When I saw the airplane for the first time at close range, I was awed by the fact that such a huge thing could fly so high over such great distances without coming down in a great tumble. Then as I approached it with other passengers, I could not just imagine such a great number of people in that thing with me up in the sky. My fears increased. Then came the time to board! At this stage I felt I was boarding a bus about embark on a long journey, something I'm so used to that all my previous fears melted away.

Time to take off. The plane moved first slowly on the ground as we were taken through the safety procedures on board: seat belts, gas masks, live jackets, etc. It was like the bus moving slowly out of the station. Then the flight captain announced that we were about to take off. I could feel the speed below, and before I could imagine we were tilted up in the sky. I looked through the window and saw below, the ocean with objects that I believe were boats. For the next couple of minutes, I could not say what happened. When I came to, we were several feet above. Looking down, I could still see houses look like boxes, and roads look like lines.

Then came the time to move through the clouds. I should say that looking at the clouds from the airplane makes them appear as mountains in a different world. I felt like getting down for a walk on them. I imagine how spacewalk would be very interesting. But the rumbling noise that woke me up felt like we were on a bad road. I turned to the one sitting by me and said: “Potholes in the air”. He was surprised but agreed to it, since he shared the same background of travelling on very bad roads with me. All along I was praying that we land as soon as possible as the thought of 9/11 came up. But other passengers apparently used to this were not perturbed. I could see some sleep. What amazed me most was the confidence and ease with which the flight attendants walked around. It was a great relief when we touched ground.

If you ever travelled by air, how was your first experience? If you have not yet, then imagine how your first experience will be and get prepared. But I guarantee; after the first, you will certainly cry for more.

Flying for several hours on a commercial flight can be hazardous to your health. Air pressure inside the cabin of a plane can cause air to expand by 25 percent in your lungs, sinus cavities, and eardrums. The pressure can cause slight physical discomfort to downright pain. Chewing gum has been recommended frequently as a remedy for air pressure in the cabin.

Turbulence is another problem that occurs with a great deal of frequency on board a plane. Air turbulence can cause the plane to shake. Not only is this stressful but it can cause motion sickness. Don't worry there are bags located in the seat in front of you on every flight just for the purpose of allowing you to vomit. Dramamine or Benadryl are helpful in alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.

Specially developed wristbands are currently available which claim to help prevent motion sickness. Skin patches containing an inter-dermal drug is also available from your doctor to stop motion sickness from occurring.

Jet lag is a common problem when traveling by plane. If you travel across time zones, chances are that you will experience jet lag. Jet lag symptoms include physical fatigue and emotional stress caused by having your bodies natural sleep rhythms changed by entering different time zones. This can be hazardous if you will be driving a car upon your arrival to your destination.

Deep Vein Thrombosis can be caused by sitting in one place for long periods of time. Elderly people and those individuals with circulation problems should get up and walk about the cabin once permitted by the flight captain. Blood clots are a constant danger for those who have poor circulation.

Prepare emotionally and physically for an airplane flight. Eat light, don't smoke or drink alcohol, and increase your intake of water and other fluids. Purchase motion sickness pills before the flight if you have difficulty dealing with turbulence. Chewing gum may be helpful for those who experience physical problems from cabin pressure. When permitted, walk about the cabin to keep your circulation going to prevent blood clots.

Check the air pressure in each tire and if there are any tires with either too much or too little tire pressure, then correct it by either adding or reducing the air pressure until it is at the recommended air pressure as marked on each tire.

Reduce Weight

The more that the car weighs, then the less mileage the automobile will get per gallon of gas. Reduce weight by removing any extra loads from inside the automobile or the trunk.

Engine Tune-up

When car parts get old, then they start failing to do what they were designed to do and the failure of these parts can lead to poor gas mileage among other things. Get a tune-up at least once a year, so that the belts, spark plugs and spark plug wires can be replaced if needed.

Fuel Filter

A bad fuel filter can cause poor gas mileage, so it is important to have it checked out by someone who knows what to look for and replace it if needed.

Air Filter

Routinely, check the air filter to make sure that it is clean. The air filter cleans the air that circulates through the in-take of the fuel system and if it becomes dirty, then it could cause the engine to get less air and could lead to poor performance and less gas mileage.

Avoid Idling

Idling while in slow moving traffic or in a fast food drive-in are the worst culprits of poor gas mileage, because idling continues to burn gasoline whether the car's moving or not. Turn the engine off if parked or waiting for a train to pass, so not to idle as you wait.

Mapping

Planning long road trips can save gas and time on the road and this prudent planning can solve the same travel problems that many commuters face, just going to work and back. Avoiding road construction, traffic bottlenecks and wrecks check the local traffic reports on the radio, television or Internet, before hitting the road.

Reduce Speed

The faster that the car is moving, then the more fuel that is being used. The ideal top end travel speed is 55 mph on the highway and traveling any faster would reduce the mileage per gallon of fuel. Slow down and relax.

Smart Shopping

Not anymore is it smart to visit multiple stores to save a few extra dollars on the things that you buy, because with gas prices shattering records everyday it simply cost more to drive different places to just buy things on sale. Visiting local malls and shopping centers can reduce the amount of driving that will be needed and most malls/shopping centers carry just about everything that most people could ever need.

Car Pooling

Share a ride with a co-worker or friend on the drive to work, home or shopping. This will not directly increase the fuel mileage regarding the vehicle being used, but taking turns driving will save money in the long run.

Take your dog on board the airplane.

This option may only be available for smaller dogs. Your airline should be able to tell you what the rules are for taking a pet on board. At the least, your dog will need immunization documentation as well as a sturdy pet carrier. You also need to be aware of size restrictions.

Visit your dog's veterinarian before air travel.

Make sure your veterinarian has examined your dog and has precluded any medical conditions that might be affected by pet air travel. Pekingese or Chow dogs should never be transported in the cargo hold. Their short nasal passages may make them more susceptible to overheating.

Avoid flying with your dog during the holiday seasons.

When the airlines are overburdened with passages and luggage, the chance of a mix up is higher. You also run a higher risk of your dog being handled improperly. Choose a week day during a non holiday time to travel with your dog.

Make sure your pet can be easily identified.

Your dog's carrier should have the name, address and phone number attached to it as well as your destination address and phone number. The same information should be attached to your dog's collar.

Ask to view the loading of your dog onto the plane.

This will ensure that your dog is being handled properly during the loading and unloading process.

Tell the captain and stewardess that your dog is on board.

May airline personnel have pets of their own and will be extra cautious if they know your dog is traveling with you. Have a photo of your dog available to show them. This makes it more personal.

Don't allow your dog to travel in the cargo hold when temperatures are extreme.

Most airlines now have stricter regulations about this and won't allow dogs to fly during temperature extremes. Temperatures are not well regulated in the cargo hold. If you must fly in the summer, choose an early morning flight when temperatures are cooler.

Don't feed your dog prior to air travel.

To avoid air sickness, don't give your pet any food within six hours of your flight. If he should become air sick, he could aspirate his vomit into his lungs in such close quarters. Make sure he has had plenty of water before boarding the flight.

When you arrive at your destination, do a quick assessment to make sure your dog has been handled properly and isn't suffering any signs of stress. Air travel with your dog can be safe if proper precautions are taken. Plus, you have the joy of being able to take your dog along on vacation.