FEAR OF FLYING
Posted by Roy
Fear of flying is the fear of being on an aircraft while in flight. This phobia is referred to as aerophobia, aviotophobia or aviophobia. Nowadays air travel is difficult to avoid by tourists and business people. It currently affects a significant minority of travelers. and is manifested in extreme cases by severe panic attacks and even vomiting at the mention of aircraft or air travel.
The fear may be caused by various other phobias, such as fear of closed spaces such as the aircraft cabin (claustrophobia) fear of heights (acrophobia) fear of panic attacks and the inability to escape without difficulty or embarrassment. Fear of aircraft failure and crashes.
Travel fears are very common but there are remedies available. These include:
Psychotherapy by clinical psychologists (UK) or cognitive behavioral
therapists (USA)
Stress therapy such as transcendental meditation
Hypnotherapy
Psychoactive medication such as relaxant or depressant drugs prescribed by your doctor
Confronting the fear directly – sometimes referred to as desensitization.
Self help
“Fear of Flying” courses provided by the major airlines.
As an ex-Pilot, my own personal choice, in the first instance, would be self help and/ or a Fear of Flying course.
Self Help is simply educating one’s self about the realities of aviation. Learning about how aircraft are flown, understanding what certain sounds mean and knowing that turbulence will not destroy an aircraft, will ease many fears. The simple goal in self help is to reassure yourself that you are not merely comfortable - but safe. Here are some initial facts:
Flying is the safest form of modern transportation. The cost and duration of training pilots in a major airline is comparable with that of a doctor.
Engine failure does not mean that the aircraft will crash. In reality, engines move the aircraft through the air or maintain altitude and most modern airliners will glide without engines. A “Jumbo Jet” can lose two of its four engines and fly quite safely.
Back-up systems are provided for almost all systems and computers handle autopilots and all necessary functions. After all, when did your family car’s engine stop in the middle of a journey.
Commercial aircraft average 12 hours in maintenance on the ground for every hour in the air.
Commercial aircraft fly within “Highways in the Sky” (Airways) which are 10 miles wide and aircraft are kept apart by Air Traffic Controllers who have undergone 3-4 years training and who are limited to 5 hour shifts with regular breaks.
Standard airline policy is to avoid thunderstorms by at least 20 miles. Radar systems in the nose of the aircraft warn pilots of the presence of these storms. Turbulence may be uncomfortable but is not a problem. It is measured in “ g-force” and 0.4g is considered “severe.” Modern airliners are required to fly without problems at 2.0g, although manufacturers build aircraft to withstand 4.0-6.0g.
Sounds heard on takeoff or landing are simply the mechanical operation
of flying controls and undercarriage being lowered or retracted. “Bumping” on the runway does not mean a flat tyre! The nose wheel will often make contact with the raised reflectors along the centre of the runway.
“Smoke” issuing from the air vents in the cabin is simply condensation as the cooling air provided for your comfort meets the hot air in the cabin.
These are a few of the issues you may investigate in your self education programme.
“Fear of Flying” courses are provided by most major airlines. They involve a seminar led by a senior airline pilot, group discussions, followed by an actual flight.
Finally, with fears conquered, and if your journey does involve a flight, de-stress by planning ahead, arrive early at the airport and do avoid alcohol.
Travel Advice would appreciate hearing from readers with personal experience and success stories about their “Fear of Flying”
TIPS TO LOWER THE STRESS OF AIR TRAVEL
Stress is a common problem with holiday flying. It is a proven fact that many people experience stress for at least part of their air travel when flying to that holiday destination.
Traffic en route to the airport, parking, check in, security, finding the correct gate, delays, cramped seating and dehydration all contribute to a stressful journey.
Here are a few suggestions to ease the stress problem:
Before departure from home:
Check with the airport and the airline that all operations are “normal” Are delays expected to individual flights. Are there any additional security checks which could require your check-in earlier than the standard time? Contact the airline for any special requests such as assistance for minors or handicapped persons. Do you require special meals eg. vegetarian or gluten free. Ensure you have a good night’s sleep as tiredness can increase stress.
Avoid anxiety by checking that the route to the airport is clear, the weather is not causing delays and if necessary that trains or coaches are running to schedule. Add extra time to the journey for the unexpected. Make sure that you know where you intend to park your vehicle and the exact location of the car park. Not a simple exercise at busy international airports.
At the Airport:
Do not struggle with heavy luggage. Apart from using the luggage trolleys provided seek assistance from airport staff.
When waiting to board, keep your mind active and combat any nervous energy by reading a book or take a brisk walk at the airport to de-stress and also get the blood moving to reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. If you are concerned about DVT purchase some of the proprietary elasticized stockings. (Not sexy- but safe)
Avoid alcohol which causes dehydration which will be exacerbated by the aircraft air conditioning system.
Boarding:
When your flight is called, do not linger in the departure lounge. It can be quite a distance to departure gates at international airports. You may even have to board a bus to the aircraft. Last minute dashes are not good for stress.
In Flight:
Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to reduce dehydration.
Use the in-flight entertainment to distract your mind listen to music or watch the movie.
Finally, sit back and enjoy the flight. Flying is the safest mode of modern transportation. You are in the hands of pilots whose training in terms of cost and duration is the same as a physician.. We hope this article will help to provide you with a relatively stress free flight to that wonderful holiday destination
BIZARRE TRAVEL FACTS
Did you know…
The Hollywood sign was first erected in 1923. It was first erected as “Hollywoodland.”
AUSTRALIA - AVERAGE EARNINGS AND LIVING COSTS
At the moment 21% of the new arrivals in Australia are British. Here is a quick guide to average earnings and living costs. All amounts are in British Pounds Sterling.
Average Weekly Earnings Public Sector 572
Average Weekly Earnings Private Sector 523
Income Tax Rates Starting 15%
Basic 30%
Higher 40%
Average Home Price 197,000
Mortgage Rate 8.77%
Weekly Housing Costs 85 per household
Petrol .70 per litre
Public Transport 2.80 average
Private Schools 7,800 - 10,000
Private Medical Insurance (family of four) 64 per month
Average Cost of a Meal Plus Wine 37 - 46 for two
Supermarket Wine 9 - 14
Supermarket Shop Average Family of Four 70-92
Tax on Purchases GST 10%
LUXURY HOLIDAY - ON A BUDGET
If you are not rich but have expensive tastes you might enjoy some of these ideas for having your lovely luxury holiday but saving some money on the not so important things while splashing out on the major items. So go for that good hotel, book the airline of your choice and go to a fabulous destination. But while you are there try these little money savers:
1. First of all contact airlines directly and see what offers are available and also book as far in advance as possible. This has been known to save up to 70% of the price of a flight. Also some airlines have incredible offers, last year Air Malta had flights to Europe for about $20. Giving you loads of extra money to spend when you get to your destination.
2. On arrival at your destination ignore expensive taxis and go for the airport bus. At some destinations this can easily save you $100 or more and no expensive tipping!
3. Once in your Hotel room take a good look around. Does it live up to your expectations, is it as good as the pictures and description in the brochure. If not ask for an upgrade. You may pay a little for this or nothing at all but it is certainly worth trying.
4. Try not to use the Hotel mini bar. The prices are astronomical. Find the nearest store and stock up on alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water and snacks. You can pour much more generous drinks for a fraction of the cost.
5. Most Holiday Hotels these days have a buffet style breakfast. Apart from the usual breakfast foods there are usually rolls, cheeses, cold meats, fruit etc. Make sandwiches and take some fruit and pop them in your bag for lunch time.
6. If you do decide you want to eat in a lovely luxury restaurant, try going at lunch time instead of in the evening. The menu will probably be about 50% less and you are getting the same gourmet food and the same wonderful chef has probaly cooked it. You can have a long lazy lunch and drinks for a fraction of the cost you would pay in the evening and you have the rest of the day to sleep it off.
7. Some evenings, after a long day of sightseeing, you may prefer to eat in your room, perhaps on the balcony overlooking that stunning view of the ocean. You do not have to be tied to the Hotels rather expensive and limited room service menu, order a takeaway from the restaurant of your choice.
8. When you do go for an evening out, take full advantage of Happy Hour and other offers such as Free drinks for Ladies or half price drinks or the two for one offers. You can have a great evening out and with quite a saving.
9. Also on your evening out look for Bars and Restaurants with free entertainment. You get to have a wonderful evenings entertainment and only pay for what you where going to get anyway.
10. Finally during your daytime sightseeing look out for the times when various sites, museums, galleries exhibitions etc are free to view. This for some reason is usually on a Monday. So make that your educational day of sightseeing and have a free day out.
I hope you enjoyed these tips. You are going to have the same wonderful holiday as everyone else around you but hopefully you will be paying a lot less for the not so essential parts of your trip.
MALTA CURRENCY AND BANKING
In case you are considering a holiday in Malta, here is the current situation on Malta’s currency and some details of its banking facilities.
The Maltese Lira was replaced by the Euro as its official currency on 1 January 2008 at a fixed exchange rate of 0.42930 Lira to 1 Euro. Maltese coins and banknotes remained as legal tender for cash transactions until 31 January 2008.
Maltese Euro coins, produced by a French company have the following denominations and designs. As is normal EU practice there is a common design on one side for all EU countries with national designs on the other side.
The Maltese designs for each denomination of coin are as follows:
1, 2 and 5 cents – Mnajdra Temple Altar
10, 20 and 50 cents – Maltese Coat of Arms
1.00 and 2.00 Euros – Maltese Cross
Malta will not be producing its own banknotes and these will be supplied by stock from European Central banks.
Currently, the major banks in Malta are HSBC, Bank of Valetta, Lombard Bank and APS, together with a Barclays Bank Representative Office. Banking hours are normally 8.30 – 12.30 Mon-Fri and until 12.30 on Saturdays. There are many ATM’s dispensing Euros and some foreign exchange, automated, ATM machines. ATM’s tend to have cash limits unlike exchanges in the banks themselves. In addition there are numerous foreign exchange shops. It is wise to check the rate offered in these establishments.
In our experience, ATM’s offer some frustration at times due to what appear to be vagaries of communication and one’s transactions are sometimes not completed. On occasions we have simply had to find another ATM. Banks with limited hours can be very busy and tend to have long queues in mid-morning.
Finally, a word of warning. Although Exchange Regulations have been largely relaxed around the world, Authorities are increasingly aware of potential money laundering activities and in the case of Malta you must declare any cash in excess of $10,000 to Customs, when entering or leaving the Island.
RANCH HOLIDAYS IN THE USA
If our article on the Tucson Rodeo caught your imagination, why not join the other “wannabee” cowgirls and boys on a Ranch Holiday.
You have a choice of different types of ranches depending on how much of a true western experience you fancy. There are basically four types to choose from.
Working Ranches are the real thing and are a part of the historic west. They are exactly what the name suggests, still leading a real cowboy life. These are normally family-run, deriving their main income from the traditional activities such as raising livestock and growing crops. Guests are welcomed in order to supplement the main ranch income. Depending on the size of the ranch you may get to participate in their daily routines of checking and moving cattle, branding and fence maintenance. If that sounds just a little too strenuous then you can simply ride along and watch! This will be the nearest thing to being a real cowboy or cowgirl .
Guest Ranches are those whose main aim is to provide a western experience and may or not have livestock. These are usually larger ranches specially developed with holidays in mind. They tend to offer more activities and have better facilities although riding is still the prime activity. Guest Ranches are particularly suitable for families as they cater for all riders from beginners upwards.
Guest/Working Ranches, as the name suggests, these offer the amenities of a guest ranch and still earn part of their income from horses and cattle. Visitors can help with the various working activities while still enjoying the extra luxuries of the guest ranch .
Resort Ranches, these are the 5-star ranch holidays. They are the de-luxe version and offer a wide range of activities apart from riding. Accommodation tends to be luxurious with gourmet food. Many provide tennis, sailing, health spa and jeep safaris. The categories listed are broad in nature and some ranches are a combination of the above.There are literally hundreds of locations in many US States.
We have selected a few to provide a flavour of what is on offer:
These Ranch Holidays are for all the family and although tend to be in “getaway” locations, have every possible amusement and activity that a conventional holiday provides. Saddle up, Pardner!!
FRANCE - COST OF LIVING
The cost of living in France is supposedly 65% of the cost of living in Britain. As in most countries it is cheaper to live in the countryside or a small town or city than in Paris or one of the major cities. For the average British family of four relocating to France I think you will find your yearly expenditure comparable to your British expenses.
Most Brits who move to France buy older properties in need of renovation. Homes in general are cheaper than in Britain. However, unless you take a truck load of supplies and do the work yourself be prepared for it to be more expensive to purchase DIY materials in France. Labour in France works out more expensive since they are allowed to work only a 35 hour week and the average day includes a 2 hour lunch. So work moves along at a slower pace and although the workmanship might be the same it will take longer and therefore cost more to get the job done.
Again most people relocating to France live in rural areas. The quality of life may be wonderful but it comes at a cost. You need at least one car and possibly two with all the usual expenses involved. Also France being rather a large country by comparison to Britain distances to the shops etc might be quite considerable so costing more in travel expenses whether you use your own car, the bus if available or a taxi again if available.
Grocery shopping for wine, pate, fresh produce and cheese is somewhat cheaper than the UK. This is very attractive to holiday makers who take home an abundance of French food products on their return to the UK. If you are doing a normal weekly shop on the other hand you may find cleaning products, toiletries and imported items to be more expensive. Add in the cost of VAT and there really isn’t saving to be made.
Depending on where you live and the type of heating you have the costs can be generally higher. If you live in the South of France and have access to gas it will be much the same price as the UK. But, you will have additional costs in summer on your electricity bill if you have air conditioning. In rural areas and the North you will likely have electric heating, diesel fuel or wood. All of which are expensive when you are living there full time.
Taxes in France are higher and if you are self employed apart from the taxes there are numerous social services to contribute to. Being self employed in France is a whole article in itself and I will research and write about this in the future. Also check out my article on ”Where Not To Die” and research French Inheritance Laws and see how they apply to you and your family.
Medical care is excellent, for those relocating to France from the EU you should receive medical care if you have the necessary documents. The EHIC card is usable for 2 years. It is advisable to take out private medical insurance for the whole family if you plan on staying long term. I won’t give prices as they vary so much given the many variables in a family’s circumstances. However the cheapest I have seen for full cover for an individual is 1500 euros per year. Also Medical info is changing rapidly at the moment as the new President is making some changes which will affect those already in France and those who are retiring to France before retirement age. I will update these pages when I know the situation for sure but in the meantime check this out carefully as it may affect your decision to move.
Property taxes seem to be lower but if you have moved from a small but expensive house in the UK and you buy a large farm house with several acres of course the bill will probably be higher. Check these costs out thoroughly before you buy your lovely French home.
All in all it depends on each family’s individual circumstances. If you enjoy holidaying in France and plan to move there permanently, do a thorough cost of the everyday price of the things you usually purchase. Food, clothing, utilities, taxes, petrol and medical care should be on your list of costs to compare. Then if you have a fair idea of what your income will be in France you will have a better idea of what your circumstances will be. Personally I think things average out about the same but you will be living in a beautiful country, probably in the home of your dreams and living a more relaxed lifestyle.
MORE HOLIDAY SCAMS
An update on a previous article on holiday scams.
1. Someone spills food on you and then of course tries to clean you up with a napkin. While you are distracted someone else steals your wallet or handbag.
2. This is a variation on the previous scam and one that has been tried on me in Rome and Nice. Someone comes up to you with a map or a newspaper in their hands. As they speak to you in a foreign language they point to something on the paper or map. While you concentrate on understanding what they want their other hand under the paper is busy extracting your wallet or rummaging in your handbag.
3. Taking a late night taxi in a foreign country check your change (paper money) carefully. Make sure it is real money, make sure it is not out of date currency.
4. When arriving at your holiday destination in a taxi, take your bags with you to check in and keep them beside you. Do not leave them in the taxi to be rifled through.
5. Someone near you picks up a piece of jewelry from the ground. They ask if it is yours. Just say no and keep going do not get involved or fall for giving them some money in exchange for the jewelry or sob stories of starving children.
6. A popular one in China is the mother with a number of poorly dressed and dirty children. Mind you these children all seem to have red rosy cheeks and are frequently chubby. Anyway she will obviously beg for money and so will the very persistent children. Do not be fooled the children are usually hired by the day. You can usually tell the genuinely needy who do need your help and are hungry or disabled.
7. In most Mediterranean resorts there will be an abundance of “touts ” They will offer you scratch cards and even if you do not want it they will scratch the card for you. Of course you have won. This involves going to their office to collect your prize. Do not believe a word of it and do not go unless you want to waste half a day trying to escape from the time share sellers.
All of these are current scams which are doing the rounds in various countries. We obviously do not want to put you off travelling but we do want you to be watchful and aware that everyone is not what they seem to be or as honest as yourself or the people you usually associate with. So be adventurous, have a great holiday but keep an eye out for the scammers amongst you.
STRICT SECURITY MEASURES FOR ENTERING THE USA
The United States Government want to impose its strictest security measures yet for transatlantic travellers:
1. Armed guards of the US Federal Air Marshal Service undercover on all transatlantic flights.
2. Passengers wishing to travel to the USA would have to wait 4 days for permission to fly under new screening rules.
3. Under the new rules passengers need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before being allowed to purchase an airline ticket. The EtA will be obtained after submitting data to a website. You will then get an ETA number which will be valid for 2 years.
4. You will still be interrogated on arrival but they will already have some information on you.
5. This new security is supposed to be in place before the end of the year.
6. British citizens visiting the USA for less than 90 days can still travel under the Visa Waiver Program if they have a machine readable passport, with not less than 6 months validity and a clean criminal record.
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