Weather warnings!

With so many bizarre weather patterns striking the world at the moment – you need to check ahead your flights are still leaving and also that the destination is not expecting a cyclone, flood or other catastrophic disaster.

Think and plan a head!

FREE teleseminars for business mothers

Discover the 7 Essentials for Guilt-Free Living for Business Mothers

Sam Beau Patrick is one of 7 entrepeneurial women sharing their powerful and practical secrets and strategies for guilt free living for mothers who are serious about growing thier business and being there for their children!

click here for more info: http://www.newnorma.com/

Bridget

GIVING is one of the strongest symbols of Christmas, but research suggests a majority of Australians don't think too much about donating to those less

PRESS RELEASE

According to the Westpac Community Markets Give Differently survey, just 21 per cent of respondents say Christmas is a time when they most think about making donations to charities.

While 92 per cent of people say they have donated to a charity in the past 12 months, only 33 per cent say it was during the holiday period.

More than half of all the donations were in reaction to national disasters such as last summer's Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Sole parent of 3, Sam Beau Patrick from the Gold Coast would like to change these statistics and encourage others to follow suit. Sam has written 2 books in 2009 and is donating part proceeds of the sales to her 2 favorite charities: Paradise Kids and Bravehearts.

“. . I want to help as many people as possible but being a sole parent means I have to be smart about how and where I divide my time and energy. Writing the books and then donating part of the sales to charity is a great win-win for the charities, the people purchasing the books and I know I am helping people who have a genuine need…” Sam said.

Sam organised for 2500 boxes of clothes (boxed, washed and sorted) to be shipped to the Victorian Bush Fire Survivors and FNQ flood survivors in February this year, so donating to charity is strong in her heart and passions.

Sam would like to see other businesses follow her lead and donate part of the sales profits back to charity. With 92% of Australians donating to charity this year (and over 50% being the Bush Fire Appeal), Sam would like to see the generosity and act of giving continue.

Sam’s 2 books can be purchases on line from www.byebyebridget.com.

Her books are: HOT TIPS for the BUSINESS TRAVELLER

And BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITHIN

Cabin Baggage 3 tips

After having a chat with Jetstar staff, it appears that cabin luggage size recommendations are often exceeded. 3 tips are:

1. Check the bag size prior so that it is not confiscated at the boarding gate. Allow for the expandable compartments

2. Pay the extra $10 when you purchase your ticket - so you have the option of putting luggage underneath. It costs $80 bucks if it is confiscated and is put under the plane at the gate

3. You don't need the kitchen sink - take essentials on board - and remember for international flights to comply with the 100ml liquid restrictions (LAG regulations).

one nice one-star staff member

Here are some hot tips from Jetstar staff

1. Any Qantas or Onestar flight number under 399, leaves from Sydney International
2. Always check the departure terminal (there are a few domestic flights that leave from International in Sydney ie T1)
3. Carry medications with you incase your luggage is lost or you need them
4. Cheaper flights always Saturday afternoon, Tuesday and Wednesday

3 Reasons not to travel with Jetstar - Ever

The 3 most compelling reasons to NEVER EVER fly with Jetstar (unless to leave a war-ravaged district and there is no other options) are:

1. They have the rudest staff of any organisation that i have ever encountered. Even decent people say "hello". And as for the niceties such as "can I help you", "you're welcome" etc... don't even hope

2. They appear to try to not-get you on their flights, where as Virgin will do anything in their powers to get you on the plane

3. They have stupid anomalies such as one domestic flight, which leaves from the International terminal in Sydney and wonder why people like myself , turn up at the normal terminal . They treat you with disdain. Maybe warn us when we book!

Seat selection

Choosing your seat on a plane can make a difference to your flight. These are the things you need to take into consideration when booking on line or at the check-in counter.

• try to be close to the exit doors (either front or rear of cabin if the airport allows disembarking off the rear of the plane)
• on International flights, try to have a seat away from the toilets (to save endless interuptions with people, lights flashing in your eyes)
• on International flights, ask your travel agent to book a seat that will have the least interuptions (this may be down the rear of the plane, where there are only 3 seats in the middle aisle)
• If you have a taller frame, are over weight, or suffer with anxiety, request a seat with extra leg room. It's worth it for the extra money paid!
• Window or Aisle - this is one of those individual preferences. I love a window seat going into new cities so I can have a good aerial view on arriving and departures. However domestically I usually opt for an aisle seat so I don't feel so hemmed in.

Cheers Sam