Airline Travel

Dear Travel Guru –

One of my friends emailed me about an international flight where he was stuck sitting in front of a baby who spent the entire flight vocalizing in high “Aaaaagh.” I’ve had similar experiences with seatmates competing for the Guinness Book of World Records in snoring. My friend mentioned that he had found some great earphones that cut out cabin noise, but I can’t locate that email anymore. I have a “two-for-one” international flight coming up next month, first to Los Angeles, then on to China and I don’t want to risk being a zombie at the end. I have a number of business appointments lined up and it’s important that I be sharp for them. Do you have any noise-buffering recommendations?

Mike C., Newark, NJ

Dear Mike –

Been there, tried to sleep through that! I now own my very own set of Plane Quiet Noise Canceling Headphones. Aaaaaah, what a difference!

What I like about them, other than the fact that they actively reduce noise up to 18 decibels, is that they’re also one of the lightest-weight pair you can find. They work with most electronic devices including the iPod ®/ MP3, CD, DVD players, laptop computers and desktop computers. Because the headband and earcups are both leather wrapped, they’re comfortable for long flights. They’re easy to slip into your briefcase or carryon because they fold flat and come with a travel pouch plus they also come with a 1/8” and ¼” adaptor. One feature I find useful is that with the click of a switch, you can turn the noise canceling feature on or off. They retail on Protravelgear.com for $99.95.

In case you need some pointers about dealing with JetLag, you may also want to read our article “ProTravelTip: Avoiding Jet Lag.”

Here’s to a good flight’s sleep!

The Travel Guru

At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Gifts for International Travelers

Dear Travel Guru –

Here’s my problem – I need the perfect gift for my brother, the Priest who has everything! I keep trying to come up with innovative ideas but I’m clueless. I’ve given him every religious item, piece of clothing and gadget for his car that I can think of and the only brainstorm I can come up with is to get him something for travel, which he loves! He travels to one country or another almost every year, often to do volunteer work.

I’d like to stay within the $60 range. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer.

Perplexed Sister of Father Jim


Dear Perplexed –

This is no problem at all! You mentioned that your brother usually travels to other countries, so I can suggest a number of great gifts, available from ProTravelGear.com, specifically designed with the international traveler in mind, and all priced under $60:

Five Piece Voltage Converter and Adapter Set This set converts foreign voltage to U.S. voltage and the adaptor plugs provide worldwide compatibility, making it possible to use small U.S. electronic devices in more than 150 countries. Under $40.

TravelSafe Locking Travel Safe by Pacsafe This handy compact travel safe is slash-proof, weather resistant and easy to use. Simply lock it to a stationary object, ensuring peace of mind and security of cash and other valuables such as some of the items in a Mass Kit. Under $40.

Coolmax Travel Sheet by Cocoon If your brother travels to third world countries, these lightweight cotton sheets, with Velcro secured side opening, pillow pocket and boxed foot section, would be perfect to help him get a good night’s sleep. Under $40.

Combine one of these with an Eagle Creek Pre-Board Travel Pouch and you have the perfect birthday gift for the traveling Priest who has everything!

The Travel Guru


At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

ProTravel Tip: Getting ready to go

Dear Travel Guru:

Before I go on a big trip, I always get really anxious and overwhelmed. I have even chosen not to go on trips, because of all of the preparation that has to happen. Do you have any advice to make trip preparation go smoothly?

Shaina G.

Dear Shaina,

Oh please don't pass up the opportunity to travel just because of the stuff you have to do before you go! Traveling is one of the great joys in life!

You can make getting ready to go more laid back, just by working through a check-list. By writing down everything you need to do, you won't get overwhelmed with the details.

For the travel plans themselves:
1) Book the flight
2) Book the hotel
3) Book transportation

That is the hardest and most expensive part usually. Do that and you are well on your way!

After that start your packing list. As the travel time gets closer, write things down as they occur to you, but wait until at most a week before to start packing, since weather or your needs may change.

If you are traveling internationally, you may have to call your credit card company to insure that they will work oversees. Check your balance, so you know what your spending limit will be and also take out cash for use as tips, emergencies, and places that won't take the card.

Arrange for your mail to be help or picked up by a friend, and pay any bills that will come due as you are away.

Write out any emergency numbers you will need:
1) The rental car company
2) Family members
3) Neighbor or pet-sitter
3) Doctors
4) Airline numbers
5) Any other contacts you may need while you are away

and:

Write out a list of numbers your family/friends will need:
1) Your cell phone
2) The cell numbers of anyone you are traveling with
3) The hotel number or number for the place you are staying
3) Vet (if you have pets)

Include your flight information and travel itinerary on this list as well.

Set up pet or home care. Leaving emergency phone numbers, food, water, medication if necessary, and treats for your pets and instructions for the person taking care of your home or pet.

Pack maps, guide books, public transportation schedules and itineraries of any activities you plan. Put all of these into a folder. Plan any back-up activities in case of bad weather, like museum visits or shopping areas.

Check the weather a week to 10 days ahead so that you can plan activities and what to pack.

Make reservations for any activities you are planning, such as a tee-time, spa appointment, dinner, shows etc. Call the hotel before your trip and ask the hotel concierge for recommendations if you’re unsure where to book.

Before leaving the house, double check that you have all necessary essentials, such as your passport and/or driver’s license, medications, cash and credit cards. You can always buy another pair of socks as long as you remembered your wallet!

After you have put together your pack list, plan for the first couple days of your trip. It is generally unnecessary to plan to fill every day, but if you have activities, and dining plans at the beginning of the trip, it will give you something to do until you get your bearings. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling somewhere new or to an international city, and will help in case you need to pack the extra pair of dress shoes or athletic gear.

When you arrive, you will want to take a look at local guides and find out what shopping, attractions and restaurants are near where you are staying. Take a walk around your hotel and get familiar with amenities like the spa, fitness center, common areas, swimming pool, restaurants and bars.


Remember that traveling is meant to be fun, exciting, maybe even relaxing! If you methodically go thorough what you will need and what you want to do, then "getting ready to go" does not need to be a hassle, and the pay-off will be a great trip!

Have a great trip
THE Travel Guru

At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.