“As you and your loved ones head out for spring break, there is a safety gadget you are probably holding, even as you get on the plane or drive in your car: your smart phone.

“Here are some tips from U.S. Cellular on how to use your smart phone for a safe spring break.

“Save your itinerary on your phone. Regardless of whether your printed itinerary is stowed in your luggage on the plane, left in the hotel room or forgotten on the kitchen table at home, by saving it on your phone, it will also be available in the palm of your hand. Access confirmation numbers, reservation times and more to avoid problems at check-in and so you’re never slowed down.”

To check out U.S. Cellular’s other five tips, go to http://www.travelagentcentral.com/trends-research/use-your-smart-phone-travel-safely-34239

Here’s to fun and safe travel!

D-I-Y booking using the technology at everyone’s fingertips today is losing its luster. Studies have found that almost a third of leisure travelers who booked trips online are considering going to a good traditional travel agent for their next trip. Less than a quarter of similar respondents gave that answer in 2008. Another report says that leisure travelers’ satisfaction with the Web as a means to plan and book vacations dropped under 50% last year.

These results indicate growing frustration with websites utilize complicated mechanics that rob vacation planning of its fun. Some also fail to meet the traveler’s specific needs. Such dissatisfaction should result in more business for those agents who have survived drops in commissions, faltering economy, and technological competition on a global scale.

A traditional travel agent can often get special rates for clients, as well as various upgrades and perks. Their expertise helps travelers avoid having to figure out varying rates and restrictions. They are also standing by when a trip goes wrong, be it an oversold hotel or a natural disaster. Agents are also a great source of information on little known hotels, special points of interest, and other details that can make a holiday truly memorable and unique.

The most savvy vacationers switch back and forth, using agents to arrange cruises and more complicated tours, but making their own reservations for shorter jaunts or business trips.

You can read the entire article at http://www.travelhoppers.com/2012/04/02/9-tips-for-cruise-safety/

Of course, we don’t want to scare you away from that cruise you plan to book. We just want to make help make it a happy trip. Here’s a reassuring excerpt ftom the end of John’s article.

“This information should not be a vacation-breaker. It’s just common-sense advice taken from Main Street and shifted onto the Lido Deck. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, which keeps track of passengers sailing on cruise ships, 10.6 million people cruised in 2010, so it can’t be all that bad. In fact, cruising is a fabulous experience, and it’s probably a lot safer than crossing your own street.

Just think safe, and it will be smooth sailing all the way.”

“As you and your loved ones head out for spring break, there is a safety gadget you are probably holding, even as you get on the plane or drive in your car: your smart phone.

“Here are some tips from U.S. Cellular on how to use your smart phone for a safe spring break.

“Save your itinerary on your phone. Regardless of whether your printed itinerary is stowed in your luggage on the plane, left in the hotel room or forgotten on the kitchen table at home, by saving it on your phone, it will also be available in the palm of your hand. Access confirmation numbers, reservation times and more to avoid problems at check-in and so you’re never slowed down.”

Amy shares a lot more good information, including hints on getting the most out of the camera function and using travel apps. You can read it all at http://www.travelagentcentral.com/trends-research/use-your-smart-phone-travel-safely-34239

Here’s a sample of Amanda’s advice.

In Thailand, don’t put food in your mouth with a fork.

Instead, when eating a dish with cooked rice, use your fork only to push food onto your spoon. A few exceptions: Some northern and northeastern Thai dishes are typically eaten with the hands — you’ll know you’ve encountered such a dish if the rice used is glutinous or “sticky.” Also, stand-alone items that are not part of a rice-based meal may be eaten with a fork.

In Japan, never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice.

Between bites, your chopsticks should be placed together right in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table — and nowhere else. If there is a chopsticks rest, you use it, putting the tips you’ve been eating with on the rest. During funerals in Japan, the rice bowl of the deceased is placed before their coffin … with their chopsticks upright in the rice.

In Mexico, never eat tacos with a fork and knife.

Worried about spilling refried beans and salsa all over your front? Tough. Mexicans think that eating tacos with a fork and knife looks silly and, worse, snobby — kind of like eating a burger with silverware. So be polite: Eat with your hands.

In Britain, always pass the port to the left — and remember the Bishop of Norwich.

It’s unclear why passing port on the left is so important; some say it has to do with naval. Regardless, passing the decanter to the right is a big gaffe. So is not passing it at all. If you’re at a meal and the decanter stalls, then ask the person with it, “Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?” If they say they don’t know him, reply, “He’s a very good chap, but he always forgets to pass the port.” It sounds weird, but it’s true.

In France, don’t eat your bread as an appetizer before the meal.

Instead, eat it as an accompaniment to your food or, especially, to the cheese course at the end of the meal. That said, one thing that would be a faux pas anywhere else — placing bread directly on the table and not on a plate — is perfectly acceptable in France. In fact, it’s preferred.

Never mix — or turn down — vodka in Russia.

The beverage is always drunk neat — and no, not even with ice. Adding anything is seen as polluting the drink’s purity (unless the mixer is beer, which produces a formidable beverage known as yorsh). But there’s another faux pas that’s even worse, says Allen: when you’re offered the drink and you turn it down. Since offering someone a drink is a sign of trust and friendship, it’s a good idea to take it. Even if it is 9 a.m.