Biloxi Bound!

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Thu May 18, 2006 1:06 pm

I'm planning my trip to Biloxi, MS! I'll probably go next month. I have one problem though... I have to go alone, haven't flown since I was 3, & am extremely apprehensive about flying alone!! Can anyone give me any pointers?

Also, who might have the best deals for flight, hotel, & car?

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Thu May 18, 2006 1:49 pm

I'm sure Weeder will be able to help you obs, she just got back to the US from her trip to the UK.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Thu May 18, 2006 1:51 pm

Punch in flight on all the travel sites, see who has the cheapest fares. Sometimes you can catch a good sale, prices are lower on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu May 18, 2006 3:36 pm

observer1 wrote: I'm planning my trip to Biloxi, MS! I'll probably go next month. I have one problem though... I have to go alone, haven't flown since I was 3, & am extremely apprehensive about flying alone!! Can anyone give me any pointers?

Also, who might have the best deals for flight, hotel, & car?

Xanax, works wonders. Your a real jetsetter lately !

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:12 am

Wear comfortable shoes you can easily slip on & off. You'll have to take them off when you go through security. Wearing a pair of really interesting & colorful socks is as good as a tip for the beleagured (sp?) screeners; they could use a smile.

Check online for other tips about what sharp objects, lighters, etc aren't allowed to be carried on board. The list is kinda funny; you can't have a lighter but matches are fine, for instance.

Since flying is rare, get a window seat. Watching the clouds is cool, especially if the person next to you won't shut up (you can't get away, y'know).

Have fun! Biloxi is a very nice city, and that beach is hard to beat.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:16 am

observer1 wrote: I'm planning my trip to Biloxi, MS! I'll probably go next month. I have one problem though... I have to go alone, haven't flown since I was 3, & am extremely apprehensive about flying alone!! Can anyone give me any pointers?

Also, who might have the best deals for flight, hotel, & car?

Well I just had my first trip on my own, but certainly nowhere near the size of what you are going to do. My best advice (and obvious one at that,) would just be to try and stay as relaxed and calm about it as possible. Remember that this is supposed to be a holiday, and the last thing you want is getting all flustered about it. Try taking something with you, that you know will keep your mind of things, such as a good book or music, especially whilst at the airport. I hope you have a great time!!!

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:27 am

Thanks for all the great advice!! Acc, I LOVE your idea about wearing interesting socks!! That cracked me up!!

My worry is that, because I'm afraid of heights & enclosed places, I'm going to have a major panic attack.

I'll try to get some pictures to share! Hopefully, I'll be able to post THOSE here, cuz I couldn't post the NYC ones!

I'm actually going down on business... family business. As many of you know, my father's down there in a home. He's been saying he wants to come back to PA. So his social worker wants me to come down & talk with him, because he's been vascilating (sp?). Wish me luck!

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:34 am

observer1 wrote: Thanks for all the great advice!! Acc, I LOVE your idea about wearing interesting socks!! That cracked me up!!

My worry is that, because I'm afraid of heights & enclosed places, I'm going to have a major panic attack.

I'll try to get some pictures to share! Hopefully, I'll be able to post THOSE here, cuz I couldn't post the NYC ones!

I'm actually going down on business... family business. As many of you know, my father's down there in a home. He's been saying he wants to come back to PA. So his social worker wants me to come down & talk with him, because he's been vascilating (sp?). Wish me luck!

Well I'm not that much a fan of heights myself, and I was worried when we flew over to the US, but I simply had a great meal in the airport before we left, and bought myself a good book and from then on kept myself busy so as to not worry myself about anything. I'm sure you will be fine Ob, and I wish you the best of luck with your family business, and lookk forward to hopefully seeing your pics!

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:52 am

BTW, yes, I am going to try to get a little gambling in.

I may also pick my father up one day & take him out to the casino for some gambling & dinner! He enjoys that. He has nobody down there to do things with or go anywhere with.

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Tue May 23, 2006 1:13 pm

I have my itinerary together, just have to wait to get the money to book it! Has anyone ever had a layover in Atlanta?? What's it like??

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Tue May 23, 2006 3:54 pm

observer1 wrote: I have my itinerary together, just have to wait to get the money to book it! Has anyone ever had a layover in Atlanta?? What's it like??Atlanta's one of the world's busiest airports, or it used to be. I haven't been through there is quite a few years - well before 9/11.

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Wed May 24, 2006 9:59 am

Accountable wrote: Atlanta's one of the world's busiest airports, or it used to be. I haven't been through there is quite a few years - well before 9/11.

I'm getting nervous!! Haven't even been able to sleep right!

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:05 am

observer1 wrote: I'm getting nervous!! Haven't even been able to sleep right!

Go to your Dr. Explain your angst, he/she will likely be able to help you out with a mild relaxant. Like Nomad said Xantac works well, you won't be knocked out but you will be able to feel relaxed.

I just got back from the UK as well, 8 hours over 9.5 back. No lay over. But rest assured there is information booths in airports and helpful staff all over if you need directions. While on the plane, keep your intake of alcohol and caffine low, and drink loads of water. Window seat is nice you have a wall to lean on for a better snooze. Isle seats are good for easy access to the Loo (toilet) if you are that nervous.

Take a good book and music and enjoy. Travel is as stressful as you make it. Remember if delays happen, you can't control them, so don't get to worked up about them, you will get there eventually ok sorry really relax is key.

But do try to force yourself to sleep before you go, travel while tired is no fun.

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:05 am

PS

if you can pack everything into Carry On Luggage it is quicker as well.

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Wed May 24, 2006 1:53 pm

minks wrote: PS

if you can pack everything into Carry On Luggage it is quicker as well.

What do they consider carry on??

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed May 24, 2006 2:00 pm

observer1 wrote: What do they consider carry on??

Oh boy what airlines are you going on you can check their rules. I can go check for you on the airlines I used, hold on here is a good link

http://www.getmeticket.com/airline/baggage.php

and here is a bit of info from the link, I went to the UK with my back pack and small wheel case both as carry on, no one gave a rip at either airport but everyone is different.

Carry-on baggage must fit under the seat or in an overhead compartment. A good rule of thumb is that the bag should measure on more than 9" x 14" x 22" (total dimensions) and weigh no more than 40 pounds. FAA Baggage Size Requirements

If your flight is on a really small plane, you might find that your luggage allowances for both checked and carry-on items are substantially reduced.

A word of caution: Wheeled suitcases with telescoping handles are very popular today, particularly in the carry-on size. You may be asked to check these pieces, on certain flights, because there may not be enough room on the plane for everyone to bring on this type of baggage. Briefcases and garment bags are generally considered carry-on pieces

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Wed May 24, 2006 4:11 pm

minks wrote: Take a good book and music and enjoy. Travel is as stressful as you make it. That's the key. Sure the Biloxi visit is serious, but the trip needn't be.

Did you ever want to be someone else? This is the time to try it out. Normally a shrinking violet but want to let it out? Go to a different gate from your own and sing the National Anthem -- Rosanne Barr style.

Or you can dress in a trench coat and large dark sunglasses to see how many people think you're a celebrity (extra points for giving an autograph.

Sky caps are those guys in white shirts and "bus driver" hats. You'll see them all over, either carrying bags or driving electric trams (like a cross between a golf cart and municiple bus. Spoil yourself. The ride and baggage assistance cost only a tip. With a flip of your hair, toss the guy a quarter and tell him loudly to keep the change. :p (you might want to slip him a fiver before doing the quarter thing, though).

Call ahead and tell the airline you can only walk short distances without having to stop to catch your breath. They'll meet you at the car with a wheelchair and give you first-class service the entire way. If you're feeling really adventurous, they'll do the same thing for a mentally challenged person travelling alone.

This is not a time for nerves ... this is a time for NERVE! Go get 'em (and bring back pics. :driving:

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Thu May 25, 2006 8:46 am

Accountable wrote: That's the key. Sure the Biloxi visit is serious, but the trip needn't be.

Did you ever want to be someone else? This is the time to try it out. Normally a shrinking violet but want to let it out? Go to a different gate from your own and sing the National Anthem -- Rosanne Barr style.

Or you can dress in a trench coat and large dark sunglasses to see how many people think you're a celebrity (extra points for giving an autograph.

Sky caps are those guys in white shirts and "bus driver" hats. You'll see them all over, either carrying bags or driving electric trams (like a cross between a golf cart and municiple bus. Spoil yourself. The ride and baggage assistance cost only a tip. With a flip of your hair, toss the guy a quarter and tell him loudly to keep the change. :p (you might want to slip him a fiver before doing the quarter thing, though).

Call ahead and tell the airline you can only walk short distances without having to stop to catch your breath. They'll meet you at the car with a wheelchair and give you first-class service the entire way. If you're feeling really adventurous, they'll do the same thing for a mentally challenged person travelling alone.

This is not a time for nerves ... this is a time for NERVE! Go get 'em (and bring back pics. :driving:

Acc, you have the BEST ideas!!!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Sun May 28, 2006 5:55 am

Have you set a date yet?

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:41 am

Accountable wrote: Have you set a date yet?

Well, I was planning on June 13-16. But, since I'm using funds from my father's account & it's held by the court, I'm having a problem. Big mess-up. Now I have to do more work before I can be OKed. By the time I get the OK, the price for the flight & stuff will go up. Now, how do I budget for the increase???

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:56 am

observer1 wrote: Well, I was planning on June 13-16. But, since I'm using funds from my father's account & it's held by the court, I'm having a problem. Big mess-up. Now I have to do more work before I can be OKed. By the time I get the OK, the price for the flight & stuff will go up. Now, how do I budget for the increase???Dunno. Maybe they'll pay expenses as well as travel? That way you can budget for Marriott Suites and opt for Motel 6 if flight prices go up.

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:02 am

Accountable wrote: Dunno. Maybe they'll pay expenses as well as travel? That way you can budget for Marriott Suites and opt for Motel 6 if flight prices go up.

Actually, there aren't very many choices, as far as lodging. Most got pounded by Katrina. I'm opting for a casino hotel. It was suggested to me by his social worker. But we're getting into vacation season. Prices go WAAAY up!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:15 am

observer1 wrote: Actually, there aren't very many choices, as far as lodging. Most got pounded by Katrina. I'm opting for a casino hotel. It was suggested to me by his social worker. But we're getting into vacation season. Prices go WAAAY up!I was speaking generally. The court should understand about price fluctuations & approve a little more than you should need. They're bureaucrats, after all.

observer1 · Post by **observer1** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:52 am

Accountable wrote: I was speaking generally. The court should understand about price fluctuations & approve a little more than you should need. They're bureaucrats, after all.

Acc, have I told you what a sweetie you are?

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:26 am

observer1 wrote: Acc, have I told you what a sweetie you are? ;)Yes, but it's like Jello. There's always room for more.