Hints and Tips

Americans With Disabilities Act

For those who have disabilities, it is no secret that yesterday’s cruise ships were not designed being mindful of passengers with disabilities. In short, if you have special needs, you should look very carefully at any ship that is more than eight years old to make sure that it is wheelchair accessible, that there is no barrier to getting into restrooms, that there is an adequately equipped elevator, and that there is room enough to move a wheelchair around in your cabin.

Newer ships have cabins designed specifically for disabled passengers, but there are not many of these cabins per ship, so early booking is advised.

Many of the cruise lines with older ships have been making an effort to upgrade cabins to accommodate more disabled passengers, but it is better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to let your Holiday Cruises & Tours Vacation Specialist help you in the event you need it.

Tips for Airline Travel:

While airline travel is now safer than ever, it can be even more stressful due to the heightened security.
To help make your flight a more positive experience, please consider the following:

• Have a photo ID out and available at all times.
• Domestic passengers should be at the airport at least 2 hours early if checking luggage and at least 1  hour early if not.  International passengers should arrive 2 1/2 hours early.
• Have a couple printed itineraries available that bear your name on them....ESPECIALLY if traveling by way of an electronic ticket.
• Ensure that all luggage bears the passenger’s name inside and out...multiple name tags on the same luggage is wise, as tags often fray and fall off in transit.  Also, if your luggage is lost, the brand name, color, and style of your luggage are often questions asked by the airline baggage claim department.  Do you know what your luggage looks like?  Can you describe it?  Writing down a brief description of each piece, keeping in mind some unique detail that would differentiate your luggage from all others is recommended.
• Pack sharp objects such as razors and cuticle clippers in checked luggage, not in handbags or carry-ons.
• Take laptops out of carry-on cases prior to putting them through security screening devices.  They will almost always have you turn them on as proof that they are computing devices, so don't forget to charge your laptop's battery!  Don't be surprised if airport security personnel choose to use a "sniffing" device to "sniff" your computer for traces of explosives or drugs.  It only takes a matter of seconds, is routine, and is no cause for alarm. 
• Wear shoes that are easily removed, as this will make passing through the checkpoints much easier.
• Be prepared for hand searches and remember the reason for them.  If you are female, you have the right to ask for a female security guard to conduct the search of your person.  Travel with a good book, magazine or computer with DVD player - relax and take advantage of the “free” time.  Be respectful of the airline rules with regard to the use of electronic devices.  Usually the first and last 10 minutes of each flight are "no-no's."  Some foreign airlines may prohibit the use of such devices during the entire flight, but this is increasingly rare.

The Facts About "Economy-Class Syndrome"

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), also known as Economy-Class Syndrome, occurs when blood flow slows down, as is normal during a long flight, and a clot forms in the leg. The most common serious complication from DVT happens when a clot break free from a vein wall, and moving through the bloodstream, clogs a vital organ leading to severe injury or death.

Because the disease is uncommon, and the clot may not come loose for several days, DVT is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Many airlines outside of the US publish suggestions to avoid DVT just as they publish suggestions for airsickness and turbulence. So far, United States airlines are not telling passengers how to avoid blood clots.

We recommend:

In Flight:

• Don’t wear anything that impedes circulation (tight clothing, ankle/knee brace, etc.)
• Take the shortest flight possible. Risk increases the longer you are in the air.
• Frequently flex your calves, either by extending your legs out and flexing your ankles, move your legs, curl and uncurl toes, or by putting your feet flat on the floor and lifting your heels off the floor. DON’T WAIT FOR YOUR LEGS TO CRAMP BEFORE YOU STRETCH!
• If possible, get up and walk around a bit.
• Only sleep if you can guarantee being wakened to stretch, if you have no risk factors, sleep a maximum of two hours. If you have risk factors*, avoid sleeping in-flight.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed.
• If you notice that your leg has swollen, don’t massage it. You may work the blood clot loose.

Up to 30 Days After Flight watch for these symptoms:

• Fainting is usually the first sign- especially in older people
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing, panting
• Cramp in your side, painful breathing
• Chest pain radiating to the shoulder
• fever
• coughing up blood
• joint pain and soreness
• localized pain and swelling
• sudden, unexplained cough

Be sure to tell your doctor that you have flown recently.

Flight induced DVT is often misdiagnosed. To avoid misdiagnosis:

1. If you suspect that you have DVT and are experiencing leg pain, insist on an ultrasound scan of the leg. Without it, a correct diagnosis is only 50/50.
2. If you have chest symptoms, ask for a blood oxygen measurement. If you do not have another reason for low oxygen (such as emphysema) you should have a lung scan if the reading is below 80.

*Risk factors include: Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, pregnancy, women taking estrogen (including birth control pills), recent injury- bruising or sprains, age (increased risk in people over 60), and, most importantly, a family history of blood clots.

 

The Relevance of Ruskin: 
John Ruskin (1819 - 1900), eminent British economist wrote:

It is unwise to pay too much, but it is unwise to pay too little...the common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is as well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.