Quad Cities Vacations

COVID-19 has led to big changes to how we travel. If you're planning a vacation in Quad Cities, the following tips will help you navigate this new traveling reality:

• Investigate if any travel restrictions apply to your origin and destination before booking. Also check if there are any requirements you'll need to follow on arrival, such as proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
• When you go through airport screening, do not remove your face mask. You will be asked to lower it briefly for identification purposes. Passengers who refuse to wear a face mask may be denied entry or boarding.
• Instead of handing a TSA employee your boarding pass, position it directly on the scanner yourself. After that, hold it up for inspection.
• One liquid hand sanitizer container is now permitted in your carry-on luggage. It must be no larger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll have to remove it from your bag at the X-ray machine for scanning.
• Place any personal items (like your phone, wallet and keys) in your carry-on rather than a bin to minimize handling during screening.
• Separate any food you're carrying for X-ray scanning. Placing it in a clear plastic bag and into a bin reduces the need for a TSA officer to touch and inspect your belongings.

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Quad Cities.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.
• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is often as simple as your choice in clothes. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Quad Cities could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you take the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.
• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.
• The narrow aisles of your plane are no fashion runway. Layer up with comfy clothing and bring a sweater as it can get chilly in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a good idea.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are numerous ways to lessen your risk. Wear compression tights or socks, drink lots of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Do a lap or two of the cabin or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for an easy trip through security. Watch out Quad Cities, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.