Your Traveling Companion

A traveler may experience an uncomfortable feeling especially if he’s on a place with a different time zone than they have back home. Every traveler needs his own alarm clock. Whether you are on vacation, on a business trip or for any other reason that you are traveling, an alarm clock is a very handy companion to tag along. This way you could keep track of your own time without depending on anyone else.

Alarm clocks should, of course, be portable. They should be able fit in your luggage without worrying that it will be broken. Another feature of your handy clock is that the numbers should be easily read and at the same time they should be easy to set. This way you would save yourself from fussing around trying to set the time for it to alarm.

The purpose of the alarm clock is to wake you up on time. So choose one that wakes you up with familiar sounds like beeps or rings. This way you know that the sound comes from the clock and not somewhere else.

They come in different styles and features. Most of the alarm clocks for travel are relatively small. But some of them also come in like large pocket watch that flips open. This way the clock inside is protected from bumps while inside the suitcase. There are small clocks that look like cell phones too! Whatever the size of the travel alarm clock, surely, they always come with their protective cases.

Travel alarm clocks can be both expensive and cheap and are sold in all department stores as well as luggage shops anywhere. It depends on the taste of the traveler whether to pick a pricey or inexpensive one. The important thing is, it should function well and serve its purpose: to wake you up.

A special feature of a travel alarm clock is that you get to choose the alarm. There may be one that could record your favorite song that automatically plays on the set time. Other soothing sounds are available too! However if you’re the type that sleeps soundly, a soft toned alarm clock is not for you. You better choose one that has a loud alarm sound to wake you up.

Never choose an alarm clock that has to be plugged in for you never know when there will be a power failure. If this event happens, your alarm clock can’t help you.

These alarm clocks have their own setbacks too just like your everyday alarm clocks like the battery running out before it alarms or the “shaking” of the clock might cause the battery inside to move thus stopping the alarm.

Dont forget to check your health before travelling

What to Do Before Traveling to Canada

Generally, when people travel abroad, the incidence of violence, crimes, and risks do happen. In fact, it happens everywhere especially when the person is not aware of it. That is why it is extremely important to consider some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration so as to obtain a worry-free travel in Canada.

Here are some of the tips that must be kept in mind for those who wish to travel to Canada.

1. Safety begins with the person’s pack.

In order to avoid any imminent dangers in Canada, it is best for a person to carry things that are not too appealing. This means that people should wear clothes that are not too flashy or those that attract attention most.

2. Rule of thumb: Always have a copy of the Consular Information Sheet

It is extremely important for every traveler to obtain the Consular Information Sheet. It is stated therein the things about the country, its basic and general rules and regulations, health conditions, security, and other special and pertinent information that travelers need when visiting Canada.

3. Visas and travel documents

Countries like Canada are strict when it comes to visas and other travel documents. So, it is best to bring authentic travel documents only so as to avoid any problems.

The only available and acceptable documents in Canada are U.S. passport, FAST or Nexus card. These are especially applicable to Americans who will visit Canada for some personal reasons like vacation.

For people who are alien permanent residents in the U.S., it is a must that they present their Alien Registration Card so as to be able to enter Canada.

4. People who will travel to Canada should remember to have their health insurance policies cover them while they are in Canada. This is to make things easier in case something gets out of hand and involves hospitalization or whatsoever.

5. Anything and everything that is being brought inside the jurisdiction of Canada should meet the country’s standard policies and should have pertinent documents with them. This is to assure that the items, products, or species, have been subjected to quarantine, tests, or any exclusive evaluation that will not pose any danger to the said place.

Indeed, having a grand vacation in Canada is not that difficult. Knows how to abide with the rules and regulations of Canada, then, there wouldn’t be any problem at all.

Tricks That Can Make Traveling By Sea Easier

Motion sickness is common to almost everybody. It is usually frequent to those who travel a lot, whether by land, air, or sea. The different forms of motion sickness are based on the kind of transportation that they employ.

One of the most common kinds of motion sickness is the seasickness. It is usually characterized by a sensation of nausea and vertigo.

People who experience seasickness are those who are not conditioned to travel by sea or who cannot stand the swaying motion of the boat brought about by the waves. Though, there are others who experience seasickness as soon as they step aboard, even if the ship is not yet moving or is in the dry dock condition.

Basically, the results and effects of seasickness is not very alarming, except for those who have important matters to attend to while aboard a ship. This means that people who have duties in the ship will have the tendency of not performing their duties well if ever they get to experience seasickness.

Causes of Seasickness

Generally, people are conditioned to stay upright by maintaining the center of gravity within their feet. If motion is applied, the body tends to have visual confusion. Here, seasickness starts.

Moreover, the irregular pressure on the bowels, wherein the diaphragm tends to move along with the movement of the ship, can also cause seasickness.

With the advent of medical advancements, people can now cope up with seasickness through medications. These medicines have special components that normalize the condition of the body so as to adapt with the changes in the environment.

Tricks to Deal With it

Aside from medications, there are different ways how to cope up with seasickness. Here’s how:

1. Waves trigger seasickness.

Most experts say that it would be better to focus one’s sight to the horizon. It would be better if people will not look at the waves because the motion that it entails will render more confusion on the body’s ability to keep the center of gravity on their feet.

2. Adults should be more prepared with medications that will help reduce seasickness.

Studies show that seasickness is more prevalent in adults than children below 12 years old. Particularly, cases of seasickness are higher in females. According to the statistical reports, there are seven cases of seasickness in females and only one in males.

3. When sleeping, people should lie on their backs.

4. People who are prone to seasickness should stay where the fresh air is available.

Indeed, seasickness is not a problem if people will know how to cope up with it.

Travel Reservation Tips For A Hassle-Free Trip

Start with the basics. Anyone who wants to enjoy a hassle-free trip has to start with the basic concern of any traveler - how to handle travel reservations. Here are a number of tips that may help:

§ Decide on a travel plan - specific destination, how many days, what activities, etc. The attention given to this first step will ensure smooth sailing in making the travel arrangements.

§ If the destination is a foreign country, make sure all information that would be needed in making reservations are on hand.

Airline Reservations

§ If booking on online, use a reservation site where ticket prices for all airlines are shown so a comparison can be readily seen. If booking for more than one person, check also the ticket price for both a single passenger and multiple passengers. Some airlines quote different prices.

§ If notification of your reservation is done by e-mail, make sure that the ticket price quoted is the same. Sometimes, some airlines claim the airfare booked earlier is no long available.

Hotel Reservations

§ Ask if the rate is a flat rate or per person. Ask how many beds are in the room and what the size is. Make sure to finalize a rate before getting off the phone.

§ Ask about tax rates that would be added.

§ Will breakfast be included with the price of the room? What time is it served and what is included.

§ Are there guarantee and cancellation policies? Most hotels require guarantee for reservation with a credit card. Will they ask a check deposit?

§ If this is a standard reservation, make sure there is a confirmation number.

Tips to get Travel Airline Tickets Cheaper

Buy tickets 3-5 months before your departure date

Some airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. You should also know that Airline Tickets are subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, buying early avoids further ticket increase.

Never fly on weekends

If you’re planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $25-$40 increase.

Don’t travel During Peak season

Airlines tend to increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist spot crowds. If you really have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.

How long to Stay

Yes your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination and return within 90 days.

Consider a Connecting Flight

Contrary to popular belief, direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, and aren’t very particular with time, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.

Use the senior citizen discount

Some Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount for the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.

The Early Bird gets the Airline Ticket

Call Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. You can be first and choose the best and cheapest tickets at this time.

Shop in the Internet

The best feature of the internet is that you see all available Prices at a very convenient place, your home. You won’t have to canvass travel agencies. Some internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you avail of their services.

When you do shop on the internet

Check first with travel agents regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always cheap, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. It won’t hurt to look at news papers too, as some airlines publish discounts on print. If you’re planning to buy more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel guide as internet sites don’t usually have schedules for longer than six months.

see also how-to-get-cheap-travel-ticket

Tips On Traveling With The Family

When traveling, most would not agree with ‘the more, the merrier’. But it can be! Well, it should be. Traveling with the family can be hassle- free and loaded with fun. There is no reason you shouldn’t bring the kids and the entire family with you. Here are a few tips you can use for an easy, stress- free travel.

Plan with the entire family
Get each family member’s opinion on which places to go. Kids love it when they get involved. Make a short list of the places they want to visit and get the majority’s preference. Plan simple yet fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Distribute tasks
Help each other especially when packing. Give each one a responsibility. You can have your kids check on the first- aid kit, your husband to bring all bulky equipments and you take charge preparing the food. This way, your load can be lessened and everyone would feel the importance of each one’s contribution.

Travel light
Since most of the space of your car would be for people, pack only the essential things you need. If possible you can hire strollers for the kids instead of carrying one. Transfer shampoos, mouthwash and the like in small plastic containers instead of bringing the entire thing. Remember that traveling light doesn’t mean traveling incomplete. Carry all important stuff you need to bring.

Secure your house
Since all of your family members are with you on the trip, you can opt to hire a house sitter. If not, have a neighbor look out for the house for you. Unplug all electrical appliances and be sure to secure all door and windows.

Be safe
Always carry with you a medicine kit for emergencies. This should include aspirins, laxative, insect repellant, bandages, ointments and alcohol. More importantly, bring enough prescription drugs if any of the family members is on medication. Bring enough to last for the entire duration of the trip.

Bring in the fun
Take pictures and videos to document your trip. Take turns in using the camera, this way everyone will get a memorable shot taken. You can take the pictures and put them in a nice travel journal when you get home. This way you can enjoy the fun memories as often as you want.

Remember that the entire objective of a family trip is to have fun. Follow the quick tips above and you can head your way to an enjoyable travel.

Tips on Travel Policies

Getting travel insurance before traveling is a smart idea. All-inclusive travel policies cover trip cancellation and even medical and theft circumstances. Check out the following tips to land you on a better bargain.

Some credit card companies have their own policies regarding travel insurances if you use the card to purchase the ticket. So better check on it first.

There are airline and cruise line companies that offer travel insurance policies. However, they may go bankrupt and the insurance might lose its value. It’s better if you buy a policy from an insurance company.

There are different policies attached to certain travel insurance. Some companies even offer different types of travel polices. Be sure to get a good grasp on the contents of the policy before actually buying it.

Be sure that the medical coverage of the travel insurance is well stipulated in the policy. Be sure to understand them well so that you know what are included. If you are getting a policy for the entire family, see to it that all the members are included. This is because some insurance policies limit to a number of persons only.

Know how much the company is paying for in case something happens. For example in case of theft, how much would they be paying for the lost items. Will the company be paying in full for the lost items? Also be sure that the valuable things that you will be bringing with you on the trip are covered. And in case the trip is called off or cut short, will the company be giving you a full refund?

Make sure you know the term that goes with it. In case of a medical emergency while traveling, will you have to pay for the medical bills yourself and get a reimbursement afterwards or will the insurance policy take care of them immediately?

There is more than one way of getting travel insurance. Check out the internet. This way you get to look around and get a better deal. You never even have to leave the comfort of your own home or take a time off from work.

Most travel insurance policies include trip cancellation insurance and medical insurance that ranges between five and seven percent of the price of your trip. The price of such is based on the age of the traveler and the cost of the trip while traveling.

Tips On How To Enjoy Traveling With Kids

Thinking twice on bringing your kids along when you travel? Traveling with children need not be stressful. Here are few tips on how you can enjoy your trip with less trouble and more fun.

*Plan with your kids
Get the opinion of your kids, this way they can get involved and get excited about it. Children have limited attention span and can easily get tired. Choose simple but fun activities.

*Things to bring
Bring along disposable stuff like diapers instead of cloth. You can rent out strollers or pram which is more convenient than bringing along bulky equipments. Remember to pack any medication your children need and a first- aid kit. If with an infant, bring sterilizing equipment for bottle- feeding.

*Keep them busy
Make the trip enjoyable for the kids by bringing along their favorite toys. Do not allow them to read on the road, this may add to motion sickness and constrain the eyes.

*Be safe on the road
When in a car, be sure that seatbelts are securely in place. Remove unnecessary things on top of the car ledge, they might fall over and hit your kids when you suddenly step on the break. If traveling in a public vehicle, keep your children on your lap or beside you. Crawling or walking around might cause them to fall.

*Avoid motion sickness
Most children complain of being dizzy and sick while traveling, usually on a ship or a boat. If on the road, you can prevent this by planning several stopovers. Open you car windows to let in some fresh air. Before the trip, be sure that your children took a snack. You can also check with your doctor for appropriate anti-nausea medicines.

*Prevent travelers’ diarrhea
You can avoid child dehydration by bringing plenty of distilled water. Stay away from street foods. Also avoid raw fruits and vegetables, sea foods and rare-cooked meats.

*Pack your kids’ favorite food
Children can be choosy when it comes to food. Adults may want to try out the local delicacies but kids prefer to eat something they are familiar with. Most specialty restaurants might add a kid’s meal to their menu; you can check it out before dining in.

Overall, the most important tip is: be patient. Sure, you will have some bad moments, but traveling with kids can be a lot of fun if you'll take the time to understand them. It’s always nice to see your kids happy and smiling brightly, of course, you should too!

Tips for Travelers Who are Going to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It has a population of more than seven million, scattered all throughout its more than 200 islands.

It is located in Eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly, leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong offers diversity in: culture, religion, and lifestyles.

Chinese, (Cantonese) and English are both the official language here. So foreigners, who are planning to visit, should not have any problems exploring, and experiencing the culture of this vibrant place; since English is widely spoken here.

Hong Kong dollar is the currency in use here. One American dollar roughly equals around 7 Hong Kong dollars.

Hong Kong is known for: its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food, and beautiful skylines. It's best to always bring a camera when roaming around in the city, so travelers can capture the essence of this place, and will always have a memento of their visit.

Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. But the best places to shop here are the unique shops, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.

It is wise to look around at the various stores to compare prices before buying anything. The best part of all is that sales tax is exempted on everything in Hong Kong.

The best way to get around Hong Kong is to purchase an Octopus payment card. This card takes you everywhere. It can also be used on any public transportation system, except taxis. It can even be used in vending machines, restaurants, and convenient stores, fast food places, etc.

Some of the key places in Hong Kong are:

• Hong Kong Island is the most urbanized district. It's the heart and soul of the city.

• Kowloon is one of, if not, the most populated cities in the world. It also offers the best view of the skyline.

• Disney Land Hong Kong which is located in Lantau Island. This is only the third International sight for a main Disney them park. It is best to make reservations ahead of time for lodging. It tends to be packed, especially during the holidays.

Hong Kong also has a great natural landscape that can be seen by riding a train that goes all the way up to the higher part of Hong Kong Island. With so many things to do and sights to be seen Hong Kong is truly a must see for any traveler.

Tips For The Right Holiday Travel Package

It is not usually wise to be traveling during holidays as these are the times when almost every other person in the world is traveling. It is of course best to plan ahead or book ahead and go to your destination early to avoid all the hassle but if you’re one of those last minute people or probably one of those who can’t really avoid it, you should follow the next few tips for a better journey and maybe a cheaper stay.

- Holiday travel packages were never made with only one person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind, use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask for extra perks especially if you’re staying for more than a week.

- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the best deal for your package, which normally include airfare, lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car for the first half of your trip but you want to get rid of it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you, sometimes for a cheaper price.

- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don’t want to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being “sold out” in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.

- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking, you won’t want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real pain, not to mention delay your schedule.

- A good sign of a good package is one that is very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose between destinations, as well as brands and lodgings without changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also a sign of a good package.

- Finally, it’s good to ask for discounts that you might get if you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure you’ve exhausted all possible discount generating ways before you decide on a package.

Things You Can't Do Without When Traveling

Things You Can't Do Without When Traveling

When you goes on a trip either for business or for pleasure, you want it to be a memorable and enjoyable experience. To help travelers enjoy the trip, here are a few tips you must always keep in mind, travel “must haves” that one must never leave home without.

1. Itinerary
Prepare and plan on paper the places one will visit and then make the make the necessary arrangements in advance to make the trip a memorable one.

2. Essentials.
Personal things such as the ticket, passport, toothbrush, clean underwear and money nearby preferably for easy accessibility.

3. Clothes
By checking the weather forecast for the trip, one will be able to bring the right clothes for the trip. Preferably clothes that can be used for various occasions. And those that do not run and can be easily washed.

4. Shoes
Given that traveling will require a lot of walking seeing the various places, one should wear a good pair of comfortable shoes that wont strain the feet.

5. Medication
One should always bring insect repellant. If one is under medication, one should bring enough medicine for the entire trip.

6. Locks and keys.
For personal protection, one must make sure the luggage one will be using for the trip have locks and keys and spares hidden in case it gets lost.

7. Extra Bag
Bring an extra bag which can be used as a day bag while going around and the same time, one will be able to use it in bringing home some of those souvenirs.

8. Map
Obtain a map to be familiar of the destination where one is traveling and so that one will not get lost.

9. Insurance
If one would prefer to drive instead of taking the public transportation, it is advisable to get insurance for the rental vehicle one would use for the entire trip.

Before leaving the rental company, one should check the car for any damage before accepting the unit and if there is damage, one must insist that the rental company take note of it before leaving the lot.

10. Label
Given the many instances of passengers inadvertantly taking the luggage of another passenger, label the inside and outside of the luggage. It is advisable to only write the name and not the address. In any case if the luggage is lost, one should leave the address only to the carrier one is flying on.

Have a pleasant trip!

Safari Travel Tips

Before stepping on that plane for a marvelous safari adventure, plan like there's no tomorrow. You will thank your self for being precautious when faced with untoward incidents.

Here are the important things you should consider when going on a safari travel:

1. Remember that it is one challenging endeavor.

Planning a safari can be one of the most exciting feats one can ever manage to make happen. It is not one of the generic travels, usual jetsetters indulge in. Though you are provided with a tour brochure and a tourist guide, it still is better to research on your own regarding the various itineraries.

2. Best spots for safari should be spotted.

The most suggested parts of Africa to enjoy safari include East and Central Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

3. Prepare for the climate.

It is a must to know the seasonal trends and how they will affect your travel. But also remember that the weather is fickle-minded so you can never really accurately predict the outcome of your travel if you will base it one the weather alone.

If you are going to visit East and Central Africa, long rains start early in April to early June. Short rains abound during late November to December.

Southern Africa has its rainy season from late November through mid-April for the safari areas. However, during that time, it will be summer in Southern Cape.

When one prefers Indian and Ocean Islands he or she can expect the seasonal trend to be more like of that of Southern Africa. In these islands, summer rains last from November through April. Cyclones can also be experienced during those seasons. From May to October, the dry season occurs.

4. Choose your activities.

Among others, safari traveling offers these fun-filled activities:

a. gorilla trekking
b. sailing
c. birdwatching
d. participatory camping
e. self driving

5. Know what you can afford.

When choosing a trip, budget constraints should never be overlooked. Decide on a price range that you can work on. To make your budgeting more effective consider the level of luxury of your safari travel, length of your trip, activities, accommodations preferences, meals and season.

6. Determine your travel style.

Do you prefer your safari to be more luxurious, moderate or rustic? Will you let kids tag along? Are you traveling with a group or will you be one bold, independent traveler? Will you travel by air or road? What about your guide and your vehicle?

Answering those questions will more or less improve your overview of your dream safari travel.

Have fun!

Planning Your Own Educational Trip

If it’s just for school, for your kids or for the neighborhood kids, it’s nice to have a purposeful educational trip that will surely be enjoyed by the children as well as teach them. Of course there is the usual trip to the museum or the so-so factory, but educational travel doesn’t necessarily end with the destination, one should also consider the preparations as well as the child before you uproot them from their playgrounds.

Who should plan the Trip?

If the trip is an out of school activity, whether organized by you or the neighborhood parents, there should always be somebody or a group of people willing to dedicate a snippet of their time to organizing, everything, destination, transportation, food, lodgings (if any) as well as the children involved.

What to Bring

A pack list is also essential before a trip. Here are a few things that should be in your or your child’s bag when you go on an educational trip.

- Snacks –there should be lots of drinks and walk foods that you can eat even while walking.

- First aid kit – an accident can easily happen, a small trip or a scratch should be mended easily. A medicine pack can also be handy for parents who develop headaches, or for children with stomach upset.

- Extra clothes – children are very active, and sometimes even parents can be over-active, so it is necessary that both bring a set of clothes for those unexpected spills.

- Walkie talkie – If your child can handle it, a walkie-talkie or a cellular phone can be very useful if he gets lost.

- Name tag – Attach a name tag to his shirt or to his bag containing your contact number (without a name) so that whoever finds him can contact you.

- One of his favorite toys – A good thing to distract a child when he gets uneasy during travel would be one of his favorite toys.

- Wipes and tissue- For that easy cleanup whenever you need it.

When you get there

Fall in line, and make travel buddy’s of two or three; the one buddy should be responsible for the other so as to prevent anyone getting left behind. This is best done with kids who don’t normally play together so they can bond and get to know each other more.

On the trip home

Encourage sleeping; after a long walk children can get cranky when tired, so bring some milk with you so they can sleep through the trip home.

Maintaining Good Health While Traveling

Imagine planning a trip weeks or maybe months in advance and when the time comes that one gets to actually travel, for some reason, one gets sick along the way and instead of enjoying the trip seeing the sites, one has nothing to do but just rest in the hotel room instead of having fun. Surely, that is something no one wants to experience and here are a few tips one can keep in mind to avoid it.

The best medicine before going on any trip is being in the best possible shape. By doing some biking, aerobics or long walks, one is able to condition the muscles for those long tours. Doing some research about the place one is visiting and reading up on the destination, the culture and the places one wants to visit, makes planning the itinerary less stressful.

By obtaining information on the weather or climate so as to pack the right clothes for the trip and the condition of the drinking water are just some examples one can also work on. By purchasing water purification tablets before going to a place with suspect water sources, one is able to avoid getting any sickness from the water.

Each of one of us has dietary preferences, and by giving advice to the travel agent the type of food to be served during the flight, it can surely avoid any indigestion problems. If one is taking medication, it is best to pack sufficient stock for the trip and must also check if the medication one is carrying is allowed in the place where one is going to avoid any problems with customs.

Now all the preparations have been made, it is onward with the trip. It is best to have a good meal before going on a long trip. Check-ins in airports is long and it will take some time before the airline gives the meals to its passengers.

On a long trip that could take hours by any mode of transportation, it is best from time to time to stretch or walk around to circulate the blood in the body. If one suffers motion sickness while traveling, it is also advisable to take the proper medicine at least an hour before the trip for the medicine to take effect.

Water is important and if one is unsure of the tap water, it is best to order bottled water from the establishment. One should just be sure that the bottle is still enclosed before opening to make sure the bottle is safe for drinking.

After taking all the necessary measures, there is no doubt that the trip will be a memorable experience.

Keeping Your Valuables While Traveling

Traveling, be it just across state or to another country is always a great experience. To help people enjoy it rather than having an untoward incident such as losing one's passport or other items such as luggage, it is best to be prepared to avoid such things from happening.

An essential item for any passenger traveling is the passport. This, aside from cash and the tickets must be nearby at all times preferably in a small handbag or purse for easy accessibility. If it is possible, one should memorize the passport number just in case for some reason it gets lost.

There is a high probability that when one travels, one usually uses the same bag for various trips. It is best to remove all the old destination tags and just have the new destination tag attached to avoid confusion.

Also, for personal protection, one must have a lock and key for the bag and have it labeled both inside and outside the bag to avoid having another traveler from getting the luggage by mistake.

Depending on the length of the trip, one should just bring enough bags that one can carry. If the trip will take a few days or longer, choose a more appropriate bag to bring along. Taking such precautions will make the person feel comfortable and not helpless or immobilized when one is also not certain where the taxi stand or the bus stop is located.

While traveling, one should be careful of the surroundings. One should never let a stranger look after the luggage because it is possible that they will put something in it or even steal it.

During the trip, one should choose a hotel located on a well-traveled street. Usually, the more expensive the hotel, the better the security. The first thing to do when entering a hotel room is to check the windows, sliding doors and connecting rooms if there are any and make sure it is secure.

Most hotels have a small vault in the room and safety deposit box, which is complimentary. When leaving the hotel, it is also advisable to leave the room key in the lobby and just claim it when entering the hotel room.

Do not answer the hotel room door before verifying who it is. If someone claims to be a hotel employee and one does not recall making any request from the help desk, it is best to call the front desk person first to verify.

Most importantly, make sure the hotel room door is locked at all times.

Keeping Lives Safe on the Road

Accidents do happen unexpectedly, but they can be avoided.

However, despite the fact that a lot of people are trying their best to avoid it, still, many are in danger in the road while traveling. They will never know when an accident will take place. In fact, it seems that the number of people who gets into accidents while traveling is continuously growing.

In 2003 alone, statistics show that over 6 million car accidents have been reported in the United States, and in those accidents about 2.9 million were injured and 42, 643 people were killed. That is, indeed, a very alarming figure considering the fact that the campaigns about driving safely and avoiding road accidents are in full force.

So, where does the problem lies? Is it on the driver, the car manufacturer, the government, or is it fate for most people who get into accidents? In reality, nobody can really tell who to blame. The only choice people have is to continue driving safely and avoid accidents.

However, in the event that accidents happen, the only way to solve the mishap is to deal with it. Here’s how:

1. Emergency numbers in one’s mobile phone are extremely important.

People just don’t realize this yet, but the emergency numbers stored in their mobile phones are vital to one’s life, especially when away from home or while traveling.

Surveys show that people who usually survive in accidents are those who were attended to immediately by health experts. This goes to show that immediate actions are important so as to save people who have met accidents.

2. Panic is the number one killer in an accident.

The reason why many people do not survive in an accident is because they tend to panic first. They get so panic-stricken that they can no longer clear their mind and think of ways how to deal with the dilemma. That is why it is extremely important to stay calm when accidents and happen and think of ways how to solve the problem.

3. Prevention is still the number one remedy.

Today, car accidents are currently the top most causes of death, usually within the age bracket of 1 to 37. Hence, the majority of the drivers, who are prone to accidents, are young. Usually the causes of accidents in young people are speeding, reckless driving, not wearing seatbelts, and drunk driving.

And so, it is important to observe traffic rules and regulations so as to prevent road accidents while traveling. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

How to Survive While Traveling

In one way or another, aside from the business purpose that some travelers pursue, traveling is known to be one outlet for the adventurous aspect of a lot of people. Sure, traveling can be one heck of a fun activity. However, one is never sure on what untoward incident that can be encountered while enjoying the sights and scenes during the trip.

To avoid getting caught off guard while traveling, here are a few tips to ensure survival while traveling:

1. Know your water.

Ever heard of the traveler's diarrhea? This condition is caused by contaminated water that a foreigner has drunk. Aside from that diarrhea, a list of diseases abound due to contaminated water. To prevent getting any of those water-borne diseases, make sure you boil your drinking water for at least 10 minutes.

2. Milk will do.

Remember that thing they say regarding milk as the complete food? It still is true. As long as you boil it for at least 10 minutes too, like water, it will serve as one of your best sources of nutrition. Local processed milk products may not be safe for your tummy, better opt for a more popular brand of milk product.

3. Vitamins Schmitamins.

Bringing vitamins will help in warding off many of the diseases that an unguarded (with resistance-building supplements) person may be so prone to. Multivitamins can be more convenient to bring than separate vitamins for various needs.

4. Battling extreme temperatures.

Doing one's homework before going to any foreign country will save one from a lot of trouble. These troubles may include temperature or weather induced inconveniences. An online consultation will inform one what to bring to gear up against any problem that may be caused by the weather or temperature.

If you are to go to one of the warmer spots of the world, your luggage will benefit a lot since you don't have to bring a heavy and thick wardrobes. Now if you are about to visit a place like Antarctica, one tip is to choose well your clothes so as not to stock up much on those that you will not be using that much.

5. Taking care of your skin.

Don't forget your bottle of moisturizer if you're going somewhere cold. A sunscreen will be very indispensable too. A lotion or anything that will ward off insects is one must-have that should never be overlooked either. One best advice that is applicable too even when you're not traveling that much is to avoid getting sun exposure as much as possible.

How to Get Jetlag-free Travel

People who travel a lot experience jetlag. Athletes, who travel to different countries for their tournaments, attribute their poor performance on jetlag. Business people, who go to various places for business meetings and other matters, hold jetlag as responsible for their bad days. This goes to show that jetlag affects not only the physical condition of the body but the entire individual.

Jetlag, basically, refers to the condition of the body being disoriented. More often than not, jetlags are a result of crossing time zones which affects the internal body clock of an individual. Some of the common symptoms of jetlag are inability to sleep at night, loss of drive, malaise, tiredness, inability to concentrate, and headaches.

Generally, the severity of jetlags is dependent on the direction of the travel. Most experts say that the occurrences of jetlags are lesser when people travel westward than eastward. This is because the body rhythm is extended up to 27 hours when a person flies westward. In turn, the body is able to catch up with whatever changes in the environment

Moreover, the so-called “circadian rhythm” is greater than 24 hours when a person travels westward. This is because the time of the day is lengthened, thus, giving more time for the body to adjust.

In reality, there are no quick fixes to “cure” the signs of jetlags. However, there are ways to deal with it so as to start healthier in the new environment.

Here’s how:

1. Staying outside during the day is recommended to cope up with jetlags. This is because the person’s body clock will be able to adjust at a faster rate if it will become accustomed to the new surroundings. Usually, natural light aids in coping up with jetlags.

2. It would be better for a person to adjust their bedtime schedules so as to prevent the severity of jetlags. In this way, their body clock will be able to cope up with the changes in the time setting.

3. It is best if people will start eating, sleeping, and doing their usual activities patterned to the local time setting of the new place and not from the usual time they do it back home.

4. For people who travel because of some important event like the athletes or the entrepreneurs, it is best if they travel way ahead of time to their event schedules. This is to give them more time to adjust and get accustomed of the area.

So, jetlag is not so much of a problem. It is just a matter of adjustment and coping up. After which, you can enjoy the new scenery.

How To Get Cheap Travel Tickets

With planning, foresight and a little bit of hard work, you can go ahead and have that dream vacation the economical way. Here's how:

*Search the internet, call airline agencies and watch the news to keep yourself up to date on discounts. There are a lot of promotional fares offered by airline companies that are new in the industry.

*When you do travel a lot, sign up for frequent flier miles.

*Ask about student fares or senior citizen discounts.

*Keep a flexible travel schedule. Go with the flow. If the promo states that they only give discounts every Tuesdays, then set your departure on Tuesday. Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the days that have fewer reservations, so it in on these days that tickets are sold cheap. Monday is usually the busiest day of the week.

* Do not go ahead and make reservations to the first airline company you see with promotions. Take the time to source out a variety of options. Take the time to find out if the promotion is indeed the cheapest in your area. Ask the clerk about other offers available. When checking through the internet, make sure you check at least five sites before you decide where to buy your tickets.

*You can have the option of purchasing tickets trough consolidators. These are people who buy a whole block of tickets and resell them at certain discounts. This helps the airline fill up still available seats. The travel section of the newspaper is the place to check for ticket consolidators.

*Try flying on off peak hours schedule. Usually if you take the before seven in the morning flight or the after seven in the evening flight, tickets are at their cheapest. This too, will be a wise decision since it is at these times that airlines are not overcrowded, thus getting more space for yourself and your luggage.

*Be sure to inquire if the airline offers travel packages. Some airlines do offer packages such as car rental discount or a hotel room discount that comes with the travel ticket.

* When you are flying off season, be very sure to ask about certain standby fares.

*Have an early booking. Promotions are usually offered when one reserves a ticket three weeks beforehand. Remember that due to over crowding during the holidays, you may not use your frequent flier miles. So book in advance if you plan to travel during the holidays.

*Staying with only one airline on your entire trip may too, give you discounts. Airlines offer special rates to round trip tickets or connecting flights.

Have a safe trip and enjoy!

How to Enjoy the Best Places under the Sun

There are people who are fond of traveling. They like to go to places where they can recharge their souls, unwind, release the tension from work, and simply enjoy what life has to offer.

And there are people who are more of the adventurous type who would rather enjoy the day exploring the forest canopy in Costa Rica or discover the beauty of the wilderness of Siberia.

However, whatever adventure travel most people would like to experience, it is always best to observe safety measures and precautions so as to avoid risk or perils of traveling to unknown lands.

Here’s a list of tips for adventure travelers, whether they want adventures that are more inclined to wilderness or just the typical family adventure most people would love to experience:

1. It is best that people should know what the type of travel adventure they are getting into.

Adventure travel may provide the kind of adrenalin rush most adventurers long to experience every time they get out of their territory. It is the feeling of newness and uncertainty on what will happen that gives them the satisfaction and gratification that they need.

However, it is still important for them to know what they are doing. After all, traveling always involve risky activities especially to those who are set to gain adventure experience.

2. Have a fixed set on the adventure travel destination.

Because of the vastness of locations and adventure locations available today, people might get confused on what areas are best for their adventure travel.

One good tip is to choose a location that can baffle those adventurous minds and mystify the eyes with great mystery.

As much as new and exotic places can be adventurous, it is still best to stick to the classical and typical locations. It would be really risky to try areas which no one has ever dared to go to.

3. Consider the budget.

Adventure traveling can be pretty expensive especially when it entails going to places that entails great adventure packages.

So, it would be better for adventure travelers to shop around first and compare prices before deciding on what kind of adventure travel to take.

Indeed, adventure travel can be one of the most exciting and gratifying travel one can experience. However, with the exotic places, wilderness, and virgin forests that one might consider, it is a must that every travel must know the proper way how to protect themselves and what to do first before trying the place out.

After all, it should be safety that should always be on top priority.

Guide to Business Travel

Guide to Business Travel

Planning your business trip wisely will free you from lots of trouble. Inadequate airline seats, long lines, heavy traffic, and unavailable hotel rooms are just some of the problems a business traveler might encounter. Despite the emergence of e-commerce, businessmen still travel more often for sales and business shows. Here are some tips to make your business travel a successful one:

1. Plan your business trip long before you leave the office.

2. Always prepare a travel bag with complete necessities to be used on any emergency trips.

3. Bring some ready to eat foods, it will save you a substantial amount of money, considering the high cost of foods in hotels.

4. Be sure to have a buffer time between your flight and your scheduled meeting.

5. Choose aircraft that has better seats with ample leg room.

6. Put all your valuable materials in a small carry-on bag.

7. When calling your main office, use the 800 numbers as much as possible because it's much cheaper.

8. If you're a businesswoman, it is important to dress well. Additionally, you must bring casual clothes for your free time.

Not all hotels have inexpensive telecommunication systems from their rooms, so always choose your hotel's business floor, for these rooms are made especially for business traveler. These rooms should have dual telephone/modem lines, fax machine, and free communications between rooms. In order to save money on calls, use your calling card and place calls through your country's long-distance carrier or find a pay phone in the hotel's lobby. If available, use a nearby business center for your fax needs since fax service within your room will probably cost more.

These days, a business traveler has to bring a lot of electronic equipment such as; cell phones, electronic organizers, laptop computers, etc. Here are some suggestions on how to keep your expensive business items safe:

1. Put your laptop inside a bag that will not indicate that there's a laptop inside. The same works well for other equipment such as camera, electronic organizer, etc.

2. Don't expose your laptop to x-ray scanners at the airport security check, rather have it checked manually. X-rays could damage your electronic equipment.

3. Don't place your laptop on the aircraft's overhead bins; instead place it near your seat or under the seat in front of you.

4. Always bring extra batteries for your equipment.

Today's business travelers are enjoying much comfort compared to their counterparts a few decades ago. Low airfare, plenty of airlines to choose from, communication equipment (especially cell phones and laptops) make modern day business travelers more efficient. Even on a business trip, parents can always be with their family members and co-workers can still get in touch with their office work, at least virtually.

Getting To Know the Work of a Travel Agent

Getting To Know the Work of a Travel Agent

For people who are fond of traveling to different places, visiting marvelous beaches, and taking a trip to the most exotic island paradise, the job of a travel agent seems to be a far better job than anything else.

However, some people contend that the viability of a travel agent being a lucrative work has lessened due to the emergence of the Internet.

Nowadays, people can easily plan their vacation trips, acquire their tickets, and make their own plans and reservation through the Internet.

That is why some financial analysts have concluded that as the need for travel agents fall off, their wages deteriorates as well, considering the fact that it is already low. The median yearly salary of travel agents amount to $26,630, that was in 2002.

The top 10% of the travel agents in the US were reported to have a salary of $41,660 or more. While the remaining half of the travel agents is currently earning between $20,800 and $33,580. All of these were bases on the U.S. Department Labor reports.

The bottom line is that travel agents are really not earning much. The only benefits they get are the discounts and special privileges on travel. Funny thing is, with their present salaries, travel agents may not even use these benefits because they cannot even afford to travel.

However, there are still those who want to become a travel agent in spite of everything. So, for those who really insist on becoming a travel agent, here’s how to do it.

1. A second language is a must for those who want to become a travel agent. Travel agents deal with different nationalities and a second language may just be handy in the future.

2. It is a must for every would-be travel agent to undergo 6-12 week training on how to become a travel agent. This includes all the basics of the job.

3. Computer literacy is also important because all of the transaction, invoices, and reports are done through computer utilization.

4. Knowledge on up-to-date information about the trends in the business. Also, it is a must for every travel agent to know the best places to go.

5. It would be better for those who want to become a travel agent to have their certification as a Certified Travel Counselor. This is an added value to their work.

Becoming a travel agent is entirely dependent on the person’s interest. So, whether the salary is low or high, as long as the person is happy with the job, then, there wouldn’t be any qualms for it.

Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Deals

Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Deals

The lowest and the cheapest travel deals are not always the best deal. Today, travelers could be overwhelmed by the numerous travel deals being offered. Therefore you should weigh all options before choosing the right one in order to get the most out of it.

The greatest secret to getting an affordable airfare or best travel discounts is to know your budget and what do you really want. Additionally, you should shop and compare deals until you run out of options and choose the best among them.

And importantly, always plan ahead. Nothing is too early when it comes to vacation planning. This will give you ample time to search and choose.

Whether you're a business traveler or planning a family vacation, here are some travel tips to save you money and choose the best deal:

1. Buy your ticket directly. Travel agents usually charge between $15 and $35 per ticket.

2. Buy your ticket all at the same time instead of buying one at a time. Booking fee may be discounted.

3. Booking for a package tour could be a wise choice for some destinations.

4. When planning a more complex trip, a travel agent can save you more time and money.

5. Compare prices online for the best deal. There are websites that help travelers to shop and compare. Some also provide travel tips and guidelines.

6. Play the seasons. Some travel destinations are cheapest at certain times or season of the year. Booking for an off-peak season also would give you the best deal.

7. Be flexible with travel dates and times. Some airlines and hotels offer substantial discounts if you book one or two days earlier.

8. Smaller airlines often have lesser fees. Additionally, small airlines don't necessarily mean smaller airplanes.

9. Alternative airport also could provide you with substantial discounts. Ask your travel agent about it.

10. Plan ahead. The earlier you book, the better deal you will have.

11. Buy trip insurance. Insurance will not only save your life but also could save you money. If you end up being sick in foreign country, your insurance back home might not cover it. Thus you might end up using your vacation budget on hospitalization.

12. Sign up for hotel and airline awards programs. Chain hotels usually have award programs; take advantage of it especially if you are a frequent business traveler.

Finally, never stop bargaining, always explore the possibility of lower airfare, lower hotel rates. However, it is important to weigh and compare all options since not all cheap travel deals will give you the travel value you deserved. Travel will be more enjoyable if you get the most of your hard earn vacation budget.

Seven Important Tips In Traveling Europe

Seven Important Tips In Traveling Europe

Traveling Europe is definitely an exciting experience. To ensure a smooth and enjoyably safe tour, here are some tips for your Europe vacation.

1) Documents.

* All of the people in Europe, including tourists, are obliged to own documentation for personal identification.

* Since the increasing number of terrorists that try to enter Europe, the checkpoints on all borders have been strictly controlled. All tourists, depending on which country in Europe they intend to visit, should always have their passport and visa wherever they go.

* When you are unable to surrender your valid visa or passport when authorities ask for it, you would be deported or even jailed.

For EU Citizens you need passport or identity card but you will not need visa
For Non-EU citizens you need both passport and visa

2) Languages. There are 320 mixed spoken languages used in Europe today.

* Out of the 320, the most used and important are the Baltic, Celtic, Romance, Germanic and Slavonic languages.

* Majority of the people in European countries speak multiple languages besides their mother tongue. English is used daily for politics and business.

* Learn to speak the native tongue for important questions and courtesy you would need in your tour.

3) Electricity.

* Majority of the European countries make use of 230 volts that operate in 50 Hertz.

* Prevent plugging a device intended for 60 Hertz into a 50 Hertz outlet.

4) Cars and driving.

* To be able to drive a car in all the countries in Europe, you should be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

* It is illegal for a driver not to wear a seatbelt. This is also applicable to everyone inside the car.

* Majority of the countries in mainland Europe have right-hand traffic. Left-hand traffic is used only in Ireland, Cyprus, Malt and the islands of England.

* The insurance of all cars is obligatory. If your car has been pulled over, the insurance certificate is always asked for.

5) Planning your necessities is important. This includes transportation, food, and hotel accommodations.

* Food in Europe may come expensive. But if you plan ahead and check your travel guide, you could always search for a reasonably priced meal around your area. There are hundreds of local markets and groceries for your food supply.

* If you are planning to take the train, call the station for a reservation.

* Always arrive at least 30 minutes before the train schedule to ensure that you will not miss the train if ever you get lost on the way to the European station.

Traveling in a foreign European country should not be a hassle. Plan ahead. Know the native tongue and have the best time of your life.





6. Money

There are 16 countries use the euro ( Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain ) but Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom do not currently use the euro

withdrawing euro from a cash machine, making a card payment or a bank transfer in euro (up to €50 000) now costs you the same anywhere in the EU as it would cost you in your own country.

The maximum amount of cash without declaring it is up to €10 000

7. Time to travel

Just compare the average temperatures across Europe and check on the main public holidays

Create Your Own Travel Discounts

Create Your Own Travel Discounts

Hotel and rental car owners don’t just offer you discounts at random, you have to ask for it work for it, and sometimes, these discounts aren’t even worth it, well unless you’re looking to traveling during off peak season where there is at most a 50% discount. But let’s face it, we travel during peak season because this is the season when we actually have time to travel.

So aside from waiting for your favorite hotel’s tirade of discounts during off peak season, when you can’t really travel and then end up not traveling at all, why not take the initiative and find your own ways to cheap travel, make your own discount.

- Check detour flights other than the straight one you’re bound to get when you inquire. You can get cheaper overall prices if you choose to book two flights instead of one. Some people have been able to save as much as $2000 by doing this.

- It is always better to buy food at the grocery and cook it yourself rather than eating everyday at a restaurant. You won’t want to spend all of your pocket money on food. Restaurants tend to have cheap and sometimes unhealthy food, ensure your own health as well as your pockets health by cooking your own, that is, after all, the reason why there’s a stove in your hotel room.

- Travel to places which boast of natural beauty but have lower costs of living, prices here tend to be lower. Take the Philippines or Malaysia for example, both have great views and tourist spots but come without the hassle of overpricing, English speaking natives are also a plus for these countries.

- If you’re planning to stay for more than a week, call the hotel that you’d want to stay in and ask for week long stay discounts, these can range for percentages off your room price or even a “free day.”

- Package deals usually save a lot, airfare and lodgings combined into one are usually cheaper compared to paying for them separately. Some travel agencies even provide trio packages which include airfare, hotel and car rental, you can save a lot if you have the industriousness to canvass.

- Find web-only discounts or coupons which some hotels and airline owners provide especially for those willing to reserve online. You can save as much as 50% on your travel costs by going this way.

Choosing Your Best Travel Destination

Choosing Your Best Travel Destination

If you are planning to take a vacation, be sure to know what you really like to do, this will make your trip more meaningful. Mostly, travelers go for a trip that their friends recommend, but is it what they really want? It's never too early to plan and know what your heart desires.

It's nice to ask yourself these questions before starting to plan your vacation; do I want to relax? Do I want adventure or a learning experience? Do I want to get away from my job? Once you know the answers to these questions, then you are ready to plan your trip.

Vacations are needed for our emotional, physical and mental balance. Vacations give a person a chance to relax, renew his energy, and free him from his daily routine. Vacations could be far away or close to home. Wherever the vacation may be, it does the same thing. It is the satisfaction that is more important than the destination.

Generally, there are some different types of travel according to activities involved. Here are some of them:

1. Responsible Travel. Traveling doesn't always have to be self-serving. With responsible travel, one could have enjoyment as much as respecting the local environment and the people.

2. Rediscovering nature. Rediscovering travel is all about nature and everything in it. It revitalizes the soul while smelling and feeling nature.

3. Tribal cultures. In today's world of high technology, it is wise to experience the simpler life of the tribal people who live close to nature in the same way for the past thousands of years.

4. Responsible Diving. Diving not only let travelers appreciate what is down the sea but also making the traveler more aware of the conservation effort.

The country one is planning to travel to also leaves a great mark on the traveler's diary. Here are some of the most popular destinations today:

1. Thailand. Thailand is also known as Siam. It is an Asian country bounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Behind the back draft of Thailand's jungles of bamboo, rubber trees and vines are the Five-star hotels of modern conveniences. In some parts of the country, elephants are still being use to lift timbers and buffalos are still being use in farming.

2. China. China is now the second largest country and fastest growing economy in the world. Most parts of China are still unexplored by tourist; however, the eastern portion is now popular to western tourist. First class hotels now offer highest class of amenities and dozens are still being built/

3. Italy. Italy is a boot-like shape country bounded by Switzerland, Austria, France, and Slovenia. The main attraction of Italy is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides.

4. Caribbean. Caribbean is an archipelago of islands, 2000 square miles across. Most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. It has nice beaches of crushed coral and white or pink sand and the water at the shore is a deep blue.

The success of any vacation will not depend by how much the traveler spent or its destination. It is how the traveler enjoyed it and how he was able to achieve his primary goal of "getting away from it all."

Choosing the Best Travel Accommodation

Choosing the Best Travel Accommodation

There are many things to consider when choosing your travel accommodations. The decision could make your trip fun or a disappointment. Choosing the right hotel is a must. Most travelers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.

To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize business people will consider weekends as off season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.

Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:

1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly-trained care-givers.

2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, daycare service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets.

3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors.

4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor.

5. If you're the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.

6. Depending on whether you're on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.

7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.

8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.

9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.

10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.

11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly colored or classical? It sets the mood of your travel.

In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don't just depend on the hotel's webpage which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel which you don't like could ruin your trip.

Checking Accessories That You Need In Traveling

So, finally you have found the time for your deserving break. You have already planned what to do on the big trip. Everything seems to be prepared. But what happens when you forget your favorite digicam and you only discovered it when you’re already nearing the point of your destination?

Why does it happen that every time you go out of town, you always forget an item or accessory that you only remember after you left the house? If you are lucky, you usually forget small things like a toothbrush, where you can buy one in the nearest store.

But what happens if you forget, for example, your digicam? Or how about your raincoat in a rainy season? How about the travel supplies you usually forget? If you’re lucky, it’s a simple accessory like a toothbrush, which any hotel will have in their gift shop. But what if you forgot a more important product, for example, a rain coat? Or a backpack you’ll be using for a hiking trip?

What are all the travel accessories you need?

When going on trips, whether it is big or small, check out if you have a complete set of your travel accessories. What accessories should I bring? Among the most obvious are:

- Suitcases

- Travel clothing

- Toiletries

-Travel appliances (electric razor, travel alarm, hairdryer)

These, however, are just the basic accessories. You will see that the more you travel, the more you need things other than suitcases, toiletries, and travel clothing and appliances. For example, did you think that you should have brought a small nice neck pillow in a long train ride or flight? Or, what if you get bruised from a hiking trip, do you have a first-aid kit close at hand?

Here are some accessories that you might want to bring when you take your next trip:

- Binoculars

- Music player

- Mini-flashlight

- Camera

- Clothing steamer

- Mini-umbrella

- Luggage rack

- Door alarm

- First-aid kit
It would not be surprising that you might have additional options to this list, or you might have a list entirely different from the list above. And when you check out stores and Internet sites that sell travel accessories, you would learn that there are many products out there that you thought

Cheap Reservations without the Hassle

- Plan your vacations on off seasons, Hotel rates, even airline and car rental rates are lower during this time due to lower demand. You can get as much as a 50% discount if you book a room during off season, so try and call the hotel if they have off season discounts and ask them when the discounts will be effective.

- Some hotels give discounts to certain people like students, military contingents, Senior citizens, honeymooners etc. Ask for these discounts and what their details, you can save a lot with these.

- Ask if your kids can stay for free, if you’re with your family, sometimes hotels can allow up to two kids for a two bed room provided that the kids are within the age limit.

- If you’re not very particular with hotel locations, you can access name-your-price websites for car rentals and hotel reservations. They’ll do the haggling for you and you’re sure not to over-budget.

- Some hotels and even car rental companies, give “free days” if you use their services for more than a week. Ask about these certain perks if you’re planning a long stay.

- Make sure that the room fees are the only ones you’re paying for. Some hotels have surcharges and extra fees that aren’t mentioned in room rates and then suddenly pop-up on check-out. Before you reserve, ask about these, and if upon check-out you suddenly find yourself with fees that you didn’t know about, refuse to pay it.

- You can also exchange frequent Flier miles for hotel lodgings so if you have an expiring miles card, or a miles card that you’d just want to get rid of, ask the hotel if they honor these exchanges.

- Sometimes, hotels provide free airport pick-up you can use this as bargaining tool. Ask for a free pickup when haggling so you’ll get something extra even if you pay the full price.

- If you’re planning to travel during peak season, always call in advance, rates tend to get higher as the season approaches.

- Sometimes, weekend rates are lower than regular fees, or vice versa, ask your agent, or ask the hotel yourself if they have these, then you can schedule your trip during these times and be able to avail of the discount.

- Always ask for a confirmation number when you reserve a room, so that they can’t say that they didn’t receive your reservation.

Asian Travel Tips

Asian Travel Tips

Asia occupies a quarter of the earth’s land mass, it spans a lot of time zones. Having a single travel guide for all of Asia is virtually impossible. Asia like any other continent, has its certain hot spots, here are basic travel tips for a few of the most happening countries in Asia.

Vietnam

The country’s recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine Nationals need a tourist Visa before entering the Country. Health wise, Malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, it would be best to bring with you anti-mosquito lotions to prevent being bit.

Indonesia

Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, Radio cassette Players are banned in the Island of Bali, which is a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it, are also prohibited in Bali.

Thailand

Thai people are very religious and very loyal to the monarchy. You would often see pictures of the king around the cities, never make fun of him. The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anybody in the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.

Malaysia

It’s best to bring light and cool clothing in Malaysia. You would usually find food stands in the cities selling the local delicacies, “teh tarik” a creamed tea, and “roti canai” a type of pancake, are a must try when you do encounter them. Malaysia has many religions, you would usually see, a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples may be present in each city.

Philippines

The Philippine has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and Historical Landmarks in Manila, the country’s capital. Boracay Island is the boast of the country which has white sand beaches. You’ll find a “tiangge”, which is a sort of bazaar with stalls that sell almost anything, in most parts of the country, even inside malls. Tiagges are a good place to find souvenirs as well as cheap goods.

General Tips

Planning Your Trip to Montréal & Québec City

Montréal and Québec City have a stronger foreign flavor than other cities in Canada, and the first language of most residents is French.

1.Visitor Information

e-mail info@bonjourquebec.com; call & 877/ 266-5687 or 514/873-2015; or visit www. bonjourquebec.com. The Québec provincial government maintains offices in the United States and abroad, which provide specific tourism information about the region. To contact the main Québec office in the U.K., write Québec Government Office in London, 59 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JH, England; call & (44) 207/766-5900; or visit www.quebec.org.uk. Tourist offices for the public in Montréal and Québec City are listed in the “Visitor Information” sections in chapters 4 and 12. For more informal perceptions of the cities, the websites www.realtravel.com, www.travelblog.com, and www.travel blog.org feature a wide variety of realpeople- real-advice travel blogs.

2.Entry Requirement

PASSPORTS & PASS CARD Since January 2007, all air travelers traveling between the U.S. and Canada have been required to present a valid passport. The U.S. and Canada are developing a limited-use Passport Card, also called PASS Card, for land or sea travel between the two countries. For information on how to get a passport, go to “Passports” in the “Fast Facts: Montréal & Québec City” section at the end of this chapter—the websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing passport applications.