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French Airports
Toulon-Hyeres Airport - Priceline.com links/bookings to French Airports
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Swiss Airports
easyHotel.com Basel fm €32/night / Zürich fm €33/night
Ryanair's Hostelworld recommends for budget:
Youthhostel Zurich, Mutschellenstr. 114 - The Zurich Youth Hostel became one of the most modern of the world. Open round the clock. fm €27.61 and
iPR Guesthouse, Schuetzengasse 7, Zurich - The very heart of Zurich city, just a few steps from the main train station. fm €62.96
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Austrian Airports
VIENNA
NH Hotels, Vienna Airport - Excellent 5* hotel situated right at the airport (The only hotel AT the Wien-Schwechat). An excellent way to spoil yourself and especially suited to early morning departures. What you pay more in room cost, you more than save in taxi costs or transfer time. From euro 105. Einfahrtsstrasse 1-3, A-1300 Wien/Flughafen. nhviennaairport@nh-hotels.com Tel.: +43-1-701 510 Fax: +43-1-701 519571
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Italian Airports
Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport - Priceline.com links/bookings to Italian Airports
Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci (ROM), is located in Fiumicino, 30 km (18.5mls) from the city. The most convenient way to reach Rome is by train direct to the Termini railway station. Tickets cost €9 euro. There is also a slower and quainter local train option for €5.
Taxicabs charge approximately €40 for the same journey.
Rome CIAMPINO (CIA) "G. B. Pastine" is located 15km SW of Rome and is mainly served by low-cost airlines (e.g. Ryanair) and package tours. Some of the low-cost airlines have their own buses. Tickets are €5-8 euro one-way. Regular buses depart from the nearby underground station Anagnina for €1.
Terravision coach transfers get you into Rome city centre and their coaches depart from Ciampino airport 20 mins after flight arrival. Tickets cost €8 single and journey time is 40 mins. There are also taxis from outside international arrivals costing on average €35 and taking 40 mins to get to the city.
More information is available at: www.adr.it
Maps at Ryanair Destination Guides and Ryanair short description at Ryanair Destinations > View Destination
Ryanair flies to London Stansted and Luton, East Midlands, Liverpool, Glasgow and Dublin from Ciapino making Rome sometimes a cheaper destination for Australians and Kiwis and avoids flying out of Europe from the UK (See passenger departure tax). It will mean changing airports in Rome but an Italian stopover was never a problem.
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Slovakian Airports
Slovakia (Bratislava) will be included end April 2008
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Polish Airports
Krakow
Krakow is a budget airline destination and is a boutique easy to negotiate airport. There is an ATM machine in the airport as well as the usual airport services. No need to take a taxi here as a free courtesy bus takes you to the nearby rail halt and regular trains take you to the center of Krakow for next to nothing in no time. However, if you have spendthrifty wife or partner, the taxi option might just be cheaper as Krakow rail station accesses the most magnificent shopping "Gallerie" (Mall) we have ever seen.
The tram system of Krakow is simple and efficient but do not make the mistake that we made and board the second car without a ticket. Tickets can only be purchased from the driver (with change) and the fines don't come cheap. Good tip is to take a day ticket and just keep tramming and changing until you have seen the whole city and suburbs - all well worth seeing.
The wonderful city of Krakow is described under Travel Reports
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Hungarian Airports
easyHotel.com Budapest fm €15/night
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Croatian Airports
Pula Airport Istria
To visit the ZADAR (ZAD) region is to indulge nature's rich variety of mountain field and coastline scenery. Surrender to the magic of the Velebit mountain enjoy the peace of the island landscape! Rich in history Zadar's old town is vibrant with a modern and exciting life. Traditional and present day values merge creating the variety of Zadar's attractions. The airport is but 9km away from the centre.
Maps at Ryanair Destination Guides and Ryanair short description at Ryanair Destinations > View Destination
Ryanair flies London Stansted and Dublin to Zadar.
PULA (PUY) Airport is situated 6km east of Pula, on the northwest coast of Croatia near the tip of the Istrian Peninsula on the Adria. Buses and taxis both operate services into Pula and other nearby destinations. The airport information desk will provide bus timetables. Travellers are advised to check the price of the taxi journey before embarking on their journey.
Maps at Ryanair Destination Guides and Ryanair short description at Ryanair Destinations > View Destination
Ryanair flies London Stansted to Pula.
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Moroccan Airports
MARRAKECH-Menara (RAK) - 6km/4mls from the City. Terminal B is dedicated to low cost airlines. Taxi: To the city centre (Medina) ~MAD 60/10-15 mins. Bus: #11 runs every 20-30 mins to Djemaa el-Fna and Ave Menara. Cost: MAD 3, tickets available on the bus. Shuttle Van: cityhoppa.com runs shuttle vans and private cars to Agadir, Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, Ouarzazate & Casablanca. ToAndFromTheAirport
Whilst in Marrakech Morocco’s imperial city, one’s stay starts with a stop in Jamaa El fna square, ranked by the UNSECO as a world’s heritage site where one can take time to stroll amongst storey tellers, dancers, snake charmers and watermen before venturing into the labyrinth of the narrow alleys and souks of the old medina, surrounded by kilometres of ochre colour city walls.
The city’s historical landmarks include the Menara, the Koutoubia Mosque or the luxurious riads and guesthouses which are old palaces or houses that have been revamped in the form of one thousand and one nights. The countryside abounds with stunning natural scenery that is also a must see place.
Lastly, one can find a guaranteed relaxation in the hammams before hitting the city’s trendiest pubs and night clubs for a memorable night.
Maps at Ryanair Destination Guides and Ryanair short description at Ryanair Destinations > View Destination - still being updated
Ryanair flies London Luton to Marrakech (RAK). However, to avoid departure taxes on flying outside Europe, UK residents fly cheaper via Girona (Barcelona) or Marseille-Provence. Frankfurt-Hahn or Dusseldorf-Weeze also fly to RAK.
FEZ (FEZ) Airport is located approximately 10 Km outside of Fez. There are no rail connections from the airport and there is no bus service from the airport to the city. There is a taxi service and the fare should be agreed before starting one's journey.
Maps at Ryanair Destination Guides and Ryanair short description at Ryanair Destinations > View Destination
Ryanair flies to Fez from Girona (Barcelona), Marseille-Provence and Frankfurt-Hahn.
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NORTH AMERICAN AIRPORTS
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Manchester-Boston, New Hampshire Airport
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) - webpage
MHT free Shuttle Service
Boston Subway Map - with schedules
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Providence, Rhode Island Airport
TF Green International Airport (PVD) - webpage. Warick - serving Profidence,RI
PVD ground transport - webpage. Ferry, busses, trains, taxis and carrental
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Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) - webpage. Includes links to connections with Baltimore, Washington DC, Delaware, Pennsylvannia and Maryland. Various shuttle services.
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Edmonton AL and getting to Edmonton airport
Preferred transport in Edmonton is the Sky Shuttle. The airport is a considerable distance out of town and taxis are expensive (approx C$40ew). The Sky Shuttle at C$25 return is good deal. They serve most hotels in the city and will take you anywhere given 1 hr's notice. No rail service exists.
Edmonton Airports has links to a few hotels that provide free shuttles. The vast majority of these are not downtown. The airport site has a vast amount of relevant data regarding transport and car hire for instance and a great FAQ section which tells us of the
EdmontonAirports.com also lists the airlines that serve EDM and has links to their websites.
See also Travel Links - Canada
~~~
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AUSTRALASIAN AIRPORTS
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PERth Airport
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SYDney Airport
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BrisbNE Airport
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AuKLand Airport
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LATIN AMERICAN/CARIBBEAN AIRPORTS
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Mexico City Airport
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Buenos Aires Airport
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Montego Bay Airport
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AFRICAN AIRPORTS
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Johannesburg Airport
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MIDDLE EASTERN AIRPORTS
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Amman Airport
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ASIAN AIRPORTS
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Bangkok Airport
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OCEANIC AIRPORTS
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Fiji - Suva Airport
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Handluggage
PORTS - ACCESSING, CONNECTIONS, TRANSPORT, OVERNIGHTING
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ALL UK, MANX and CHANNEL ISLANDS PORTS
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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DOVER (Calais, Dunkerque, Ostende)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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FOLKESTONE and Newhaven (Dieppe)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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PENZANCE (Scily Isles)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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HARWICH (Hoek van Holland)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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FISHGUARD (Rosslare)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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HOLYHEAD (Dublin)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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HULL (Rotterdam)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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LIVerpool to the Isle Of Man
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co offer foot passenger crossings for £15 each way upwards. A day return to/from Heysham can be had sometimes for £22. Check the timetables and fare codes first as you will need these in order to get an online quotation. Watch for cheaper offers during the price war and be aware that prices change hourly.
Whilst waiting for the boat - a drink at the Pig and Whistle, Covent Garden [Chapel St - direction Moorfields Station] or a meal at Ma Boyles Oyster Bar, Tower Gdns [behind St Nicholas Church opp Pier Head and nr James St Station]. See Recommendations - Liverpool as well as BeerInTheEvening.com , PubUtopia.com or Sugarvine.com pub and restaurant guides.
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LIVerpool to Ireland
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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HEYSHAM and accommodation
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
The Westleigh, Morecambe offers passengers with the late ferry from IOM, a ferry pick up service, en-suite B&B, TV & WiFi. GBP26 pppn (sgl occupation also). A welcome solution for foot passengers arriving HEY at almost midnight.
Isle of Man - Tank in Lancaster
Visitors to the Isle of Man coming with a motor vehicle will want to tank up before boarding at Heysham. Those of a different opinion will soon see why at the first petrol station on Mann.
This will be of interest to people who may be planning car journeys from Heysham to the Isle of Man where petrol is appreciably more expensive.
The ASDA Supermarket filling station , (Heysham side of Lancaster), has moved to inside the entrance to the site, and on the left.
The pumps are all credit/debit card only, and that there no on-site staff. After inserting your card and pin number, you are told on screen that you can fill your car to a maximum of £ xx. Once tanked, there is a receipt button to press. Petrol is available 24/7.
Locals were initially staring blankly at the machines, resulting in queues.
Getting out of the filling station is challenging if you don't want to follow up with a visit to Asda. Turning right through the traffic entering the store, and getting into the busy lane of traffic leaving the store, is reliant on the goodwill of other drivers when the store is busy!
Location maps: Google.com (or Yahoo.com) toolbars will supply a location map to a search for "Asda Lancaster". Ovangle Rd, Lancaster is the location of the petrol station - See Map.
Ovangle Rd lies between Morcambe Rd (A589) and the A683 main road to Heysham Port and is a nice short cut when traffic is heavy.
DGL-HEY - Negotiating heavy traffic after arriving at Heysham
If you run into heavy traffic after arriving at Heysham (at say the 1st or 2nd roundabout), you might want to take a LEFT and head for MORECAMBE.
Unless you know Morecambe very well, just head DOWN THE PROMENADE NORTH through BOLTON-LE-SANDS towards CARNFORTH and join the M6 north of LANCASTER at Jct 35 (instead of the usual Lancaster Jct 34).
Alternatively, if you get from HEYSHAM to LANCASTER you can South on the A6 if the traffic to the motorway is heavy. Unfortunately, the River Lune has not been bridged towards the South to enable a by-passing of Lancaster and the Lune has very few bridges.
Map: At Streetmap.co.uk , Search for PLACE: "Heysham". Alternatively, search for " Lancaster map " in Google.com
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NEWCASTLE (Denmark, Norway)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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Inner and Outer HEBRIDES Isles
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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THURSO (Orkney and Shetland Isles)
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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JOHN O'GROATS - Orkney
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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SHETLAND Isles
JourneyPlanner Rail, bus and ferry timetables and journey planning.
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Baggage
AIRPORT SECURITY (Luggage restrictions).
For other countries/airlines, see: HANDLUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS latest updates
AirNews reported Aug 10, 2006 as follows: 10 Aug Bomb plots discovered in England. Restrictions introduced
24 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police following the discovery of a plot to introduce explodable devices into planes (notably those bound for the USA). All held were British and 3 of them had recently converted to Islam.
The plot followed an intercepted communication sent to the UK after two arrests in Pakistan.
Havoc was ripe at UK airports with many flights cancelled and many suffering massive delays. Hand-luggage was forbidden and later changed to a ruling that all pocket and hand luggage should be put into plastic bags for examination.
Restrictions remain in force but are now less stringent than just after the alert.
More story and details of current restrictions at:
HANDLUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS latest updates
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Keeping Costs Down
BAGGAGE WEIGHT - NO "COAL TO NEWCASTLE"
Forget the two suitcases long-distance allowance.... enabling you to take half of your wardrobe. On arrival in Europe you may want to avail yourself of our "fly for next to nothing" fares and jet around Europe. easyJet now charges £10 for 2nd suitcases (£5 if pre-paid online)with a total weight limit of 20kg for all checked luggage (not forgetting the handluggage restrictions in force). (See above)
Left luggage offices have almost disappeared as terrorism and security increased and reckon on having to take all your "bagaglio" with you and pay the excess luggage charges on it. [One US aviation column reader complained of paying more to fly to Spain for his baggage than for himself. He probably knows how it works now]
Gone are the masses of luggage days You're not moving house and you probably won't go out half so posh more than once - if at all. Did you do so last time? Think back.
I withdraw my claim that you don't need to take sun protection oils and creams, however. It is still true that they also have all that on arrival but prices are now 50% higher in euro.
Gone are the days of 10 pairs of socks (and other things) for 10 day's holiday. A small sachet full of washing powder and a washing basin will provide you with clean sox and jox every 2-3 days.
Regular world travellers (I know one couple who never spent a winter anywhere in 25yrs and only travelled with cabin luggage) travel very light, wash regularly their drip dry clothes and underwear in the shower and have no problem with not more than 3 of anything.
This couple has now toned down their travels (both well into their
80's) and they no longer jet from New Zealand to the Northern
Hemisphere every winter. They would have had no problem with the suggestion that Ryanair might be scrapping hold luggage and it is true that "normal" requirements fit into a 8kg cabin bag.
Forget hard suitcases (my Samsonite is 8kg empty!).
IN is the holdall/sportsbag. - My canvas style soft-pack case (which can be held like a suitcase, carried by shoulder strap or even unzipped into backpack) has been 4 times to Australasia, 3 times to North America and countless times to Europe and is undamaged. The only loss was the shoulder strap which fell out of the not completly zipped compartment of the unlocked bag. Its predecessor was only taken out of service after 11yrs as the zip had broken.
One never locks suitcases or bags nowadays to avoid customs and/or security breaking into (and damaging) them. One CAN lock them but don't EXPECT them to arrive in one piece. Never put a hairdryer into checked in luggage.
Your luggage should be functional and not pretty. There is no "one up on your neighbour" in travel. You'll be unnoticed amongst the millions.
Jettison consumables
Folk who brought back home the €3 beach mat last year are not
even allowed onto the aircraft now. They probably spent €10 per
drink and then struggled to bring home disposable one-off consumables. Forget beach balls and games and consider buying a new massive beach towel down there - English flower gardens really do look silly in Italy or Greece and beach towels weigh quite a lot.
What's the minimum
To travel, you actually only need a passport, credit card and debit card that will work abroad (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro), one change of clothing and any medications that you take regularly. Theoretically, everything else can be bought abroad.
How about foreign currency? - See below at Money Exchange
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Souvenirs, Duty Free
KEEPING COSTS DOWN
Accommodation
"Oh my wife would never accept that!". How often have I heard that when I mention that we rejoined the Youth Hostel Association and use double or family rooms at their hostels worldwide from time to time.
Did you ever see the UK-TV programme "Holidays from Hell" where cockroaches, rust, dirt, slime in the swimming pool are the order? That could be pre-booked or arrangement hotels for you. Never, ever do you find a dirty hostel and some are quite 3* category at least.
Take the 10 new bungalows hostel in Fertilia nr Alghero where a double room night costs €18 pp with breakfast (family rooms €16; 4-6 bunk €14). Take the 3* hostel in Malaga - not far from the bus station and town, quiet area with bars and restaurants nearby and a double twin bedded en suite room for €16 pp. The shower corner in the bathroom has no shower curtain if you can live with that.
In the wilds of Scotland you might not have an option but to stay at a hostel and at Carbisdale Castle (nr Boner Bridge and Dornoch) you would want to stay at the Duchess of Sunderland's place which is more like an art gallery than a hostel - and that at £13 B&B!. The days of chores and the like are gone (at the worst you might have to make your own bed).
Regarding Low season cheap flight & accommodation deals, book Self Catering so you can ditch the hotel if it is going to ruin your stay. Don't be afraid of "Allocated On Arrival" as we were never disappointed and always got 3* or better. If you are a late arrival and need a hotel for the first night, then go for the 1 night option if you are in a strange location. If you have a hire car organized before leaving you can leave the hotel searching until we can see the places. Don't try this during high season though.
In many Mediterranean resorts, for instance, many tour hotels are a stones throw away from the beach with sea views. Sounds great - as long as you can get across the main road promenade alive.
Return flight for £40 incl then £100 per night accommodation might be good for some but is out of proportion. Personally, we prefer to go away more often on a more modest basis. Very good and clean accommodation can be had in Europe for €25-30 (£17-20). Sometimes this is per person and sometimes for the room without breakfast). 2* to 3* Hotel prices tend to be around €50-60 euro for the room with breakfast for two (continental breakfast is a very small deal).
So, away with the pride and airs. Keep the total cost of each trip down by budgeting and then you can travel a lot more frequently just as many English and Germans are now doing. We met Germans going from Frankfurt-Hahn to Girona nr Barcelona for a day out (€30 euro at time of writing so fewer will be going). We met English city workers on a 3-day weekend trip to Alghero, Sardinia (can be had at time of writing for £2.99 each way plus taxes).
In fact as this was written, Ryanair
has 13 destinations at £0.49 from Berlin to Brindisi, 23 at £1.99 from Stockholm(Vasteras) to Murcia(Spain), 15 at £2.99 Stockholm(Skavsta) to Jerez, and all remaining destinations between £5 and £7 (all prices before taxes).
In case anyone is wondering, Stockholm Vaesteras is 54miles/1hr W of Stockholm compared with the main Arlanda Airport which is 30mls N. Skavsta is 60mls/1hr SW of Stockholm and 10mins from Nykoeping.
Some pro-"regular airlines" TV ads jokes have been shown portraying the no-frills airlines dumping you helpless; miles from civilization. Our own experience is that they arrange transport (but not for those who prefer to spend their first hour in the airport restaurant) at moderate prices to "town" and are quick off the mark. What's more, the no-frills airlines fly on time more often than the "regulars" and tend to have less ground staff strikes! Our own experience was rather earlier than schedule arrival with no-frills and long waits for departure with "regulars".
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Exchanging Money
SOUVENIRS, PRESENTS and DUTY FREE GOODS
If you trip isn't to become very expensive due to casual coffees,
lunches, presents and souvenirs, just leave them out as much as possible. The cute snow over Palma thing for you or your friends simply has no place in the living room and is a waste of money.
Bringing back little presents for all is a thing of the "Holiday at the Seaside" days and transport from Blackpool was much easier than from Tegucigalpa. Wein import is allowed (with receipt showing EU taxes paid in a Customs Union country) but you could regret the extra weight on your return journey. Keep away from presents and drinks and bites you don't really need/want.
Duty Free
One good thing emerges from the Aug 2006 alert (except for airport shops) and that is that we won't and can't be tempted to buy shortbread, organic elderberry jam or massive outsize Toblerones any more and the fancy creams that will keep away all those wrinkles from the stress of it all are now so OUT that anyone THINKING of buying them would qualify for bed and breakfast on Cuba.
The Canary Islands and Turkish Cyprus are NOT EU and not ALL EU members are members of the Customs Union. Madeira is a borderline case and is a sort of Isle of Man which is not really EU but somehow is also not not. You should have no problem with Madeira purchases.
Remember that the EU now stretches over Poland and the Baltic States
to GR-Cyprus and Malta (although not all are Customs Union states). Anything you buy in a Customs Union state and for which you retain the receipt to prove that EU purchase tax (VAT, MWST or whatever) has been paid, entitles you to import as much as you can consume YOURSELF. If you buy 6'000 cigarettes or bottles and bottles of booz then it is OK if you can convince Customs that they are for your own consumption. One traveller has not bought cigarettes in the UK for the last 10yrs - He is presently in hospital, however. The till receipt showing the local tax is important but a detailed receipt is advisable (i.e. not simply the total).
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DVT
EXCHANGING MONEY
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When oh when will the UK change over to the Euro and rid itself of this exchange commission racket. All very well making a
national pride thing out of money but it only costs. Meanwhile, a
few tips.
Just about every airport in the world has an ATM, Bancomat, Kassomat, Caixja or whatever they are called locally. Ask for a Bancomat if in doubt. I, personally, go to Europe, America, Malaysia or Australia without buying their currency before leaving.
You really do not need to change money before leaving and you should certainly NEVER pay a commission for doing so.
Yes, yes, your travel agency and the post office promise to change and change back without commission. Their buying and selling rates are another matter however and the British buy/sell rates are almost robbery.
To be safe, take a couple of cheques (your bank wouldn't like you
changing Sterling into Euro but what the heck). Italy in particular
is not a credit card country.
"Hole in the wall" at arrival airport (be it called ATM, Bancomat, Cassa, Kassa, Caixja or whatever) is the best and take the
maximum of around €250 just in case your bank charges per
transaction. UK Nationwide debit card does not charge, I am informed.
Travellers Cheques? - For me a waste of money and charges. Also the worst exchange rates in the world and not always accepted in payment. One or two credit cards each comes a lot cheaper - unless you have a partner who can't be trusted with the things. In this case, use debit cards.
Are their airports with no ATM? - Yes, Ryanair's Charleroi in Belgium used to be one. There is one at the Post close to the railway
station in town.
Don't I need euros to get to town? Probably not. The Ryanair desk will sell you €10 tickets covering the whole of Belgium -
probably on charge card - and, if you have Sterling or US Dollars in your pocket there will be somebody ready to change it for you. This doesn't apply to late evening/middle of the night/very early morning arrivals/departures.
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Passports & ID Cards
~~~~DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)~~~~
DVT is Deep Vein Thrombosis.
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Here a bit of simplified explanation.
How does it occur?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From sitting in one position for too long with pressure on the upper leg/thighs and/or sitting like that at great altitudes with insufficient water intake and with insufficient exercise of the lower leg calf muscles. It is well known by long-distance flyers but can also occur by spending hours and hours at the computer. In short, it shows itself with swollen legs which colour darker if a bad thrombosis occurs.
See also below: How did I notice that I had DVT?
DON'TS
~~~~
* Don't drink alcohol when flying (even if it is free) and
* Don't dry out (dehydration at high altitudes is more rapid) and
* Don't remain seated (go walkabout).
* Don't believe that lying with your feet up solves the problem.
* Don't let your calf muscles remain inactive
DO
~~
* Do drink losts of orange juice and water - long-distance flights provide them free.
* Go walkabout every 40mins (when attendants aren't blocking the aisles) to exercise the calf muscles.
-The cabin staff might object but tell them that you are on your way to the galley to get a glass of water.
* When seated, DO regularly exercise your feet and lower calf muscles.
* Do wear elastic compression stockings for any flight of more than 3hrs (or on all flights)
* Do (unless you are on medications otherwise) take 1/2 (one half and not more) of a 300mg aspirin each of the 3 days before
flying long distance and during the flight. Also perhaps 1 day after arrival. Keep to minimum as aspirin is not good for the stomach. Consult your doctor on this point and advise him of your intentions but always follow his advice. [Aspirin thins your blood). You doctor might recommend otherwise or different dosage.
Is this all relevant for me?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, a young and healthy 28yr old girl flew non-stop from Sydney to London and dropped dead on the tarmac of London Heathrow airport not all that long ago! Convinced now? It is worth taking seriously.
How did I notice that I had DVT?
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My very first visit to Australia started with 14hrs non-stop to Singapore. I was out of my shoes for the journey and couldn't
get back into them on arrival at Singapore. Extremely swollen legs and feet. With rest and legs up, this was soon reversed. This was a sign of impending DVT but that wasn't so talked about at the time.
I didn't pay much attention and subsequently travelled several times via Malaysia but making sure that my feet were rested or
exercised. Publicity about DVT helped also.
Three years later, I flew 13hrs to Kuala Lumpur then 8-9hrs to Brisbane and spent 2 weeks without problem in Queensland before
flying on across to the Tasman See to New Zealand (4hr flight) and, after a day, my right leg had a slight pain which I attributed to sitting incorrectly in the hire car or from getting wet or damp feet. This continued, however, for 10days and I visited a doctor back in Australia.
The doctor said "I don't like that" and made an appointment that afternoon with a specialist at Canberra hospital who said "I don't like that" . That was also the last day that I smoked a cigarette.
After tests and becomming a DVT junkie (Had to inject myself twice per day) I flew the 2.5hrs to Adelaide and a couple of days later the 4.5hrs to Perth for 4 days rest.
Then came the 24hr flight back home with 1.5hrs rest each in Kuala Lumpur and in Manchester.
Should I be afraid of DVT? Perhaps not fly again?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seriously - Yes. Fear - No.
I was treated with Warfarin (thins the blood) under medical control for 6 months and given the all clear (albeit without further tests). Subsequently I was off to Jamaica on a non-stop 9hrs each way flight - with aspirins, water, walkabouts and those black elastic compression stockings.
- No problems. I was somewhat overweight at that time and stopping smoking added massively to that (even eating sensibly)
The specialist in Canberra had asked me if I was not afraid of the flight back. My reply - "You go when your ticket is called.
Not before and not after, mate". One's outlook on life is certainly different as it all brings the fact (which exists all through life actually) that one can be here today and gone tomorrow. So - if you are able, enjoy life to the full today.
How about obesity or previous/existing heart problems
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You will quite definitely need to consult your doctor for travel insurance purposes and should do in any case if your weight is more in kgs than your height in centimetres less 100 (+10% for gents). Use Google.com or http://www.simetric.co.uk/feet_to_metres.php for conversions
e.g. A search in Google for " 5 feet 8 inches in cm " will tell you 172.72cm which, less 100 = 72.72 kg weight.
Males can add +10% and we have approx 80kgs which Google tells me is "80 kgs in lbs " = 176.3lbs.
A search for " 80kg in stone " brings 12.6 stone. Age and activity will influence this figure but there's no big excuse for being obese and the cure for that is "Eat half, walk double".
Even where the travel insurance company doesn't explicitly ask for physician's OK, you will not be covered if you don't have it.
Don't even THINK of going abroad without travel insurance unless you have your own LearJet and a qualified physian
accompanies you. See separate section on Travel Insurance
How can I otherwise help myself to avoid health problems like DVT?
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* It is well worth reading what I write about luggage.
* How far do you walk daily right now carrying a 12 to 20 kgs load?
* Carrying luggage that you don't need, unnecessarily stresses the heart and body.
Maxim is: If you can't lift it and walk a mile with it over your shoulder, then don't take it on your travels. Maximum packed
weight guideline is around 12-13kgs (26.5-28.5lbs).
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~~~~~~PASSPORTS & ID CARDS~~~~~~
ALWAYS travel with a COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT AND DRIVERS LICENSE on you 
SPAIN Advance Passenger Information
