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Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Page added on May 22, 2010

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TRAVELAERO TIPS

By: Gerine Arroyo

Say hello to Spring. The time when flowers emerge and the harmony of the green, fresh and fruity scents it brings welcomes the beginning of summer . Yey! The harsh winter months is over.

This is also the time when many travellers plan their biggest vacation of the year. But before you head off and picture yourself on a perfect beach with a cocktail in hand, read these tips. I always say that a little preparation goes a long way, knowing what to expect and thinking about the challenges that travel throws at you ahead of time can make it an easy and efficient experience.

Tips to Stay Healthy when Flying

Stay Buckled Up
- Keep your seatbelt on ALL the time. Once your plane has taken off, you can loosen it – but if your flight hits an air pocket things can get messy.
Air Sickness
- If you get motion sick easily, you may be more comfortable if you take some sort of motion sickness drug before you fly. Note that you must take the drugs before you get sick; there is unfortunately nothing that I know of that will relieve motion sickness once it has started.
Avoid Stiff Muscles
- Avoid stiff muscles by trying to keep them in motion. They can ache from being too still for too long at a time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, help your circulation and muscles by rotating your shoulders (backward and forward) and bending your neck to each side by lowering your ear to your shoulder (and repeating on the other side), as well as back and forth (chin to chest, then back). Also, get up and walk around once in a while to keep that blood flowing!
Avoiding Ear Problems
- Before the plane takes off, suck gummie bears or any type of sweet or chew gums. This will lessen the effect of getting the pressure into your ear while the plane is taking off.

· Budget Water Sense
- Everybody says to drink lots of water when you’re flying – the really annoying thing is that, at airports, water is sold in tiny little bottles at outrageous prices. If you take along your own large empty plastic coffee mug (the kind with a plastic cover and a hole for sipping), airport coffee shops will fill it to the top with ice water for free.

Chamomile for Jitters
- Nervous passengers might consider taking a few chamomile tea bags for the journey. They are tiny, flat, lightweight, and a double strength brew acts as a natural sedative. Unlike various travel tablets available, chamomile will enable you to relax without leaving you heavy headed and drooping all over your neighbour. Just ask the flight attendant for the hot water when tea and coffee is offered.

Prevent Blood Clots or DVTs
- On long flights, especially in coach, take a few minutes to get up and walk the aisles. Or at least do some exercises … move your legs and arms in your seat every half hour. Doing this will help prevent a deep venous thrombosis (DVT), or a blood clot in the leg.If you are not allergic to it, take an aspirin. Blood clots can form on long flights when you do not move and they can kill you.
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
- Air cabin pressure is very dry. Be sure that you clean your contact lenses thoroughly before you fly to avoid eye irritation. Use lubricating drops recommended by your optometrist to keep your eyes moist during the flight – and remember to blink!

· Stay Fresh
- Carry toiletries bag with you on a long flight so that you can freshen up before you reach your destination.

Smoking on International Flights?
- For all you smokers, on long flights bring a pack of nicotine patches or nicotine gum to curb the cravings.

Before you leave, call your travel agent and reconfirm your flight(s) and leave a phone number where you can be reached.

Once you arrive at your destination, contact your travel agent again and reconfirm your return flight and leave a phone number where you can be reached.

We don’t care what anyone tells you, it is important to reconfirm your flights. Way too many air travelers have had way too many trips interrupted or ruined by airline schedule changes.

Have a safe trip…

Reminder for Cuba travelaeros:

Starting May 1, 2010, everyone entering Cuba now need to hold medical travel insurance before they can enjoy their time in the sun.

Take advantage of these Disney offers….

Kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE!!!

Kids ages 17 and under can sail FREE!!!

Family of four can get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!!!!

Ask about packages for other lengths of stay as well as stays at select Disney Value Resorts.

Call your travel agent to put together a tailor-made vacation full of happy memories…

This spring make it a trip to remember! Whether it’s a romantic island get-a-way, or a time to re-connect with family, take advantage of these offers!!!!

MANILA – 910 + TAXES

HONGKONG – 900 + TAXES

BANGKOK – 900 + TAXES

DELHI – 1100 + TAXES

NEW YORK – 359 + TAXES

PARIS – 515 + TAXES

CANCUN – 199 + TAXES

ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES

HAVANA EXPERIENCE – from $878

4-days EUROPE – from $499

12-days CLASSIC GREECE – from$1949

ITALY EXPERIENCE – from $1201

CRUISE SPECIALS

7 DAY CRUISE FROM ROME – from $703

7NIGHTS HAWAII INTER-ISLAND – from $819

BOOK EARLY AND SAVE $$$$$

OFFICE HOURS : TUESDAY – SUNDAY 9:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

TRAVELAERO TIPS

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