3 Steps For a Smooth Start to Your Vacation

For most of us, our vacation adventure begins the moment we arrive at the airport, whether it’s a relaxing weekend getaway or a trip to paradise. Regardless of the duration of your trip a successful, stress-free vacation all begins with a smooth airport experience.

Here are three easy steps to follow to make sure you start your vacation off the proper way:

1) Pack at least a day before departure
Nothing is worse when its time to leave for the airport and you are still trying to find that last minute item to pack. We are all, at some point, guilty of speed packing but try your best to make sure to plan some quality packing time prior to departure. Packing in advance gives you time to make sure nothing essential is missing from your trip.

2) Get to the airport early
Try to avoid the stressful situation of sprinting down the concourse in an attempt to make final boarding. Give yourself time and get to the airport early. For most flights, regardless of domestic or international, it is required to be at the airport two hours prior to departure. Give enough time to check your bags, get through security and if you have time to spare, enjoy the amenities the airport has to offer.

3) Pack most of your belongings in your carry-on bag
To avoid delays at airport security, ensure that any items that may interfere with the security process be packed into your carry-on luggage or checked baggage All that should be required is the use of three bins, one for shoes, carry-on bag, and if necessary, a laptop. Remember to make sure any lotions, aerosols, and gels meet the new carry-on requirements and have your boarding pass and ID ready, as it may be required to enter the screening process.

Keep these three steps in mind during your next vacation to ensure you start off your trip as smoothly as possible. After all, the word stress should not be associated with travel.

Happy Travels,
Dave

Travel Insurance, Don't Leave Home Without It!

If you're planning on traveling internationally, be sure to protect yourself by purchasing a comprehensive insurance plan before leaving home. Some credit card companies offer insurance if you purchase your trip with your credit card, however be sure to read the fine print. There are numerous exceptions to coverage offered by your credit card and you don't want to find out when you are in dire need of medical attention, that your situation is one of those exceptions.

On any insurance plan that you purchase, be sure to ask the following questions in advance.

1. Are there any activities that you will be participating in that are excluded? i.e. Rock Climbing, Mountaineering.

2. What is the maximum coverage?

3. Is Emergency Evacuation Included?

4. What kind of support do they immediately supply in the event of an accident?

5. Does the plan include cancellation/interruption insurance?

6. Are weather related delays covered?

7. Will the plan cover additional charges you've picked up due to delayed flights, i.e accommodation, transportation?

8. Is baggage insurance included?

9. What is the maximum amount covered per item of luggage?

10. Does the cancellation coverage cover me if I lose my job? my mother or traveling partner gets ill?

We find that more often than not, insurance policies are littered with caveats.

BikeHike Adventures recommends dealing with a licensed insurance provider, who specializes in insurance, and knows their product intimately. These companies have proven track records for travel claims, and are accustomed to clients calling collect from overseas when something goes wrong.

Medical coverage is mandatory on all BikeHike Adventures and clients can book our insurance plan or provide their own. For details http://www.bikehike.com/traveldocs/travelinsurepolicy_booklet.pdf

Happy Travels,
BikeHike

Missed a Flight, Don't Panic, Help is Now Here

Have you ever missed a flight, because you've been stuck in traffic, slept in or somehow read your itinerary incorrectly? It's a pretty horrible feeling, and can be especially bad if you're joining a tour and you now have to somehow catch up to the group.

Well help has now arrived, all you need is internet access, which you can find in most airports or via your blackberry. Log on to www.missedaflight.com and you'll find two different forms on their website, the urgent, must travel now form, or the not-so urgent form. The company has a team of knowledgeable staff who will be able to bring your stress level down by making alternative travel arrangements and getting you to your chosen destination as soon as possible.

The office is located in the Gatwick Airport in London, however staff are available to answer emails from 8am to 8pm GMT online. In an emergency outside these times please call 01293 555700 and select option 4 (if you're calling within the UK) otherwise from overseas dial +44 (0) 1293 555708.

The moral of the story, though, is give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight, especially if you are traveling through the US or London airports as security can really cause for major delays.

Happy flying...

The Best Adventure Destinations of 2008

It feels like just yesterday that we were doing the countdown to bring in the year 2008, and now it's already 2009. It's hard to imagine that one year has past so very fast. Last night I had a conversation with a woman who dreams of traveling to far and exotic countries, but continues to put things on hold, because something always gets in the way, money, time, no travel companion. That conversation inspired me to write this post, because before we know it, 10 years will have passed and one never knows what tomorrow holds. One of my dear friends always reminds me, Trish, there's no time to waste. He's so very right.

On that note, here's a list of our top 10 BikeHike Adventure Destinations for 2008.

1. Ecuador

2. Vietnam

3. Costa Rica

4. The Galapagos Islands

5. Argentina

6. Peru

7. Guatemala

8. Slovenia and Croatia

9. Tanzania

10. Belize