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The Best Way to See China? On Futuristic, Punctual, Very Fast Trains

The Best Way to See China? On Futuristic, Punctual, Very Fast Trains

As I rocketed out of Shanghai aboard a train at nearly 200 miles an hour, the speed reduced the trees outside my window to greenish blurs. I had the out-of-body sense that I was fast-forwarding my way through China.
The ride felt decidedly more languid when I turned my attention from the window. A smartly uniformed attendant was passing out snack boxes, but I craved something more substantial and made my way to the Starbucks-equipped snack bar to order a cappuccino and soup dumplings.
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Jim Cramer on Royal Caribbean: 'Expectations Simply Got Too High'
Jim Cramer on Royal Caribbean: 'Expectations Simply Got Too High'

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time2 hours ago

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Jim Cramer on Royal Caribbean: 'Expectations Simply Got Too High'

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11 things you should never travel without if you're over 50, according to a flight attendant
11 things you should never travel without if you're over 50, according to a flight attendant

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time3 hours ago

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11 things you should never travel without if you're over 50, according to a flight attendant

Travelling for the August long weekend? From comfy shoes to a water bottle, these travel essentials are flight attendant-approved. Got an August long weekend trip or summer vacation planned? If you're flying, there are certain travel essentials you'll want to have on hand for a comfortable experience. It's always good to be prepared — and who has more experience with what to pack than someone who spends thousands of hours a year in the sky? Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, with nine years of experience in the travel industry. We asked Huynh for her list of packing essentials, with special attention to items people over the age of 50 should always have on hand when flying, whether in their carry-on or checked luggage. Keep scrolling to see what she recommends, and to shop her picks. Comfortable shoes Comfortable footwear is a must when travelling, especially if you're someone who likes to take their shoes off on the plane. The best option? Slip-ons. 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Huynh also recommends that travellers bring other things to help with comfort, such as a back pillow or seat cushion, especially for longer flights. 'People keep saying that the airplane seat cushions have gotten thinner and thinner, the materials less comfy,' she says. 'You want to be as comfortable as you are in your home.' Something to keep you warm Temperatures can fluctuate on planes, which can be particularly uncomfortable for travellers who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. With this in mind, Huynh recommends travelling with something versatile you can cozy up in, such as a blanket scarf. 'if you don't want to bring a blanket, I see a lot of people bringing blanket scarves,' she says. 'I think it's a really good idea.' Another option she recommends? A lightweight cardigan. Read more travel articles on : I've flown to 5 continents — 6 travel essentials I always pack in my carry-on suitcase Travelling for the August long weekend? 7 best foods to bring on a plane — and the ones you should avoid, according to a dietitian I've flown to 5 continents — 6 travel essentials I always pack in my carry-on suitcase 'It doesn't matter if you're going to a hot destination, 100 per cent you want a sweater for the plane,' she says, noting that the cabin can get quite cold. Handheld fan Speaking of fluctuating temperatures, if you're someone who tends to overheat — or if you're just travelling somewhere hot — a pocket-sized fan is a great essential to have on hand. 'I like a handheld fan, those rechargeable ones,' says Huynh. 'I carry those around too.' She also says that most planes now have a compatible charger, so you can make sure you don't run out of juice. Pill case It's a good idea to bring along painkillers and other basic travel medication with you, especially if you're someone who has chronic pain. Whether you're travelling with Advil and Tums, or you're bringing along prescription medication, Huynh says a pill case can be very handy to have. 'You definitely want to bring your pills in your carry on, and those pill cases are very handy,' she says. Just make sure you have (or know) the instructions for how to take any medication you're bringing along with you. She also recommends labelling the pills - nwhich can also be helpful when going through security. Earbuds While earphones for a flight may be a given, Huynh specifically recommends travelling with a pair that has an audio jack, which she says many travellers often forget about. 'A lot of people either only have AirPods or bluetooth headphones with USB-C output,' she says. 'Not all airplanes have that. 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National airline is offering long-distance friends the chance to reunite - here's how
National airline is offering long-distance friends the chance to reunite - here's how

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time4 hours ago

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National airline is offering long-distance friends the chance to reunite - here's how

A national airline is offering an opportunity to reunite friends who live far apart through its latest competition. Loganair's Season of Connections campaign is searching for the UK's longest-distance friendships, with the winning pair set to receive return flights to finally meet again in person. Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: "This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together. "Whether it's been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible." Read more: ScotRail issues travel warning to fans heading to Oasis gigs The competition is open to anyone with a long-distance friend. Entrants are encouraged to share their stories via Loganair's Instagram or Facebook pages, explaining why their friendship deserves a reunion. The competition runs until Sunday, August 17, and the winning duo will be announced later this summer with the reunion to take place in autumn. This new campaign follows the success of Loganair's Christmas giveaway, which offered a year of free flights to one winner. Inspired by the airline's festive advert Loganair, Actually, the giveaway drew a huge response from the public. Loganair hopes this new campaign will create another memorable moment, this time between friends kept apart by distance. Read more: Glasgow man speechless after scooping £725k holiday home and £69k Audi The airline's network spans destinations across the UK and beyond, including remote islands such as Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, as well as major cities like Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh. Loganair's codeshare agreements with British Airways and KLM also make it possible for passengers to travel even further to see loved ones. Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, earning a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness. For more information or to enter the competition, visit Loganair's Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in their bio.

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