Taking Better Photos With Your Phone -

Let’s face it camera phones have come a long way but they still lack the quality of a point-and-shoot, not to mention your DSLR.  

However some of the best pictures happen during everyday like when you don’t  have your standard camera with you.  Don’t let this stop you from capturing the moment.  Just keep a few things in mind.

Keep your lens clean.  You wouldn’t think about touching the lens of you camera but that’s not always an option with your phone.  Before you get started, just give it a wipe down with a soft cloth.

Avoid the zoom.  Digital zoom is essentially the same as cropping.  Try to get as close to your subject as possible.  Then if you need to crop, you can always do that after you take the picture.

Use natural lighting to your advantage.  The flash on most camera phones are too harsh and you’ll end up with blur.  Try adjusting your angle to get the right lighting.

Hold still.  This is especially important in low light.  Hold the phone with both hands and brace your arms against another stationery object or your own body if necessary.

Remember, you can do amazing things with editing.  

Most of all, take pictures that make you happy.  

Lost Your ID, Now What? -

It happens everyday, your are traveling and next thing you know your wallet is lost or stolen.  Now you have to get on a flight home without your ID.  

Before you fly, consider getting a state issued ID card.  They are similar to a drivers license and typically issued by the same agency.  It’s a great way to establish identity.  If you have more than one form of ID (passport, drivers license, state ID, etc), leave the hardest one to replace in your hotel safe and carry the other.  Also consider making a digital copy of your ID, just in case.

What if you only have one form of ID and now it’s gone?  Start by filling a police report.  Not only will your bank and credit card companies want a copy but it will help prove your identity at the airport.  

Arrive at the airport extra early, cooperate with the TSA and airline representatives and most of all stay calm.  According to the TSA, if you arrive at the airport without proper ID you may still be allowed to fly.  By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.  Have any other items that could prove your identity available such as a work or school ID.  Be prepared for more intensive screening such as an interview, search of your carry-on luggage and a physical pat-down. 

Make every effort to cooperate with TSA you will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process. 

Stay Healthy While Traveling

Nothing ruins a trip faster than getting sick.  With it being cold and flu season, now is a great time to get in the habit of:

1. Washing your hands - Good old fashioned soap and warm water go a long way.  Think about how may people have touch that ticket kiosk, bin at security or the arm rest.  I feel the need to wash my hands just thinking about it.

2. Using hand sanitizer - Sometimes you just cant wash your hands.  Keep a travel sized bottle in your bag and use it.

3. Carrying disinfecting wipes - Boarding an airplane? Wipe down your tray table, arm rest window screen, etc.  At a road side rest stop? Wipe down the table before you eat. 

4. Buying bottles water - While the likelihood of getting sick from tap water is slim, having bottled water is better, considering what you would be drinking your tap water from.  Don’t forget that staying hydrated improved your overall health.

5. Wearing socks through airport security - Think about it. Your bare feet touch the floor, you touch your feet putting your shoes back on, repeat with thousands of other travelers.

6. Wearing glasses on travel days - Contacts dry out your eyes causing you to touch them more often therefor increasing the likelihood of getting sick.

While there is no guarantee that you wont get sick, an ounce of prevention goes a long way.

The holiday travel season in full swing.

If you are one on the more than 90 million Americans that will be going over the river and through the woods this holiday season, here are a few tips to save your sanity and actually enjoy the season.

Be Prepared:
-Send gifts ahead of time.  This gives you one less thing to lug through the airport or cram in the car.

-Buy travel insurance.  Between November and February more flights are delayed or canceled than any other time of the year.  Travel insurance will assist in covering unexpected costs if you find yourself stuck for a few extra days.

-Spread some holiday cheer.  Remember that the airline employees, hotel personnel and travel agents are working while you are traveling.  If something does go wrong, you’ll want them as an ally. 

Flying:
-Avoid checking bags if at all possible.  Not only will is save you time at the airport but if your flight is delayed, canceled or you need to catch a connection in a hurry you’ll be prepared.  With winter weather, this is a big one.

-Arrive early.  I can’t stress this enough.  With the increased number of travels, expect longer lines at ticket counters and delays at security.  

-Charge your devises before you leave and consider stashing a power pack in your bag.  Crowds swarm around electrical outlets on a good day but if there are delays getting to one could be brutal.

Driving:
-Keep an eye on the weather.  This seems like a no brainer but too often people only check the conditions at their destination.  Look across your entire route and consider alternatives if necessary.

-Fuel up early and often.  The last thing you want to get delayed without a gas station in sight.