^{SECRETS OF FLYING SMART}

^{MAKING YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER}

   When you fly on the commercial airlines of the United States, you are flying on the safest, most efficient form of   transportation. When the rare accident does occur, more and more people survive due to advances in aircraft manufacturing and design, air traffic control technology, emergency planning, and cabin safety.

 Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation’s impressive safety record.  You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety.  You can take responsibility for your own safety. 

• Listen To The Safety Briefing
• Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened
• Wear Sensible Clothing 
• Acceptable ID

 Fly Smart.  Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer.

 

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

 Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing, because they know that every aircraft is different.  The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on:

1)     Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing.  Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings.

2)     One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency.  As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

3)     If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant.  Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft.

 FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT

 Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips, “Your Seat Belt.”  In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10-year period.  None of the injured had their seat belts fastened.  To prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always:

• Keep their seat belt fastened at all times.
• Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.

WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING

For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines:

• Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather.  They offer the best protection.  Synthetics may melt when they are heated.
• Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement.  Avoid restrictive clothing.
• Wear low heeled shoes or boots that are easy to slip on and off at checkpoints.
• Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.) 

Acceptable ID

Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

Acceptable IDs include:

·        U.S. passport

·        U.S. passport card

·        U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)

·        Permanent Resident Card

·        Border Crossing Card

·        Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

Prohibited Items

For the safety and security of the traveling public, TSA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and/or airlines have prohibited certain items from being brought onto airplanes in carry-on and/or checked bags. To help you plan ahead and avoid the potential of additional screening, be sure to check Transportation Security Administration.

 

 



More Starwood Hotels Information

I am going to continue talking about the Starwood Hotel and Resorts, this will be the last post about the Starwood collection.

Starwood uses the phrase, “For a better you” and personal, instinctive and renewal to describe the Westin Hotels and Resorts. The Westin has over 180 locations worldwide. According to the website the hotel offers:

Sleep Well- the Heavenly Bed designed to promote superior slumber has crisp, white, 250–thread count sheets to the down duvets, 5 plush pillows and custom pillow-top mattresses.

Eat Well- SuperFoodsRx dishes packed with nutrients and energy that are antioxidant rich and naturally low in calories.

Move Well- a world-class fitness studios, that has a gear lending program with New Balance and local running maps that will help keep you moving.

Play Well- located at all Westin resorts an on-site Kids Club Discovery Room is the hub of activity for kids ages 4–12. Each child receives a Discovery Pack filled with everything they need to explore that destination. Children will go home with memories they can’t make anywhere else. I think this is the best feature of the Westin Hotels.

I feel I have saved the best for last, stated on the site as;

 “An Industry Innovation Inspired by Westin Hotels & Resorts, Element Hotels promotes balance through flowing, multi-purpose spaces. Influenced by nature, the smart, environmentally-friendly design maximizes space and enables you to use each area in multiple ways. The philosophy is for you to achieve a sense of balance particularly while traveling for extended periods. By stimulating the senses and soothing the spirit, Element helps you relax and refresh, so you can get back to your best self. The Element Hotels guest rooms reflect the smart design of urban residences to provide maximum space and flexibility. Each studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom is specifically designed for ease of use. The flowing layout and multi-functional furniture allows you to customize the space to match your personal needs whether more workspace or a place to enjoy a meal with others”.

So when you are choosing a hotel consider the Starwood Hotel and Resort and start booking today.

W Hotels and Aloft

The Starwood Hotels and Resorts portray the W Hotels as flirty, insider, escape and “The insider’s access to a world of wow.” The W Hotels opened in New York in 1999 and have over 60 locations worldwide. You can escape to where design, music and fashion set the stage for an extraordinary experience.
  

According to the web site,  “From the moment of arrival, guests are invited into surprising, sensory environments where amplified entertainment, vibrant lounges, modern guestrooms and innovative cocktails and cuisine create more than just a hotel experience, but a luxury lifestyle destination. Each hotel and resort is uniquely inspired by its destination, mixing cutting-edge design with local influences and creating a place to play or work by day or to mix and mingle in high-energy spaces by night. So, while every hotel is unmistakably a W hotel, each has its own personality that is brought to life by our collaborators who are always on the cusp of what's new and next in design, music and fashion.” 

 

While W Hotels are promoted as luxury lifestyle destinations, their sister hotel Aloft are depicted as, “Urban cool in unexpected places expect sassy, savvy space. Aloft is style at a steal.” The hotel features loft design, platform beds, 9 foot ceilings, plug and play docking stations, and free wifi.  Re:mix is the lounge where guest can meet, mix and mingle, Re:fuel is the 24 hour snack bar and Re:charge the 24 hour fitness center offer a splash pool.

Starwood states, “For the traveler open to possibilities, Aloft Hotels is a modern, fresh, and fun destination. Aloft is a hotel that celebrates the individual and gives you freedom to control and customize your travel adventure to fit your personal style. It is a place where walls have been knocked down to create a space that is open in design and open to possibilities. A place where energy flows, personalities mingle, and opportunities abound. A place where anything can happen around the globe.  Aloft hotels are always popping up in the most unexpected places, lighting cities all over the world with a social spark. Each Aloft hotel is ultra unique, but all share a sense of excitement that leaves guests amazed and abuzz.  

 Check out Aloft Hotels - - and rise and shine to a better tomorrow! That's because for every day you pay the regular rate, the next night is 40% off, now through December 31, 2013. Stay 2 nights or more and just breeze into a participating Aloft hotel on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Welcome to my Blog

I am a home based travel agent and I have been doing outside sales for a host agency for the past 12 years. I work with an agency that has a large presence in cyberspace and accommodates my needs as an outside sales agent.  I am a CTA (Certified Travel Associate). I became a member of CLIA and I have my ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor) and my MCC (Master Cruise Counselor) certificates. My niche is planning cruises for groups; family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations or fundraising for organizations.

Now, that is enough about me let’s talk about my blog, “Why Clay Travels”. Because I am curious and have a love of learning I have acquired many credentials and certificates during the past twelve years. I will be sharing with you information about the many fascinating destinations, cruises, hotels, resorts, tours or other tidbits I find interesting about travel.

I have found that when I talk to people about travel, they seem to feel they have to plan a huge expensive vacation; nothing could be further from the truth. A vacation can just be a break from the daily routine, a weekend escape visiting a hotel for a Friday and Saturday night. I am working on a certificate from the Starwood Hotels and Resorts a company that includes the Sheraton Hotels among their nine different brands of hotels. As I studied the different brands of hotels I was amazed how each brand was uniquely different and how as a group they addressed all interest. I will tell you a little about the different brands over the next week as I post.

Today I will share with you information on the Sheraton Hotels, they have 400 properties located in over 100 countries. The hotel is described as, “The world’s gathering place that is warm, comforting and connecting”.  According to the website, the Sheraton has the Sweet Sleeper Bed, it is found in each of the guest rooms and is comprised of luxurious sheets, a deluxe duvet, a selection of feather down and hypoallergenic pillows, and a custom mattress.  Okay, that alone sounds like a great get away for any couple and if you decide the family needs to get away the Sheraton Hotels have over 60 resorts with  22 resorts located in North America.