The Perfect Teen Travel Companion

Most eReader owners use their devices simply to read, especially when travelling. If you own a device that is not 3G compatible, you may find yourself in situations that preclude downloading a new novel. Fortunately, most eReaders have several other great functions that can allow a user to make the most of travel time.
Parents with traveling kids are wise to offer an eReader as a distraction. It is the perfect item for your traveling child or young adult, whether going away to grandma's, away at teen camp or traveling during a gap year.


A Multimedia Extravaganza
Depending on your eReader of choice, you can get a fair bit of mileage out of the device’s multimedia capabilities. Both the Nook and Kindle are capable of playing music, and both devices are capable of displaying photos (though the Kindle is monochrome-only).  The Nook features the ability to view images in full color, and also features video playback capability. No matter what eReader you choose, you can get a good bit of mileage out of its ability to play music or view photos. Be careful, though, as both functions are much harder on battery life than reading.


A Studying Tool
Of course, eReaders are also wonderful productivity tools. Most major readers can display .pdf files, which can easily allow you to take most documents on the go. It is also possible to take notes on several of the major readers, though some do require the purchase of a separate note-taking application. Some eReaders even allow users to dictate notes, the perfect way for your child to journal his or her travels. The current generation of Kindle features a microphone, and it is quite easy to record messages on the device after you do not mind modifying a few files.


A Fun Machine
Not only can you read on your eReader, but you can also play games. Most of the games on the Kindle and the discount eReaders are rather simplistic, but they are wonderful time wasters. The games available on the Nook are a bit more advanced, but all of the games available on eReaders tend to promote creative or logical thinking above button-mashing action. Most games cost a few dollars at most, and both the major readers have a few free games available. These games are great for killing time at an airport or a hotel, though they will likely never win any major awards.

Do your child traveler a favor and give them a device that amuses, informs and connects without taking up a lot of room in the luggage compartment.

Worst Jet lag Ever!

I have tried all imaginable trips and tricks known to man to get my body clock in-sync with the time here in the UAE. Unfortunately, my jet lag has gotten worse.

Last Saturday, I slept at 4 a.m. Then I woke up at 2:00 p.m. only to remain wide-awake until Sunday (21 Nov.) of 8:30 p.m. My head was already aching. My temple throbbing. My brain shutting down and my eyes dropping like atom bombs while I was working. I finally had a semi-decent sleep last night around 8:45 p.m.

I realized that prior to our trip to New York, we went to Seoul, Korea first which was in the west and crossing different time zones. I didn't experience any jet lag so bad to affect my sleep pattern. Then we had a trans-Atlantic trip few days ago. I subjected myself to another time-zone difference and coming back to the Middle East was a nightmare in terms of jet lag.

My pilot friends are now telling me that they are experiencing what I have just gone through and they do it every single day. My hats off to them!

So, tonight, I will sleep according to what my body has been accustomed to. I will spray lavender mist on my pillow. Draw the curtains shut and put the air condition to full blast. I will also plug my iPod for some nice relaxing and soothing music. I need to psyche myself and it has to be now. I cannot walk another day like a zombie in the office. I need my sleep and I need it now!

Travelling Light

We have been travelling quite a lot as a family ever since my husband and I joined one of the most prestigious airlines company of the world.

I am really glad for the opportunity to work in the airline industry because we get to travel a lot. And because of that, we have learned the art of packing light and smart!

Tomorrow's our flight to Seoul, Korea and we're not packing a lot of clothes. Just a couple of shirts and thermal wears and a warm jacket or coat to combat the chilly weather. As for the footwear, a sneaker and a warm boots will do. The toiletries are all small, carry-sizes and few undies. It is a short vacation so we can't carry a lot of unwanted stuff. Who knows, we may even carry more when we come back because of the numerous street markets in Seoul!

Easy Travel Tips for Summer

This post has been moved to my Travel Bug blog which is relative to the niche of travel. You may read the post here:

http://www.riatravelbug.com/2013/05/easy-travel-tips-for-summer.html

I have a Jet Lag!

8.5 hours of flying time is not a joke considering I just spent 2 1/2 days in Manila. Another 8.5 hours flying time going back is just too much to bear now. I don't understand how pilots and cabin crew can handle time changes and how their biological body-clock respond to this. Lately, I have been having major migraine attacks when I reach my destination. I guess I am just tired and the crossing of time zones make it all worse.

I don't know if there is ever a cure to jet lag but somehow, there are ways to manage it. Here are tips on how to manage your own jet lag.

1. Try traveling on an early morning flight (if the airline has several choices of flights to your destination). This is because it is still dark and you can still sleep few hours in the flight.

2. Drink lots of juices and water.

3. Walk a lot after taking a long nap. This helps in blood circulation.

4. When I arrive in a place where it's morning, I act like it's the normal time. I try my best to avoid coffee nor drink alcohol so I can crawl to bed BEFORE 9 p.m!

5. Avoid filling your tummy before the flight.

If you have other jet lag prevention tips, please share :)

I Love Rome - Part 1

Here are some photos taken in the holy and historical Vatican and St. Peter's Square.

Just a tip - wear a very, very comfortable shoes or sandals. When visiting the Holy place of Vatican, do not wear shorts and sleeveless or any revealing clothes. I have seen a lot of tourists wearing skimpy clothing (I wonder why they even have to wear anything at all...) and was not admitted inside. Like most religious places of interest, one has to respect and conform to their norms.