Late last week, the TSA issued new guidelines for passengers following the Dec 25th events. The full statement from the TSA can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/yj4cbxr
TSA has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures.
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Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?
A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.
Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers may be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.
Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.
Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.
Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.
VacationHouse Destinations
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Saturday, January 2, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tips on how to conquer jet-lag during the holiday rush
The holidays are tough enough on our bodies, so why can’t we get to where we need to go and not worry about having our body-clocks catch up to the new timezone?? Unfortunately jet-lag is unavoidable, but you can try a few simple tips to make it less of a lag on your trip:
1) A couple of days before you travel, try going to bed earlier if you are traveling East and later if you are traveling West.
2) Avoid eating a big meal before traveling. The lower air pressure in the cabin can mean you get bloated more easily. Avoid typically “gassy” foods for the same reason. Fellow passengers will thank you! :)
3) Drink lots of water during the flight. The dry air inside an aircraft causes dehydration.
4) Try to adjust your mealtimes and bedtime to the local clock immediately on arrival – even if you want pancakes when the chicken is being served.
Safe travels!
1) A couple of days before you travel, try going to bed earlier if you are traveling East and later if you are traveling West.
2) Avoid eating a big meal before traveling. The lower air pressure in the cabin can mean you get bloated more easily. Avoid typically “gassy” foods for the same reason. Fellow passengers will thank you! :)
3) Drink lots of water during the flight. The dry air inside an aircraft causes dehydration.
4) Try to adjust your mealtimes and bedtime to the local clock immediately on arrival – even if you want pancakes when the chicken is being served.
Safe travels!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
There's heavy snow in the Cascades this weekend!
The Washington state Department of Transportation has temporarily shut down two highways in the Cascade Mountains due to heavy snow from a fall storm and plans to close a third.
The Washington state Department of Transportation has temporarily shut down two highways in the Cascade Mountains due to heavy snow from a fall storm and plans to close a third.
Transportation officials closed State Route 410 over Chinook Pass and State Route 123 over Cayuse Pass Saturday morning. The North Cascades Highway on State Route 20 closed around 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
All three roads typically close during the winter due to heavy snow, but transportation officials say none of these are permanent closures. It is being assessed when all the roads can be reopened
The Washington state Department of Transportation has temporarily shut down two highways in the Cascade Mountains due to heavy snow from a fall storm and plans to close a third.
Transportation officials closed State Route 410 over Chinook Pass and State Route 123 over Cayuse Pass Saturday morning. The North Cascades Highway on State Route 20 closed around 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
All three roads typically close during the winter due to heavy snow, but transportation officials say none of these are permanent closures. It is being assessed when all the roads can be reopened
Monday, October 19, 2009
Leavenworth Fall Festivals in Full Swing!
Fall is here and that means the little town of Leavenworth will be gearing up for their famous Fall festivals. The mountain trees start to show off their glorious red, orange and yellow colors against the bright green evergreens. There's still room at our beautiful Leavenworth home!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Swine Flu and travel insurance QA
I found a really good article about Swine flu and travel insurance...we don't offer travel insurance at this time for our homes but it's something we might consider in the future.
Is swine flu covered by travel insurance?
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-10-01-swine-flu-travel-
When CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta came down with H1N1, or swine flu, in Afghanistan last month, he blogged about being "the sickest I've ever been." And with the federal Centers for Disease Control reporting that a second wave of the flu is spreading widely across the nation, USA TODAY's Laura Bly answers questions on whether travel insurance covers H1N1.
Q: What is a typical travel insurance policy cost, and what are the major coverage areas?
A: Most travel insurance packages cost 4% to 8% of a journey's total value and encompass trip cancellation/interruption refunds plus medical care and evacuation.
Q: I'm not sick now, but I'm worried about getting the flu at my destination. If I have insurance, can I cancel before I leave and get my money back?
A: Not unless you've purchased "cancel for any reason" coverage, which is sold as an add-on to existing policies or as a stand-alone waiver by cruise lines and other travel companies. A "cancel for any reason" upgrade is more expensive (40%-50% higher than a basic policy), typically covers 70%-100% of prepaid trip costs (all of which must be insured), and requires trip cancellation at least two days before departure, says Peter Evans of the insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip.com.
Q: Does the World Health Organization's June declaration of H1N1 as an official pandemic void the terms of my travel insurance policy?
A: In most cases, no. But a few companies do have pandemic exclusions that would keep you from collecting if you get the flu before you leave or during your trip, says Chris Harvey of Squaremouth.com, another travel insurance comparison site.
Q: Assuming pandemics aren't excluded, will I be covered if I'm quarantined at my destination and have to skip part or all of my itinerary?
A: Generally, yes. But you'll have to study the fine print. Some carriers, including Travel Guard and Access America, will reimburse costs associated with a quarantine — but only if you are sick, not if you are a part of a larger group detained because of possible exposure to an infected traveler.
Q: If I catch the flu and can't travel, will insurance cover the cost of medical care, additional hotel nights and airline penalties?
A: In many cases, yes. Access America, for example, covers emergency medical costs, "reasonable" lodging and other out-of-pocket expenses, and transportation costs associated with getting you back home. But you'll need a doctor's verification of your illness, and no policies will cover you for lost work days if you're forced to extend your stay because of illness.
Q: So, do I really need insurance if my main concern is catching swine flu?
A: Perhaps not. Gupta's high-profile example notwithstanding, most cases of H1N1 flu have been mild and a vaccine is expected to be widely available by the end of the year, though it takes up to two weeks to become fully effective. Some airlines will waive change fees for passengers with a doctor's documentation that they are unable to fly.
Is swine flu covered by travel insurance?
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-10-01-swine-flu-travel-
When CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta came down with H1N1, or swine flu, in Afghanistan last month, he blogged about being "the sickest I've ever been." And with the federal Centers for Disease Control reporting that a second wave of the flu is spreading widely across the nation, USA TODAY's Laura Bly answers questions on whether travel insurance covers H1N1.
Q: What is a typical travel insurance policy cost, and what are the major coverage areas?
A: Most travel insurance packages cost 4% to 8% of a journey's total value and encompass trip cancellation/interruption refunds plus medical care and evacuation.
Q: I'm not sick now, but I'm worried about getting the flu at my destination. If I have insurance, can I cancel before I leave and get my money back?
A: Not unless you've purchased "cancel for any reason" coverage, which is sold as an add-on to existing policies or as a stand-alone waiver by cruise lines and other travel companies. A "cancel for any reason" upgrade is more expensive (40%-50% higher than a basic policy), typically covers 70%-100% of prepaid trip costs (all of which must be insured), and requires trip cancellation at least two days before departure, says Peter Evans of the insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip.com.
Q: Does the World Health Organization's June declaration of H1N1 as an official pandemic void the terms of my travel insurance policy?
A: In most cases, no. But a few companies do have pandemic exclusions that would keep you from collecting if you get the flu before you leave or during your trip, says Chris Harvey of Squaremouth.com, another travel insurance comparison site.
Q: Assuming pandemics aren't excluded, will I be covered if I'm quarantined at my destination and have to skip part or all of my itinerary?
A: Generally, yes. But you'll have to study the fine print. Some carriers, including Travel Guard and Access America, will reimburse costs associated with a quarantine — but only if you are sick, not if you are a part of a larger group detained because of possible exposure to an infected traveler.
Q: If I catch the flu and can't travel, will insurance cover the cost of medical care, additional hotel nights and airline penalties?
A: In many cases, yes. Access America, for example, covers emergency medical costs, "reasonable" lodging and other out-of-pocket expenses, and transportation costs associated with getting you back home. But you'll need a doctor's verification of your illness, and no policies will cover you for lost work days if you're forced to extend your stay because of illness.
Q: So, do I really need insurance if my main concern is catching swine flu?
A: Perhaps not. Gupta's high-profile example notwithstanding, most cases of H1N1 flu have been mild and a vaccine is expected to be widely available by the end of the year, though it takes up to two weeks to become fully effective. Some airlines will waive change fees for passengers with a doctor's documentation that they are unable to fly.
Razor clam digs are planned for the Washington Coast
If you're a fan of digging for Razor clams - get your boots and your shovel ready!
Five razor clam digs have been planned: Oct 16-19, Nov 4-7, Nov 14-17, Dec 2-5, Dec 31-Jan 3. They are all evening digs. Our Pacific Beach and Ocean Shores house is close to the action!
You can get all the details here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/season.htm
Happy digging!
Five razor clam digs have been planned: Oct 16-19, Nov 4-7, Nov 14-17, Dec 2-5, Dec 31-Jan 3. They are all evening digs. Our Pacific Beach and Ocean Shores house is close to the action!
You can get all the details here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/season.htm
Happy digging!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Leavenworth gets Amtrack service!
Amtrak has just announced train service from Seattle to Leavenworth beginning Friday September 25th. That means you can experience the fun of train travel and the charm of Leavenworth's Bavarian Village, without having to drive through the snow.
Leavenworth's new Icicle Train station just outside town won't be done by September 25th, but the train will stop and the trolley will take you into the heart of the village. There you'll find unique shops, wineries, activities, authentic restaurants and year-round festivals.
VacationHouse Destinations beautiful vacation home in Leavenworth awaits your arrival.
Leavenworth's new Icicle Train station just outside town won't be done by September 25th, but the train will stop and the trolley will take you into the heart of the village. There you'll find unique shops, wineries, activities, authentic restaurants and year-round festivals.
VacationHouse Destinations beautiful vacation home in Leavenworth awaits your arrival.
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