Eli Orzessek recalls the best tips for his last column.
It's a bit sad to write this week's Ask Away column, as it will be my last. After three years working for Travel, I'm leaving to embark on a new journey — getting my MFA at the Elam School of Fine Arts. I've had a wonderful time answering your questions — but don't despair if you have more to ask, as the column will be continuing with a new writer. So keep sending in your pressing travel queries to askaway@nzherald.co.nz
Thanks to all the readers who have sent in such interesting questions. For my final column, I've decided to share a few of my favourite questions over the past three years. I've also learnt a lot about the world of travel and the varied issues you might run into along the way.
Earlier this year, I was enlightened on the correct way to wear compression socks by Dr Marc Shaw, of the Worldwise Travellers Heath Centre in Auckland. Apparently you should put them on well in advance, preferably in the morning when you've just got out of bed — I'd previously just put them on at the airport before boarding a long flight.
Another question I enjoyed investigating was why we're asked to put our phones in flight mode — and whether any accidents have ever occurred due to a mobile device being left on. It turns out it's more of an annoyance to pilots rather than a serious safety concern — transmissions from phones can create interference over the radio system — but this is occurring less as technology improves. And it's more likely to be a cabin crew member's phone causing the problem.
