SHIP YOUR LUGGAGE AHEAD
How many times have you sighed, “If only I could travel with just a carry-on bag I’d save two hours at the airport!” Well, I recently did just that and shipped my bag ahead. I had it waiting for me at the hotel when I arrived before the baggage carousel started to turn. It was so heavenly that I then shipped it home at the end of the trip. At least six companies now specialize in shipping luggage door to door. But since luggage heaven comes at a price, the three main overnight shipping companies ship luggage too, at a much lower price than the luggage shipping specialists. Ship a day early, so you can make sure your bag arrived before you leave.

TRAVEL AGENTS VS. ONLINE BOOKING
Who can take care of refunds and changes when you’ve booked your trip online? Don’t be surprised when the answer is no one. All that time spent online is doubled when you have to get on the phone and make a change. Forget the refund, as online specials are usually non-refundable. Need help overseas? I cringe for you. Internet specials are great until you have a problem or need to make changes. That’s where travel agents are lifesavers, especially if you’re out of the country. Definitely go online to do research. Compare prices and look at hotel photos & airline seating charts. But for an expensive or complicated itinerary, use a travel agent. And pack their cell phone number.

YOUR CREDIT CARD IS REFUSED OVERSEAS
You’re having dinner at the Eiffel Tower when your credit card is refused. Furious, you spend an hour calling home to discover your card was shut down due to suspicious activity- someone has been using it in France! Since no one called the credit card company back when they left you a message at your home, the account was frozen “for your protection.” Let’s get one thing straight- it wasn’t for your protection. You have limited liability. It was the credit card company covering their rear and they do it all the time. To avoid this, call your credit card companies and inform them of your travel dates & destinations, take travelers checks and travel with more than one card.

PROTECTING YOUR PASSPORT
Now that you have your passport for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico you need to take steps to avoid it being lost or stolen. Immediately make several copies. Leave one copy at home, put two copies in your carry on bag, and leave one copy with someone who could fax it to you if yours is lost or stolen. In case yours disappears, a copy of your passport will significantly speed up the time it takes to get a replacement, especially overseas. I prefer hard copies but some people scan their passports to file on their laptop. In your hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe with the majority of your credit cards and carry one of the copies with you for shopping and money changing.

“GETTING AROUND AIRLINE EXCESS FEES” Skycaps used to comment on my bag. “Whaddya got in there, bricks?” Even today, I still pack my “essentials.” Aside from a few extra shoes, that includes all those liquids and gels. Where else do you put them? Add up the toiletries, instant coffee, immersion heater, protein bars, white noise/alarm clock, extension cord, makeup mirror, curling iron, small flashlight, adaptors, converters and chargers, and it’s a heavy bag. “Yeah, bricks,” I used to answer. But today, I take two half empty bags, splitting the weight. You pay steep excess fees for one bag a few pounds heavy, and nothing for two bags, each under the limit. Hey, it works for me-there’s room to shop.

RESTRICTIONS WITH CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
The Transportation Security Administration (a division of US Department of Homeland Security) has recently revised its restrictions on items in carry-on luggage for flights originating in the US. Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

These are some tips to avoid spills inside your suitcase:

• Liquids and gels should be in plastic containers, stowed inside clear zippered plastic bags for ease of inspection by TSA officials.

• Squeeze all the air out of any liquid or gel containers to avoid leaks, as products expand in flight.

• Pack liquids and gels near the hinge of a suitcase to minimize movement.

These are some notable exceptions:

• Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected.

• Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, up to 5 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment, including juice; and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly are permitted.

• Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics

• Gel-filled wheelchair cushions

• Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons

YOUR PASSPORT
If you're planning on vacationing in another country, you're going to need a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you'll need to apply in person at least 5 weeks before your planned departure. You can go to your local county courthouse, a U.S. Passport Agency, a probate court, or certain post offices. For more information, click on: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. Be sure to make two photocopies of your passport before you go on your trip. Bring one with you and leave the other with a friend.

TRAVELER'S CHECKS
Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler's checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler's check while you're on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check's face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN
If you are traveling with children, it's always good to be prepared for anything. Portable video games and CD players, healthy snacks like granola or raisins, wet wipes-these are things you should always have on hand. Also, if you're traveling by car, paper towels and small trash bags are a must.

GOOD SHOES
If you're going to be walking a lot, bring along a pair of shoes that is a half-size too big. This allows for swelling. Don't underestimate those gel inserts that you can pick up at any drugstore. Your feet will thank you.

AIRPORT CRIMES
The airport is where 85 percent of crimes take place during trips. Be aware of what's going on around you. Never leave your bags unattended. If you're traveling with someone, one person should not only keep an eye on your luggage, but also a hand.

HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING
When traveling overseas, check your health insurance. Many policies won't cover you once you leave the U.S. If you need insurance, there are a number of companies that offer travel coverage plans including American Express, International SOS Assistance, Medex, and Health Care Abroad.

BUYING NEW LUGGAGE
When it comes to buying new luggage, there's always the question of whether it should be soft or hard-sided. Although soft-sided luggage has to be fully packed to gain some degree of sturdiness, it is lighter, flexible for packing, and stores easier. Hard case luggage on the other hand doesn't need to be filled to be durable. The hard case protects the contents better, and often comes with built-in locks. Surprisingly, soft luggage tends to last longer, especially if it's made from canvas or high-tech nylon. Hard cases that take a beating often get their hinges and frames bent, while soft cases tend to roll with the punches. Whatever you decide to buy, save the pricey designer bags for your carry-on. Expensive suitcases just beg to be stolen.

ECONOMIZE YOUR FOOD MONEY
If you prefer to eat out for breakfast, ask the concierge or front desk for the nearest bakery or sidewalk coffee shop. Avoid ordering expensive room service. Another idea is to pack a small toaster or have cereal in the room. Bring an immersion heater for coffee and hot chocolate (don't forget the voltage adapter) and why not keep a cooler full of soft drinks or snacks? If the weather is nice, you might want to enjoy it with a picnic.

MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS
Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications you are taking and bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.

CAR EMERGENCIES
If you're traveling by car, it's a good idea to prepare for emergencies. Aside from taking enough maps, these items can help: car rental and insurance information, identification and medical information for everyone traveling, a first aid kit, a blanket and sheet, a flashlight or lantern, a small tool kit that includes two screwdrivers-regular and Phillips, a jug of water, a battery jumper cables, a heavy duty jack, and a lug wrench.

LOST AND FOUND
If you accidentally leave something behind on a plane, immediately call the airline's 800 number and give them your flight number and a detailed description of the item. Airlines typically hold an item for five days and then forward the item to the airline's central baggage office, where it's typically held for 90 days.

DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TICKET
When you pick up your ticket, check to see that all the information is correct. Be sure your name is spelled correctly and that you have a coupon for each flight. Your ticket must match the name on your passport.

TICKET PRICE DROPS AFTER PURCHASE
If you have the time, check to see if your ticket price drops after you buy it. Many airlines will reimburse you for the difference, but only if you ask.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR HOTEL
The first thing you should do when you check into your hotel is to find out what amenities the suites offer that the standard rooms do not (usually a bathrobe, slippers, upgraded toiletries, etc.). When you get to your standard size room, if it doesn't have a bathrobe, call housekeeping and ask to "borrow" one. They'll send one up right away. Other items that are available from housekeeping include an iron and ironing board, hypo-allergenic or down pillows, extra towels, soap and shampoo, hair dryers, shoe polish, extra blankets, sewing kits, and sometimes even a toothbrush and toothpaste. If your room has twin beds, you can usually have them pushed together and re-made into a king.

RENTING A CAR
If you are renting a car, definitely give your rental car a good once-over before you leave the lot. Check to see that the headlights, windshield wipers, and brakes are working correctly. The fuel tank should be full and if it isn't, make a note on the rental contract and have the rental agent initial it before you leave.

SHIPPING TIPS
If you use a credit card for a purchase or service overseas, keep your receipts and double check your bill. There are thousands of mistakes on international credit card purchases, but unfortunately, there's very little recourse. One common problem is receiving defective merchandise that has been shipped. The law only protects you if it was shipped within your home state or if you lived within one hundred miles of the mailing address. Therefore, don't ship without good insurance. And what about the merchant who adds extra zeroes or moves the decimal point to increase the charge? This happens all the time. You must notify your credit card company in writing within 60 days. You'll also need to send a copy to the appropriate federal agencies as well, and believe it or not, the Director of Tourism of the offending country. Often the promise of bad publicity from an American tourist can nudge the merchant to withdraw.

DECLARE YOUR ITEMS
You're required by U.S. Law to declare all items acquired in other countries. That includes repairs to items you took with you and any gifts you may have received. You'll fill out a customs declaration form when reentering the United States. Keep a record of what you acquire abroad and keep your receipts. Take the necessary time to register any foreign-made jewelry or electronic equipment at the customs office before you leave, to prove you didn't buy them on the trip. Appraisals, receipts, insurance policies, and permanently affixed numbers are proof of prior ownership. If you fail to register these items, you may be required to pay a duty on them when you return home. The most important thing you can do is be informed. Believe me, this is the one situation where honesty is the best policy!

PHOTOCOPY YOUR PASSPORT
If your passport is lost or stolen while abroad, go immediately to the nearest American embassy or consulate where you can start the process of getting a new passport. This is when you will need a photocopy of your passport. You should also report it to the local police.

HOTELS OVERBOOK
Popular hotels frequently overbook and plan on cancellations. Consequently, you may find yourself without a room upon your arrival. To avoid this, authorize the person taking your reservation to charge your room to your credit card. Be sure to first ask about the cancellation policy (usually 24 to 72 hours before arrival). Otherwise, you'll be charged for one night.

PET POLICIES
When flying with a pet, find out the pet policies of the airline. Be sure to reserve a place-you want the cargo area to be pressurized, lighted, and temperature controlled. Allow your pet to become familiar with the flight-approved travel case. Most importantly, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up and obtain sedatives if necessary.

HOTEL SAFES
When you put your valuables in a hotel safe, put your credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope so you know whether they've been used when you get them back.

MINI SKIERS GETAWAY
Whew. With the holiday travel suitcase barely unpacked, it's time to start thinking about the next getaway. Trust me – now that you've come down from the high of the season, you're going to need a mini getaway just to relax from having to go back to the daily grind. One special I discovered is aimed at skiers. Check out $79 one-way fares from Burbank or Long Beach to Salt Lake City on JetBlue. Other one-way sale fares include $49 to Oakland and $59 to Las Vegas. Fares require a 14-day advance purchase, and travel must take place on or after this Tuesday and be completed by April 30. Travel must take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Saturday. Taxes and fees extra. JetBlue also flies out of Ontario. Details: www.jetblue.com/traveldeals.

TAKE NOTES AND COLLECT EVIDENCE
Your E-ticket is lost in cyberspace. Your baby's "connecting" room is down the hall. It's inevitable that something will go wrong on a trip, but you can win and not lose. First: Get it in writing. Second: Get a name to blame. Insist on e-mail confirmations for airline and hotel reservations so you can take the printout to the counter. If a room is dirty or an airline seat doesn't recline, take a photograph, if possible. Then complain to someone who has the power to make it right. Follow up by mail or e-mail. Again, make a note of the person's name, title, address and e-mail, plus the date and time of your call. Then be reasonable and rational. State your complaint and what you expect in return. Take notes and collect evidence. Remember that facts plus evidence equal the power to make it right.

WATER SOUTH OF THE BORDER
A friend tells the story of walking by the housekeeping closet at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico and glimpsing the maid filling the complimentary "bottled water" straight from the tap. As someone who is extremely careful of what he eats and drinks in foreign countries, he was outraged at the thought of drinking unsafe water. "But the hotel water is purified," the manager said with a shrug. While that may be true, I never trust the quality and cleanliness of hotel purification systems in other countries and stick to one basic rule: If you don't personally break the seal, don't drink it. No exceptions. Also, I only drink from disposable bathroom water glasses - but that's another story.

FIRST ONE ON THE SLOPES
Ski valets are so yesterday. What if you could get your ski and snowboard equipment rentals fitted in your hotel room after a late dinner or a delayed flight? Or at the crack of dawn so you're first on the slopes? "Door 2 Door" by Christy Sports is a 24-hour full-service rental delivery service now available in a dozen major resorts including Aspen, Colo.; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Park City, Utah; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Vail, Colo. The company will even bring a selection of ski clothes for you to buy or rent. It's a dream come true for anyone who hates to wait in line. Rentals for one child under 12 are free with each five-day adult rental. Call (866)323-7547 or go to www.d2dskis.com for locations and prices.

WHERE THE DOLLAR IS A DOLLAR
Yikes! In London, $100 gets you about 50 British pounds. That wouldn't last you from the airport to your room. I wince when I'm handed just over 65 Euros for my C-note, knowing I'll be right back to change more. So, where can you get a little value nowadays? Obviously, anywhere that takes U.S. dollars. Not so obvious are the "foreign" destinations that do just that. Many of the Caribbean islands, aside from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also trade in dollars. Or, in the case of Curacao and the Bahamas, their currency is based on our dollar. Elsewhere, I'd go non-euro/pound. I choose Vietnam, Switzerland, New Zealand and soon-to-change Romania.

THE NEW OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT
New routes, yay! Until this month, you couldn't fly between the U.S. and Europe on an international carrier without going through the home country "hub:" You'd have to connect in Paris on an Air France flight, or stop in Rome on Alitalia, for example. The new "Open Skies" agreement between the U.S and the European Union goes into effect March 30, opening the door to new service. Air France will now be able to go to London or Rome nonstop from the U.S. without stopping in Paris, for example. Great news for those who can't find award seats. "Open Skies" means new routes, which in turn means new award availability to Europe. Check airline Web sites for new route announcements.

THE ARMREST SKIRMISH IN COACH
When too many people are packed in coach. it's claustrophobic and uncomfortable. So who gets the middle-seats armrests? The aisle person argues that he's the largest and needs it because aisle traffic bumps his arm. The window person says the fuselage curves inward cheating his head space and window elbow room. Middle seat person figures he has people on either side with no personal space and needs to mark his territory by the armrests. I say communicate. Ask seatmates if their arms are more comfortable to the back of front, sharing the armrests. It’s that or “finders keepers” every time someone shifts their position.

PRE- PAY THE FUEL?
To fuel or not to fuel, that's the rental-car question. Rental agencies give you several choices: You can pre-pay replacement fuel at a discounted rate and hope you return empty, you can fill the tank on your own at the best rate you can find, or you can pay an inflated gas price for returning it less than full. Agencies love you to pre-pay the fuel because there's always gas left in the tank. The cheapest option is to refill the car yourself on the way back to the airport, but what's your time worth? If you let them do it, even at great cost, at least you won't smell like gas on the flight.

ROAD TRIP!
Preparing for that road trip or a weekend getaway? Be sure your car is as ready as you are. You'll want to check tire pressure, which is the No. 1 cause of tire wear. Check water, oil, windshield and brake fluids, or have the car serviced if it's time. Think about an ice scraper and snow chains in winter. I always carry jumper cables and a .can of that self-sealing tire inflator, even though my auto service card is in my wallet. Have a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit and cell phone charger for safety; water and snacks in case you can't stop. Don't forget wet wipes and paper towels. Something always spills, and even pets get motion sickness.

THE ICE
While we Americans use a lot of ice in our drinks, many countries around the world not only forgo the ice, they don't even chill their beverages. Pubs in Britain are famous for warm beer. Italy usually serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages without ice to avoid watering them down. Japan will only put one or two ice cubes in the glass. When traveling, remember to order drinks cold, chilled or with a glass of ice on the side, but only in a country where you're sure of the water safety. If you can't drink the tap water, you can't use the ice, either. If in doubt, go without.

AIRLINE MEALS
An airline meal is not something people rave about. In fact, people don't rave at all lately because the meals are almost nonexistent in domestic economy class. Some airlines sell snacks or sandwiches on board, but a hot meal behind the curtain is the exception, not the rule. Surprisingly, many people still get on a plane expecting to be fed. Many tell the story of how they flew all day and got nothing to eat but a bag of pretzels. There's a note in your flight confirmation that says "meal service," "no meal" or "food for sale." Check this note ahead of time so you know whether to pack a lunch or an extra 10-dollar bill. Airline food doesn't cost peanuts.

SAVING TIME WITH YOUR COMPUTER
Being computer-savvy can be a real timesaver when it comes to making travel arrangements and checking in at airports. . With the variety of travel web sites most of us know we can search for cheap fares, make an offer for rock-bottom pricing, make direct airline bookings and pay for it all without leaving our chair. Many Of us know how to use the airport kiosks to check in without waiting in line. Now you can also check in online up to 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass in advance. 'Avoiding the counter, you can check your luggage at the curb and head straight for the gate. Check airline Web sites for details.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE
You just bought a fantastic, but nonrefundable, vacation. Should you buy trip cancellation insurance? If the money you stand to lose is more than you can afford, then yes, but getting paid is not as easy as you think. Medical emergencies are covered only with documented proof. Being called for jury service or military duty is often covered but business emergencies are not. Some cruises and tours only refund a sliding percentage depending on when you cancel. If you don't follow the refund rules and procedures exactly, you could also lose your reimbursement. Insurance companies ,often do anything to keep from paying claims, so don’t make their job easy. Read the fine print - twice.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Trying to figure out how to get around on vacation? Not comfortable driving a rental car in a strange place or don't –want to spend the money? Major cities and tourist destinations often have comprehensive transportation systems that offer one - three and seven-day passes for visitors. They also feature specific tours of local sites and the ability to buy online in advance. For transfers, check to see if your hotel has an airport shuttle service or if there's an airport bus that services several hotels. Ask the hotel concierge or duty manager if the public transportation is safe and effective. And make sure your taxi is metered and licensed. Pirates are not just on the water.

AIRLINES SEAT POCKETS
Before you stick your hand into the seat pocket in front of you, think about what the last few passengers may have left in there. They are the dumping ground for everything from rotten food to used diapers. It may surprise you to learn that aircraft are given a "deep cleaning" only once a month. How "deep" is still the question. Planes are "tightly cleaned" between flights (obvious trash picked up, crumbs brushed off) and "cleaned" overnight (toilets, galley, seatback pockets emptied, floors vacuumed). So before you put your hand in someone's used Kleenex, think twice before reaching into the seat pocket - and don't even ask me about the pillows and blankets. Yuk.

GETTING A ROOM AT A SOLD OUT HOTEL
How do you get a: room at a sold-out hotel? Whether it's a popular resort or a business convention, "sold out" doesn't always mean no. The first thing to do is to find out what a hotel's cancellation policy is. Almost all hotels require notification 72 hours ahead, 24 hours ahead or as short as 6 p.m. on the day of arrival. Many people wait to the very last minute to cancel, leaving the hotel with an empty room to fill. Your strategy is to figure what day your hotel's cancellation policy kicks in, and call on that day to grab someone else's cancellation. Call a few times or ask about a waiting list. You often get lucky!

GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE
Why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they're busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don't recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have less leg room, but no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row. Each airline configures its aircraft differently, so check out www.seatguru.com before your next flight for the scoop on which seats to ask for.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
One unfortunate side effect of traveling is being a target for tourist-seeking pickpockets and thieves. While visitors focus on sights or maps, handbags are snatched, necklaces are grabbed, waist packs are cut and pockets are sliced. There's the "surprise attack" - a drive-by scooter snatching. Or the "shock and awe" attack - a swarm of gypsy children whose hands are everywhere. To minimize any loss while sightseeing, keep most of your credit cards, passport, jewelry and cash in the hotel safe deposit box. Be wary of in-room safes as hotels claim they are not responsible for losses from them. Carry a photocopy of your passport on the street, divide your valuables, and use a money belt or pouch under your clothes.

UNIQUE BAGGAGE
How do you know that black suitcase on the baggage carousel is yours? Black is the most popular luggage choice, as it's the most resistant to dirt and scratches, but it's also the hardest to identify. Too often, passengers arrive home to discover they picked up the wrong suitcase because they didn't check the luggage tag. Tying a colorful ribbon on the handle is a good way to identify your bag, but try to pick an unusual color or braid a few colors together as red is the most common choice. Always put your name, number and itinerary inside the bag, as well as on the outside, in case someone picks up your bag by mistake.