visit to the Museum convinces me that they made the right call.  For one thing, I love the light and amazing views the much maligned band of windows brings to the delightful restaurant called Robert.  And the building now contributes life and vitality to the area, which the old staid, and well, boring facade did not.
The real reason to visit the Museum, though, is to enjoy the exhibits inside.  Take the elevator to the highest level and then use the stairs to meander down -- the staircases include delightful treasures set in niches here and there. 
We were particularly partial to the jewelry collection, but we were amused or touched by almost everything we saw.  The level of creativity in the many one-of-a-kind pieces, be they furniture, architectural models or textiles is at an extraordinary level.
And don't miss a visit to the gift shop.  Especially at this time of year, you'll surely find something you want -- either for yourself or for someone on your holiday gift list.

Christmas in New York

Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in New York City:

• Seeing the Yorkville Nutcracker, which includes sets of many New York landmarks, including  Gracie Mansion, Central Park and the NY Botanical Garden?
• Checking out the store windows on 5th Avenue, including Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany's (click here for the 7 best).
• Shopping the Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal.
• A free brass quintet performance at the Swedish Cottage in Central Park.  How often do you get to see 5 guys (many of them Jewish) dressed as Santa playing trumpets and trombones and tubas and french horns? I know what you are thinking: "Not often enough!" (Dec 4th, 2:30-4:30 pm).