Are you in the process of planning a family vacation or even a business trip? If so, there is a good chance that you will be concerned with a number of things, namely the proper identification that is needed to board an airplane. Proper identification may get you on the airplane, but it does not necessarily mean that it will get you to your destination. For that, you will need to know and abide by all of the air travel rules.

When it comes to air travel rules, there are many travelers who automatically assume that they already know what these rules are; however, the reality is that many do not. In fact, there are some many air travel rules to follow, that it is difficult for any one person to know and fully understand them all. This does not mean that you should not famialrize yourself with the rules of air travel; it just means that you should try and focus on the most important ones.

One of the most important air travel rules, that you must follow, pertains to the items that are prohibited on airplanes. When further examining these items, you will need to learn which items are only prohibited from being in your carryon luggage and which ones are prohibited from airplanes altogether. In your examination, you will likely find that flammable or explosive objects are not allowed on airplanes, under any circumstances. This means that you cannot bring gun powder bombs, flares, or even cigarette lighters aboard a plane. Trying to could not only lead to your items being confiscated, but it could also lead to you missing your flight or being detained by airport security.

Although the ban of sharp, explosive, and flammable items is considered common sense, there are other bans that are not as easy to know on your own. One of those bans is the current bad on all liquids. This ban only applies to your carryon luggage. It was recently learned that explosives could easily be held or converted into liquids; thus the reason for the ban. This ban not only applies to the food or drinks that you consume, but your health and beauty supplies as well. Instead of carrying these items in your carryon luggage, you will need to put them in your checked baggage. This liquid ban only has a few exceptions, such as baby formula, prescription medication, or small amounts of non-prescription medication.

Once you arrive at the airport, the serious air travel rules begin. One of those rules involves airport security checkpoints. All passengers are required to pass through these checkpoints. This is the time where you will need to go through a metal detector and your belongings will need to be scanned by an x-ray machine. But, did you know that this procedure has recently changed? Now, all passengers, unless they are disabled or suffer from a serious medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Once you remove your shoes, your shoes will be scanned with the rest of your carryon luggage.

As previously mentioned, a number of air travel rules are considered common sense. The most important air travel rule, that you should already be aware of, is the need to cooperate with airport security or airline flight crews. In the event that you unsuccessfully try to pass through an airport security checkpoint, you need to stay calm. If it was a mistake, you should have nothing to worry about. Starting a confrontation, whether it be at the airport or in the sky, can lead to serious consequences. Not only may you end up missing your vacation or your business trip, but you may even end up spending the night in jail.

When you think of items that are banned on airplanes, what first comes to mind? If you were like most individuals you would say sharp objects. Of course, sharp objects are banned on all airlines, but did you know that there is a long list of other items. In fact, many of these items are items that you may have never given thought to before. If you are gearing up to take a flight; it is advised that you give these items some though.

Before you learn more about the items prohibited, it is important that you know there is a difference between carryon luggage and checked luggage. Carryon luggage is the luggage that you will be carrying and keeping with you at all times. Your checked baggage is the baggage that will be stored on the airplane, out of your reach. When examining items that are prohibited aboard an airplane, it is important to remember that some items are not completely banned. While a large number of items may not be allowed in your carryon luggage, there are other some that will be allowed in your checked luggage.

Recently, in 2006, a new ban was imposed; that ban is on liquids. Due to recent security threats, a large number of liquids are now banned from being stored in your carryon luggage. These liquids commonly include, beverages, liquid or gel based beauty supplies, and food with a liquid or gel based substance. Despite the new ban, there are a few exceptions. Those exceptions include small doses of medication, small doses of eye drops or saline solution, and small amounts of baby formula.

In the event that you are vacationing to play sports, such as golf, you will need to check your golf clubs and other sports equipment, no matter how much you want to keep them by your side. Prohibited sports items, which cannot be used as carryon luggage, include bows, arrows, bats, golf clubs, ski poles, pool cues, hockey sticks, and lacrosse sticks. If your sports equipment is expensive, you will want to make sure that it is probably packed, to prevent damage.

The majority of tools are also banned from being included as carryon luggage. You will find that some tools, such as screwdrivers and pliers, are allowed, but they must be no longer than seven inches. Banned items, which must be stored in your checked luggage, include axes, crowbars, saws, drills, and hammers.

As previously mentioned, sharp objects are prohibited aboard most airplanes. These items can be stored in your checked baggage, but they are not allowed aboard the plane in your carryon luggage. The only exception is scissors that are have blades shorter than four inches. Sharp objects that you will be only be allowed to store in your checked baggage include knives, swords, box cutters, and ice picks.

In the event that you need to travel with any of the above mentioned items, you are advised to plan ahead first. It is important that you store any of the previously mentioned items in your checked baggage. You will be unable to pass through airport security checkpoints until after your baggage has been checked. This means that you if you are caught with a prohibited item in your carryon luggage, in most cases, it will be too late to have that item rechecked. Instead, you will most likely end up having to hand it over to airport security, never to see your item again. When it doubt, check it or leave it at home. Those are the best ways to ensure that you do not lose anything of great value.

The tides in the Bay of Fundy, the waterway between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, are the highest in the world, with an estimated 100 billion tons of water rolling in and out of the bay twice daily.

One of the best places to see this phenomenon in action is Hopewell Rocks Park. These “flowerpot” rocks are tree-topped rocks only partially visible at high tide. Low tide reveals their delicate, sculpted bases. During low tide it is possible to actually walk on the revealed sea floor. As the tide comes in, footprints left on the flats literally disappear before people’s eyes as the water rises six to eight feet per hour. In some parts of the bay the difference between high and low tide can be as much as 46 feet (14 m).

Whale enthusiasts will appreciate the bay area for the variety of marine mammals attracted to its krill-rich waters during the summer months. Up to fifteen different species of toothed and baleen whales make their summer home in the waters just outside the bay. Whale-watching tours depart daily from June to October each year.

For a glimpse into the planetary past, make a trip up the bay to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. These sandstone cliffs are rich with 300 million year-old fossils of everything from invertebrates to lizards and the trees of the primordial forest they lived in. The powerful tides in the Bay of Fundy are constantly eroding the cliffs, constantly revealing more fossils.

No visit to the Bay of Fundy would be complete without seeing the Reversing Falls of St. John. The St. John River flows into the bay through a series of rapids. When the bay’s legendary high tide occurs, the flow of sea water forces the river water back up its course, reversing the direction of the falls.

Traveling abroad is a great learning experience for kids and parents. Here are 10 tips to help keep your family safe, and ensure everyone has a great time.

1. Fill out all emergency information on your passports. Make sure family members wear their passport on their body at all times. Children should carry the phone number and address of at least one trusted adult back home.
2. Read, understand, and follow all travel warnings issued for the area you are visiting. Do not travel to unsafe areas.
3. Make two copies of everyone’s passport id page. Carry one copy with you in a separate place from your passport, and leave the second with a trusted friend or family member back home. Parents should carry additional copies of children’s passports.
4. Always carry current photos of your children with you.
5. Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends at home. Include hotel names and phone numbers. Have your children carry a copy of travel plans with them, as well.
6. Learn local laws and customs before you leave for your trip. Be sure your children understand them as well.
7. In airports, bus depots and train stations, never leave your luggage unattended. Instruct your children not to touch other people’s luggage, or pick anything up from the floor.
8. If you will be in a foreign country for more than two weeks, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. This will make it easier for officials to find you in case of emergency back home.
9. Do not wear expensive jewelry, or clothing that stands out. Don’t carry more money than you will need. Consider credit cards or travelers checks.
10. Make sure you exchange money at authorized places. If you have any questions or get in trouble, contact the closest embassy.

In this day in age, it seems as if all individuals have at least once piece of electronic equipment with them, often at all times. Some may even have deviced crazy glued right to their ears.

That electronic equipment may include a cell phone, a beeper, a laptop, or a personal data assistant, commonly known as a PDA. If you are one of the individuals that regularly travels around with one or more of these electronic items, there is a good chance that you will be taking them with you when you board an airplane. If so, there is a chance that you may be concerned with whether or not they are a violation of air travel rules.

When it comes to determining which electronics are prohibited aboard an airplane, you will find that almost all are allowed. Despite this allowance, it is still a good idea that you check with your airline or airport, in advance. Since most electronic items are expensive, you not want to get to the airport only to learn that you are prohibited from bringing all of your belongings with you, especially something as expensive as most electronic equipment.

As previously mentioned, many individuals keep a cell phone or pager with them at all times. All cell phones and pagers are permitted aboard airplanes. In addition to being permitted onboard, they are allowed to be stored in your carryon luggage. Your cell phone or pager, like most other electronic equipment, will be suspect to inspection, if need be.

Laptops and personal data assistants, commonly known as PDA’s, are also permitted aboard airplanes. You are also allowed to store them in your carryon luggage, if you choose to. If stored in your carryon luggage, your laptop or personal data assistant machine will need to be scanned along with the rest of your carryon luggage. This screening process is safe and should not hurt your equipment.

While the screening process is safe for most electronic equipment, it isn’t for all. There is a chance that your film, especially film that has yet to be developed, could be ruined by the x-ray machines. In the event that you are storing a camera in your carryon luggage, you will need to notify airport security. They have alternative ways of checking your camera or film equipment. Other recording devices, such as digital cameras or camcorders, are also permitted aboard an airplane, even in your carryon luggage. It is safe for these items to go through the x-ray screening process.

As previously mentioned, many of the above mentioned electronics can either be stored in your carryon luggage or your checked baggage. If you are able to store the items in your carryon luggage, you are advised to do so. It is no secret that checked baggage gets tossed around in a number of different fashions. With expensive electronic equipment, your equipment is less likely to suffer damage if you are the one in charge of caring for it. In addition to a reduction in damage, most airlines are restricting the use of baggage locks. This means that it may be unwise for you to store expensive equipment in your checked baggage, especially if you cannot lock it. Honestly, you never know who may have access to it.

By keeping the above mentioned information in mind, you should be able to pack correctly for your next trip, whether or not that trip is a business trip. Although most airlines do not have restrictions on the electronic equipment that you bring onboard, you will find that the use of these items is often restricted. A large number of airlines will only let you power up your camcorder, cell phone, pager, PDA, or laptop during specified times.