LIFun4Kids.com Helpful Tips

Affordable Health Insurance Bill A.8215 Signed into law on 5/5/10

Bill A.8215 signed into law by Governor Paterson which allows first responders and ambulance workers to buy health insurance through their local municipalities, at an affordable rate!! We spoke with someone from Governor Paterson's office today and they will call us back with the details on how to proceed.

Travel

1) Bring extra ziplocs with you and place the hotel room's tv/vcr remote control inside, zip closed and operate the remote. Should work with most remotes...if not, just tear a hole in the ziploc so the sensor is uncovered. Now those nasty germs won't get you sick and ruin your vacation!!

2) Buy an inexpensive luggage scale and pack accordingly...There's nothing worse than paying an extra $50 per bag when you're checking in!!

3) Attach identification tags on the handle of your luggage as well as somewhere on the inside (in case the tag on the handle is torn off by those luggage movers!!) And DO NOT supply your address on the ID tag, just your name and cell phone number. You never know whom may have access to your luggage and if they see your address, you're house is a prime target while you're away!!

4) Make your luggage stand out!! The most popular color for luggage at the airport is black. Don't let anyone grab your belongings from the baggage carousel by mistake and claim it as their own...Tie a bright color ribbon to the handle of your bag or better yet, buy a bright-colored luggage strap and reinforce your luggage...after all, those zippers can only put up with so much!! (for more insurance, place a quick tie on the strap and attach it to the luggage too so you'll never lose the strap)

5) Any public restroom whether at the airport, on the airplane, or at any restaurant is just full of germs. Buy toilet cover seats at Babies 'R Us or Buy Buy Baby (they're much thicker than those that some bathrooms supply for free...if there's any left when you need one) and keep in your carry-on or pocketbook.

6) Don't germ double dip!! After using a public restroom, wash those nasty germs off your hands, grab a piece of paper towel (or tp) and shut the faucet off. Then as you're leaving the bathroom, pull the door open with another paper towel, crumble it up, and shoot a 3 pointer at the garbage can!!

7) Germs are everywhere!! Stock up on antibacterial wipes and keep them on you at all times to keep those hands clean. While you're at it, buy some clorox wipes and the second you get into your hotel room, wipe down every door knob, light switch, faucet handles, and of course the entire bathroom.

8) Don't make a reservation by calling the hotel's toll free number...instead call them direct. You'll get a better rate and will find out about any specials they may be offering. Build a rapport with the manager and you'll see results!!

9) No matter how much you want to let every one of your facebook friends know that you are on vacation, DON'T. Not only does it seem like bragging to some, you're announcing that you'll be away which is a sure-fire way to get your home burglarized...unless of course you trust your "friends" with your first born. Just wait till you get back and you can spill the beans!!

10) Make it seem like you're home when you're away...forward all home phone calls to your cell...just ask your home phone provider how to do it. It may already be included in your plan but if not, it's worth the few dollars a month!!

11) It should always look like someone's home after the lights go out...keep those passersby guessing!! Buy some inexpensive automatic timers and set them to go on and off at various times throughout the night in various rooms in the house.

12) Don't let your mailbox burst at the seams...either place your mail on hold or ask your neighbor to empty your mailbox everyday. Remember not to order anything that may be shipped while you're away, otherwise ask your neighbor to grab it for you too-you don't want boxes sitting outside your front door.

13) Play car shuffle in your driveway...have your friend or relative switch the cars back and forth throughout your time away...and if snow is in the forecast, have them shovel too.

14) Be aware of the silent killer: carbon monoxide poisoning...bring a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector during your travels. Just pack it in your luggage, but remember to remove the batteries first. P.S. Wrap it in bubble wrap to prevent damage during transit. Place it on the end table in your hotel room...lower to the floor is better!!

15) Traveling out of the country but don't have a passport? It will cost you a pretty penny if you wait till the last minute!! Apply for a passport at your local post office at least two months before your travel date. If you don't have that much time left, you have no choice but to expedite your application for an additional $60 fee plus overnight delivery costs!!
If you're really in a pinch and need the passport within 2 weeks, make an appointment immediately at your regional passport agency here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/schedule/schedule_852.html.
You'll have to apply in person, but don't expect to receive your passport that day. Most likely, you will have to pick it up the following business day.
If your children are applying for their passports, BOTH parents MUST be present!!

16) Don't let the pressure get to you!! Chewing gum while the plane is changing altitude can help relieve the pressure in your ears and your kids' ears too. But if you have a cold, take a decongestant before the flight, as the pressure will certainly wreak havoc on your sinuses when you're not feeling well.

17) Do not...I repeat...DO NOT use the complimentary travel pillows or blankets that the airline has on hand. You don't know where they've been, but you can imagine!! Purchase travel pillows before your trip. They can be found at Sears along with travel pillow covers.

18) The holidays will soon be upon us and the travel season is just around the corner! Whether you are taking a train, plane or automobile, getting there should be fun. No one said traveling with children is easy, but here are some ways to lessen your fears.

Nintendo DS with respective games
DVD player and movies
AC Car Adapter
Travel games such as Magnetic Travel Tangoes & Mad Libs
Start a scavenger hunt...create a list of items for kids to watch out for during the trip.

Being prepared will certainly make time pass and hopefully keep your children from asking that dreaded question..."Are we there yet?"

19) AAA-it's not all about towing-become a member and you can save a bundle!!
Looking for discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment and other services? By joining AAA members receive so many benefits, you'll be asking yourself why you didn't join years ago! Membership only costs $58 for the first year, and $48 annually thereafter. The money you save will pay for the membership fee 10 times over. From car and hotel rentals to movie and theme park tickets, you'll save on items you used to pay full price for! Just show your AAA card and save. Become a AAA member today.