Towards Stress-Free Travel

by Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom

(NAPSI)-Families take an average of 5.3 road trips each year. With a little planning and organization, parents can make travel time easier and more stress-free for the whole family.

One of the most important things you can do when you travel is to prepare as much as possible beforehand by getting directions and planning your route. Parents need to be flexible and prepared for the unexpected traffic delays and car troubles and keep in mind that when you get tense-so do your kids. Also, make sure you look into alternate routes just in case roads are closed or traffic is unusually heavy.

When you're on the road, make your travel time an enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are a few ideas to make the miles pass faster:

• Create a "Boredom Bag" for each child, with age-appropriate toys such as crayons, activity books and electronic games.

• Pack a baking sheet in the back pocket of the seat, which the kids can use as a desk for coloring or as a tray for snacks and mealtimes.

• Don't forget the comfy favorites like pillows, blankets and stuffed animals so the kids can feel comfortable napping in the car.

• When the kids start to get a little anxious, play word games and reward them with little trinkets, stickers or goodies from your "Surprise Bag."

• Help small children select special toys that are appropriate for car travel and make sure they pack a blankie for nighttime.

• Make the most of your stops by choosing locations that allow you to grab snacks, get a cup of fresh coffee or a cold soda, give everyone a bathroom break and gas up the car at the same time.

• Take advantage of convenient time-savers such as Speedpass™, which can be used at Exxon and Mobil gas stations and On the Run® convenience stores across the country. It lets you quickly pay for gas or convenience store items with the wave of your hand, so you can get what you need and be on your way in a flash.

A road trip is a great opportunity to create family memories-it's about the journey, not just the destination. You can relish the quality time together and build memories that will last for years to come.

For more great stress-free travel tips, visit www.thetravelmom.com.

Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom.

Oh Boy, Orlando!

(NAPSI)-For families whose schedules are on overdrive-without much time to research ideal destination spots-here's information that can steer them toward a great vacation.

The Official Orlando Vacation Kit contains information about discounted attraction tickets along with the following:

• Official Destination Guide- Features editorial focused on trip planning along with lists of accommodations, attractions, culture & heritage, dining & nightlife, shopping, recreational activities and more.

• Unexpected Orlando Guide- Includes nearly 100 listings of the area's natural, cultural and heritage tourism offerings.

• Orlando Magicard-Offers up to $500 in savings at 114 area establishments including attractions, accommodations, restaurants as well as dinner theaters. The card can be downloaded at orlandoinfo.com/magicard.

To order the free kit, visit orlandoinfo.com/requestform or call 1-800-551-0181. To talk directly to an official travel counselor, call 1-800-972-3304.

Know before you go-A comprehensive, free vacation kit gives Orlando visitors information as well as discount offers.

Travel Site Is Popular Destination For Vacation Planners

(NAPSI)-Whether you enjoy paddling down a river, hiking up a mountain or visiting a festival, a place you may want to check out first is a Web site that helps you with your vacation navigation.

The site, www.SeeAmerica.org, covers just about every detail a traveler needs to know. It contains a wealth of travel planning tools, from maps to suggested itineraries to weather reports. The Tips & Tools section helps you find the lowest gas prices, discover the distances from here to there and lets you know where to find ATMs anywhere in the U.S.A.

But that's just for starters. The newly redesigned site, which is operated by the nonprofit Travel Industry Association of America, covers the best of travel in the U.S. In fact, it seems to cover just about every detail the traveler would like to know.

Three hundred and eighty-eight national parks, national monuments and historic sites for starters...the best of the country's scenic byways…you name it. And connecting information leads off in every direction imaginable.

For example, choose New Mexico and a map shows all such sites starting at Aztec Ruins in the northern section of the state to Carlsbad Caverns in the south. Pennsylvania focuses on attention-getters like Gettysburg, Valley Forge and Independence National Historical Park.

In each case, information is included on fees, weather, lodging, nearby attractions, and related Web sites. It's the kind of presentation that intrigues viewers to click from state to state, trying to decide between them.

If you are still trying to figure out where you want to go, but know what you want to do on your vacation, you can also search www.SeeAmerica.org by activity or attraction. Type in hiking or boating, or museums, theme parks or trains, and you'll be provided with numerous ideas from coast to coast.

You'll also find out about vacation packages, special deals at hotels and a lot more. To learn more, visit www.seeamerica.org.

Whenever you take your vacation, a good place to visit first is a Web site that covers every detail a traveler needs to know.

Planning Can Help Cover Vacation Investments

(NAPSI)-Many travelers are finding that for a minimal cost, travel insurance can offer the coverage protection they seek when they take a vacation.

One reason a number of today's travelers opt for travel insurance is trip cancellation coverage protection. This ensures that their valued travel investment-such as deposits and nonrefundable airline tickets-can be covered under many conditions, some of which consumers might not expect.

A recent example of how this works involved a family that, just three weeks prior to setting sail for a holiday cruise, learned that their 12-year-old daughter had torn her knee and would require surgery. Their doctor ordered the daughter not to travel, and the family cancelled its plans. Luckily, they had purchased travel insurance for everyone planning to cruise. While the family's vacation was off, their cruise deposit and travel investment were reimbursed by their travel insurance plan, which amounted to more than $8,900.

Travel insurance coverage through a company called Travel Guard provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses, up to the limit of coverage purchased, if travelers are forced to cancel their trip due to a personal or family medical incident-or if a hurricane affects travel to their destination.

"This family, like most consumers, planned wisely and budgeted for their annual trips, which they truly consider a valued investment," says Dan McGinnity, a spokesperson for Travel Guard International, the nation's largest provider of travel insurance and assistance services. "And they learned, as with anything valuable to you, it pays to protect it carefully."

There are other benefits to purchasing travel insurance from a third-party insurance provider such as Travel Guard. These programs often include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and trip cancellations due to the travel supplier's financial default, if the travel insurance is purchased within 15 days of making the first deposit on a trip.

Purchasing travel insurance directly from the cruise or tour operator may not include this coverage. It is also recommended to select a travel insurance plan that offers value-added services such as worldwide medical assistance, a 24-hour hotline for travel emergencies, live e-mail and phone messages to family and friends, cash transfers and tracking for lost baggage. Such features have rescued many travelers from significant medical risks, as well as major inconveniences.

Frequent international travelers may also consider the company's MedEvac™ policy, the first stand-alone policy for worldwide medical evacuation to the insured's home or hospital of choice-and coverage for emergency medical expenses. Travelers may choose to purchase travel insurance directly or ask their travel agent for more details.

To learn more, visit www.travel guard.com or call 800-826-1300.

Travel insurance can help cover the loss of a deposit if a trip is cancelled.

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Editor's Note: The foregoing scenarios are offered only as examples. Insurance is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and American Home Assurance Company, both licensed in all states and the District of Columbia, and headquartered in New York. This is a brief coverage description. The policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusion and termination provisions. Conflicts between this document and the policy will be governed by the Policy. Not all coverages are available in all states.

Protecting Your Identity While On The Road

by Amy Ziff, Travelocity Editor-at-Large

(NAPSI)-Recently, my credit card company alerted me that my account had been breached while I was away on vacation. Fortunately, the company advised me to cancel the account proactively, before any damage was done. But what if they hadn't? Imagine checking into a hotel, only to find your account had been frozen. Safeguarding your identity on the road is an important concern for travelers. If you don't, it can cost you dearly.

Every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name and goes on a buying spree, according to CBSnews.com. Vacations are prime time for identity thieves because we tend to let our guard down. Their goal is to pass for you on paper and steal their way into your bank account. So if you're taking a trip, safeguard yourself.

Always keep your belongings with you. That said, don't take more than you need in the first place. Leave your Social Security card behind. Make a copy of every card in your wallet, both front and back and leave it at home. Should anything go missing, you'll need the information, fast.

If you're traveling internationally, call your credit card company to alert them if you will be spending in different patterns. It is wise to use cash abroad when possible to prevent anyone from stealing your credit card information. Use your debit card only for withdrawing cash from the ATM, because it draws directly from your bank account. Remember to institute a daily withdrawal limit from your checking account.

Internet cafes and business lounges are handy-but don't conduct any private accounting business or access your personal information there. Those places can be havens for crafty thieves.

A few numbers to have handy in case your cards are stolen: Visa 410-581-9994; MasterCard 636-722-7111; and American Express 336-393-1111. The three credit companies to alert in case of identity theft are: Equifax 800-685-1111; Trans Union 800-888-4213; and Experian 888-397-3742.

Protect your identity no matter where you are. Rip up every credit card receipt and any carbon copies and check your credit status regularly. Make sure to purge unnecessary items from your wallet at least twice a year. Get in the mindset of protection. Take advantage of a free credit report annually by visiting: www.annual creditreport.com.

Being one step ahead of the thieves and remaining on the lookout for signs of foul play means you'll be better able to keep your vacation for pure relaxation.

For more travel advice you can check out Amy Ziff's monthly column at www.travelocity.com/atoz.

Amy Ziff

Travel Tips: Taking The Work Out Of Vacations

by Mary Ellen Pinkham

(NAPSI)-A relaxing and worry-free vacation should not be a figure of your imagination. Hitting the road shouldn't cause anxiety and it doesn't have to break the bank. Try these ideas to make your next vacation less stressful:

In For the Long Haul

With all the waiting in line at train stations, subways, airports, bus stations, why not take a seat right on your travel carryon wheelie suitcase? Zuca Malibu Sport Carry-All is just $119.95 and it seats up to 300 pounds. Here's another packing tip. If you're flying with a companion, pack half your clothing in his or her suitcase and vice versa. If one suitcase gets lost, you will both still have things to wear.

Clean Getaway

According to a recent survey conducted by the Soap & Detergent Association (SDA) more than half of the respondents said they've stained their clothing while on vacation. That's why it's a good idea to bring some kind of cleaning product on your trip. For instance, Tide to Go is a portable stain removal pen that eliminates many fresh food and drink stains on the go. Best of all, it's designed for easy portability and fits in your purse, bag, or glove compartment!

Bargain Barters

Did you know that your miles can get you more than just a free trip? On www.points.com, you can swap your miles and points for gift certificates at some of the leading retailers including: American Eagle Outfitters, Eddie Bauer, JCPenney, and Starbucks. Swap in before you go on vacation so you can enjoy some great free goodies while you're on the road!

Leave Bad Hair Behind

Forget about carrying bottles and jars of hair styling products while on vacation and keep the extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Sexy summer hair is just a strip away with Aveda Control Tape. Just add water to the strip and see it transform into hair gel right before your eyes. The hair strips are easy to carry and are great for styling on the road. Just $19.50 for 20 strips.

Cell Power

If your cell phone runs out of juice on the road, keep the Emergency Sidewinder cell phone charger handy. It's a light, wind-up generator that provides unlimited emergency power.

Hotel Smarts

You're entitled to much more comfort than you think when you're a guest at a hotel. For a quiet and good night's sleep, request a room that's located furthest away from the elevator and on a higher floor.

Mary Ellen Pinkham is the author of the book "Don't You Hate It When…How to Solve Life's Little Irritations," iVillage's "Everyday Problem Solver" and host of HGTV's "TIPical Mary Ellen." For more tips, please visit: www.maryellenproducts.com.

Mary Ellen

Your Bags Are Packed-But Are You Really Ready To Go?

Before Your Next Trip, You Should Check Your Tetanus Protection

(NAPSI)-Who would think a minor wound could ruin a family vacation or an important business trip? Something as simple as a blister from a new pair of shoes, a scrape on your arm when packing the car or a cut caused when changing a tire-any type of open wound-is a risk for tetanus, a severe infection that can sometimes be fatal. But the risk is easily avoided with a routine tetanus booster.

Travel expert and Travel Channel host Tracy Gallagher, on behalf of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' (NFID) Power of 10™ campaign, urges travelers to make sure they are up to date on their tetanus booster before packing their bags.

"Anyone who travels can get cuts and scrapes from time to time, the kind that wouldn't send someone to a doctor. But don't drop your guard when it comes to these seemingly simple wounds-the consequences can be serious," says Gallagher.

Tetanus bacteria are common in the environment and can be found in dust and dirt. The bacteria can enter the body through even the tiniest wound, which can lead to an infection and a serious disease.

"When someone gets a tetanus infection, it usually leads to a long hospital stay, use of a machine to assist with breathing and weeks or months of rehabilitation. Thankfully, it's not common in the U.S. since the use of preventive vaccination. But tetanus is still fatal for one out of every 10 people infected," explains NFID Medical Director Susan J. Rehm, MD. "That's why we want to reinforce the importance for everyone in the family to make sure they are up to date with the tetanus booster."

Tetanus protection starts with a series of three vaccinations, usually during infancy, followed by a booster starting at age 11 or 12 and continuing throughout adulthood. While the vast majority of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years are vaccinated against both tetanus and diphtheria, protection fades with time. By age 20, only 47 percent are protected against these diseases. Booster vaccination is required throughout life to guard against infection and its consequences. The tetanus booster has been combined with a vaccine for diphtheria, another potentially fatal disease, traditionally given every 10 years.

What Is Tetanus?

Symptoms of tetanus can appear anywhere from three days to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. It usually starts with stiffness in the neck and trouble swallowing, which is also known as lockjaw. Infection may be accompanied by fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. The most common form of tetanus causes paralysis and severe muscle spasms. While not contagious, tetanus is a rare disease that can be very difficult to diagnose.

What Is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a highly-contagious disease caused by inhaling bacteria from an infected person. Symptoms begin very much like a common cold, usually two to five days after transmission, but can progress quickly. The infection can lead to heart failure and paralysis, and coma or even death can occur in as little as a week. Diphtheria is still common in 87 countries, with some strains continuing to circulate in parts of the U.S. Travel destinations where diphtheria is found include certain parts of Africa, Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, the former Soviet republics, and Asia.

NFID advises adolescents and adults to take advantage of Td vaccine protection, especially before you take your next trip. More information about tetanus and diphtheria is available at www.nfid.org.

What You Need To Pack In A Multimedia World

(NAPSI)-Whether you're heading to the beach, going on a road trip or making a flight, packing has become more high tech than just taking a toothbrush.

In fact, few travelers these days leave home without a digital camera-and the more compact the better. Two ultra-compact digital cameras fitting neatly into more pockets are the Flatfoto and the Sony T-1.

Also growing in popularity are all-in-one digital cameras and printer bundles such as the Kodak CX7525, sold at RadioShack. This bundle includes a quality digital camera as well as a computerless printer dock, so you can print wherever you go. You place the camera in the cradle, press the button and you have borderless 4x6 photos.

People who spend time on the road-for family vacations or work trips-may want to invest in a device that lets them listen to their digital music collection while driving. One cost-effective solution for iPod owners is the Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus FM transmitter, which can play music wirelessly through a car stereo.

Don't forget the batteries when you're traveling. Even a digital music player with a robust battery life can be depleted by travel. Going the distance is the Prismatic line of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They're compatible with many portable digital music players.

Even radio has expanded its horizons. Satellite radio players such as Sirius stream more than 120 channels of music, sports, news and entertainment, most of which are commercial free. Traveling sports fans don't have to miss a thing while they're on the go if they have a special receiver such as the Sirius Sportster Receiver with Car Kit. NFL fans will especially enjoy Sirius' exclusive rights to broadcast all NFL games-no matter what city you live in.

Some of the latest high-tech gadgets combine several important travel accessories. For example, you can bring those at home along for the ride with cell phones that have camera and/or camcorder capabilities.

This is also a great gift for a child heading off to camp. Replacing letters from camp, the call home can be so much more satisfying.

Technology is combining so many different features into cell phones, it's really easy to take your act on the road. For example, some phones offer camera and camcorder functionality as well as streaming media, speakerphone and a built-in MP3 player. Nokia is even offering a camera and camcorder "Fold" Phone, a fully-featured fold handset with a speaker phone, camera, camcorder, FM radio, Internet access, Bluetooth technology, streaming audio, and video and GPS system.

For help with selecting the right multimedia device for your lifestyle, visit any neighborhood RadioShack store or www.radioshack.com.

On the road again. Some multimedia devices deliver more ways to make the memories last.