June 2009
Computer Travel Tips
idependanttraveler.com
For many of us, leaving our computer at home while travelling is the equivalent of cutting off our right arm. Without it, survival seems impossible. Luckily, advances in modern technology allow for easy transport of our beloved laptop with minimal complications -- if you know what you're doing.
We've compiled a list of computer travel tips to ease any technical troubles that could arise on your travels. We've learned most of these tips the hard way -- computer crashes at important meetings, batteries that bail out minutes into the second leg of a long flight, nasty viruses destroying precious files, and forgotten passwords that were so unmemorable and unhackable that we ourselves couldn't figure them out.Must-Have Items
Firewall and Virus Protection: Many people load their virus protection and firewall onto their home computer, but forget to do so on their portable computer. A virus is a virus, no matter where you get it.
Software Components: Use the same software, even the same versions, at the office and on your laptop. Comfortable work habits are already difficult to maintain while travelling; you don't need the added frustration of changing your routines for a different version -- or worse, different brand -- of software, especially for high-volume tasks like word processing and e-mail.
Important Note: Test any new software before you leave, and bring backup disks with you when you go. Conflicts in your software or operating systems could arise, and the last place you'll want to deal with them is on the road.
Adapter Plug Sets: If you are a frequent international traveller, it is wise to invest in a set offrequently used electrical adapter plugs. There's nothing worse than being all booted up with no way to plug in.
List of Necessary Passwords: It's a double-edged sword. The more complicated the password, the harder it is for people to figure out -- and for you to remember! If you tend to save passwords instead of retyping them, you'll need to either save them on your computer (in a password-protected file for greater security) or, even better, commit them to memory. Do not carry handwritten lists or print-outs of your passwords.
Contact Numbers for Technical Support: Bring phone numbers and bookmark Web sites for companies from which you may need technical support or downloads during your trip. It might be best to write these down in an appointment book or somewhere else that will always be with you, so you don't have to travel with countless slips of paper.
Backup Storage: Bring along DVD's, CD's and/or thumb drives so that you can back up your files on the road. If your laptop crashes for some reason, you'll still have your data.
Internet Accessories: Pack phone and Ethernet cables just in case your hotel doesn't have wireless Internet access. And if your laptop doesn't have a built-in wireless network adapter, throw in a wireless notebook card into your laptop case too. Read more tips ›››
Canadian passengers face wait to take advantage of wireless spectrum
By Laura Severs - Business Edge
Coffee, tea or Wi-Fi?
Canadian flyers can expect to find themselves getting a taste of the information superskyway in the months to come. But don't expect this new connectivity will allow you to use a cell or smart phones for wireless calls while jetting across the country. That part of the spectrum remains on hold for now in Canada, despite similar service being introduced on a number of international airlines. And connectivity will be gradual. Air Canada has announced it will introduce live internet service this spring, initially only on a limited number of routes. WestJet and Air Transat say they have no immediate plans to follow suit.
"Internet access is something our customers are very interested in. We already offer the on-board entertainment systems and this would be the natural next step," says Air Canada spokeswoman Angela Mah. However the new service will not include voice over internet protocol (VoIP), as laws in the U.S. and Canada do not allow cellphone use in flight.
Air Canada will provide internet access through Gogo, an in-flight service that turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hot spot. The airline is the first international customer of the technology pioneered by Illinois-based Aircell LLC. The service will be available on Airbus A319 aircraft on select flights to California and will be accessible by customers with a standard, Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device. Read more ›››
Travellers encouraged to get approved border crossing documents
TravelPress.com
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding Canadian and US citizens that new document requirements go
into effect on June 1 for entry into the United States at land or sea ports. Travellers are advised to apply for approved travel documents now, as it can take several weeks to receive a document that will comply with new requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI-compliant documents for entry into the US at land and sea ports include: Canadian or US passports; Trusted Traveller Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES); U.S. Passport Card; Province- or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (when and where available).
“Obtaining a WHTI-approved document and complying with the law will help make our borders more secure,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern. “We will be practical and flexible in implementing this new travel requirement, but encourage travellers to get these documents now to expedite border crossings from day one.” Canadian citizens under the age of 16 arriving to the US by land or sea need only present proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card. (http://www.GetYouHome.gov)
Summer baggage restrictions to Montego Bay, Jamaica
Due to the increased volume of baggage during the busy summer season there will be a reduction in WestJet's baggage allowance for travel to and from Montego Bay, Jamaica between June 29 and September 7, 2009. Baggage allowance during this period:
-Guests will be limited to one piece of carry-on baggage on flights to and from Montego Bay.
-Checked baggage to and from Montego Bay will be restricted to a maximum of two pieces. No excess, overweight or oversized baggage will be accepted.
Air Canada expands the reach of Self-Service kiosks by adding them in Deer Lake, Fredericton, Fort McMurray, Moncton, Thunder Bay, Grande Prairie, Saint John NB, Prince George, London ON, Zurich, São Paulo, Montego Bay, and Kingston, Jamaica.
As part of Air Canada’s mission to connect Canada and the world, in addition to English and French, the Air Canada Self-Service airport kiosks are now available in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese and German.
Print your own baggage tags!
Now you can save even more time at the airport by using Air Canada's quick and convenient Self-Tagging option, which allows you to print and attach your own baggage tags and then simply deposit your bags at the Baggage Drop-off counter.
This innovative service is offered at Air Canada Self-Service Kiosks located in the following airports: Montreal, Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow. And you can expect the service to become more widely available as it is implemented.
How does self-tagging work?
If you have already completed a Web or a Mobile check-in:
-At the Self-Service kiosk, enter your booking reference number, or scan the bar code you received following your Web or Mobile Check-in;
-When your flight booking number appears on the Kiosk screen, press 'Reprint' and follow the on-screen instructions to print your baggage tag(s), receipt and boarding pass;
-Affix the baggage tag(s) to your bag(s) and proceed to the Baggage Drop-off counter;
-Proceed to security and then to your gate.If you are checking in at the Self-Service Check-in Kiosk:
-Follow the easy instructions on the Kiosk touch screen to start your check-in;
-When your flight booking appears on the Kiosk screen, follow the instructions to enter your baggage information and print your baggage tag(s);
-Affix the baggage tag(s) to your bag(s) and proceed to the Baggage Drop-off counter;
-Proceed to security and then to your gate
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