We always say: hopefully, that does not happen to me, it has never happened to me, or it will never happen to me.

I have news for you, just like canceled and delayed flights.

The more you travel the more you are exposed to your luggage being lost.

Sometimes it just never happened to you, and other times it happens to you very often.

My brother lost his suitcase 2 times in a row on two different trips.

It is honestly one of the worst things that can happen to you. Especially when you are starting your journey.

Every year 26 million suitcases do not reach their destination with their owner.

Of those, 1 million they never return with their original owner.

Today, thanks to technology, you are 70% less likely to lose your suitcase than 10 years ago.

But there are still many chances that it will happen to you.

I have lost many suitcases, and this is what you have to do…

1. Always Keep Your Luggage Vouchers

Before anything happens, the first thing you have to do is since you document your luggage.

Keep the passwords for each of your bags very well.

If you can take a photo, you never know when you may need it.

These numbers allow you to track the suitcase and know where it was last scanned.

I usually take pictures of my bags just when I am putting them on the scale.

Just in case I need future reference.

2. Report your Lost Suitcase

If you are the last person on the suitcase carousel and yours never appears. Report it Immediately!

You have to go with the agents of the airline that transported you to your final destination because they are responsible.

Many “lost” suitcases are simply delayed for many reasons, such as missing the plane if you had a very short connection.

With today’s systems, they can monitor in real-time where the last time they saw that suitcase, and for sure it is still there.

Never leave the airport without a Written Report stating that your suitcase is delayed (they cannot determine if it is lost until a long time later).

Even if they tell you that they will arrive on the next flight, you have to have a supporting role.

Again, take a picture of everything.

Agents will most likely want to keep passwords.

Also, ask them for a local phone number directly from their office, it is the only way you will have to communicate with them.

3. Find out about the Airline Policies

It is important that you know the lost or delayed luggage policies of the airline you are traveling with.

For example, the times it has happened that my luggage arrives late.

United has given me $ 100 USD for each day up to a maximum of 3.

That is, $ 300 USD. All bags are considered delayed until the search has been completed, which can take up to 60 days.

In the case of Mexico, if you lose your suitcase.

you must be compensated with a maximum of 75 minimum wages.

United Airlines has up to a maximum of $ 3,000 USD compensation on domestic flights.

4. The Best Scenario

In the best case, your suitcase will be delayed for a few hours or days.

My mom did not get her suitcase the day we were going on a cruise.

We got on the boat without her wearing any clothes, and a few days later the suitcases arrived directly at the ship.

Unfortunately, my brother was not as lucky.

Their suitcases have been lost on several occasions.

This is where the interesting thing comes from to continue with the procedure of lost suitcases.

But already giving you the idea that they are lost.

5. Fill out all the necessary Documentation.

Several days of searching have passed and your suitcases show no sign of life.

Then they will ask you to make a formal claim.

In it, you have to put all your information.

But you also have to describe your suitcase in detail and list all its contents.

They will ask you, if you have them, for your receipts for all your belongings including the suitcase itself.

United airlines asks you to enter the year you purchased each item.

With all the information you provided them, at the end of the search without success.

They will evaluate your case and offer you compensation for the loss they caused you.

They will never pay you the amount you claim because all your things are technically used, but something will help.

This process can take several months to give you an answer, so be patient.

But you also always have to be talking so that they know that you are aware of this situation.

 International flights

This scenario on an international flight is another story entirely.

This is because international flights are governed by the Montreal Convention.

It determines a maximum limit of 1,131 Special Drawing Rights.

It is a currency of the International Monetary Fund and is equivalent to approximately $ 1,600 USD.

Tips to Prevent Your Suitcase From Being Lost

• Identify Your Suitcase – Before documenting, make sure your suitcase has your name and contact inside and out.
• In the very frequent case that your suitcase loses its tag.
• They will open it to determine who it belongs to.
• Value Items – I know it is repetitive but it is not superfluous to say it.
• Take all your valuables with you on board. Do not document them because in case they are lost they will not be responsible.
• Travel insurance – I always recommend to all travelers who travel insured.
• There are many options and they can be very helpful.
• Credit card – Use a credit card to buy the trip that offers you protection during your trip.
• This card offers you up to $ 1,200 USD of compensation for the loss of your suitcase.
• Avoid Changing Airlines During Your Trip – One of the most common ways that luggage is lost is in airline changes once you start your trip.
• Many times when there is a delayed or canceled flight.
• The airline with which you are traveling decides to send you another to arrive at your destination.
• Many times we have no alternative, but it is preferable to always stay with the same airline.
• In the event that the suitcases are lost, the ball will be thrown and none will want to be held responsible. 

Conclusion

As I explained in this article, I prefer to travel only with my carry-on bag to avoid all these risks.

The post What to Do When an Airline Loses Your Suitcase? appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

Especially if it is our first trip, it is essential that we follow all these steps before and during the trip.

We intend to make so that everything goes well and we make the most of our experience.

So today I’m going to give you 10 tips for first-time travelers, whether you’re just starting out with friends or solo.

Choose the Ideal Destination

Especially when you are starting it is important that you inform yourself well of the places you want to go to.

On the one hand, you may not feel comfortable.

if you encounter a great culture shock or if you encounter some difficulties during the trip.

you do not have the experience to deal with them the first time.

On the other hand, I am in favor of the fact that if you really want to expose yourself to a great change in culture.

you just have to go with an open mind and inform yourself.

Find out a lot. As long as you know very well where you are going, you can feel comfortable and safe quickly.

In addition to that, you will know how to develop properly.

So I will not be the one to tell you that you must go to “easy” destinations on your first trip.

If what you really want is something completely different.

Just choose well, and when you do, research as much as you can.

Documents and Travel Insurance

There are countries like the United States or even Morocco, which will ask you for at least 6 months of a valid passport.

On the other hand, if you travel to Canada your passport can expire in three months.

But as long as you return before that date there will be no impediment for you to go.

That is why you should find out about the country where you plan to go.

Either on the internet or, better still, at the embassy of that country.

Along with this, another great recommendation is that you have photocopies of all your documents, both physically and online.

If you can keep your passport and identity card in different compartments the better.

In this way, you make sure that if for some reason you lose one, you have another.

Finally, although we will be careful at all times to take care of ourselves and that nothing happens to us.

it is recommended that we take out travel insurance.

There have been many cases of silly accidents that turn into something more serious and better to be prepared.

So that you do not have to spend a large amount of money that we did not have planned.

In my case, whenever I traveled outside the European community I had insurance.

Nothing happened to me in Turkey, but in the Dominican Republic I was hit by a motorcycle.

Luckily I had insurance, which covered all the expenses of the clinic and they attended to me right away.

Which, by the way, I have heard that the expenses for foreigners are quite high. Better safe than sorry.

Money

In this regard, there are people who recommend carrying more cash and a credit card just in case.

Others in reverse trust their credit card and carry cash only for special occasions.

This really depends on what you see works best for you or where you go.

You can use your normal regular bank card if you have in mind that they usually charge commission every time you withdraw money.

So it is good to consider other options. In my case, I have used the Evo Banco card.

Which charges almost no commission abroad and the currency exchange is a little more favorable.

In any case, as long as you carry cash and bank cards with you, keep everything in different places.

So you always make sure you have a backup.

Finally, notify your bank that you are going to travel. They believe that there are suspicious movements in your account and block your card.

It is also recommended that you prepare a budget for what you are going to spend based on your plans.

That is, the tourist attractions you want to go to, the transport or accommodation you are going to take, etc.

This is best explained in the post How to calculate our travel budget?

Luggage

The times it is said will never be enough: pack only the essentials and what you are really going to use.

You can always count on washing the clothes you are wearing and reusing them.

You don’t need to bring 4 different pants, 3 jackets, or lots of shoes.

Believe me, you don’t need that much and sometimes you don’t even get to use everything.

Also, you can always leave a free space for souvenirs.

Socialize

Every time you travel try to meet new people, whether they are other travelers like you or locals.

Especially if you travel alone.

It is part of the trip to force yourself out of your comfort zone and meet new people.

This will help you expand your horizons, learn about other cultures and interact with new people.

Without forgetting that you will have the opportunity to see the city you visit from another perspective.

Security

Precisely because we are going to a new and unknown place, wherever, do not expose yourself and avoid dangerous areas.

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

But above all, always walk with confidence and security.

If you do not know very well where you are.

Enter a store and ask or search your phone, discreetly, for the address.

It is better to pretend that you know where you are going or that you are not just another tourist, instead of attracting attention.

My intention is not to scare, simply that one is aware of these precautions to avoid any mishap.

Many times I traveled alone and anyone would think that being a woman would be an easy goal.

But, I have always moved with caution and nothing has ever happened to me-knock on wood.

Transport

When traveling to a new city.

Find out about all the types of transportation that are available, be it bus, train, metro, taxi, uber or any other that you have available.

In this way, you will be able to evaluate which are the best ways to move around the place and you will be able to save time and money.

Local food

Be sure to try local food at your destinations.

You may not like something, but surely most of the time you will discover something new.

That you will love and you can take other types of memories that later, at home, you may even learn to make.

As well, you can discover how a certain dish is originally prepared.

A clear example is the famous Kebab, which is not used at all as they usually do in fast food establishments throughout the world.

Electronic devices

There are several things to keep in mind when carrying electronic devices.

The main thing is to carry adapters depending on whether the voltage varies in the destination you are going to !!

Second, it is recommended that your phone works abroad.

it does not matter if you are going to be using free Wi-Fi or if you will buy a sim card.

Make sure that your device is released.

It is good that you have internet access so that You can locate yourself at any time.

As well as to know where to go or if you want to investigate where you are.

Finally, if you are going to be in hostels or similar.

Avoid displaying all electronic devices that you have with strangers to avoid attracting attention.

Plan an Itinerary

Finally, it does not matter if you are planning a very strict itinerary or if you prefer to travel flexibly without having to calculate each day.

It is important that you at least have a list of all the places that you would be interested in visiting.

It will not be that when you return home you discover that you lacked places to go that you would have loved or you had activities pending to do and you regret it.

If you make a list of the tourist spots, at least you will be sure that you will get the most out of your trip.

you will return satisfied with having known everything you wanted.

I hope each point was helpful.

If you know of any other important tip, do not hesitate to leave it in the comments?

The post 10 Things That Every Traveler Should Know appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

Hiring impersonal organized trips that have little to do with their ideal trip.

In the end, like everything, it is practical. With a will, some time, and trial and error.

Almost everyone learns to look for cheap flights, plan excursions, or organize a trip in general.

However, to make your task easier.

1. I want to share with you the general outline that I follow in planning my trips.
2. The different sections are presented below in chronological order.
3. Starting with the first thing you should check or plan a trip properly.
4. Step by step the sections progress overtime to cover coherently and effectively all aspects of your trip planning.
5. I have done so, and not as a mere list of things to do. Because, in my opinion, it is essential to respect that progression in order to organize a trip.
6. For example, you should never buy flight tickets without first checking the availability and cost of accommodation.
7. If you did, it could happen that there is no accommodation available on the dates of your trip.
8. It is much more expensive than you thought and you are out of budget.
9. More importantly, you should never book or Do plan a trip.
10. Without first checking the political and health situation of the country you want to visit.
11. All this is especially important. When we travel to “less developed”.
12. More unknown countries or when we are planning an adventure trip to remote places.

Everything I tell you next will be much more important in the organization of medium or long-term trips.

Although, It is applicable even for a weekend getaway. In any case, I hope that.

What I tell you will be useful and help you organize unique, unforgettable, and incident-free trips. 

How to Plan a Trip?

Choice of fate

First, I choose the destination I want to visit. Generally, I have a clear idea of ​​where I want to go.

But it is true that, at the beginning of the planning.

I always try to cover more of the account.

So I make an extensive list of the places I want to go during this specific trip.

Whether they are within the same country or in several.

Climate and Dates to Plan a Trip

Before informing me in-depth about the places to visit, displacements, and others.

1. I check the country’s climate on the dates that I intend or would like to go to.
2. This aspect is very important. Although there is never anything assured with the weather.
3. It can help us avoid or minimize the possibility of encountering unpleasant weather conditions.
4. This is especially important in countries with undesirable and even dangerous weather events.
5. Such as times of typhoons or periods of very high temperatures.
6. When planning a trip. In addition to the weather conditions.
7. It is also important to check. if the dates coincide with holidays or events that may affect our adventure.
8. Thus, it must be borne in mind.
9. That certain festivities can influence the opening of tourist places.
10. The availability of transport or even the stability of the country.
11. As examples, Ramadan or Chinese New Year can complicate our plans if we have not planned in advance.

On the other hand. In countries with more turbulent political situations.

It may be important to avoid specific events such as the election of a new president.

Just what happened to us in the Philippines.

Alerts, Political Situation and Health

Another aspect that I find out about when I start planning a trip is the situation in the country.

In many places, things change quickly.

1. And where there was stability before now may not be a good time to go.
2. The same is true in the healthcare field.
3. It is important to find out about epidemics and outbreaks that may have arisen or are currently in force.
4. This does not always mean that you have to change your destination.
5. But, that you put into practice some extra prevention measures.
6. Both for the political and the health situation. On many occasions, the alerts are limited to certain areas or regions.

For this reason, it is important to know them both when choosing a final destination.

And when planning the specific route that we will take through the country.

Visas

Depending on the country in question, a visa may be required. So it’s one of the first things I check when planning any trip to a new destination.

Also, in the event that the visa is essential. I look at what the application process consists of as soon as possible.

In some cases, it is tremendously simple and fast to plan my route, as in the case of the United States or Australia.

But in others, it is much more complicated and slow, as happens, for example, in Russia.

On the other hand, before planning a trip in detail. it is essential to discover.

If there are different types of visas. Their price (so as not to surprise us in the budget trip).

And, the maximum time that we are allowed to be in the country.

Flights, Accommodation and Budget Base

Once I am clear about the destination.

1. I know the climate and the details of politics.
2. The health situation of the country or countries that I want to visit.
3. I will start to make flights and accommodation easier.
4. First I do a quick scan of the international flight options. Whether direct or going somewhere in between that can lower costs.
5. So I get a general idea of ​​the possible route planning and prices.
6. Once this is done, and if I have the flexibility of dates.
7. I repeat the search in different periods.
8. As you probably already know. Depending on the season the prices of flights and hotels can vary significantly.
9. For this reason, before getting into the flights.

I have already checked the country’s climate and, along with it cross country trip planner.

I have written down what are the high seasons from the tourist point of view. And the good times from the climatic point of view.

Come plan a trip as economically as possible.

It is interesting to find out.

what is the shoulder season or middle season in our destination?

Since prices will generally be lower and the weather will continue to be good payment plan vacations.

In other words, it is always convenient to try to give a corner to the traditional holiday season with a tour planner.

1. Where both flights and accommodation will be more expensive.
2. If the destination is “famous”. it will be crowded with tourists.
3. To search in different periods or throughout a month. Skyscanner is very useful.
4. It is the search engine that I always use and I recommend it without hesitation.
5. It is simple, effective, and very convenient.
6. In the case of accommodation. At this point in the planning, I simply take a quick look.
7. To get an idea about the prices of the best road trip planner. On the different dates that I am considering.
8. As well as the different places that I want to visit. if I already have any idea about it.
9. I generally use the Booking platform. Although in some cases, such as Cuba.
10. You have to find accommodation by other means. 
11. With all this information. I can already make an initial guideline budget.
12. Since flights and accommodation are usually the bulk of the cost of a trip.

In addition, we can also add to that travel on a budget any cost in relation to visas.

Find Out About the Destination in Depth and the Activities to Be Carried Out

Generally, we decide on one destination or another. Because we already know that.

It houses something that interests us or because someone has spoken well of it.

However, it can also happen that. We opt for a specific country because it turns out to be the cheapest.

Related: Tips For Getting A Good Price On E-Tickets

Whether in reference to flights. The cost of living there or other aspects.

In any case, whether or not we know some details of the destination beforehand.

It will always be able to offer us much more than we imagine.

Therefore, once I have completed the previous points. But before buying flights or booking accommodation.

1. I fully investigate the country and everything it can offer me. So I begin to trace my route.
2. Since I love wildlife sightings. So, when planning a trip.
3. I often start by looking for information about national or natural parks. Along with the species that can be seen in them.
4. On the other hand, since I enjoy different and impressive landscapes.
5. I also inquire about the emblematic natural places of my future destination. 
6. If in your case you are, for example, passionate about museums or outdoor sports. You should focus your search on what you want to see or do.
7. Inquire about where are the most important museums in the country.
8. Best places to do adventure sports, for example.
9. Then I take a look at other activities. That I could do in the country.
10. Such as diving, snorkeling, volunteer work, trekking, or any other that I can think of or feel like.
11. Finally, I try to find out what excursions I can take. If I cannot make them on my own, and I see what prices they have.
12. If necessary, take the opportunity to send some emails requesting a quote or more information.

It is also interesting, once we know the dates of our trip. Do check if our visit coincides with any special event.

Such as a traditional festival or a natural spectacle. We may not want to plan a trip around this event.

But if by chance it coincides, we may want to include it in our route.

Thus, I mark points on the map based on my preferences. once completed, I begin to polish my route .

Generally, at this point. I also take the opportunity to calculate the days.

I would need for each place. I want to visit and the activities I want to do there.

Means of Transport and Distances

When I have located all the points of my interest. I get down to work with the topic of on-site travel.

In my opinion, this step is extremely important to be able to quickly plan a trip effectively for various reasons on google trip.

The time factor: if the points we want to visit are very far from each other.. Or else are difficult to plan my road trip.

This will have a direct impact on the time we will need for our trip.

• If we are flexible and have all the time in the world there will be no problem.
• Otherwise, we will have to calculate the displacement very well.
• To be able to take advantage of our trip and avoid spending most of the time traveling.
• At this point, therefore, we begin to be realistic and to discard some places if necessary.
• I, who always want to do too much in one sitting. At this point in planning a trip.
• I try to keep in mind a saying that my mother has used a lot. ” Whoever embraces too much does not squeeze”.
• If you also keep this in mind when planning a trip. I promise you that you will be able to organize an infinitely better experience.

Transport options: Inquiring about the means of transport and distances.

We also find out what are the available options and their cost. This will help us develop and/or adjust our travel budget and refine our route.

Tracing a coherent route: In direct relation to the two previous points. In my opinion.

1. You have to work on the map and with the distances in mind.
2. To trace a coherent route and make the most of our time. Thus, in addition, we can save money and effort.
3. As I have already mentioned. For me, these three factors in relation to transportation or displacement are essential to plan a quality trip.
4. Therefore, I would never recommend leaving it. Until the end of your planning. Much less waiting until you are at the destination.
5. With this, I am not saying that you should hire in advance each and every one of your trips. In fact, I always leave room for improvisation.
6. The only thing I try to convey to you. It is the importance of informing you adequately and extensively.

Before starting your trip and/or before booking your flights and accommodation.

Redefining the Duration of the Trip

Now that we know how much time we need to travel between the different places.

And, how many days we need to visit the different points of our interest. It is time to redefine the duration of our trip.

1. It is very important to be realistic. if we have limited time.
2. As I said before, discard a visit or place if necessary.
3. It is better to thoroughly enjoy 80% of what we wanted to see. Then not to enjoy any of it by having to run everywhere.
4. On the other hand, whatever the duration of your trip, leave time for contingencies, and rest.
5. Flat tires, bus delays or maritime services canceled due to bad weather are frequent events.
6. On the other hand, you get diarrhea from not shaking.
7. Want to stay in bed for a couple of days is also something that can happen.
8. For this reason, when I already know the days. I need to travel to a place and the days. I want to spend in it.
9. if possible I add two more days. If your schedule allows it. I recommend that you do the same. If no unforeseen event arises.

You will always find things to do. You can take advantage of those extra days to rest or plan your next destination.

Hiring travel insurance

Since at this stage of planning. I already know which countries I am going to visit.

What activities I want to do and how long my adventure will last. I can already take a look at travel insurance.

It should be said that some people do not consider health insurance essential during their travels.

However, in my opinion. It is something you should never ignore in order to plan a safe trip and be protected from adversity.

Keep in mind that nothing ever happens, until it happens. And that’s when we will regret not having contracted health insurance.

1. To date, I have used the companies of World Nomads and IATI.
2. The first is a New Zealand company.
3. So, despite being very good. The attention they provide is entirely in English.
4. On the contrary, IATI is a Spanish company. So it has the great advantage that they serve their clients in Spanish.
5. This is an important factor to keep in mind if you do not do well with English.
6. He thinks that in an emergency situation. It is much more complicated.
7. Due to nerves and stress, to express ourselves in another language. If we do not master it sufficiently.
8. If you are fluent in English. you can choose either of these two insurers. Check which one best suits your needs and you’re done.
9. Because, whenever I have made comparisons with other companies.
10. It seems to me that it is the one that offers the most coverage at an even cheaper price.
11. Once we know how much the insurance will cost us for the specific trip that we are planning.

We can take note of that expense and thus complete our travel budget.

Now yes: Booking Flights

Now that I have all the necessary information. Including that on essential aspects. Such as, for example, the visa or the situation in the country.

I already know approximately how much internal displacement, accommodation, and activities will cost me.

Therefore, whether or not I am on a budget. It is time to book the flights. 

1. To do this, I carry out a search. Putting now, the exact dates in which I want to travel and the address of my route.
2. First of all, I reserve the most important tickets.
3. Those that I cannot substitute for alternative transport.
4. For some reason, I must take on a specific and unique date.
5. If I am going to make internal or domestic flights. I may wait a little longer in case.
6. I decide to change my route or opt for another type of transport. However, if I have everything very clear.
7. There is a special offer to book all the flights together. I do it at the same time, along with the reservation of the main flights.
8. If it is a medium or long-term trip (more than a month, for example).
9. I limit myself to booking the closest in time and the most expensive and/or in demand.

Then, little by little, I reserve the rest of the air travel.

Plan a Trip Completing the Budget and Reservation of the Accommodation

Although with flights there is usually less playing field. With accommodation, we have the possibility of tightening our belts much more.

Therefore, before booking hotels and hostels. I always go back to my budget.

Specifically what I do is that. Once I have bought the flight tickets.

1. I add to the budget what I have spent on them and complete it with other unavoidable expenses.
2. Such as vaccines or medicines that I have to buy for my medicine cabinet.
3. In addition, by now I had already added the money that I have to spend on visas and medical insurance.
4. In the same way, as I also previously searched the approximate prices of the activities and excursions. The budget is almost ready.
5. So, with all that information I can know how much I can afford to spend on accommodation. I do this because sometimes.
6. For a little more it is possible to get a much more comfortable or better-located hostel.
7. However, if my budget is already at the limit. I may have to go to the cheapest available.
8. It goes without saying that within your budget you should always include emergency money for unforeseen events or extra expenses.
9. Doing so will save you surprises and disappointments during your trip.
10. When I am clear how much I want or can spend on accommodation.
11. I start with the reservations. As I mentioned, the platform I use the most is Booking.
12. I have been using it for many years and I am happy with it.
13. Sometimes I also take a look at the Agoda website. But the truth is that, at the moment. I do not usually book through it.

As you probably know. There is also the option to book accommodation through Airbnb.

However, generally, the supply of accommodation is smaller and more focused on large cities.

So its usefulness will depend on the destination we travel to.

Finally, there is the option to book directly with the accommodation in question.

This for example happened to me on the trip to Madagascar.

where some very specific hotels were not available on Booking at that time.

So I did it by contacting them directly via email.

Whether to book all or part of the accommodation for your trip will depend on your style as a traveler.

If you want to leave room for improvisation.

Book only the first few days or accommodation in very touristy places or with little hotel offers.

Now, if you are very clear that you are not going to modify.

Your route or the days you spend in each place. You can reserve everything in one go.

Plan a Trip practically ready!

At this moment it can be said that our trip is almost totally organized.

It only remains to drill down or polish small details.

Such as completing our budget with other expenses we consider.

Finding out more interesting things about our destination.

Contacting other travelers if we are looking for a companion.

Congratulations on reaching the end of this extensive string!

I hope that all.

What I have told you will help you when planning a trip.

And hopefully, it was not too long and heavy!

The post How to Plan a Trip – Make your Travel Plan even More Exciting appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

It is precisely the latter that this article may find useful. Yes, because we are going to publicize.

What are the main safety rules that must be taken into account? when traveling with children in this form of transport.

Thanks to the following recommendations and advice, you will be able to make your trips without problems of any kind.

Of course, before entering fully into these aspects. It is necessary to take into account a series of previous considerations. Such as that Renfe offers free travel to children under 4 years of age who do not occupy a seat.

This measure is applicable to Avant, Long Distance or AVE trains. For their part, children under 14 years of age who are going to occupy a seat. May travel with a ticket with a 40% discount.

In addition, large families, Except in cases of international trains. They have discounts of between 20% and 50%.

Safety Rules to be taken when Travelling with Kids

Now yes, here are the main safety rules to keep in mind:

Long-haul Trips

The fact that more and more families are betting on the train as a means of transport for the holidays. It is because it offers comfort and speed.

For example, it is one of the preferred options when making long-haul routes.

In this case, one of the best alternatives is to opt for the trenhotel. It is a night travel system that allows you to undertake the trip in a rolling room.

These are trains with cabins or apartments equipped with seats, beds and tables with which the whole family can travel comfortably.

If it is a recommended option for children. It is because it will allow them to go to sleep and thus the transfer will not be so heavy.

In the event that you do not want to travel on these types of trains. But on some that are in use, it must be borne in mind. It will be necessary for minors and adults to get up from their seats and walk at least every one or two hours.

In this way, blood circulation problems will be avoided.

Always Walks in the Company of an Adult

One of the other safety standards that must be taken into account. When making a railway trip with minors is that the trips they take on the train must be accompanied.

In other words, it is important that children do not walk alone in the corridors of said means of transport for various reasons:

• If they are small and do not have good coordination. Then, the rattle of the train can make them lose their balance. This can range from falling directly onto the ground to being struck by seats, suitcases, or doors.
• No less important is that they always go in the company of an adult. This avoids getting disoriented and lost between cars.
• Of course, it should be born in mind. That, if they must go with their parents. It is also to prevent them from accessing club rooms, touching an opening door or emergency button …
• This without overlooking the fact. Moving around the train with their parent is a way to prevent them from starting to play in their corridors. Causing the annoyance of the crew and other passengers.

Tables of 4

When traveling with children comfortably and quietly. It is recommended that the family travel by train in the seats equipped with tables.

In this way, these minors can be entertained by drawing, reading or even watching a movie on the tablet.

This will make the journey more bearable and that they do not start complaining at the first change.

Food and drink

Of course, it should not be overlooked that other basic safety standards. When traveling with children by train. It is essential to carry a backpack with water and some food for the journey.

This will prevent them from becoming dehydrated and feeling hungry. Therefore, based on the duration of the tour.

You can choose to take a simple snack or go with lunch, snack or dinner. Prepared depending on the schedule.

With these recommendations, surely any family can make these holidays a train trip without complications of any kind.

The post Safety Rules When Traveling With Children by Train appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

In the case of traveling to Russia, you should know that the trains that operate within the Russian national territory work in a slightly different way.

What is a Night Train?

Before talking about what night trains are, we must take a trip back in time to understand why these trains appeared.

A few decades ago, train journeys across Europe were extremely long, they could even spend several days and nights on the train before reaching your destination.

At that time, it was necessary for trains to provide passengers with more comfort, such as carriages with beds, sinks and even showers. When high-speed trains appeared, travel times were dramatically reduced. Currently, European high-speed trains can operate at 200 – 320 km / h according to the ranking made by Omio.

Night Train Vs Traditional Train

The trains we usually use to travel, also known as day trains, consist of several cars with a certain number of seats. Sometimes you will also have tables inside the cars as well as a dining car or panoramic car.

On the other hand, night trains do not have categories (first class, second class, etc.), as we will see later, they have types of seats.

It is there where we see the main difference between a night train vs. a day train since both trains can run at night but only night trains have beds so you can sleep more comfortably.

How to Identify a Night Train?

As I just mentioned, regular trains and night trains can run overnight, making it difficult to tell them apart. In this case you have to resort to one of the following methods:

• Know the route of the night trains : There are fewer and fewer night train routes in Europe, making it easier to identify.
• Select the type of seat : When you make the reservation on a night train you will have to select the type of compartment in which you will travel and the number of bed.

Types of Seats on Night Trains

On a night train you can find up to three different types of seats which could be compared to the first, second and third class on a conventional train.

The names of the compartments may change depending on the train or the country where you make your train ticket reservation; however, the compartments in the wagons are classified as follows:

Sleepers or beds

Booking a bed is a sleeper is similar to traveling in first class and has the following characteristics.

• In each compartment, you can find two or three beds.
• People of the same sex travel in each compartment, that is, only males or only females.
• If you want to travel as a couple and in the same compartment you must reserve the 2 or 3 beds that the compartment has.
• They include sheets and in the winter they also include a blanket.
• Some sleepers have a sink or bathroom with a shower.

Couchettes, Bunk Beds or Bunks

Sleeping in a bunk on a night train is similar to sleeping in a bunk in a hostel. Let us now see what its characteristics are:

• Although the dimensions of the sleepers and couchette compartments are the same, in the latter you can find 4 to 6 bunk beds.
• Some couchettes have sinks but most of them have only one bathroom per wagon and no shower (you can imagine how the wagon smells after a long journey).
• When making the selection of beds, you can only travel in couchettes that have passengers of the same sex.
• They include sheets and in the winter they also include a blanket.
• If you are traveling as a couple, they will be assigned to different compartments unless you reserve all the bunks of the same couchette.

Recliners

Reclining seats on night trains are like seats on other types of trains.

These seats are cheaper than traveling in a bunk bed, but the comfort is much less.

If you are traveling on a night train it is because you want to sleep and this is the most uncomfortable way of traveling among all types of compartments.

On the other hand, not all night trains have reclining seats.

What Do I Do if I Have a Train Pass?

If you have a train pass like the Eurail or Interail you must be wondering if night trains are included in rail passes.

In the case of traveling on a night train, a supplement must be paid for the track traveling by night train.

The exact amount to pay will depend on the route and compartment in which you decide to travel.

In addition, when registering the date of your trip, you only have to enter the departure date of your trip (the arrival date is not placed in your travel log).

What Services Are Included?

The luxury night trains include breakfast or snack with the train ticket while in the rest of the night trains you can buy something to eat in the coffee car.

The same goes for the showers on the train cars, you usually find them on the most exclusive trains so it is better to bathe before boarding a night train.

Depending on your luck you will find plugs in the train cars. Although I recommend that you only use them to charge electronic devices such as cell phones or tablets.

Once they called my attention for charging my laptop (I do not know exactly the reason why I did not understand the language).

Is It Advisable to Travel by Night Train?

The main reason a person decides to travel by night train is that they want to save money by not having to pay for accommodation during that night.

For this to happen, the price you would pay to use an alternative transport added to the cost of accommodation must be less than the cost of traveling by night train.

If that is the reason why you plan to buy a night train ticket, you must take into account the following factors:

Number of People You Travel With

If you are traveling alone in Europe as a backpacker you will have to consider the price of the cheapest accommodation in the city you are traveling to, which will surely be a hostel or Airbnb.

The cost of accommodation in a hostel per night in Europe is between 30 – 40 euros (€), I know that there are others cheaper and others more expensive.

However, if you travel as a couple or in a group you can get hotel rooms or apartments for a cheaper price per person than staying in a hostel. In that case, using a night train may be a more cost-effective alternative.

Comfort

From my experience, I tell you that the sleepers of the night trains are not very comfortable to say. Also, if you are a light sleeper, the noise and movement of the train may make it difficult for you to fall asleep.

To this, you have to add that if you travel with other people, they will probably wake you (accidentally) when they snore or you have to leave the compartment.

Schedule

Another point to keep in mind before buying your night train ticket. Since these usually have a relatively late departure time (after 10:00 pm), if you take into account that the check-out of your accommodation usually gives more By noon you will have three options:

• Explore the city with your luggage about 10 hours before you can board the train.
• Request or negotiate with the accommodation to let you store your luggage for the rest of the day, this is very difficult if you use Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
• Use the luggage storage service at train stations (for a fee and not all stations offer this service).

Something similar occurs with the arrival time of night trains since some may arrive very early at their destination, let’s say between 5:00 and 7:00 am, at that time you still cannot check-in and you would have to do something similar than in the previous case.

Tips for Traveling by Night Train

To finish, let’s see 5 tips that will help improve your experience on a night train.

• Evaluate all the costs involved in traveling by night train (indicated in this article) before you choose it as a cheap transportation alternative.
• Pack some snacks because, although there is a car with a cafeteria, the prices are higher than what you can find outside a train station.
• If you are a light sleeper, pack a mask and earplugs so you can sleep without interruptions.
• All children under 4 years old can travel in the same bed/litter their parents for free. Although if you want them to have their own space, you must buy a train ticket with the child’s rate.
• Avoid traveling by night train whenever possible, as you have previously read, it is not always the cheapest alternative and they are not very comfortable either. As a personal recommendation, choose to travel on high-speed trains during the day instead of traveling by night train.

The post Night Trains in Europe appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

When we only went for 15 days, traveling and eating healthy was not within our plans or even possibilities. 

We know that this is not good and that time or money should not be the excuse to eat badly.

When you are traveling because it is all about cultivating the proper habits to take care of your diet when traveling.

Have you also Neglected your Diet

Are you in that situation where you are enjoying time in other countries.

Discovering new cultures and people.

but don’t know how to take care of your diet while traveling?

Take it easy, it ‘s completely normal.

In fact, in my opinion, society is currently experiencing an “awakening”.

I am one of those people who thinks that.

for example, you want to do something when you are 25 years old and you don’t do it at that moment.

At 40 (sooner or later) what you have been repressing appears again and you end up doing it.

We live in a society that lives fast. does not take care of itself. With a lot of stress and negativity.

It is increasingly difficult to stop and enjoy the here and now.

That is, why I recommend that you learn to also value rest and seek more time for yourself and your health.

As the word health is very broad.

I have decided to talk to you today about the relationship it has with food.

I also find it interesting to leave you some tips for you to reflect on how to take care of your diet when traveling.

And put into practice those that really serve you.

Food Intelligence

Unlike mathematical intelligence, intelligence in reading and writing, geography, history, etc.

Nobody teaches us to eat since we were little. Therefore we did not get to develop intelligence on food issues.

Our parents do the best they know how and we learn to eat.

They think we should, but is that what we get used to the best way to feed ourselves?

The problem is that we live in a society where there should be a food culture.

Someone who really explains to us the foods that are beneficial to our bodies and how to combine them.

But just like they taught us about:

• the culture in the country in which we live
• different languages
• play an instrument
• follow a schedule
• respect to others…

This type of knowledge should exist, what I like to call “food intelligence”.

There are more and more cases of overweight and obesity in children and adults.

And, today this problem already exceeds the number of deaths caused by hunger in the world.

Have a balanced diet while Traveling?

It is not an easy task, in reality this issue can get out of hand.

How many times have you traveled and in the hotel. Where you stay there is a super buffet and you end up eating everything?

Or you even stay somewhere where there is no kitchen.

Therefore you cannot make your own menus and you have to eat out all meals.

without keeping track of the establishments you visit and therefore without taking into account the calories you eat.

Normally when we travel, our level of activity is high.

Regardless of the sport that many people keep doing while traveling.

In theory, the average number of steps we should take every day to stay well active is around 10,000.

When we travel it is likely that we give them.

Since we want to take advantage of the days and visit places that we do not know. but is it enough?

Can we do more to collaborate with our health?

I also think it is important to clarify that having the goal of losing weight.

While traveling to a maintenance goal and eating balanced is not the same.

If what you want is to take care of your diet. So as not to gain weight and stay as you are while you travel.

It is much easier than looking for weight loss (or rather, body fat loss).

To talk about loss of body fat. We must bear in mind that we must spend more calories than we ingest.

So when we are outside our comfort zone. it is difficult to have that control (but not impossible!).

If, on the other hand, you are not looking for that and you prefer to learn to eat out.

Enjoying but learning to take care of your diet when traveling.

Finding those foods that give you the energy to continue your trip and also without obsessing. you are in the right place!

I think that in this whole world of food, the most important thing is to have a food consciousness.

And later I will explain why.

Why have a balanced diet?

Do you really know what it is? I ask you this question because I had to ask myself one day.

Generally we tend to think that “we eat well” (or so we want to think), to be calm and calm our consciousness.

The word “balanced” can give rise to many interpretations.

For example, a person who drinks a beer at lunch and dinner.

And then a glass of wine to eat may think, “I drink in moderation.”

However, a person who is not used to doing that and drinks a couple of beers on Saturday afternoon will probably think the same.

Balance is an aspect that depends on how you look at it and how it is interpreted.

For this reason, to learn to be more objective.

I think the first thing we must do is analyze our eating behavior from the outside.

So let’s get down to business, right?

1. To change your habits you first have to analyze them

For this I advise you to start a newspaper.

A kind of road map where you write down every meal you make.

In this way throughout the week, seeing the summary, you will be really aware of what you feed.

When we talk about eating, I like to see it from a “nutritious” perspective. Eating is nourishing your body.

It is giving it what it needs to make it work in the best possible way.

There is only one body, and it is precisely the engine that allows us to be here on earth.

If you are currently traveling the world or you have decided to lose your fears and start doing it.

With the physical wear and tear that this can entail. Or you take care of yourself or you will notice a lot of physical wear.

2. Learn to value your daily needs

Another tip that I find interesting is to learn to know what our body asks of us.

This will depend on several things. But I already tell you that your body does not need the same at the nutritional level.

One day that you are going to do high physical activity one day a bit more sedentary.

Eye! We must learn to enjoy equally. I simply advise you to find your balance precisely at this point.

Each person has individual needs, depending on their age.

the level of stress they have in their day to day. the hours of rest, their physical activity, among other aspects.

In the scientific literature we have been taught by different techniques to calculate our BMI (Muscle Mass Index). The ideal weight to know how many calories to consume.

And I find it interesting, but only as an approximation.

I tell you that the days that are going to be more intense at the level of activity.

You eat more carbohydrates and proteins and the days.

You move less look for more healthy fat and quality protein (whether vegetable or animal).

However (I know I may seem a burden), as I say, this is a general approach.

Each one has their needs. So if you really want to delve into the topic, seek help from a professional.

3. Enjoy the local food

In all parts of the world we can find “typical food”.

I am one of those who vote to try those things. They are native to the country in which we find ourselves.

In this way we get to know new flavors and textures and incidentally we get more into the culture we are in.

Unfortunately there are many places where local food is quite fatty, or nutritionally uninteresting.

Even so, if you are going to do it in a timely manner.

As a way to make the most of your experience there, do it!

Be careful with the typical food of some countries where it is bought in street vendors.

In many occasions the hygiene is poor and if you are not used to it, it can feel bad.

4. Try to buy in reliable markets and supermarkets

Personally, the markets drive me crazy. That mix of colors, smell.

I think it has a lot of charm. I really like getting lost seeing different posts and I think they have a special essence.

In addition, the markets are usually full of local seasonal food.

So this is not always the case, it can be cheaper.

The industry many times strains us well, announcing a product as healthy, or “low fat”, “free of added sugars”.

And they really find a way to make it more palatable by sneaking it in with other harmful ingredients.

For what? Well precisely so that we consume it more.

So, if you know how to make a good reading of the ingredients (although at first it is heavier).

Then, you are a beast finding the best options in the supermarket.

5. Find the best restaurant options

There are always healthy food options, we just have to know how to look.

Or even ask the local people, they can surely recommend us very interesting options.

In this case, surely we can find a lot of appetizing and balanced dishes.

This option may not be the first on your list if you are traveling the world.

As it is one of the options that will probably cost you the most money.

But if from time to time you allow yourself to eat in a restaurant.

Take care of your diet when traveling, this is my advice .

6. Choose an accommodation with an equipped kitchen

One of the tips I can best give you in this article is this.

The fact that you can cook your own food is the best. Whether you are in China, Guatemala or Alaska.

When you cook, you decide.

It will depend on the quality of the food you buy but the way of cooking it also matters.

I recommend that you use the oven, steam and cook with little oil (if you have it).

To do this, buy some Tupperware (if they are made of glass better than plastic, although they weigh more).

And plan your weekly meals to find a place to cook.

You can always freeze, take advantage to make a lot of it and look for easy and healthy recipes (there are many).

7. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

I am a faithful defender of fruit and vegetables. And although they always tell us that we should take 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

I insist again that these are general recommendations and each one has her personal needs.

However, fruit is always a good choice as a snack or as a dessert. it is actually a good option when you feel like it or feel hungry.

You can choose fresh fruit or dried fruit, although I prefer fresh.

But it is true that dehydrated is better preserved.

You can carry bags with specific closures. so that they do not spread throughout the backpack.

Thus use them when you feel something of appetite.

Although there are many myths about fruit fattening.

I consume several pieces a day because I have long since dismantled this false belief by myself.

The fruit provides us with simple sugars (but very very beneficial).

They give us energy a little time after consuming them and they are also a pump of vitamins, fiber, minerals. super necessary for the proper functioning of our body.

If you are traveling the world you will find thousands of different fruits that surely you have never tried.

Or you will even rediscover the flavor of some.

The best coconut I tried was in the Dominican Republic, freshly picked up by a guy from there! What a treat…

Of course, better consume them by removing the skin or making sure they are washed with drinking water.

8. Drink plenty of water

This is general advice, but more so when you are visiting different places. Because in reality without realizing it you are doing many kilo meters a day.

Water, in addition to quenching thirst, we must consume little by little throughout the day. Although we don’t feel the need.

When we move, our body regulates its temperature through sweat.

That is why we release this substance and also allow us to eliminate toxins.

With water, what we do is re-hydrate ourselves. allowing there to be a balanced balance of necessary fluid in our body.

The ideal is to always carry a bottle with us that we can fill (I usually use a two-liter bottle. so I know when I have drunk that exact amount).

Make sure that the water you drink is drinkable. Try to avoid ice from restaurants or bars on the street.

The waters are not the same and our stomach is not used to it. So it can sit badly and need a doctor and several days of rest.

9. Be careful with salads

The same goes for washing fresh vegetables for salads. We are not used to other types of water.

So perhaps at first our stomach will have a hard time processing it.

I advise you not to eat a lot of salads. Unless you make them yourself at home and know that the water you use is fine.

In addition, in many street stalls or even in restaurants, vegetables come into contact with insects.

10. Put aside junk food

Junk food or fast food has one thing in its favor: it is accessible wherever you travel.

Rare will it be to find a country full of healthy food places, but fast food … reaches any corner of the world.

Another point in favor? It is too cheap.

And it is precisely so cheap because its quality leaves a lot to be desired …

Beware of falling into the trap of eating junk food several times a week. so that the month is cheaper.

it will be expensive for you in terms of health.

Plus, it’s addictive. The moment you stop consuming it and you get used to it not being part of your diet.

Then you go through the door of a restaurant like that and you don’t feel like entering. I assure you.

I do not consider myself an extremist person with regard to food.

I also like to eat a good hamburger and a pizza or a good ice cream.

But I keep in mind that this is a whim and I consume it in moderation.

Conclusions to take care of your diet when traveling

To finish, I would like to remind you. That, there are always options when your goal is really to learn to take care of your diet when traveling and eat a balanced diet.

It can be made more complicated but of course it is possible.

Wanting is power! And although many times this does not depend 100% on us.

Because perhaps in the place where you are there are not so many healthy products. We can always find good options.

Learn to have a food conscience.

Choose the products that best suit you. Learn to listen to your body and know its needs.

Because they will have nothing to do with the needs of other people’s bodies. 

If you have any questions I will be happy to help you.

It is a pleasure for me to answer the questions you have. Also to lend a hand while you travel to different countries.

Lastly, remember that taking care of your diet will contribute to your health improving.

That you have adequate energy levels to perform while traveling and that you enjoy trying typical foods.

Don’t forget to enjoy that process.

There is a very fine line between taking care of your diet when traveling and becoming obsessed.

So far my contribution, I hope that these 10 tips to take care of your diet while traveling help you.

The post Travel and Eat Healthy : Your Diet when Traveling to New Place appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

It is not a definitive answer but rather one that will depend on your trip and preferences.

It is easy to comment on things like:

“It is cheaper to travel by bus”.

“the plane is faster”.

or “the train is more convenient”.

when you don’t really have a complete picture of the situation.

This article is not intended to give you an absolute answer.

Whether it is convenient to use the train, bus or plane to travel around Europe.

But I will try to put all the cards on the table.

So that you can make a better decision about what is  best for you.

In the words of mere mortals, the first part will focus on the pros and cons of traveling by train, plane or bus in Europe.

And the second part will be on the topic of money and how much each option really costs.

It is understood? OK lets start.

It is Convenient to Travel by Train, Bus or Plane in Europe – Pros and Cons

Before you even want to start planning the type of transportation you are going to use.

It is necessary to determine the places you plan to visit.

This point is key because it will largely define the transport that suits you.

For example, if you want to travel in Europe for two weeks.

Visit different cities that are very far from each other.

Then without a doubt, the best thing for you will be the plane.

On the other hand, if you know what cities or places you plan to visit and you have more time to travel.

Between one and two months, then perhaps what suits you best is the bus.

But if you have no idea what places to visit or plan to visit small towns far from the main European capitals.

Then for you it will be the train, since it allows you to have flexibility.

Do you understand why there is no absolute answer as to whether it is better to travel by train, bus or plane in Europe?

Pros and Cons of Traveling by Train in Europe

Pros of traveling by train in Europe

• It reaches any point in Europe. If you have plans to tour small towns in the middle of the mountains or in the middle of nowhere.
• chances are the only way to get there is by train.
• Europe was built by and to use trains and small towns.
• That does not have access to buses, much fewer planes.
• Punctuality. Somewhere I read (I forgot where but based on my experience I can say that it is true)
• That trains have average punctuality of 90%, while airplanes are only 68% to 78%.
• In all the trips I have made a decision.
• I can remember several times that a plane has been delayed or canceled.
• But the only time I remember a delayed train was in India.
• Europe prides itself on its rail system and its timeliness, which brings me to the next point.
• Replacement simplicity. If you have lost or had a flight canceled.
• You have had to go through the tedium of having to change it or being assigned to a new one.
• On trains this does not happen.
• If you miss a train or it is canceled.
• Finding and being assigned a new one is very simple.
• It will most likely be almost immediately, especially in main destinations where one departs every hour.
• To sleep you can have a bed. Have you been trying to sleep on a bus?
• Even those with “more room” to lie down are really small and uncomfortable.
• The sleeper trains are spacious and comfortable.
• In my case, I am more than 1.9 meters tall and every additional centimeter of sleeping or sitting space is vital.
• You don’t have to worry about city traffic.
• If you get a hotel nearby you only have to walk one or two blocks to get on your train.
• Forget planning the trip to the airport or bus station.
• The views of the trains are spectacular.
• At least in Europe, most of the views you will have out the train window are amazing.
• Roads do not always run with this luck and airplanes.
• Unless you have a window, you will be lucky to see something interesting.
• Food. On the trains, you can take all the food you want and have a decent table to eat.
• When I have traveled as a couple by train.
• One person puts the food on a table and the other person puts the iPad to watch a movie. Quite convenient.
• You can walk. If you get tired of sitting you can stop to stretch your legs.
• Walk the whole train or just stop to look out the windows between the cars.
• Without having to hinder or prevent the view of the person sitting next to you.

Cons of Traveling by Train in Europe

• Heavy luggage. If you are one of the people. Who ultimately cannot pack lightly.
• Then you will have to be careful with the trains. Moving by train is wonderful.
• But it is not entirely friendly with passengers. Who bring a lot of luggage because you will literally have to take care of it.
• On the train there are special compartments to put the big suitcases.
• But once again, it is you who get on and off those suitcases on the train.
• Unlike the plane that goes to the counter, you register it and that’s it.
• It is worse when you have little time to change trains.
• I have known several stories of travelers who have lost the train or the suitcase in these changes.
• Socially uncomfortable. If you are not an extremely sociable person.
• Then the train can be quite a challenge for you trying to avoid awkward looks.
• In most cases, passengers are sitting facing each other, which makes those uncomfortable looks unavoidable.
• The best way to avoid these situations is to fall asleep, read or see out the window.
• Food is expensive and bad. If you are unlucky enough not to have packed enough food.
• Then, you will have to pay for something to eat that will probably taste bad and cost a lot.

Pros and Cons of Traveling by Plane in Europe

Pros of Traveling by Plane in Europe

• It covers great distances in a short time. This is perhaps the main advantage of airplanes.
• You can trace a route through Europe taking into account destinations.
• They are very far from each other and still be able to travel.
• Through them without much difficulty by making transfers by plane.
• You can carry a lot of luggage with little problem. By little problem, I mean that you only get to the airport, check-in and voila.
• You collect your luggage at the final destination compared to the trains.
• Where you have to take care of all the handling of your own luggage.
• Some aircraft deals are very good. If you are constantly monitoring flight offers.
• You can find flights VERY cheap.
• that even adding 3 extra suitcases the price is still a bargain.

Cons of Traveling by Plane in Europe

• Airports are located far from the city center. Regardless of whether you use a low-cost airline or not.
• The airport is most likely located on the outskirts of the city.
• Major airports have a certain advantage in being well connected by public transport to the city center.
• But small airports do not suffer the same fate.
• The hours are not the most convenient. If you plan to fly using low cost airlines.
• You had better prepare to have flights at 6 in the morning or at 10 at night.
• Quite inconvenient times to leave or reach any destination.
• The “cheap” lines may not be as cheap. If you add the price of the airport transfer plus the costs that you do not realize that exist.
• Until you are paying.
• The low-cost lines may not be so low cost when compared to other transportation options.

Pros and Cons of Traveling by Bus in Europe

Pros of traveling by bus in Europe

• Cheaper than the plane or the train. This is the main advantage of buses.
• In general, it will always be the cheapest form of transportation that exists.
• You can buy the ticket on the spot. Another great advantage is that unlike buying a plane or train tickets.
• Bus prices do not vary if you buy them a day or a month before.
• There are stops for food, drinks and going to a decent bathroom. Buses in Europe make regular stops at special rest areas.
• Where you can buy food at a good price in addition to having access to a decent bathroom.

Cons of traveling by bus in Europe

• Very few international routes or for small towns. In Europe, the use of trains is so widespread and common.
• That buses are not so well positioned and do not have routes to international destinations or small towns.
• Information is scarce or in the local language. For the same reason that tourists hardly use buses to move around Europe.
• The information that exists on the internet or other places is very little.
• The stations are not always in the center. The European cities were not designed for the use of automobiles, much less for buses.
• So the stations are slightly removed from the center.
• Not as distant as airports but rarely as central as train stations.
• Sometimes there are no toilets.  Most European buses do not have toilets. So the issue of regular stops.
• So if you have an emergency it is better to notify the driver to make a stop.
• Travel times are longer. If you plan to travel long distances. Then the bus is not recommended.
• Since in general, its travel times are longer.
• For the simple fact that it has to avoid the traffic of the cities or roads.
• This already significantly increases its time.
• Seat discomfort. Low-cost airlines and buses have one thing in common, a tiny space between their seats.
• The only difference is that you probably spend less time on an airplane than on a bus.
• If you are a tall person, the bus is undoubtedly the worst option for your trip.

The post Should I Travel by Train, Bus or Plane in Europe? appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

With the arrival of GPS devices. Traveling to cities and countries that you have never been to has become fun.

These devices are increasingly winning people over, regardless of the area in which they work.

Taxi drivers are perhaps those who have benefited most from the creation and popularization of GPS.

Using the maps of a city. It is possible to reach any address.

Without having to know places like the palm of your GPS tracking.

You may have heard of them.

The operation of a GPS device is very interesting to study, and also complex.

Has anyone stopped to think?

About how a device as small as a GPS receiver can determine its location on Earth? No! So how about learning now?

GPS (Global Positioning System)

The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a device that had its origin in the United States Department of Defense.

Its function is to identify the location of a device called a GPS receiver.

Receiving devices, in turn, have the function of sending a signal to satellites.

Thus, by making some calculations, which you can view below.

The fleet tracking receiver is able to determine your position.

And, with the help of some city maps.

Indicate which paths you can take to reach the desired location.

Required Components

For the GPS tracking online to work correctly, it is necessary to use three components, called: spatial, control, and user.

Space is composed of twenty-seven satellites that are in orbit.

Twenty-four of them are active and three are the “reserves”.

Which comes into operation in the event of a failure with one of the main satellites.

The arrangement of these satellites in orbit ensures.

That, there are always at least four of them available anywhere on the planet.

So, whenever you and a person who lives in Japan are using GPS.

You will surely be able to use the device without a problem.

The second component, control, is nothing more than satellite control stations. Altogether there are five stations spread across the globe.

Their main function is to update the current position of the satellites.

Also, synchronize the atomic clock present in each of the satellites to Vehicle Tracking.

The last but not least component is the GPS receiver.

This is the only one of the three. That we, the users, must acquire in order to use this marvel of technology.

A GPS receiver is nothing more than a device.

That shows your position, time, and other features that vary from device to GPS Fleet Tracking.

Checkout: Plan your Trip Perfectly

GPS Functioning

The operation of the GPS system involves some very complex calculations. But only one of them is really important for this article.

This is the calculation made by the receiver in order to calculate the position you are in Truck GPS.

How does GPS know where I am?

Satellites, like GPS receivers. Have an internal clock, which marks the time with nanosecond precision.

When the signal is emitted. The time it “leaves” is also sent to satellite.

This signal is nothing more than radio signals. Which travels at the speed of light (300 thousand kilometers per second, in a vacuum).

By timing how long this signal took to arrive. The receiver can calculate its distance from the satellite.

Since the position of the satellites is constantly updated.

It is possible, through these calculations, to determine their exact position of van Trackers.

The triangulation

Now that you know how the distance to a satellite is calculated.

It will be easier to understand how the satellite uses this information.

To determine its location with good accuracy (error of only 20 meters).

GPS uses the triangulation system to determine the location of a receiver on the ground.

For example, when you are a little lost, and ask someone “Where am I?”.

The person’s response may be, “Oh, you’re 10 kilometers from city X”.

Of course, you can be 10 kilometers in any direction of the city.

Then, you can draw a circle to determine the possible area you are in.

The same can be done with other reference points (in our case, Y and Z).

Thus, triangulate the points to determine exactly their position. The GPS system works the same way.

This principle is called trilateration with truck GPS navigation.

A fourth satellite is needed to determine the altitude you are at a GPS satellite navigation system.

The calculation principle is the same.

But it involves some extra numbers and formulas because it is a three-dimensional space.

Future Scope

After a long time in orbit. It is normal for the satellites to begin to show defects and become outdated, technologically speaking.

This problem is starting to affect the functioning of the satellites responsible for the GPS signal.

Live GPS vehicle tracking is estimated that by the year 2010. Signal reliability will drop to ninety-five percent. An unprecedented fact in the history of GPS.

The “scraps” that orbit the Earth are also proving to be true enemies of functional satellites.

The collision between space debris in orbit and satellites is becoming more and more frequent.

There is a project to launch new satellites in order to replace the current ones.

However, such a GPS fleet project is three years behind schedule, and there is no indication that it will happen soon.

For this reason, the countries of Europe have come together.

And, are already building their own GPS system, called Galileo. which is expected to start operating by the year 2013.

Russia also has an alternative project to American satellites.

It is a car tracker. Which is not yet scheduled to go into operation.

But which promises greater reliability than the current GPS system.

Neither of the two alternative systems mentioned a price for the use of satellites.

Or if they will make the service available to everyone.

As is currently the case. Now it is wait to see.

The post GPS – A New Technology to make Navigation Easy appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

The first locomotives were powered by steam.

With the change of times and the development of new technologies.

New types of locomotives have been introduced and the operation of locomotives has improved considerably.

Today, we classify them according to their energy source and here are some of them:

Steam Locomotive

Produces its pulling force with a steam locomotive.

All steam locomotives are equipped with boilers that use coal, wood, or oil to heat the water and produce steam.

Steam powers alternating pistons, which in turn spin the wheels.

The first locomotive was invented by Richard Trevithick in the United Kingdom.

His first race took place on February 21, 1804.

But, his success was uneven.

However, the initial innovations were on the right track and Trevithick continued to experiment.

The first commercial steam locomotive entered service in 1812. This type of locomotive was in common use until 1950, when it fell into disuse and other types took over.

Diesel Locomotive

It is powered by an internal combustion diesel engine.

The first diesel locomotive appeared in Switzerland in 1912.

It failed commercially and World War I interrupted other attempts.

Hermann Lemp, an electrical engineer at General Electric.

Invented a reliable DC electrical control system.

That enables electrical transmission of motor power to the wheels.

This turned out to be a success and the experiments continued in the United States.

Diesel locomotives were more convenient than steam locomotives, require less maintenance and are less polluting.

They are still used today.

A Slime or Drone Locomotive

It is a locomotive without engine along with a diesel-electric locomotive to.

Offers additional traction and braking ability.

This is done by means of traction motors that run on the main locomotive (the “mother”).

Electric Locomotive

It runs on electricity in two ways: by air or by a third lane.

The first was patented in 1890 by Jean Jacques Heilmann and became a reality in 1893.

This type of locomotive has higher efficiency and lower operating costs.

They are also much less polluting than steam and diesel locomotives.

The French TGV, which is electric.

Holds the world record for the fastest wheel train with a speed of 574.8 km / h.

Hybrid Locomotive

It uses an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (a battery).

In addition to an electrical power source and an electric motor.

Its battery is used for regenerative braking, where the kinetic energy of a train is converted into braking energy.

The first hybrid locomotives appeared in the early 20th century.

Diesel-Steam Hybrid Locomotive

It was an experimental locomotive that could be used to use boiler steam or diesel fuel in its piston engine.

The UK, Russia and Italy have worked separately on this type, but have withdrawn due to high fuel costs.

Electric Locomotive

A gas turbine is equipped with a gas turbine.

That drives an electric generator or an alternator.

In turn, it drives the traction motors.

The first was manufactured in 1920.

But this type was only commercialized in 1930 and was used until the oil crisis of 1973.

When it did not come into operation. They are rarely used today.

Fuel Cell Electric Locomotive (Hydrail)

It is a very recent type of locomotive. It works with hydrogen and transforms the chemical energy of hydrogen into mechanical energy.

The first took place in 2002 in Val-d’Or, Quebec.

Few places have this type of railways like Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

And, some also have GG20B Rail Power locomotives.

That originally run on diesel. But are converted to hydrogen.

Atomic-Electric Locomotive

It was an idea from the 1950s, when we did not understand the dangers of atomic energy.

It would have a 200-ton reactor chamber that would be coated with 1.5m of lead.

The post Types and Classes of Locomotives appeared first on CSX Crew Life.

But still does have significant trackage or passenger volume.

The National Association of Railroad Engineers has set the low bar at 500 miles of line or $40 million per year in annual revenue.

Most regional railroads have several lines, although only five of them carry passengers.

These include the Eastern Interlake, Central Valley, Western Pacific, and Piedmont, all of which connect to one another.

Other smaller lines are in the pipeline for completion, and many of these lines also carry freight.

Regional railroads are known for their high-profit margins and for maintaining positive cash flow.

This means that the revenues they generate from ticket sales, train operations, and freight are reinvested back into their service. Or into the company itself.

so that it can continue providing the best service to its customers and continue to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction possible.

Most regional rail lines have branches that extend out of their mainline.

These branches are referred to as stations and the most popular are:

Chicago’s Union Station, New York’s Penn Station, and San Francisco’s Union Square Station.

These are stations that passengers can access, and that is visible from the train.

These stations allow passengers to get on the train and go wherever they want.

Regional rail lines generally operate between two and four hours a day, seven days a week.

They use either diesel electricity or natural gas.

Some of them may have a combination of both, while others operate solely with one or the other of these fuels.

One important thing to realize about a rail system is that it is often used for transporting coal, grain, or petroleum products.

Many times, there are also petroleum products that need to be transported on the same tracks, such as gasoline or jet fuel.

Although this makes it easier to transport these products.

It also means that the trains traveling along the line are likely to run on congested freight and passenger routes that are not suitable for heavy loads.

This is especially true of the Eastern Interlake and Central Valley lines, which are used primarily to carry coal.

Most freight railroads in the U.S. have at least one office or depot in some rural areas that can handle requests for deliveries for their lines.

They will usually call the concerned business or individual by phone and arrange for the delivery to the most suitable location.

Usually in a more central location, although some also use warehouses and terminals.

Because regional railroads often provide service to local businesses.

Some of the more prominent are: the Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, and California Southern.

These three companies are some of the largest and most well-known.

Even if you live in a small town, your local business can have a connection with a major freight company like these.

This is because they often provide employment opportunities for workers and provide valuable services for the community.

In addition to providing transport between smaller areas.

These lines can also provide local transport of goods and services between large towns and cities or even across state lines, depending on the local regulations.

For example, the Union Pacific runs freight trains on its own right-of-way through cities in Southern California, while the Norfolk Southern runs freight trains on a number of routes across Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Some of the major concerns regarding freight and passenger transportation on the regional lines are security, safety, and safety in both weather and conditions.

Although many of these freight railroads have some level of protection in place.

Most of the systems rely on third-party safety measures.

Including CCTV cameras and emergency sirens. to ensure the safety of the public and the safety of those on the rail.

Freight railroads are also responsible for transporting hazardous materials, such as asbestos.

The National Railroad Inspection Service has a website that provides information on inspections on all types of freight moving through the country.

You can find information about the rail lines that provide transportation of asbestos, as well as how to contact the inspectors for further assistance.

These inspections are very important for the safety of your family and yourself.

Regional lines also provide a valuable transportation option for people who live in isolated areas. Where getting around would be impossible on roads.

Or who need access to certain types of transport due to a medical condition or disability.

These lines can provide local services and transportation in times of emergencies when people might need transportation to a hospital or other necessary locations.

The post What Do Regional Railways Have to Offer? appeared first on CSX Crew Life.