Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coping with Jet Lag
Jetlag is a pitfall of traveling across
time zones. If you're flying north-south
and you feel sluggish when you touch
down, your symptoms will be the result
of dehydration and the general stress
of air travel. When you travel east-west
or vice versa, your body becomes con-
fused about what time it is, and every-
thing from your digestive system to
your brain is knocked for a loop. Travel-
ing east is more difficult on your inter-
nal clock than traveling west because
most people's bodies are more inclined
to stay up late than to fall asleep early.
Here are some tips for combating jet lag:
W
Reset your watch
to your destination
time before you board the plane.
W
Drink lots of water
before, during, and
after your flight. Avoid alcohol.
W
Exercise and sleep well
for a few days
before your trip.
W
If you have trouble sleeping on planes,
fly eastward on morning flights.
W
Daylight is the key to resetting your
body clock. At the website for
Outside
In
(www.bodyclock.com), you can get
a customized plan of when to seek and
avoid light.
3
Scottish money are interchangeable (although using Scottish notes in England can
be problematic). There are £1 and £2 coins, as well as coins of 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p,
2p, and 1p. Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50. Unlike in
England, Scots still use £1 notes, as well.
THE VALUE OF THE POUND VS. OTHER POPULAR CURRENCIES
UK£
US$
Can$
Euro (€)
Aus$
NZ$
1
$1.55
C$1.60
€1.15
A$1.60
NZ$2.10
Frommer's lists prices in the local currency. The currency conversions quoted
above were correct at press time. But after the financial turmoil of 2008-09, Brit-
ain's bailout of the country's largest banks has meant the currency is under threat (as
is the euro), while the U.S. dollar has been more stable. As rates fluctuate, consult
a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-
to-the-minute rates.
For visitors from North America, prices in Scotland will make it seem like an expen-
sive destination, on par with visiting major U.S. cities, for example, rather than Central
European countries. That is particularly true with hotels, dining out, and drinking in
pubs. In general, goods and services are priced in the same amount as they would be
in U.S. dollars, but because of the exchange rate this means they really cost nearly
one-third to one-half more. Exceptions to this general rule are theater and cinema
tickets, which are about the same and sometimes cheaper given the exchange rate.
In Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as in most towns around these cities, there are
as many ATMs (or cash points) as you would find in any major city.
ATMs
The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from a cash machine or
cash point. The
Cirrus
(
&
800/424-7787;
www.mastercard.com) and
PLUS
