A few years ago, while on a layover, I became very seriously ill.  Although I thought everything would be okay once I woke up in the morning, it became clear in the wee hours that I was wrong. 
Fortunately my airline has some pretty good procedures in place for getting medical attention for ill crewmembers.  Once I realized that my situation was serious, I was able to get help from a co-worker who helped get me to a hospital for emergency intervention.  I was treated and released later that same day to return home. 
The situation was unpleasant, but I had help, …read more

Food allergies can be fairly easy to manage at home, but when you are traveling it can create challenges.
If you suffer from peanut allergies, and are traveling by air, let the airline know at the time you book your reservations.  By doing so, you give the airline sufficient notice of your medical condition, and give it time to take appropriate precautions.  (Most airlines serve snacks other than peanuts, but may need notice to make the substitution.)  Don’t wait to tell someone about your allergy as you’re boarding and expect a peanut-free plane.  A little notice is needed.
Severe peanut allergy sufferers should also …read more

Here are this week’s money saving travel tips.  If I have neglected to mention your sure-fire way to save money while traveling, send me an email using the “email me” link at right.

If you are 55 years of age, or older, consider the Senior Discount Card.  It costs $24/year, so you will need to calculate if you will get a return on the purchase price.  The benefits range from a percentage discount, 2-for-1 coupons, gift with purchase, and a variety of other coupons.  You can search the website for discounts by type, or by location.  A quick review shows a variety …read more

If international travel is in your future, you may want to consider joining the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), a non-profit membership organization that provides information about travel medicine and maintains a network of English speaking doctors in countries around the world.
IAMAT was founded in 1960, by Dr. Vincenzo Marcolongo, and since then has become a leader in travel medicine.  Its physicians network includes general practitioners and specialists in hospitals and clinics around the world that have agreed to treat IAMAT members for set rates.  An office call, for example, is $55. The physicians all speak English, and …read more