What to Know If You’re Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak

As of February 27, more than 31,500 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed around the world.

Starting in Wuhan, China, the virus has rampantly spread to other parts of Asia, Europe and the U.S leading to more than 600 deaths.

As a result, flights and cruises have cancelled their routes and cities are under quarantine. Here is everything you need to know about traveling while coronavirus spreads, courtesy of Travelandleisure.com.

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a specific strain of coronavirus called 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV. It was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

“Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats,” according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). And 2019-nCoV is the most recent “novel” version found.

Both Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are caused by a coronavirus, but not the strain that’s currently circulating.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

The first symptoms of coronavirus feel a lot like the flu. “You’ll get a fever, cough — it’s primarily a lower respiratory virus — general malaise, there may be some gastrointestinal distress,” Dr. Rebecca Katz, a professor and the director of the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University, recently told Travel + Leisure. When complications of the virus occur, patients could develop pneumonia or kidney-related issues, which could lead to death.

What should you do to prevent coronavirus?

You can protect yourself from catching coronavirus the same way you’d protect yourself from catching any other virus. Wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and be sure to thoroughly cook all meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with people you may see coughing or sneezing.

Which countries are impacted by coronavirus?

As the virus has affected the world, professors from Johns Hopkins University have developed a real-time map to track confirmed cases of coronavirus as it spreads.

Conditions in Wuhan, where the virus was first detected were likened to a wartime scenario this week. The city has been completely quarantined from the rest of China, with transportation links cut. Streets and shelves are empty as residents are urged to go outside only for essential supplies. There have also been two makeshift hospitals put in place to accommodate all patients.

While museums are closed until further notice, China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration has put much of its collection online for visitors to peruse.

The region of Macau has completely shut down for two weeks and none of its famous casinos will be open.

The doctor who first discovered this strain of coronavirus and alerted authorities, Li Wenliang, has died at age 34 of the disease. China has launched an investigation into his death and as to why according to a statement released by the official Xinhua news agency.

Taiwan announced Thursday it would no longer process online or landing visas for citizens of Hong Kong or Macau. The suspension will continue indefinitely.

In Japan, a total of 25 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed. It is the most affected country outside of China; however, no deaths have been reported. Japan’s response to the coronavirus outbreak has been laxer than other countries. Tokyo has only imposed an entry ban for travelers who have been to the Hubei Province within the last 14 days or those who have a passport issued from Hubei. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was adamant that the outbreak will not affect the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this summer.

The other most affected Asian countries are, in order, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea.

Australia closed its borders to foreign arrivals who have been in China within the past 14 days. Australians who are arriving home from China are being met with additional health screenings. There have been 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia.

Australia flew out 243 citizens who wished to leave Wuhan and transferred them to quarantine on Christmas Island in an immigration detention center, according to the New York Times.

The U.S. has confirmed a total of 12 coronavirus cases since the outbreak The borders have been closed to anyone who has been in China within the last 14 days. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now requires airlines to ask passengers on inbound flights if they have visited mainland China in the past 14 days.

If they have, they are rerouted to screening centers at one of several airports around the country, including New York JFK and Los Angeles International. If passengers show no symptoms during their enhanced screening, they are rebooked to their final destination — although they are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

How are airlines responding?

Airlines around the world have halted service to mainland China amid warnings from the World Health Organization.

In a statement, Lufthansa Group (including Austrian Airlines and SWISS) said they will not accept new bookings to China through the end of February, however the airlines will continue to operate flights to Hong Kong. British Airways announced an “immediate” suspension of flights to mainland China. Reuters reported that there are no flights available to China with the airline through the end of February. Air Canada has also temporarily suspended flights to Beijing and Shanghai.

United, American and Delta have all suspended their service to China, citing low demand. The longest of these cancellations is with Delta, who have suspended mainland China service until April 30.

All airlines will continue to monitor the situation and could change their schedules should there be any change in the situation in China. Many airlines are still operating flights to Hong Kong. Travelers should contact their airline directly for more information.

Airlines are also looking out for their employees as flight attendants on Cathay Pacific were first told to wear masks while working and have now been asked to take three weeks of unpaid leave between March 1 and the end of June, due to a “significant” drop in demand for flights.

Thai Airways is practicing extreme precautions as they are spraying down cabins with a disinfectant after each flight.

How are cruises responding?

While cruise lines have released their own safety in how they’re handling the outbreak, isolated incidents have occurred on various ships.

At the time of this writing, at least 61 passengers on a Japanese cruise ship have been diagnosed with coronavirus. The ship was initially quarantined when an 80-year-old passenger boarded in the Japanese port of Yokohama after having been diagnosed. Sickened passengers have been transported to a hospital on the mainland for treatment.

A ship in Italy couldn’t offload passengers last week for fear that two of them had contracted the virus.

On Friday, February 7, a Royal Caribbean cruise docked in Bayonne, N.J. — 20 miles away New York City — with passengers that will be assessed for coronavirus as they deboard. Four passengers have been sent to the hospital, according to NorthJersey.com.

Should I cancel my trip because of the coronavirus outbreak?

Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 — its highest level — warning, notifying Americans not to travel to China. The CDC also issued a warning against all nonessential travel to China. However, this does not include Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.

The State Department hasn’t issued any health-related travel advisories against any other Asian countries.

To ensure any upcoming travel plans, calling your hotel and airline directly as well as monitoring updates and alerts will give you the current information.

Organize your ground transportation service ahead of time.

If your travel takes to the Greater Philadelphia Area and you need corporate transportation services such as airport limo service or any other business travel arrangements, please contact Philadelphia Limousine Service. Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limousine Services has everything to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. Enjoy the convenience of online ordering and a one call/one bill service for corporate transportation. We’ll get you to your destination in a timely manner so you can focus on one thing and one thing only — the business you need to handle on your trip. Your clients are precious, and we understand you can’t be late for an important meeting. When your company selects Philadelphia Limo as your preferred corporate transportation provider, we become a part of your support team. To setup a corporate account with Philadelphia Limousine, call (215) 485-7265. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your final destination, Philadelphia Limousine is luxury travel done right.

Tips to Make Worldwide Business Travel Easier

Business trips can be exhausting; not only do you have to prep before your travel plans, travel to the airport, catch a flight and deal with delays and cancellations, but you also have to stay focused on your work the entire trip.

When you travel for business, whether it’s to meet with high-profile clientele, or if it’s to attend a roadshow or conference, there really isn’t any time for a breather, especially if your employer has jam-packed your trip.

While business travel can be hectic, it can also be wonderful and a productive time spent out of the office. At Philadelphia Limousine Service, we work closely with many corporations to provide corporate transportation services and have learned a thing or two about how to make business travel more enjoyable. To alleviate your business travel stress, keep reading for tips to make worldwide business travel easier.

 Stay at the Same Hotel

There are a plethora of options when it comes to places to stay during a business trip; hotels, motels, Airbnb—the list goes on. Whether you’re the one traveling for work or you’ve been tasked with coordinating travel plans for coworkers, one of the easiest ways to make worldwide business travel easier is to stay at the same hotel for each trip if possible.

With many hotel chains that plant hotels in countries other than the U.S., there are great options when it comes to deciding which one you should book. Whether you choose Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, or Best Western, staying at the same hotel for business trips can result in reward points that add up and result in free rooms, meals, discounts, etc. Be sure to check with your preferred hotel company and asking about their corporate accounts and deals.

Not only does staying at the same hotel for frequent business trips save your company money in the long run, but it can also make business travel more comfortable. Traveling to unfamiliar places can be uncomfortable and cause stress, especially with the pressure of it being a work trip. When employees stay at the same hotel time after time they develop a familiarity with that particular hotel chain and learn what to expect each time they stay. Therefore, more comfortable employees can result in more productive employees – a win-win!

Double-check All Travel Documentation

Everyone knows that when you travel out of the country you need your passport. However, did you know that a visa is required to travel to China or that proof of vaccinations are required to travel to Russia? Wherever you’re traveling to, make sure that you are well prepared months in advance before your trip. Gather everything you need and make sure nothing expires before your trip. In the chance that your documents or vaccinations are out-of-date you’ll have time to get everything ready before you travel.

Use Local Currency

You’ll probably have access to a company credit card when you travel, or you’ll be reimbursed for money spent on your trip. However you and your company work out paying for your trip, using local currency is always a great idea. Credit cards can charge fees when used abroad which can add up overtime, especially for a week-long business trip. To avoid fees, use local currency or a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Sight-see When Possible

Harvard Business Review reported that employees who travel for business have symptoms of anxiety and get no physical activity during work trips. We all know that being active leads to an overall healthier lifestyle, but when you’re traveling for work and have meetings after meetings to attend, it can be difficult to fit in exercise. The next time you travel for work, even if you can only fit in an hour in between meetings, make sure you sight-see when you can. Getting out and experiencing new scenery and a new culture all while getting some exercise will help you feel better overall.

  

We hope you will find our tips to make worldwide business travel easier helpful! By following the tips above, your next business trip should be a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

If your travel takes to the Greater Philadelphia Area and you need corporate transportation services such as airport limo service or any other business travel arrangements, please contact Philadelphia Limousine Service. Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia limousine services has everything to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from.

When your company selects Philadelphia Limo as your preferred corporate transportation provider, we become a part of your support team. To setup a corporate account with Philadelphia Limousine, call (215) 485-7265. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your final destination, Philadelphia Limousine is luxury travel done right.

Four Reasons Business Travelers Need a Corporate Car Service

Investing in a corporate car service for business travel is just that: an investment. It saves you valuable time and resources while paving the way for corporate success. All business travelers should consider these four reasons when hiring limousine for their corporate travel needs.

Good First Impression

It only takes seven seconds to make a good first impression. Luckily, that is exactly how long it takes for you to arrive and step out of one of our luxury vehicles. Imagine the great first impression you will make on potential clients or partners. A luxury corporate car service demands an air of respect and professionalism. It shows that you mean business and are serious about your potential relationship. Plus, with the Philadelphia Limo, you will always arrive on time and in style.

Privacy 

All of our drivers have passed intensive background checks and are trained to provide the upmost level of professional courtesy and confidentiality. If you should need to discuss sensitive information with colleague or hop on a business call, you can rest assured knowing your conversation will never leave the confines of the vehicle. Or, if you would feel more comfortable, you can request a privacy partition to ensure all private business matters will remain private. By utilizing a partition, you can easily turn any vehicle into a luxury mobile office. Allow your chauffeur to get you where you need to go, while you focus on finalizing reports or practicing a sales pitch one last time before a big meeting.

Transparency

In the business world, it is expected for companies to be upfront about pricing and fees. No well-respected car service tries to confuse clients with pricing or sneakily charge for hidden fees after the service is completed. With Philadelphia Limousine Service, you can rest assured knowing we operate with complete transparency. If you have any questions or concerns about services and pricing, we urge you to contact us.

Comfort

As a business traveler, there are many important things you need to worry about, but comfort is not one of them. Whether that is comfort in the vehicle itself, comfort in knowing your driver is knowledgeable of the area, or comfort in being on time, The Philly Limo takes pride in providing our clients with a stress-free transportation service. One of the main benefits of investing in a corporate car service is so that business travelers can focus on what is important: their work. Our staff is trained to match you with the specific vehicle and service that best fits your travel needs. If the entire team is headed to an event, we would suggest an SUV or limo, while a sedan might better suit one or two employees headed to a meeting.

Contact Philadelphia Limousine Today for All Your Corporate Travel Needs! For more information, please visit our web page, fill out our reservation form or call us at 215-485-7265!

Air travel tips for older passengers

Flying across the country can be exhausting for anyone, but for seniors with health issues or physical limitations it can be extremely challenging. Here are a few flying tips and a number of resources that can help.

Booking: When you go to book your parent’s flight, this is the time to make special requests that can help make the trip easier for your parents. You’ll likely need to make these requests over the phone.
For example, you may want to book preferred aisle seats in the front of the plane for easier access or bulkhead seats that provide extra leg room, and you should probably request a wheelchair or two with attendant(s) to maneuver your parents through the airports they will be departing from and arriving to, and if there’s a connecting flight in between.
If your parents don’t want a wheelchair, but want some help, ask about electric carts.
You also need to check with the airline regarding their policy for oxygen units for your dad. While the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits the use of personal oxygen tanks during flights because they contain compressed gas or liquid oxygen, they do permit certain portable oxygen concentrators.

Getting to the airport: If your parents need help getting to the airport there are various senior transportation options, depending on your parent’s location. Philadelphia Limousine Service is one stop shop for all your ground transportation needs in the Greater Philadelphia Area. As one of the leading ground transportation companies in the Greater Philadelphia Area, we strive to provide the best service possible, with the highest regards to quality, passenger safety and customer satisfaction. Philadelphia Limo would be delighted to provide you and your loved ones with the service tailored to your exact needs.

Airport assistance: If your parents are flying on their own, most airports allow elderly fliers to be escorted to and from the gate by a non-traveling companion as long as they get a gate/escort pass, which he or she can get at the airline check-in counter by showing a government-issued photo ID. But if no one is available to help your parents, find out if the airline can assist them when you call to book their flight. Some airlines offer special check-in and escort assistance to passengers that request it. Or, consider hiring an independent company like Royal Airport Concierge Services, which will meet your parents at the curb, check their bags, expedite all check-in and security processes and escort them to a VIP lounge and the aircraft gate when they are ready to board. Costs typically range between $200 and $400. If you parents need even more help, there are also a number of traveling companion services you can call on like FlyingCompanions.com and FirstLightHomeCare.com. These services will do everything including making the travel arrangements, accompanying your parents on the trip, and facilitating their needs along the way. Fees for these services will vary depending on what’s needed and travel costs.

Security and boarding: To help you parents get through security screening a little easier, the Transportation Security Administration offers special expedited screening to passengers 75 and older, as well as those with disabilities and medical conditions. This allows them to move through security without removing their shoes or jacket, and some airports may have a special line. Call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 or visit https://www.TSA.gov/travel/special-procedures to learn more. When it’s time to board, your parents can also take advantage of the airlines pre-boarding option for elderly passengers who need some extra time to get on the plane and get settled. And for getting off the plane, they can wait for the other passengers to disembark so attendants can assist them with carry-on luggage and escort them from the plane.

Philadelphia Parking Authority Shares Tips On What You Should Know Before Renting Limo

A limousine crash that killed 20 people in upstate New York is now raising questions about how to be sure what you’re renting through a limo or driving service, is safe.

There are 30 safety regulators here in Philadelphia in charge of inspecting about 100 limo companies. Experts say on average, limo services are good but as a consumer, you still need to be on guard.In the state of New York, seat belts are not mandatory for passengers riding in the back of a limo but here in Pennsylvania, all passengers are required to wear them.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) checks the inspections and safety regulations of all 2,000 limos within the city. The Public Utility Commission, or PUC, checks for the rest of the state.

“First of all, whether you get into a taxi limo or an Uber-Lyft vehicle, if you see a complaint and you’re in Philadelphia, report it,” says Scott Petri, executive director of the PPA.
Petri says to also make sure the limo driver is licensed, had a background check and regularly trained.

Look around for possible damage to the vehicle and one clear sign is looking for that inspection sticker, how much of their vehicles are insured and when do they expire.
The Ford Excursion in Saturday’s deadly accident was changed or modified by the limo company before the crash. “It is legal to modify them but you are altering the manufacturer’s specifications. They should be certified and inspected by an engineer,” said Petri.

There is currently no state law in Pennsylvania requiring limo companies to show proof of an inspection on modified vehicles by an engineer. Background checks and certifications are also required for limousine drivers in both New Jersey and Delaware.



Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limousine  has everything
to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. No matter if you are a party of one or twenty,  Philadelphia Limousine Service (http://www.philly-limo.com) offers the ultimate luxurious travel experience available.Our quality service and exclusive vehicles aside, what makes Philadelphia Limousine distinctive is the care and attention we give each and every customer. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your
final destination, Philly Limo Service is luxury travel done right.

Here’s What Food You Should NEVER Buy at an Airport

Few people seek out airport dining. But long flights and mad dashes through a terminal sometimes necessitate grabbing what you can to sustain yourself.
Inflight food options, which used to be elaborate, have dwindled over the years. Yet many international airports have made a concerted effort to bring in reputable restaurants, from quick-service chains like Shake Shack to higher-end fare like Chicago’s meat-and-beer-centric The Publican, which recently opened an outpost in the city’s O’Hare airport.
Still, there’s reason to be wary about the quality of food in airports, not least of all because of a 2015 FDA report citing poor sanitation practices in Los Angeles’ LAX kitchens. There’s even more reason to expect sticker shock, as there’s little competition once you’re planted at your gate. Here are rules to make sure you get the tastiest, most dependable, and affordable bites the next time you’re at an airport.

1. Skip fresh produce and salads

It may seem counter intuitive if you’re trying to be health-conscious, but raw fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of carrying bacteria that will make you ill. Given the hasty nature of many airport kitchens and uncertainties about transportation into terminals and how long some ingredients sit out in the frequently labyrinthine structures, it’s much safer to stick to cooked items. And no one wants a sad $12 salad with nutrient-deprived iceberg lettuce.

2. Also rare meats

A little pink in a burger is not cause for alarm. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground meats, 165 for poultry, and 145 for whole cuts of non-poultry meats. So a medium or even medium-rare steak, for instance, should be fine. Burgers, meanwhile, are a great value when eating out. But avoid anything clearly on the bloody-red side if you’re concerned about an airport vendor’s meat sourcing.

3. Order simple, comforting items like fries and eggs

The airport is generally not the place to taste-test a chef’s culinary innovations. Many airport restaurants, even when they’re branded differently, operate using the same kitchens and teams, so the familiar and popular are much more likely to come out as they should. Fries are nearly impossible to screw up and come straight from the fryer. Same for eggs, toast, and melted cheese off the griddle. At La Vie, a French brasserie in New York City’s JFK airport, you can get a delicious, extremely filling croque-madame (essentially, a fancy name for a grilled cheese with egg) for about $10 dollars. Add a Bloody Mary with a nice kick to wash it down.

4. Avoid anything that’s clearly been sitting out a while

Buffet food is cheap for a reason: It’s made in bulk, not to order, and sits in heated pans sometimes for hours on end. The same is true of any airport quick-service restaurant that’s serving wan-looking pizzas, pastas, and the like from large, warmed trays and plates. A few bucks for a slice of cheese pizza might seem like a deal, but not if it’s lukewarm and dried out. If the place you’re passing looks popular and employees are racing to replace dishes, it’s a good sign the food is tasty, rather than overcooked and soggy. If that’s not the case, keep walking.

5. Stay away from inflight food

Sure, on a nonstop, 11-hour flight to, say, Hawaii or London, you’re liable to get hungry. Longer flights tend to stock better snacks and even meals, but be wary of flights that require paying usually exorbitant upcharges on chips. (JetBlue is a welcome exception, with its very laissez-faire as-many-snacks-as-you-want-for-free policy even on domestic flights. Grab the Terra chips.) Heavily touted meal “boxes” can cost $12 and generally come with tiny portions. Cooked food on flights often starts out frozen, so it tends to come out bland and mushy, and something about the environment of a flight doesn’t suit itself to a full meal. That might be why chef and Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain says he never eats plane food. If you know you’re going to be on a long flight, just fill up your carry on with items from your grocery store — save a few bucks and get full.

6. Watch those “express” food stations

It gets tempting when you’re crunched for time at the airport to hit Starbucks or a Cibo Express for a sandwich. But places like that charge a lot and the food is typically prepared well in advance. If you’re feeling starved, a cheese plate is a safe way to go at one of these venues. Anything more advanced than that is going to be a disappointment.

7. Embrace the chains

Well-known, successful restaurants are desperate to keep their customers happy and their brand image in good standing. Beloved chains like Shake Shack, even when they partner with third-party travel-dining companies, make agreements to insure certain standards in ingredients and preparation. Spots like Potbelly, Chili’s, and other fast-casual places you might see at a strip mall deliver dependable favorites in airports that are basically exactly what you would get in their normal locations. It’s hard to beat $5.20 for a hulking Potbelly smoked ham sandwich oozing with swiss cheese when that flight gets delayed.




Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limousine Services has everything
to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. No matter if you are a party of one or twenty, Philadelphia Limousine offers the ultimate luxurious travel experience available.Our quality service and exclusive vehicles aside, what makes Philadelphia Limo distinctive is the care and attention we give each and every customer. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your final destination, Philly Limo Service is luxury travel done right.