HowToDoThings.com Recent Transportation Articles

How To Survive a Plane Crash

marcalex — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:47:41 -0500

We all hope to avoid the experience of being in an airplane as it falls to the Earth and crashes but the possibility does exist. While you shouldn’t fear this as a common occurrence you don’t want to be caught unprepared if it does happen to you. Keep these instructions in mind whenever you fly and you will increase your odds of surviving a plane crash.

How To Have a Stress Free Check-In at Airports

aesta — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:30:59 -0500

With flights now requiring you to check in at the airport several hours prior to boarding, the experience has become one you would rather skip. However, short of time sharing an air taxi, really there is no way around it. However, here are a few things that can make this unpleasant experience less stressful.

Take a positive attitude. Arrive with great anticipation of the surprises in store for you as you stride through the long walks meeting people intent on their destination. Breathe in their sense of purpose. Enjoy the incomprehensible incoherent and incongruent happenings around you. May they all bring a smile to your lips. If you start off ugly it will only get worse. Take a book so you can read if you get in long lines.

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How To Be Comfortable on a Long Airplane Trip

marcalex — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:05:51 -0500

Long airplane trips can be exhausting. You are confined in a small space, often with strangers. Still you can make the flight more enjoyable by making yourself comfortable. Follow these suggestions to be comfortable on a long airplane trip.

How To Drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca

titosarah — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:45:36 -0500

How To Understand Motorcycling Etiquette

mcdesign — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:03:18 -0500

With the price of fuel continuing to skyrocket, along with the high prices of cars, motorcycle riding as an everyday event is becoming more popular. Prices for new and used motorcycles are usually lower than cars (unless you go for the tricked-out motorcycles) and fuel consumption averages 40-50 miles per gallon.

With this in mind, what formerly used to be more of a hobby and/or sport is quickly becoming a primary source of transportation for many people. Whether you enjoy riding a sportbike or a touring bike, there are many rules and forms of etiquette to keep in mind.

Following are the primary “rules of the road” that need to be observed.

Always remember, one motorcyclist's actions reflects on all riders.

How To Squeeze the Most Out of That Tank of Gas

aesta — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:43:51 -0500

How To Get Your Airline Preferred Seat

aesta — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:01:07 -0500

How To Travel with Your Pet on the Open Road

harryoakes — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:49:12 -0600

Overall safety is your # 1 concern for your trip. Please plan ahead. Ask yourself, do I have enough survival equipment in case of a disaster? Tornado, Earthquake, Flood, Hurricane, Avalanche, other disaster while I'm on the road?

How To Drive Long Distances Safely

omehaney — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:43:40 -0600

It's inevitable that we have to drive a long distance at some point in our lives and we would like to do so safely. Whether we are going on vacation or moving cross-country, getting the drive over with as quickly as possible is usually the objective. Before embarking on your next four-wheeled adventure, consider the following to help you stay alert and safe:

How To Sleep in an Airport

mterebessy — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:15:32 -0600

Traveling can be exhausting and the dreaded layover can leave you exhausted. Sleeping in an airport can be an easy task if you follow a few simple guidelines.

How To Hire a Motorhome in New Zealand

Todd33 — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:16:53 -0600

Hiring a Campervan/Motorhome (I'll refer to them as vans from now on) is the best way to see the stunning scenery of New Zealand. You can travel independently, at your own pace, in whichever direction takes your fancy.

By following a few simple guidelines, the experience can be both rewarding and affordable.

How To Rent an RV

n0b0dyz — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:47:56 -0600

Smelly hotel rooms. Hard beds. Carrying luggage in and out every day. Miles to drive to see the sights. Or…

Setting up a tent in the rain. Sleeping on the ground. Stashing your stuff in odd corners of a tiny tent. But the sights are right there, if you could straighten your aching back to look at them. Or…

Your own space. Your own beds. Your belongings stowed neatly for the length of your vacation. AND, the sights you came to see right at your doorstep.

Renting an RV can be comparable in price to staying in motels—and less then staying in higher-end lodges and resorts.

How To Pay for Things on a Cruise Ship

bronwyn — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:56:06 -0600

After planning and booking a cruise, many people forget that there is still more money to be spent - aboard the cruise ship. Cruise ships are a fun way to travel but there are plenty of additional costs to plan for while on the ship. To make things more confusing, there are a variety of different ways to pay for things on a cruise ship. Here are the most common.

How To Travel on the London Underground

jonathan priest — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:26:40 -0600

If you visit London you will likely need to use the London Underground, commonly known as the Tube (probably because most of the tunnels are round). The Underground has been burrowing its way through the Capital since 1863. The first trains were steam driven (imagine the smell and smoke in the open carriages). Electricity didn’t arrive until 1890. Over 400 miles of Underground lines criss-cross London with frequent trains and station stops and many interconnections. To some extent London has grown up around its Underground stations and their names have become identified with their localities such as Leicester Square (pronounced lester) and Knightsbridge.

How To Be a Successful, Sexy Pit Chick

mcdesign — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:06:03 -0600

Motorcycle road racing is not exclusive to males, but they make up the highest percentage of racers, as this sport gains popularity. Race tracks from the east to the west coast are filling up Thursdays through Sundays with novices to intermediate riders to experts working their way around asphalt tracks with curves, elevation changes, and straight-aways where speeds can reach 170 mph. When the racer is not on the track, he will be all-consumed with getting back on the track.

This leaves the spouse, significant other, or girlfriend wondering just what to do all weekend. There is plenty to do to make yourself such an asset to the whole event that he will look at you through different eyes. The results will be a common interest, great appreciation for each other, and whole-lot-of-fun. The more you are at the track and actively involved, the more friends you will gain that soon become "family."

How To Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain

mcdesign — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:40:05 -0600

Experience will always be the best teacher when motorcycle riding. And this is never truer than when having to ride on wet pavement. But that doesn't mean with added experience you can ride as fast as or as aggressively as you might normally on dry pavement.

How To Cope with Increasing Travel Restrictions

triple1 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:52:23 -0600

Unfortunately, rules and policies for public transportation evolve with every new terrorism threat. If you print out a list of restricted items six months prior to your vacation, it may be completely out of date when you are ready to pack your suitcase. Here are some important facts and tips.

Transport carriers and governments are continually adding and revising security measures. Although they have developed many safeguards over recent years, they amend the rules and guidelines with every new terrorism attempt. Post 9-11 safeguards include:

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How To Pack for a Cruise Vacation

bronwyn — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:08:18 -0600

A cruise is the ideal vacation for many people! Before going on a cruise, make sure that you have everything that you will need, so that you don't have any unnecessary stress on the ship.

How To Pack a Tank Bag for a 6-Day Motorcycle Trip

mcdesign — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:20:15 -0500

The motorcycle tank or tail bag taunts you, as it rests next to a looming mound of personal items -- items you want to take on your planned 6-day motorcycle trip. But the bag has very limited space and you can pare down that looming mound by packing smart, folding with precision, and finding those hidden pockets of space. Plus you need to consider the order in which you pack what you finally decide to take.

So here goes. Keep in mind that you want to pack as little as possible. Beginning with your empty bag (this one measures 15" long x 10" wide x 10" high), pack the following items in the following order:

How To Redeem Frequent Flyer Miles

go-baby — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:01:14 -0500

Scoring that frequent flyer award seat is an elusive goal for many people. If you are not a road warrior, you may have spent months or years accumulating enough miles, only to find out that your airline tells you there are no award seats available when you want to travel. Here are some tips, tricks and strategies to help you score that seat. Flying for free is attainable! Smart travelers know, though, that the preparation for getting that award seat begins long before you ever decide to travel.

Preparation

How To Book a Cruise

bronwyn — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:26:30 -0500

Nothing beats an all-inclusive cruise for relaxation and a vacation you will always remember... if you do your research and find the cruise that fits you! Booking a cruise does not have to be difficult, however, you will have to make some important decisions to find your ideal cruise vacation.

How To Avoid Germs While Flying

bronwyn — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:23:37 -0500

We all know the dreaded feeling of waking up the day after a vacation with a scratchy throat or an inability to stop sneezing. The culprit is very often not our travel destination, but our travel method: the airplane. Being shut up in a small space with many other people seems like an inevitable path to viruses. But it doesn't have to be! Here are some ideas on how to avoid getting sick from air travel.

How To Survive the Airport

flkenny — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:39:38 -0500

Airline passengers are starting to look like Hurricane Katrina survivors and that is not good. Unfortunately, both groups waited too long to get out and were willing to wait for the government to save them.

Why?

If the water is rising, find a boat. But, where are the boats? That is a question that needs to be asked before the water reaches your neck. The same is true at the airport. If delays are rising, find a way out.

You can no longer afford to go to the airport without an alternate plan in case weather, or an event, or lack of crews starts creating delays and cancellations. If your Boeing 757 gets cancelled and 250 passengers have to scramble to find new seats, you are going to quickly discover why airlines have become profitable again. They are called RJ jets or regional jets.

How To Travel from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, by Car

titosarah — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 22:55:55 -0500

Travelers to the state of Oaxaca frequently inquire about the drive from the City of Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, expressing concerns about the length of the drive, quality of the highways, and the overall advisability of driving versus flying or bussing. This essay speaks to the doubts tourists might have regarding the journey using their own or a rental vehicle.

We’ve driven the three main routes on a number of occasions over the past several years, at different times of the year.

How To Car Travel with Cats

Staff468 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:39:03 -0500

Cat lovers hate to leave their feline buddies behind during car trips and holidays, but usually even a short car trips prompts cats to become almost feral – moaning, pacing, hissing and clawing. And yet these short trips to the vet or a petsitter’s house are an unavoidable part of a cat’s life. So how can we make the trip as painless as possible for them and for ourselves? Here are some tips.

How To Navigate Through the Airport (and Airport Security Line)

The2 — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:18:10 -0500

If you’re not an avid traveler, the airport can be a confusing, frustrating place. People are rolling their luggage swiftly behind them, on a mission to get through security and reach their gates. There’s no time or space for you to wander around lost, trying to figure out how to get your boarding pass, check your luggage and fiddle around with your carry-on bags in the security line. Here are some tips to help you streamline your airport experience and look like an old pro at the airport:

How To Overcome Fear of Flying

Staff468 — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:13:00 -0500

Many of us are afraid of driving because we consider it too unsafe. That fear is considered legitimate because the high frequency of car accidents tells us there is a substantial risk to driving. But the ultra-low frequency of airplane accidents would indicate to us the risk involved in air travel is extremely minimal. And yet the fear persists, which is why fear of flying is considered a phobia - aviophobia, an irrational fear. But given that humans only developed this ability to fly within the last hundred years or so, should it come as a surprise that not all of us are comfortable traveling miles above solid ground in a metal tube?

How To Choose a Cruise Line

Sandy608 — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:09:00 -0600

According to ABC News, 16 million Americans took a cruise vacation in 2006. Even more are estimated to travel in 2007. Cruise travel is relaxing, stress-free, scenic, and offers activities for vacationers with a wide variety of interests. But, how do you pick the cruise line that's right for you? Consider the following:

How To Travel with Your Pet by Air

The2 — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:10:00 -0600

It's easy to fly with your cat, small dog, bird, or other pet in the cabin of an airplane. Most airlines will allow you to bring an animal on board as a carry-on and place it underneath the seat in front of you. Restrictions can vary, however, depending on the airline that you're hoping to fly. Make sure that you look into the requirements that each airline sets forth.

There are also many standard rules and regulations that you'll need to follow, regardless of the airline you and your pet are going to fly. If you are going to travel with your pet, you should adhere to the following steps. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a list of airlines and their specific requirements and restrictions.

Before You Travel:

How To Plan for International Air Travel

Tonya249 — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 10:43:00 -0500

With all of the airline restrictions, terror alerts and travel warnings that have been issued in the last few years, even the thought of flying overseas can be a bit bewildering! The key to making your air travel as smooth as possible is to be thoroughly prepared before you step onto the plane. Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you plan for international air travel:

How To Find Cheap Train Tickets

Meave223 — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:02:00 -0500

Train travel is a great way to go; you can really take in the scenery without having to drive, and it's often more convenient and comfortable than flying. However, in the United States, it's not always cheaper. Europe has a widespread rail system with enough lines and stations that you can travel exclusively by train, should you prefer. In the U.S., however, airline and automobile travel are much more popular forms, and so finding the best deals on train tickets is not always easy. With a little perseverance and planning, though, you can find good deals on short jaunts and cross-country voyages.

How To Find Road Trip Games

Meave223 — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 06:16:00 -0500

Road trips usually go something like this: You pack up your car and set out, you and your traveling companions feeling ready for all kinds of adventure. Two hours, one pit stop and a radio dead zone later, you're dying of boredom. What to do?

Well, you could put on headphones and tune everyone out; the strong-stomached may choose to read; and everyone but the driver could nap. But if you really want to make the most of your road trip, play some games. They can be as uncomplicated as counting certain items or they can require major concentration from the participants. Regardless, they make the time pass, and can provide a nice mix of education and fun for children or adults.

How To Buy Train Tickets in Europe

Meave223 — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 06:14:00 -0500

Unlike the United States, travel by train in Europe is convenient, commonplace, and fairly inexpensive. With rail lines linking every country on the continent, as well as the underwater Chunnel between France and England, you can get just about anywhere you want to be.

If you need to make time, you can catch the Train à Grande Vitesse, commonly called the TGV (the high-speed French train), or a Thalys; if you'd prefer a slower pace, hop on any of the regional trains and enjoy the view from the big windows as you make your way across the countryside. Besides the beautiful view, train travel does have practical advantages over automobiles or airplanes. It's easier to catch a train in a hurry or on a whim than it is to catch a plane, and you don't have to worry about learning the rules of the road, renting a car, or paying for gas. All you have to do is plan your trip, buy your tickets, and you're set.

How To Plan a Road Trip

Meave223 — Wed, 31 May 2006 23:05:00 -0500

The classic American vacation--a road trip--is a fun way to get to know the country better, and get away from it all to places you never thought possible. With airline travel growing even more complicated, inconvenient and uncomfortable than ever, it might be time for you to turn your vacation into a road trip. Don't just go from point A to point B; take the scenic route, make detours, follow those signs for the Corn Palace (Mitchell, South Dakota) or the Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, California) and see what happens! Now, while you don't need to plan too carefully--part of the romance of a road trip is the spontaneity--taking time to do a little organization will help to oil the gears, as it were, and make your ride go much more smoothly.

How To Book Air Travel

Lesa260 — Wed, 17 May 2006 11:27:00 -0500

Every method of booking airline air travel has its benefits and limitations. When you feel that travel bug biting, consider the following options for finding the right airline tickets.

Using the internet to contact the airline's web site directly will give you a comprehensive picture of travel times and cost for that specific airline.
- Using the site's date and time tools, enter your desired day and time of both departure and return, as well as the class of seating you want (first, business, or coach). Most ticket purchases are for round-trip tickets, but sometimes it can be cheaper to purchase two one-way tickets.
- The airline search tool will display itineraries from which to choose, each with its own date and time for departure and return. A price range should also be displayed for each itinerary.
  
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How To Find Hiking and Backpacking Trips in Northern California

Meave223 — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 15:53:00 -0500

Northern California, as John Muir discovered over a century ago, is a nature enthusiast's dream. With the Sierra Nevada range in the east, the Cascades on the Oregon border, the great coastal redwood groves, and of course, Yosemite, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Before you take off to tackle Half Dome or Morro Rock, however, take some time to properly plan out your trip. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? While the California State Park system has hiking trails for nearly every level of physical fitness, backpacking is a much more demanding activity--although if you're up for it, it can be quite an adventure.

How To Buy Eurail Tickets

Joanne58 — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 01:39:00 -0500

Traveling by train can be one of easiest and most enjoyable ways of getting around Europe. Whether you are traveling for one week or a month, visiting one country or eighteen, Eurail has an option that will likely fit your needs. There are numerous types of Eurail passes available, and a few considerations to be made when choosing which is best for you.

Decide where you are going: One of the first things you will need to do after buying your plane tickets to Europe is to decide on where to go. Are you visiting just one country, a few, or all? Will you be limiting yourself to a specific region?
- The Eurailpass allows for train travel between 18 countries.
- Eurail Selectpass allows you to choose between 3 and 5 bordering countries.
  
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How To Book Maui Bike Tours

Meave223 — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:44:00 -0500

While all the Hawaiian islands are lovely, Maui is especially lush. Its Haleakala National Park is home to Mount Haleakala, a 10,000-foot-tall volcano, which is the top destination for many bike tours on the island. However, that isn't the only place on Maui to cycle. With a little research and planning, you could find yourself biking along the coast, through rainforests, and even to the local winery. Any path you choose, a bike tour can be an amazing way to explore the natural beauty of Maui.

How To Choose Bicycle Tours

Meave223 — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:59:00 -0500

A bicycle tour gives you the immediacy of walking with a lot more speed and comfort than you get traveling on foot alone. Whether you want to explore a city for a couple of hours from a wide-seated cruiser, or if you're looking for something more thrilling, a bike tour could be just the thing for you. Choosing one takes a little time and consideration, but when you're cruising along under the sun, you'll be glad you made the effort.

How To Book Paris Walking Tours

Meave223 — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 09:01:00 -0500

Paris is a beautiful city, and one that is prime for exploration on foot. Taking a walking tour is a good way to see the city up-close, and finding one is simple. The hardest decision you will have to make is which one to take!

Go Googling: A simple search for "Paris walking tours" garners millions of hits. Surf around a little and get an idea of what's offered. Prices can vary from site to site and season to season. Sites such as Classic Paris Walks, Paris à Pied, and Paris Walkabout offer guided tours in English. Most last two to three hours, and take you around specific quarters of the city.

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How To Find Discount Airline Tickets

Joanne58 — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:54:00 -0600

Finding the best discount airline tickets requires some time spent online for price comparisons, as well as the use of a travel agent (the latter is especially true for international flights).

Everyone knows of the usual discount internet airfare sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity, and while prices don't vary much between sites, they are worth a look. Two newer sites that offer price comparisons to try are Kayak and Mobissimo.

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