| I have been blessed to be able to be on the first | | | | 4. Travel light, only what you can comfortable |
| flight from France to the US after the volcanic | | | | carry. |
| eruption. | | | | 5. Maintain a sense of humor and count your |
| It was not an easy task to return. It took some | | | | blessings. Keep your awareness and attitude on |
| quick thinking and decision making, flexibility and a | | | | the positive side. |
| willingness to go the long way home. Here are | | | | 6. Stay calm and even tempered with |
| some tips I will suggest to folks that are stuck in | | | | transportation providers. You will have better |
| their travels: | | | | results, especially with airline personnel. |
| 1. Be flexible. Think out of the box and consider | | | | 7. Speak to fellow travelers and others who |
| options you never would have considered before. | | | | might be able to assist you. Don't be shy to ask |
| You may have to drive, take a boat or a train to | | | | or embarrassed to ask because you don't have all |
| another destination to get home. | | | | the answers. |
| 2. Don't believe what you read or hear from the | | | | 8. Be prepared to shift your plans quickly. |
| press. Get your information first hand from the | | | | 9. Don't be a sheep in the crowd. Stay alert to |
| source. | | | | hear and on the internet to see changing |
| 3. Know where you are in relationship to major | | | | situations and updates as they happen. |
| cities and surrounding countries, so you can plan | | | | 10. Have fun and see the adventure beyond all |
| effectively. | | | | the inconvenience. |