SECURITY AND GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air Travel Safety and Security
The U. S. State Department has put together a great website that contains helpful precautions to minimize the chance of becoming a victim of terrorism and also provides other safety tips for Americans traveling overseas. Also view their Current Travel Warnings updated list to make sure you have not planned a trip to one of these areas. The Consular Information Sheets gives details for every country of the world and provides information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country.

Permitted and Prohibited Items
Since the most recent terrorist scare we now have new guidelines on Permitted and Prohibited items that can travel with you. Many new items are not permitted to take on board with you. There are other items you may think you are not permitted to travel with you, but in most instances if the items are in your luggage and checked, the items will be allowed. Of course there is always the obvious items that no matter what; they are not going with you checked or not checked. Take a look at the list of all products from the Transportation Security Administration’s website. Also note as of September 26, 2006 the new quart size bag of toiletries you are now allowed to take on board, just remember no container can have more than 3 ounces of fluids.

Traveling with Special Items
The TSA Guidelines for traveling with Alcoholic Beverages to Sporting Gear and Equipment from the security perspective.

Flight Delay Information
Its bad enough that we now have to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance but its worse if we have children in tow and your flight is being delayed another 2 or 3 hours. You can check the Federal Aviation Administration website in advance to see your airport’s current conditions.

Or you can go to our Toll Free Numbers of Major Airlines to call and see if your airline’s flight has been delayed.

Warning – Another major cause of delay
If you have undergone a diagnostic procedure containing radioactive material within 100 days of your departure get a letter from your physician indicating the date and nature of the test and show it to airport security personnel. Radioactive isotopes can activate airport-screening alarms.

Airport Security Checkpoint Wait Times
This is just for security checkpoints. It does not take into consideration parking and checking in with your airline or your luggage. Wait Times

Cruise Ship Travel
There is nothing worse than being on vacation but too sick to get out of bed. Be informed and be prepared. The one vacation that truly pampers you should not keep you in your bed, bathroom or leaning over the rails. The International Council of Cruise Lines is devoted to your cruising safety, security, and health and is loaded with informative information.

Traveling by Rail
Safety and Security is not limited only to air carriers but our railways as well. If you are planning a railway tour please check the Transportation Security Administration website for requirements when traveling by rail. Here you will find a list of prohibited items and Mass Transit resource links listed by their City.

Travel Health
Automated Information Toll Free Phone Number:

877 – FYI- TRIP (8747)

Please list this number on a travel document or in your luggage so you will have it available should you need it. This number provides information about ordering the Yellow Book, which is published by the CDC and advises international travelers of health risks. It also covers international certificates of vaccinations, and has various recorded messages on travel related health topics.

Traveling Safely with Infants and Children.
Sometimes we are not as prepared traveling with our children when unforeseen things happen while on vacation. If you are planning on traveling with your or someone else’s children please take the time to review the Transportation Security Administration and the CDC for guides on traveling with children. These sites have abundant information and links to prepare you for a safe trip. Their information covers topics such as traveling with children with disabilities, traveling with baby food and breast milk to diarrhea and dehydration, antibiotics, malaria, insect and anthropoid precautions, infections and infestation from soil contact, animal bites and rabies, air travel, motion sickness, accidents, water related illnesses and injuries, altitude and sun exposure precautions, and other general information.

Breast Feeding, Baby Formula and Travel
Knowing I was going to be traveling while breast feeding my children I would always stored in advance extra breast milk in my freezer but sometimes that was not possible. There are a lot of challenges whether you will or will not breast feed while on your vacation. Helpful information on traveling while nursing can be located at The Lalecheleague website. Just click on the resources link and you will find breast feeding help. There is also information on Baby Formula, Baby Food and Teething items that are allowed on aircraft at the TSA site. Another site that has an abundance of information is the CDC in their Yellow Book.
Still needing more information or you want to take the information with you we have a selection of various books on Breast Feeding .

Travel Health Kits
Try to include a travel health care kit. Travel kits can be easily packed away and ready for immediate use should you ever need it. When you are not traveling store the kit in your auto; then you will always have it readily accessible. You can assemble your own by going to our recommended supply list at our Travel Kit page or purchase one online at the following link: Travel Medical Kits.

Traveling with Pets
There are numerous regulations when traveling with one of our favorite little friends. If you are bringing a new pet home or traveling with your pet investigate what potential roadblocks you may be encounter prior to the start of your journey that way you will have no surprises and a fun trip for all. Whether it is within our states or around the world check what type of pets can travel, be imported, laws and regulations and quarantine stations at Traveling with Pets. Sometime special gear and travel accessories or needed for your pet. You can also locate what accessories you will need for your traveling buddy at:

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