Travel disruption: 5 essential tips
Between the ash cloud and threatened strikes, travel troubles have been in the news quite a bit recently. Labour disputes, natural disasters, bankruptcy, or even just a heavy snowstorm can throw the best laid travel plans to the wind. And whether you’ve been grounded by hot air or hot tempers, these top tips should smooth those ruffled flying feathers.
1. Find a comfortable, quiet space to relax
Don’t underestimate the value of a quiet hotel room, free from distractions. Or a table at a restaurant mid-afternoon when lunchtime business has died down. Hang up the do-not-disturb sign, and turn down the air conditioning to minimise noise, or find a quiet corner in an airport terminal.
2. Use Skype Access to get online
When you’re on your travels, connecting to WiFi hotspots can be, well, a right pain. Fiddling with your credit card, inserting numbers, etc. Skype Access removes that hassle – simply pay-per-minute for the time you need, and pay with your Skype Credit.
3. Use a headset
A great headset gives vastly improved sound quality with Skype, and makes long calls much more comfortable. It also keeps your calls private, as well as helping to eliminate background noise in busy areas like airports and stations.
4. Don’t forget the incredible power of video calls
Video calling is the next best thing to being there. And with the latest version of Skype for Windows, you can make group video calls with up to 5 people. You’ll be able to see the whole family even if you’re stuck at the other end of the country, or join an important meeting from the other side of the world. Pick up a webcam and you’ll be ready to go.
5. If you’re an employer, use Skype Manager to distribute Skype Credit to your stranded employees
This one’s for the boss – Skype Manager lets you allocate Skype Credit to your employees from a central pool, and automatically top up their accounts when they’re running low.
Do you have any advice to share? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo based on an original by Richard Giles and Creative Commons licensed.
