About.com Senior Travel

Air Travel and Nut Allergies

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:09:52 +0000

As Thanksgiving week begins, some travelers have more worries than others. Bad weather, delayed flights and highway traffic can disrupt any holiday vacation. For travelers with nut allergies, taking a trip can be even more stressful. Airplanes, in particular, present risks, because they are thoroughly cleaned only once daily and because it's impossible to prevent passengers from bringing nut products on board.

To help you plan your next trip, we've put together a list of North American airlines' nut allergy policies. If you're traveling with an allergic friend or grandchild, you'll want to take a close look at this information about air travel and nut allergies.

Photo © Adam Ciesielski

Air Travel and Nut Allergies originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 08:09:52.

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This Week's Discounts and Deals for Senior Travelers

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:30:07 +0000

This week's senior travel deals include discounts in Naples, Florida, a great rate on a guided tour to Borneo and Bangkok and several last-minute Orlando hotel deals.. Head over to the Senior Travel Forum to see the senior travel deals and discounts for the week of November 21, 2009.

By the way, it may be a little more difficult to find your way to the Senior Travel Forum these days. You can, of course, click on the blue-highlighted links above. You can also go to the main Senior Travel page, look below my photo and click on the words "My Forum" that appear in orange type below my smiling face. I hope these simple instructions are helpful.

This Week's Discounts and Deals for Senior Travelers originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 19:30:07.

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FAA Computer Problems Causing Flight Delays Today

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:57:51 +0000

CNN and other news media outlets are reporting that a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) computer problem is causing flight delays. The computer issue does not affect flight tracking or safety. Please check with your airline if you are flying today.

FAA Computer Problems Causing Flight Delays Today originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 09:57:51.

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Airlines Add, Extend Holiday Travel Fees and Surcharges

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:49:28 +0000

You've learned to pack everything you own into one miniscule carry-on bag. You know which airlines charge to check a bag and which ones have the best - okay, most edible - in-flight food for sale. You've got the system beat, right?

Think again. If you booked airline tickets for holiday travel, you may have paid a surcharge of $10 to $20 to fly on peak travel days. Now, according to The Dallas Morning News and other media sources, Delta, Northwest and United have extended these surcharges into spring 2010. US Airways has taken another path, choosing to boost its bottom line via a five percent "fuel surcharge" on domestic airfares for travel after May 8, 2010. (Interestingly, I could not find any information on the US Airways website about this new surcharge as of this writing.)

The Dallas Morning News has published a handy chart showing surcharge dates and amounts in its Airline Biz blog. The highest surcharge? $50 on February 8, 2010 - the day after Super Bowl Sunday.

Airlines Add, Extend Holiday Travel Fees and Surcharges originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 09:49:28.

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It's Spring Somewhere in the World

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:33 +0000

We tend to forget that there's an entire hemisphere out there with seasons opposing our own. Residents of the Northern Hemisphere who long for spring flowers and warmer temperatures might want to consider a trip to New Zealand. This photo of the Auckland skyline was taken near sunset.

To find out more about sights in New Zealand, take a look at our Auckland Photo Tour and our North Head Photo Tour.

See more About.com Wordless Wednesday photos.

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:44:20 +0000

The holiday travel season is here. In spite of the economy, many people are planning to travel over the Thanksgiving weekend. Amtrak is warning that train seats may sell out and urging passengers to plan ahead, arrive early and comply with baggage policies. Airports and airlines are issuing their annual lists of travel and packing tips.

To help make your Thanksgiving vacation enjoyable instead of nightmarish, we have a few tips and tricks of our own to share with you.

More Airport Security Tips - Wheelchairs, Service Animals and Mobility Devices

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:52:53 +0000

When I go through airport security, I smile when I see people folding up wheelchairs and walkers at the security checkpoint. I love the idea that travel is all-inclusive; these days, practically anyone able to save up for a trip can take a vacation, even if mobility is an issue. I imagine these travelers at their destination - perhaps a joyful reunion with far-away grandchilden, or a trip to romantic Rome and Venice - and I'm happy to see them begin their journeys.

Even so, taking mobility devices and service animals through airport security is a little different than putting on your Nikes and strolling through the metal detector. The secret to taking service animals and mobility devices through security checkpoints is quite simple - plan ahead, and things will go smoothly.

We've put together some tips and airport security information for travelers who use wheelchairs, scooters, crutches or canes, as well as for those who travel with service animals. Take a look at our tips for wheelchair users and travelers with service animals before you set out on your next trip.

More Airport Security Tips - Wheelchairs, Service Animals and Mobility Devices originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 22:52:53.

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This Weeks' Discounts and Deals for Senior Travelers

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:21:23 +0000

This week's senior travel deals include an airfare sale, a couple of hotel deals in Baja California's Los Cabos area and some last-minute holiday hotel deals from Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels. Head over to the Senior Travel Forum to see the senior travel deals and discounts for the week of November 14, 2009.

This Weeks' Discounts and Deals for Senior Travelers originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 12:21:23.

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Travel Blog Carnival - Christmas Markets Light Winter Nights

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:57:42 +0000

About.com's Travel Guides definitely have the inside scoop on great travel destinations. If you're still finalizing your holiday travel plans, head on over to this week's Travel Blog Carnival, hosted by Ferne Arfin, About.com's Guide to UK Travel. Ferne has put together a fantastic list of holiday festivals, events and destinations, all contributed by About.com's travel experts.

Germany is one of my favorite holiday destinations. I took this photo a couple of years ago in Heidelberg, just as Christmas market stalls were beginning to pop up around the city.

Travel Blog Carnival - Christmas Markets Light Winter Nights originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 18:57:42.

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Veterans Day Photo Tour - National World War II Memorial

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:48 +0000

The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. is a fitting tribute to the men and women who served in this worldwide conflict. You can get a closer look at the National World War II Memorial in our photo tour.

91 years have passed since the Allied and German generals signed the armistice that ended World War I. Today, Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, we honor those who served their countries with parades, memorial services and celebrations. Today's the perfect day to thank the veterans you know for their service.

Veterans Day Photo Tour - National World War II Memorial originally appeared on About.com Senior Travel on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 06:00:48.

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