By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Jet lag, a condition that results from long distance transmeridian travel, affects most travelers and even the most seasoned fliers. Symptoms may include fatigue, insomnia and headaches. It is said that it takes about one day per time zone crossed to adjust to the local time. Below are a few simple tips to reduce the effects of jet lag.

1. Rest beforehand. Get plenty of sleep the week prior to your flight. Adjusting your bedtime by an hour or two a day, a couple weeks before your trip, can also help you avoid the effects of jet lag.  Also, planning a flight that is scheduled to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to bed will help with the adjustment. While flying, remember to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these can disrupt sleeping schedules.
2. Adjust your watch. Change your watch to the destination time immediately when you board the plane. This helps your body start changing its internal clock. You can start adjusting sleeping and eating hours on the plane to match the destination time.
3. Adapt to local time. Immediately upon arrival at your destination, try to adapt to the local time. If it is daytime, be active and get exposure to daylight. This is a great, natural way of allowing your body to adjust to the new time zone. Also, try to avoid afternoon naps and eating earlier or later than usual.

Read all travel tips here: http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/blog/category/travel-tips/

Happy travels,

Kevin Poling

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Follow these tips to protect your credit while traveling overseas.

1. Call your bank. Before you leave for your trip, let your credit card company or bank know that you will be traveling out of the country. Banks constantly monitor their customers’ accounts for fraud, so an international charge can raise a red flag and have your card suspended and your purchases declined.
2. Research foreign transaction fees. It can be expensive to use a credit card abroad. Call the credit card issuing company to check on their foreign transaction fees. Some cards have lower transaction fees than others. However, some can add 3-5 percent to the cost of foreign purchases.
3. Pick a card compatible with your destination country. Not all credit cards are widely accepted in other counties. Research which credit cards are accepted in your destination country.
4. Do not bring all your credit cards. Do bring a couple credit cards, just in case one is not accepted or is lost or stolen.
5. Always bring a debit card. Not all countries permit cash advances on credit cards.
6. Carry local currency. Always carry some cash with you, just in case some smaller stores do not accept credit cards, have a minimum purchase amount, or your card is rejected. Use cash when making smaller purchases and credit cards for larger ones.
7. Save your receipts. Saving receipts can ensure you are tracking expenses and not being charged for something you didn’t buy. After you return home, be sure to double check your credit card statements. Make sure you are not overcharged on any purchases or see any suspicious charges.

Happy travels,

Kevin

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Unwary travelers can become victims of crime while traveling overseas. Below are some tips and precautions to avoid theft and scams while out of the country.

1. Be aware of pickpockets.  Pickpockets tend to work in pairs and commonly loiter is crowded places.  Keep an eye on your luggage and personal belongings at all times, especially at the airport, while waiting for a taxi or subway, and walking around busy streets.
2. Blend in. Try not to project affluence. Expensive and flashy jewelry and clothing can attract the wrong type of attention while abroad. Carry the minimum number of valuables with you when you travel and keep electronics and cameras out of sight when not in use.
3. Keep valuables close to you. Wearing a money belt, a zippered nylon pouch that is hidden under your clothing, is much safer than carrying your passport and credit cards in a purse or pocket.
4. Make copies. Make copies of your passport, identification cards, credit cards and/or traveler’s checks before you leave for your vacation. Bring one copy with you and keep it in a safe place. Leave the other copy with a friend or family member back at home.
5. Look up a U.S. consulate office. Before you depart for your trip, write down the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. consulate at your destination country. Consular officers are committed to assisting American citizens who become victims of crime while abroad.

Safe travels,

Kevin Poling

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

It can be difficult to communicate with your family, friends or business contacts when traveling abroad. However, with modern technological advances it is easier now more than ever to keep in touch, even when you are oceans apart.

1. Take advantage of VoIP. An alternative to making a traditional phone call is to use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service such as Skype, Google Voice and Magic Jack, which all connect calls via an internet connection. Skype can be downloaded on personal laptops and at internet cafés. It is now also available on cell phones for a small fee. Make sure the people you want to keep in touch with also have a Skype account, so you can chat for free.
2. Visit an internet café. Email is a quick and simple way to stay in touch while abroad. Internet cafes charge a fee per hour or minute and are usually reasonably priced. There are plenty of cyber cafes in large cities around the world. 
3. Buy a pre-paid calling card. Calling cards are very convenient because they are pay-as-you-go, can be recharged as needed, and can be bought last minute at most airports, newsstands, and convenience stores.
4. Bring your own cell phone. Activating a global plan on your current cell phone carrier is a great way to keep in touch if you plan on making a lot of calls or want to bring your own phone with you. Many wireless carriers offer temporary international plans that include voice and data at either a fixed price or per minute/per MB cost. However, be aware of your minutes, additional charges can add up quick!
5. Rent a global cell phone. Not all cell phones can be used in other countries. If you are traveling overseas for a short period of time and would like the luxury and convenience of having a cell phone, renting an international mobile phone is an excellent alternative.

Happy travels,  

Kevin

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Airport security screenings can be time consuming and stressful, below are a few tips on how travelers can get through the process easily and save time.

1. Have appropriate documents such as your boarding pass and a form of government issued identification ready to present to a checking officer.
2. If you are bringing a laptop, be prepared to remove it from its carrying case for x-ray screening.
3. Make sure you are dressed properly for airport security check-ins.
   • Wear comfortable, loose clothing that can be layered.
   • Wear sandals or slip-on shoes that can be easily removed at security.
   • Avoid wearing large belts that contain metal and excessive amounts of heavy jewelry that may set off the metal detector.
4. Keep all medicines in their original, labeled containers.
5. Comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquid carry-ons, or pack them in your checked baggage to get through security faster. Also, do not pack any prohibited items.

Remember to leave for the airport with plenty of time to spare.  For international flights, 2+ hours is a good rule of thumb. I recommend leaving even earlier if you are traveling during the holidays, bringing a lot of luggage, or need special assistance.

Happy travels,

Kevin

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel at Satori World Medical

Long air travel can be both physically and mentally taxing. I recommend always bringing a small carry-on bag with you, packed with the basic essentials such as any prescription medication, an extra set of clothes and personal valuables, just in case your checked luggage is lost, stolen, damaged, or gets delayed. Below are a few more items to bring in your carry-on that can make your flight more comfortable and the time go by a little faster.

1. The drone of the airplane engine, talkative travelers, and crying babies can make it hard to sleep on a plane. Bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the noise.
2. Neck pillows can make the seats more comfortable and help you catch some sleep during the flight.
3. Bring entertainment such as a music player, reading material, or a cross word puzzle to pass the time.
4. Airline food can be heavy and often high in sodium. Pack a light, healthy snack like dried fruits, nuts, or a protein bar for when you are feeling hungry during your flight.
5. Protect yourself from getting sick on the plane by bringing hand sanitizer (make sure to abide by TSA’s 3-1-1 rule), anti-bacterial wipes and vitamin C supplements.
6. Changes in cabin air pressure can cause earaches, bring a pack of chewing gum to ease ear pressure during takeoff and landing.

Remember not to over pack your carry-on bag, some airlines may charge an additional fee or make you check the bag if it doesn’t comply with their carry-on weight and dimensions. Also make sure that the bag is light enough so you can easily lift it into the overhead bins.

Happy travels,

Kevin