A flight attendant took to Reddit to share some industry secrets.

A lot of people love travelling by air. The excitement and thrill of sitting in an airplane, watching the clouds, cannot be matched by any other means of transport. However, there are some tips which can come in handy while flying. Experts are warning passengers not to add ice cubes to their drinks during their flight as doing so may expose them to harmful germs, as per a report in the New York Post.

A flight attendant took to Reddit to share some industry secrets. She said, “Don’t get ice in your drink. The ice is put in a tray with a scoop, and the trays don’t get cleaned very often.”

“Every surface on the plane is touched by hundreds of people daily and not often disinfected. We don’t have the opportunity to wash our hands at all during the beverage service,” the attendant continued.

Further, this has also been confirmed by airplane cleaners. Verna Montalvo, a cabin cleaner at Dallas-Fort Worth airport told The Washington Post in 2022, “Some flight attendants get upset because it’s not clean. Of course, it’s not clean – because this is how much (time) they give us.” She said that because of a labour shortage, her crew has only five minutes to clean, and in some situations, she has even been forced to clean an aircraft by herself.

Notably, even if the ice tray is clean, the ice cubes in the tray might not be. Since all ice is obtained from other parties, airline ice is probably of questionable quality.

In a 2017 study, researchers took 60 ice cubes from both domestic and industrial facilities. They found that ice cubes had more than 50 different bacteria strains. “A consistent percentage of the microorganisms identified from ice are known agents of human infections, and their presence indicates an environmental contamination,” the researchers said.

The experts advised people to order soda or alcohol to reduce the number of microbes, if they still want ice in their drink.

A 2019 study conducted by the City University of New York’s Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center found that there is a “consistent reduction of bacterial risk due to alcohol, CO2, pH and antibacterial ingredients of vodka, whisky, Martini, peach tea, tonic water, and Coke.”

Nonetheless, experts conclude that packing your own bottled water is the safest course of action.

Embarking on a journey to new destinations is an exhilarating experience that broadens our horizons and ignites our sense of wanderlust. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, hiking through majestic landscapes, or simply indulging in a relaxing beach getaway, travelling allows us to escape the confines of our everyday routines. However, amidst the excitement of travel, it’s crucial not to overlook the well-being of our eyes, the windows to the world. The unfamiliar environments, long hours of transportation, and exposure to various elements can pose challenges to maintaining optimal eye health. Taking care of your eyes ensures that your adventures are not marred by uncomfortable or avoidable eye-related issues.

Eye care tips while travelling

Dr Neeraj Sanduja, ophthalmologist, and eye surgeon, shared some simple tips on how to care for our eyes while travelling.

1) Sunglasses: Investing in a good pair of sunglasses is a must, with most of the day spent outdoors they provide protection from Sun, wind and dust. Ideally, the glasses should be 100% UV resistant.

2) Lubricating drops / Allergy medications: It is always wise to carry a few bottles of lubricating and allergy medications as an eyewash and for emergencies.

3) Goggles if swimming is on the agenda: Wearing goggles can provide invaluable protection for your eyes. They create a watertight seal, shielding your eyes from potentially harmful substances such as chlorine, salt water, or debris. Goggles also help to prevent eye irritation, redness, and discomfort that can result from prolonged exposure to water.

4) Hat and sun visor: The sun’s rays can be particularly intense in certain regions, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even temporary sunburn of the eyes known as photokeratitis. By wearing a hat or sun visor, you can shield your eyes from direct sunlight, reducing the potential damage caused by UV rays.

5) Contact Lens case and solution: Avoid wearing contact lenses on long trips and aeroplanes. Always keep contact lens case and solution handy in case of irritation if there is a need to remove lenses. Always carry extra pair of prescription glasses for emergencies.

6) Take frequent breaks while driving: If on a long road trip extended driving can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes and frequent breaks to prevent eye fatigue.

7) Wear minimal eye make-up: While travelling especially on road trips where our eyes are exposed to dust and avoid heavy eye make-up as it attracts dust and becomes a potential source of eye infection.

8) Stay hydrated: Hydration, good sleep and clean eating are essential too for healthy eyes. Limit caffeine intake and always keep a water bottle handy.

Traveling to other parts of the world can be an illuminating experience, don’t you agree? There is so much to see and so much to experience. So, when you have a chance to do it, you shouldn’t hesitate. However, there are a couple of aspects that you need to take into consideration.

Still, the most significant one out of all of them is navigating through the cities and suburbs of a foreign country. Sure, taking a taxi or a bus might look like an obvious option to discuss. Still, we believe that renting a car would be a much better choice for you.

Many hesitate to do it simply because they believe this approach is too costly. In reality, it doesn’t have to be too hefty. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways you can cut down these costs to a reasonable amount. We want to provide you with a couple of ways you can do it, rather simply. Let’s check them out.

1. Book On Time

We don’t know whether you knew about this, but booking a rental vehicle on time can make all the difference. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense that you can get a much cheaper price when you book it before you even arrive in the country. At that time, the demand for these vehicles is high.

Sure, this is a factor that you need to pay attention to at all times. Still, it tends to be much more important during the season, like peak travel periods, or summer holidays. While that doesn’t mean you can get any sort of vehicle you want, it is helpful, because this is a much cheaper option.

Thankfully, there are many websites where you can take a look at some really good deals. Sometimes, this sort of research can become quite durable. Still, we believe that this is the simplest way to get a significant discount on renting a car in a foreign country.

2. Look for Best Deals

We do not know whether you are aware of the fact that many touristic agencies can provide some great deals. Of course, some of them even include getting a free rental car. While this may sound strange for you, there are many options out there to choose from. It is worth taking a look through these deals.

One possibility is that the hotel where you stay can provide a rental car for free. Not to mention that the combination of these services can reduce the overall costs even more. That’s why we believe that paying attention to all the possible discounts is a must. There’s always an option for a good deal.

3. Avoid Airport

In most cases, you will arrive in a new country through the airport. We all know how costly airports are. For that reason, many people try to spend as little money as possible. So, there’s absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be any different from renting a vehicle. In fact, it tends to be quite costly.

Instead, try to take a bus to the town. When you arrive at the nearest city, this is the moment for you to look for a company. Depending on the country, you can save as much as up $100 per deal. Without any doubt, this is a significant drop in cost. So, avoid airports when looking for a rental car, at all costs.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Costs

One of the biggest disappointments is finding out about some additional costs after you conclude the deal. That’s why you should always take a look at something that you’re about to sign. The same can be said about the paperwork that you need to sign when someone rents a vehicle.

Those who rent vehicles all the time know just how many of these additional costs, clauses, or fees. Not only that, some of them are not mandatory. In fact, you can easily opt not to get them, and when you think about it, you do not need them.

We are talking about airport surcharge, early return, empty gas tank change, credit card surcharge, etc. All of these can be avoided quite easily, just if you pay attention to them. Plus, it is possible to not select them when you’re about to sign the paperwork. That’s why you should pay attention to these.

5. Save on Fuel

We know, many people tend to be a little bit reckless when they rent a car in a country that has lax road rules. Sure, the vehicle is not yours to take care of, but that doesn’t mean that we should be off the hook. We are not just talking about responsibility. It is possible to cut down the costs that way.

It needs to be said that those who drive aggressively usually pay more money on fuel. According to many studies, aggressive driving increases the cost by up to 35%, which is quite high. Because of that, it is important to be careful on the road as much as possible.

Naturally, it all depends on the gas costs in that particular country. Still, paying attention to this aspect is a big help. For those who are interested in spending a lot of their time on the road, this is a significant cost reduction. You can be sure of that.

The Bottom Line

Saving as much money as possible is something you should always strive for. In this article of ours, we’ve presented how you can do that in the case of renting a vehicle in a foreign country. We are sure that all of them will be equally helpful in all the situations of this sort you will encounter.

Colorado AAA, Englewood Police Department offer winter-weather advice

With colder temperatures comes snow blanketing the streets. The roads can be slippery and dangerous for Colorado drivers – new and native to the state. Experts say it’s important to be prepared for the difficult task of driving in the winter.

Colorado AAA says following a few tips can help keep drivers safe when traveling in the harsh winter climate.

“The first sustained, major weather event is always a useful reminder to Coloradans, regardless of whether you grew up here or if you’re new to town, to brush up on winter driving fundamentals: Slow down, don’t tailgate, and don’t slam on the gas or brakes,” Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs, said.

Prepare the vehicle

Colorado AAA encourages drivers to test their batteries and electrical systems, check all fluid levels, including antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid and engine oil and make sure all lights operate properly.

Additionally, AAA advises people to inspect their tires, brakes, windshields and windshield wiper fluid.

“Remember, too, that four-wheel drive does not mean four-wheel stop. We’ve had to winch out many top-of-the-line trucks and SUVs, many equipped with winter tires, simply because their drivers were going too fast for the conditions,” McKinley said. “Still, as with any storm, the majority of our calls were related to dead batteries, flat tires and engine operability, and most of those were from folks who were already safe at home.”

Keep an emergency kit

For those unlucky enough to end up stranded, whether by sliding off the road or getting stuck in traffic during a closure, Colorado AAA encourages drivers to keep an emergency kit in their cars.

“Keep an emergency kit in your car with tire chains, abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, small shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, rags or paper towels, flares or other warning devices, booster cables and a first aid kit,” Colorado AAA said.

Drivers should bring blankets, jackets, hats and gloves for themselves and passengers. People should also pack water and snacks, such as energy bars, and bring pet food if they’re traveling with four-legged friends.

“Finally, remember that an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. Your battery likely tried to warn you it wasn’t up to the task of starting your engine in sub-zero temperatures, likely through dimming headlights or sluggish starts in warmer weather,” McKinley said.

McKinley said by addressing issues drivers will be more prepared for the conditions and any emergency situations they may accrue.

“By addressing all those issues when they first come up, you can help make our roads safer, and significantly reduce your odds of needing to call for assistance in dangerous conditions,” McKinley said.

Driving on icy roads

When driving on icy roads, Colorado AAA advises that people slow down and be careful when accelerating, turning or braking, doing all gradually.

“Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you,” the company advises.

People also shouldn’t tailgate, they need to watch the traffic ahead of them, avoid unnecessarily changing lanes and use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses.

“Black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze first and melt last,” McKinley said. “Although the road leading up to a bridge may be fine, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.”

Crystal Essman, the crime prevention specialist for Englewood Police Department, said it’s important for people to make sure they slow down and increase their distance from other cars.

“Increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you,” Essman said. “Don’t crowd a snowplow. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently.”

She also encourages people to make sure their children are secure in the proper car seat and that those seats are installed correctly.