Dubai Airports shared ways in which travel can be made easier

Dubai: If you are a Person of Detrmination, or have someone in the family who is, you would be happy to know that travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) does not have to be a stressful experience.

Dubai Airports – Terminal 1, 2, and 3 – have dedicated services that make it easy for People of Determination to navigate the check-in, immigration and boarding procedures. Here is how you can plan your journey:

1. When booking your flight, request a DPNA code for assistance.

The Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance (DPNA) code informs the flight that you may require assistance during your trip. You can request for the code when booking your flight, either in person, via telephone or via a travel agent.

2. Make use of complimentary parking for up to two hours at any terminal.

Dubai Airports advises passengers to ensure they arrive three hours before departure for international flights. You need to be at your gate 45 minutes before take-off.

If you are travelling to the airport by car, People of Determination get complimentary parking for two hours at all terminals.

If you are travelling to the airport by taxi, you can book a special taxi for People of Determination through the DTC (Dubai Taxi Corporation) App or through their toll-free number: 80088088. Taxi drivers are trained and certified to deal with visual and physical impairments.

3. Pick up a sunflower lanyard from dedicated collection points across DXB.

The Sunflower lanyard is a discrete identifier worn by passengers with hidden disabilities throughout the airport so that staff can identify them. Wearing the lanyard will help staff at the airport identify that you may need additional support.

Only one lanyard is required per group, and anyone in the group can wear the lanyard to indicate that someone in the group has a hidden disability.

How can you get a sunflower lanyard?
You need to look for the Sunflower sign at the information desk near entrance no. 2 in Terminal 3 and at dedicated collection points in Terminals 1 and 2.

You can also ask for assistance from staff members wearing sunflower pins, these staff members are trained to assist travellers with hidden disabilities. Make sure that you keep your lanyard after your journey, as it is reusable across other airports.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time.

Over 200 airports across the world either already recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and provide assistance to passengers accordingly, or are planning to implement the system soon.

4. Head to priority check-in lanes for faster passport control, security check and boarding.

The Assisted Passenger Services desk is the priority check-in desk for all People of Determination passengers in Terminal 3.

In Terminals 1 and 2, you will be prioritised for check- in if you are wearing the Sunflower lanyard, based on the airline’s process.

5. Take a buggy ride to get around easily.

While you can take the elevator, escalator or moving walkway to make your way to the airplane, you will be given priority for a buggy ride or for a wheelchair if you have your sunflower lanyard on.

Look for dedicated seats marked for People of Determination while waiting at your gate.

As the waiting area can be busy, special seats have been allocated for People of Determination, marked with the People of Determination logo.

“I think we’re closer than ever to an iPhone camera being a true replacement for a DSLR camera,” Tiffany Nguyen says.

Tiffany Nguyen didn’t set out to become a professional photographer. She, like many of us, started simply by snapping photos on her iPhone 4 to document her everyday life. Slowly but surely, she learned a few tricks of the professional trade, using tools available on her mobile, which have now made her one of the most respected travel photographers in the game.

“I was in my first year of dental school, and I hadn’t started my photography career yet. Fast forward to 12 years later, and I’ve transitioned to a career as a full-time photographer,” Nguyen told Travel + Leisure. “The iPhone was definitely an integral part of my journey as a photographer and made me realize how much I enjoy taking photos and creating something unique.” She added, “I didn’t take the straight line path that I expected to take in life, but I hope [talking about it] encourages others to chase their passions as well.”

With the release of the latest iPhone 14, Nguyen shared that she’s been “so impressed with the image quality” thanks to its 48-megapixel RAW capability, that she says “can stand up next to DSLR images better than ever before. There is so much information contained in each image which allows for much more in-depth adjustments when editing.” She added, “I think we’re closer than ever to an iPhone camera being a true replacement for a DSLR camera.”

To help others step up their game, Nguyen shared a few pieces of critical advice to level up right from your phone and shared a few of her favorite photos from Los Angeles taken on her device to help inspire you to get out and shoot more too.

Try shooting in RAW.

“A lot of people don’t realize that you can shoot in RAW, which allows you to have more information to work with in order to maximize your editing capabilities,” Nguyen explained. RAW is an uncompressed file format that allows your camera (or, in this case, your phone’s camera) to capture as much data as possible. This way, when you go to edit an image, you can do so in much greater detail. (The only downside is that shooting in RAW takes substantially more data space.)

“With 48 megapixels to work with, you have so much flexibility and can really bring an image to life with editing. Being able to lock your exposure and focus when shooting also helps you to capture the scene exactly as you envision it,” Nguyen added. “Dialing in your exposure in camera and making sure it’s as close to ideal as possible can make the editing process a lot easier.”

Get to know the basics of composition.

Taking great photos isn’t just about having fancy equipment. It’s also about understanding a few basics of composition.

“I would recommend shooting close to sunrise or sunset to capture your images during the most ideal light,” Nguyen shared, pointing to the time commonly known as “golden hour” to give off those dreamy warm tones.

“Having a strong composition can really make or break your image,” Nguyen added. “Some of my favorite composition techniques include leading lines, negative space, symmetry, the rule of thirds, and using layers. Utilizing these techniques along with shooting during periods of soft light will really help take your iPhone photos to the next level.”

Pick a subject and practice, practice, practice.

Nguyen’s favorite thing to practice with is cityscapes, as evidenced by these gorgeous L.A. shots. Picking a favorite, she explained, helps people want to get out and practice even more.

“The best camera really is the one you have in your pocket, and the iPhone allows me to quickly capture moments in high fidelity while I’m on the go,” she said. “There’s so much that goes on around you when you’re walking through a city, and shooting on an iPhone lets me stay fully immersed in the moment while still being able to capture high-quality images of my favorite sights and memories.”

Learn how to edit on the fly.

Yes, taking stellar pics is key, but learning to edit, Nguyen noted, is also a big part of leveling up.

“Editing is half the fun and is where I really get to bring my images to life,” she said. “I edit all of the images taken on my iPhone with the iPhone as well. The apps I typically use are Lightroom Mobile and Touch Retouch. It’s the quickest and easiest way to edit my images when I’m on the go and gives me almost the same editing capabilities as compared to editing on my laptop. I’m always amazed at what I’m able to create 100% on my iPhone.”

Are you planning a business trip? Whether you’re a seasoned business traveler or taking your first trip for work, planning and preparing for all aspects of your journey is essential to an enjoyable experience. With the right tools and information, you can ensure that every business trip goes smoothly. Here are some useful tips that will help make your business trip easier and more efficient.

Research Your Destination

Take some time to research your destination before you leave so that you can familiarize yourself with the area. Research details such as transportation, local attractions, places to eat, and tourist attractions that may interest you during your downtime. Others include the security and safety of the city, as well as basic information such as currency exchange rates.

Various ways to research a destination include using travel websites, reading guidebooks, and searching online for reviews. Additionally, consider looking up the weather forecast to help you determine what type of clothing to pack. This research will prepare you for your business trip and help you to be aware of potential risks or inconveniences.

Make Early Bookings

One of the best ways to make your business trip easier is to book everything as early as possible. Book your flights, hotels, rental cars, and any other services you may need in advance to take advantage of the best deals. You’ll also be able to check multiple flight times and routes to find the best options for your needs.

Early bookings will ensure that you always have a seat and a room reserved and that you’re not stuck waiting in long lines or scrambling to find other transportation. Be sure to plan ahead and book everything you need before your trip to make the most of your time on the road.

Choose the Right Accommodation

When it comes to business travel, it’s important to choose the right accommodation. Look for hotels that are located close to your meetings or other destinations so that you can save time and money on transportation costs. For instance, you can find your ideal hotel with This Hotel website and save the hassle of searching for accommodation. Also, check for discounts and other offers that may apply to your business trip.

When booking hotel accommodation, be sure to check for amenities such as internet access, shuttle services, and other facilities that can help you enjoy your business trip. Ensure that everything that will make your trip more comfortable and efficient is taken care of before you leave. You can also request additional items such as ironing boards, extra pillows, and towels to make your stay more comfortable.

Organize Your Travel Documents

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your trip. These may include tickets, hotel reservations, passport and visa documents, travel insurance, and any other documents related to your business trip. Make sure to keep these items in one safe and secure place. Also, take digital copies of all your documents in case of any accidental losses or damages.

Organizing and preparing your travel documents allows you to breeze through check-in procedures at the airport or other destinations. You’ll also have a stress-free journey with everything you need in one place.

Pack Smart

Packing light is essential for business trips, making your travel much easier. Avoid bringing anything unnecessary or bulky. Make sure to bring all the essentials, such as important documents, a laptop, phone chargers, and other items you need for your trip.

If you’re traveling for longer periods, bring a few extra items, such as a change of clothes and toiletries, in case of any unexpected delays or changes in plans. Also, if possible, try to avoid checking your luggage when flying to save time at the airport and make the most of your business trip.

Stay Connected

When traveling for business, it’s important to stay connected. Set up an internet connection at your accommodation and purchase a local SIM card to stay in touch with your contacts while on the road. Staying connected will help you stay on top of any changes or developments and ensure that you can be reached in case of an emergency.

If you are having difficulty locating an internet connection, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to securely access the internet. You can also use data roaming when traveling overseas, as some phone networks offer plans specifically designed for travelers. You can also check the rules and regulations of the country you’re visiting, as there may be restrictions on using certain technologies.

Business trips can be stressful and time-consuming, but with the right preparation and planning, you can make your business trip easier and more enjoyable. From booking flights in advance to choosing suitable accommodations and staying connected while on the road, several useful tips can help you navigate a successful business trip. By following these tips, you can make the most of your business travel and ensure a successful trip.

Here is what you should NOT wear when catching a plane!

Next time you are taking a trip give yourself a minute to look around. You will see travellers rocking their personal style from chic look to comfortable outfits, you will see them wear it all. No matter what you are rocking here are some jet setting don’ts you need to beware.

1. It is complicated

Most trips on a plan mean you will be sitting in a tight space for an extended period of time, do not forget the bathrooms either. Do not wear any complicated outfits that will be too complicated to get off and on. Avoid jumpsuits, shorter hems and low cuts.

2. #OOTD

While it may be tempting to wear a new outfit like your fave celeb at the airport, do not wear anything that can be easily spilled on and then you will regret it later. Save that outfit for when you are officially on vacation.

3. Temperature fluctuation

Dressing for aeroplanes is hard considering the fluctuating temperatures. So do not dress for hot weather even if you are travelling to a hot weather climate. Though planes o give blankets, carry a layer and when it gets hot then take the layer off.

4. Comfortable shoes

While your high heels may seem like a fabulous option you never know how much walking you will have to do and how far your gate will be. Hence avoid uncomfortable shoes at all costs. Also, your feet might swell on a long flight, hence avoid heels.

5. Metall

Looking to accessorise? Don’t forget about security! You do not want the metal detector to keep beeping off every time you pass one. But wearings a great scarf instead can keep your warm and looking chic at the same time.

6. Smell good

Be a good neighbour and apply a light scent you do not want to sweat and annoy your fellow passenger with your odour.

It’s simple, be comfortable but not too comfortable.