winter-travel-pedia

Just about everyone agrees---while necessary for everyone's safety, the experience of dealing with airport security lines can be a hassle.

Here's what to know before you go, along with a few tips to help you get through the line faster:

1. Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers.
This helpful tip comes straight from the Transportation Security Administration. In your carry on, pack a layer of clothes, then electronics, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what's in your bag when it goes through the X-ray machine. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray machine, simply by the way they were packed.

2. Do not pack over-sized electronics in your checked baggage, whenever possible.
Over-sized electronics are laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes. If you decide to carry any of these items on the plane, airport security will require you to remove these items from your carry-on bag and submit them separately for X-ray screening. Small electronics, such as iPods can remain in your carry-on bags.

3. Do not wrap gifts.
If a security officers needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap your gift. It is better to wait until you reach your final destination before wrapping items.

4. Pack all of your coats and jackets in your checked baggage, whenever possible.
Wear socks and shoes that are easy to take off and put back on.

5. Prepare your quart-sized, clear, plastic zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport.
Containers that can hold 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less of liquid or gel are permitted. One bag per passenger is the limit. If you are carrying larger amounts of liquids, such as medications, baby food, milk and formula, are allowed in reasonable quantities, but you must declare them first.

6. There are certain foods and gifts you should put in your checked bag, ship ahead or leave at home.
These items include creamy dips and spreads, sauces, maple syrup, jams, alcoholic beverages, snowglobes and perfumes, among others. For a more complete list, click here.

• 3lb coffee can, candles, and matches (to keep warm and for melting snow for drinking water)
• Whistle and a red bandana/brightly colored garbage bag to call for help/let rescuers know where you are
• Some granola or candy bars
• A flashlight with spare batteries
• A first aid kit (including any essential medications)
• A blanket (special foil-type survival blankets fold up to a very small size)
  
• Basic tool kit
• Jumper Cables
• Ice scraper (most rental cars don't come with them)

• Document your valuables before you leave for insurance purposes, in case the worst happens. Take a copy with you and leave one with someone at home.
• Make a point to be (and look) alert Pickpockets and theives often target those who look preoccupied and innattentive.
• Never pack valuables in checked luggage. Keep them with you in your carry-on instead.
• Use see-through bags when packing your carry-on so the TSA inspectors can easily see what's inside without needing to directly handle the contents and potentially spill, drop, or pocket anything.
  
• Don't put items loose into the TSA bin Anything small (like watches, cell phones, etc) should be put into a coat pocket, handbag, or ziplock bag to keep them together before going through security.
• Always keep your carry-on as close to you as possible Make a point to stash it in the compartment either directly above or in front of your seat, if possible keep your most precious cargo in the bag that goes under the seat in front of you, and don't leave your carry-on behind when to go to the baggage carousel to pick up your luggage.
• Have locks on everything You can't lock your carry-ons while they're going through security, or your checked luggage while it's on the plane, but having them locked at all other times (i.e. while your carry-on is stowed in the overhead compartment or your luggage is in the trunk of a taxi) can still help prevent theft.
• Use the hotel room safe Locking items in your hotel room is all but worthless, and locking locked luggage in a hotel room isn't much better. Stash valuables in the room safe, hotel safe (even better), or if neither of those is an option you can always bring your own (check out Pacsafe).
• Don't leave your luggage on a tour bus Just because everyone else is doing it, and the tour guide says it's okay, is no guarantee. Lock up any luggage you must leave behind and take all irreplaceable items with you.

Most skiers are better off renting equipment. Skis are not designed for heavy usage over many years. In fact, most skis will last for only twenty weeks or so of use. Skiers who hit the slopes for 60 days or more a year may need to replace their skis as often as every other year, depending on their level of ability. There are several arguments against buying. For example, technology is constantly changing. Modern skis are designed much differently than skis sold a decade ago, as they are now wider and shorter than what was in vogue back then. Another advantage to renting, is that you can try different skis during your holiday, which you might consider as your ability improves. Lastly, you will avoid having to lug the equipment around during your travels.

Typically, "demo" packages offer the top-of-the-line, high performance equipment. It may cost a bit more, but will be a better option for intermediate and expert skiers. Beginner skiers (and even intermediates) can opt for the less expensive "sport" packages. These are usually shaped skis that are more effective at slower speeds and on easier terrain. Arrange for your rentals in advance, if possible.

The two pieces of equipment that may be worth buying are helmets and ski boots. Wearing a helmet while skiing is of utmost importance, of course. They are not very expensive to purchase and ski equipment rental facilities are sometimes in short supply. Ski boots are a worthy investment as they have a longer life span than skis. If you plan to ski often, boots that are purchased can be fitted properly and hence provide more comfort.