How to fight jet lag?

Useful infographic on how to face jet lag before, during and after travel.

Gijon (Spain) port- address and useful information

Address

Puerto de El Musel
Muelle de La Osa
RORO Terminal
33290  Gijón
ESPAGNE

GPS: 43.547578, -5.693740

Contact & informations: +34 985 317129

Gijón port is one of the most important ports of the European North-Western peninsula and a major worldwide commercial hub.

Access

Located 5 minutes from the motorway and 10 km from the Asturias Industrial and Logistics Activities Area (ZALIA), Gijon port is very easy to access.

Services 

The terminal at Gijon has rest areas, toilets, showers for freight drivers, vending machines and check-in facilities.

Terminal facilities

- 118 parking places for cars, caravans or motorhomes.
- 421 parking place for new cars.

Overnight parking for Motorhomes can be found just outside the port at this address : Área de El Arbeyal, Eduardo Castro Street, 33212 Gijón.
Nº places: 18
Parking tax: Free
There is a picnic area next to the parking site and there is an entrance to El Arbeyal beach (20m).
Bus lines 1,4 and 6 leave near the site to the city centre.

via LD Lines

View Raquel Ritz Travel in a larger map

72-hour Visa-free Transit in China

In order to facilitate the international visitors’ short stay for sightseeing in Beijing, and Shanghai, they both adopt a visa-free transit policy from January 1, 2013, which allows transit passengers with passport of the following 45 countries to stay for up to 72 hours without visa on direct transit via Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport;

Note: Guangzhou and Chengdu had also been approved by the State Council to carry out this free transit policy. That is to say, air passengers from those 45 countries can enjoy 72 hours free transit via  Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (from 1st August 2013) and Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (date has not yet been set):

Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Classes in TAM Airlines per aircraft type

See how premium economy is not available in long-haul.

Essentials for a music festival

Going to a music festival can become one of these memories you will have for ever. For me, at least, they are magic. But all can go horribly wrong if you do not take with you suitable clothes or shoes, commodities that can facilitate the stay or you are not just mentally ready.

40th Glastonbury

Although a festival can look so cool from far, you will have to do many sacrifices. I do not want to put you off, just wanting you to think carefully. If you do not see it too clear, just buy a one day pass and see how it looks for  you.
If you have it really clear: congratulations, you are heading one of the best experiences of your life! And just because I love lists, I give you one of the things I would take with me to a festival:

• The tent. Do not buy a tiny one unless you are staying only two nights. For  more days you will have to leave all the clothes and supplies somewhere. 
• A blanket. I am not crazy. The soil can be really cold and even though you have the plastic of the tent, this won't isolate you from the ground as it should. I have tried using nothing, mats and similar things, but this summer I took one light blanket and it is what it really works. 

One blanket like this can be used in many way

• Air mattress. I would recommend you to invest in one if you are spending a few days there. And although with the mattress can seem enough, the cold goes through the layers, so I would recommend you to still take the blanket. 
• Water. Buying/finding/stocking up with water can be a challenging process and can cost you  good money. I would recommend you always having one bottle in the tent just in case. .
• Baby wipes. The best, you can use them in the toilet, washing up like a cat (yes, the showers in these places are really sought-after), cleaning wounds, shoes, stains, etc... 

Ice cream woman hands washed after 7 days in Glastonbury

• Antibacterial gel. For the same reasons as the baby wipes, I think you should always carry it with you. You only have to look at my hands after 7 days in Glastonbury and I had just washed them! 
• Sunblock. Festivals are usually done on summer and spring and the sun can be really tough, so remember to use it at least twice a day. 
• Medical kit. The chances you will need a plaster, an aspirin or anti acid when you are miles away from a pharmacy are multiplied by 200%. 
• Toiletries. Just because the showers are almost a luxury, do not forget to bring all that can help you keep clean. 
• Cash. You will need A LOT, so do not expect going only with your credit card, as the lines for the cash machines, if there are any, will be endless. And never, ever leave all this money in the tent, always keep it safe with you.
• Outerwear. Temperatures in the countryside can go down extremely at night. So do not forget to bring a jumper or similar. 
• Swimsuit. Although there might be no beach where you are going, taking one could be a brilliant idea if you have to use the communal showers and you do not like to get naked! 
• Wellies. Ok, you won't need them in Benicàssim, but in England they are a must. A bit of rain or water can turn everything into mud. If you are thinking about some beach destination, although flip flops might look like the smartest option, I would suggest you take any other light footwear that will keep the dust away and will protect you against stomping. 

Ritz wellies

Easyjet: check-in only on-line

From 30/04/2013 Easyjet has implemented the only on-line check-in for all its flights. That means airport desks are only for baggabe drop.

Check-in can be done from 30 days to 2 hours in advance.

Why do airlines want my phone number?

We could also say: why do travel agencies want my phone number?

Passengers always complain and they do not want to provide us with their number. Not, really, we are not calling you to offer extra services. I have ever heard of a travel agency that stalks its clients by phone. And we really are not going to sell it to anyone.

The only reason why we need your number is for EMERGENCIES. If your flight is cancelled or there is a storm that has shut down airports, it is better that you hear it from us before heading there. I still remember one lady that told me off because no one called her to let her know her flight 07:10 was cancelled. She had to wake up early and drive for one hour and a half to get there on time and now she had to come back home. When I looked at her booking I saw that there was not contact number at all and I could see how the airline and us had sent her several emails the day before. Of course when I told her that , she was a bit shocked.

Really, I can not stress this enough: always, always, give a contact number where we can find you at any time.

How do low cost save?

A great explanation of how low cost airlines manage to keep their low costs. Apart from the well know using smaller airports and the seat pitch lenght, the number of employees makes the difference.

But I have to disagree with the fact that regular airlines have to pay comissions to travel agencies. That is not a reality anymore as most of them do not give us any comission at all. So do not ask me what they do with the money they used to pay us years ago.

7 essential: warm clothes for a city in winter

Every time I travel I have to do a list of things to pack in case I need them. If I do not do it, at the end and keep forgetting something essential. 

Typical tourist you DON'T
like to look like

This week, with the cold going on on London I have seen many lost tourists with teeth chattering. Yes, it is really typical you come from the south of Greece thinking here is going to be just a little bit colder. A bit is too generous. This week it has been snowing and I can confirm out of experience that November to March are quite cold months. But I am not only referring to London, I am also referring to northern countries or even Eastern ones, where temperatures drop a lot. While you can't do anything to change the weather, you can do something to avoid leaving your Cracovian hotel with skirt, no tights and flip-flops in December (true story).

To be honest, I always feel cold in winter and, through the years, I have been discovering clothes that keep me warm. So here is a list of my mandatory items if you are planning a city tour in winter. Let's have in mind that although you are coming for some tourism, you do not have to wear neon lights on your face to prove it!

• Snoods: my more recent discovery. You can laugh if you want, but I feel not cold with them. Yeah, they can look like you are going for a snow trip but, does it really matter? Choose a thick or flurry one, they are the best. The good thing about this item is that they cover more area than the typical scarf and like the girl in the picture, you can even cover your head,  ears or even your nose. I have kept colds apart wearing this.
• Wool hats. A classic. Through the head you loose the most heat produced by the body. If you do not like them, at least get earmuffs (you get a lot of cold there).
• Boots. There is nothing better to keep you warm than waterproof boots.
• Trekking socks. Maybe you do not feel cold at the beginning of the day, but walking all the cobbled streets and being all day outdoors, will make your feet icy cold. And if they get cold, you are KO and wanting to go back to your hotel. At least this is what happens to me. I have some socks like the ones in the picture and they are the best of the best.
• Coat. Yes, you can have a jacket, but the coat covers much more (bum inclusive!), so is more practical. If the coat is waterproof, even better. 
• Gloves: hands and feet warm, always. 
• Optional: raincoat and a foldable umbrella. 

With all this you will feel warm and won't look like a tourist. 

When should you be buying your ticket?

I have found this today and I can subscribe almost up to 80%. I do not agree too much that prices can rise up to three times per day. I guess they mean low cost carriers do!

Anyway, I think this gives you a clear idea of when buying your flight tickets. Yep, last minute offers barely exist!!!

Via Angieslist

11 reasons to visit Galicia

Probably one the least known parts of Spain, Galicia (where I come from) in the northwest, has a lot to offer. From its food to its climate, apart from its natural beauty, I give you 11 GOOD reasons why you should visit us.

• Countryside. Have you been in Ireland or England? We have greener pastures, amazing rivers with fjords, and stone built houses, churches and castles. The forests are everywhere and a weekend in one of our rural houses combined with the  rest of the reasons in this list, will take all the stress away.

• Weather: not as hot as the South of Spain, Galicia is the perfect place to be in summer and spring. Winters and autumms bring a bit of rain and temperatures over 10º C.
• Coast: stunning landscapes and beaches to die for, in fact As Catedrais in Lugo, has been ranked 6 of the top ten beaches in the world by Tripadvisor. We were once considered the end of the world, for Romans there was nothing further away from Fisterra (end of the world). The sea is always breathtaking in Galicia, with over 1600 Kms of coast you will never get bored.

Choose and pack your backpack

Are you one of those who always travels with your backpack? This is your post! Here you will discover how to store your luggage, the size of the backpack for the days you are travelling and even what you are supposed to take.

It's true that sello tape is a must, so handy for everything! Can you think in anything else?

KLM to charge for checked-in luggage

Great news today: KLM  will charge for checked-in luggage from April. Isn't it great? :(

15€ per lugagge if you book in advance and 30€ at the airport for shorthaul. They say this will help them reduce the price of the tickets.

Flying Blue holders and longhaul passengers will go free.

Honestly, what is going to be next? KLM prices are not so cheap as low cost, do they really need to charge? Don't forget they also charge for the seat selection.

The worst? How long is going to take for BA, Air France, Iberia and the rest to follow their example?

Countries where you can't kiss your partner in public... if you are gay (or not)

Whenever we travel, we need to consider many aspects apart from the appealing of the destination or its beautiful beaches. We should also consider the culture we are travelling to and try not to be offensive. But in the cases of gay people, this is even worse. It is not a fact of how other people see their relationship, (sadly, if you let me tell you) is that they can put themselves into trouble and end in jail the same as if you were a drug dealer or killed someone. Unbelievable we are in 2013, uh?

I have found this useful list in Metro today and I think it is worth sharing it. Places you won't be really welcomed if you express your love for your partner in public. And I must warn you: in some of these places you have to behave if you are an heterosexual couple too!

Below are just a few nations that have laws that severely punish anyone engaging in same-sex activity:
Antigua and Barbuda: 15 years in jail
Barbados: Life in prison
Dominica: Ten years or sectioning
Grenada: Ten years for men
Guyana: Life in prison
Jamaica: Ten years’ hard labour for men
Kenya: 14 years
Malaysia: 20 years
Mauritius: Five years
Morocco: Three years
Saint Kitts and Nevis: Ten years for men
St Lucia: Ten years for men

Vincent and the Grenadines: Ten years

Seychelles: 14 years
Solomon Islands: 14 years
Singapore: Two years
Trinidad and Tobago: 25 years
Tunisia: Three years
United Arab Emirates: Deportation or death penalty in extreme cases

 I am pretty sure there are a few more, feel free to add them in the comments.

So if you are travelling to any of these destinations, remember what you can and you can't do for having lovely memories of your trip.

Viva Las Vegas!

Planning to visit Vegas? What a stupid question, who isn't? Most of the people would say they don't find it appealing, but just because they do not want to admit that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

So if you are one of this people that does not mind admitting that would L-O-V-E to go (or even if you do not want to admit it: no one is looking at you) this is your website.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has launched LasVegas.com, the first website that allows you book from flights to shows and hotels to tours. They have a 24 customer service to meet the request of the over 38 million people that visit the city every year.

And if you are a travel agent or meeting planner, they also have a special section for you.

Budapest Airport is closed

What a day! If we did not have enough with all the flight cancellations due to the snow accross Europe, Budapest's airport has been shut due to an electrical problem in the control tower. Flights have been cancelled or diverted to Viena and flights are not expected to resume until tomorrow morning (10 am for the moment).

Check the website before travelling to the airport.

Tallinn maps- Estonia

Heathrow's T5 in full

How do you get from Terminal 5A to Terminal 5B and Terminal 5C?

A track transit train connects the three buildings at Terminal 5.  Customers with flights departing from Terminal 5C need to stay on the train when it stops at Terminal 5B and get off at the final stop, which is Terminal 5C.

How long does it take to travel from Terminal 5A to Terminal 5B and Terminal 5C?

Customers are advised to allow 15 minutes to travel from Terminal 5A to Terminal 5B and 20 minutes to travel from Terminal 5A to Terminal 5C.  Customers need to be at the gate 20 minutes before their flight departure time.  

Are there lounge facilities in Terminal 5C?

There are no lounge facilities in Terminal 5C.  Eligible customers can make use of the exclusive Galleries Lounges in Terminal 5A or Terminal 5B before proceeding to Terminal 5C prior to departure.  

Lounges in Heathrow's T5

Virgin's direct destinations

As of today these are the direct destinations Virgin has.

** please check in their website for more up to date information.