Using Visa Credit Card

http://www.visa.ca/en/personal/travelling/

Before You Go:

• Check your cards. Know the expiry dates, account balance and amount of credit available to you. By doing this, you won't be caught short with a card that expires while you're away, or not have enough credit to cover your trip expenses.
• Know your financial institution's restrictions on daily withdrawal limits. All financial institutions have them, but they shouldn't be a problem if you use ATMs for pocket money and charge major expenses, such as hotels, to your Visa card.
• Make a copy of everything in your wallet. Keep a record of credit card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards in a safe place.
• Purchase your tickets using your Visa card. If tickets are lost, or your trip is cancelled, you'll have the receipt as proof of purchase.
• Get in touch with your financial institution. Tell them where and when you'll be travelling - this can help ensure that your card isn't flagged for unusual activity.

During Your Trip:

• An easy way to get local currency. With your Visa card you can access the Visa/PLUS ATM network. When landing in a foreign country, check the arrival and baggage claim areas at the airport for Visa/PLUS ATM signs for quick, easy access to local currency.
• Use the security box or safe provided by the hotel. When sightseeing or going to the pool or beach, don't carry all your valuables with you. Never leave cards unattended in the hotel room, at the pool, or in a vehicle - locked or unlocked.
• Contact Visa immediately if your card is lost or stolen.
• Remember, Visa is only a phone call away. Simply call the toll-free telephone number Visa provides in each country and you'll be linked to Visa Customer Care Services, 24/7.
• If your card carries the emergency replacement feature, Visa will help replace a lost card while you travel, normally within one working day.
• Keep sales slips as proof of purchase for customs or in case of a dispute, and for reconciling your account when you get home.
• Shop with your Visa card. Visa cardholders receive a foreign exchange rate that is typically better than that used to convert cash by a local currency dealer.

When you get home:

• Keep your receipts and read your monthly statements carefully.
• Contact your credit card issuer right away if you see a charge you don't recognize or if you notice any inconsistencies.

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General Tips For Using Credit Card

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/CreditCardTips2.shtml

Keep details of your credit card, the number, security number, date of expiration etc. somewhere safe and separate from your wallet, and keep a copy of this information when you travel. Also make a note of the emergency telephone numbers that credit card companies offer in case your card is lost or stolen, check if they have a local office in the destination you are travelling to. If your card is lost or stolen call the company immediately to report it.

When using the credit card online, always ensure that the website is reputable, and that the website uses some form of SSL security which is normally visible by a little padlock appearing in the bottom right of Internet Explorer, the page may also start with https:// instead of the regular http://

Safe guard receipts and destroy carbon copies. This may seem over the top but we actually recommend keeping the receipts in a safe place so you can accurately compare them with the statements you receive and shred the rest. Shredders now are affordable and help to ensure that any confidential information is quite literally shredded. People committing credit card fraud and identity theft often rummage through dustbins and letter boxes.

Don't give out any details about anything to anyone who has called you. If you know the company, ring them back on the general number to make sure that the person calling truly does work for that company.Always check the amount twice when signing, anyone can make a mistake be it intentionally or by accident.

Always check your billing statement promptly to check there are no suspicious charges. If there is, report it immediately to the credit card company. Only allow people to use a machine you recognise on your card, skimmers are available that allow people to copy all your card details in seconds. If in doubt use cash, and happy travelling!

These stories of using your credit cards and ATM cards are not meant to scare you from using them we just hope they encourage you to use them more carefully.

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Pisa

Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Pisa

Pisa is best known for the world famous Leaning Tower, but those who come here with their mind already made up that the Tower is the only thing to see may miss the rest of the architectural and artistic marvels of this beautiful city. The long walk from the Campo dei Miracoli to the train station is run through a pedestrian mall with many interesting sights, shops, and restaurants. Pisa is a safe city, you do not need to worry about your property or person. However you should take the obvious precautions (like, if you stay in a very cheap hotel, take your valuables with you) and watch out for pickpockets in the touristy areas.

Pisa has regular trains to and from Florence (usually three per hour), toand from Lucca (usually every hour) and is also accessible by bus, and has an international airport. Pisa Airport "Galileo Galilei" is the main airport of Tuscany and is served by several airlines operating hundreds of weekly flights to national and international destinations. Numerous companies offer charter flights to and from a number of European and non-European destinations. Flying to Pisa is really cheap and easy: the most important low-cost companies reach Pisa. The airport is close to the city centre - it takes only a few minutes to reach the centre by bus, train or taxi. It is even possible to walk to the centre, this takes around 30 minutes.

You can purchase bus and train tickets from the information office in the arrivals hall. The trains are the fastest way to get to the city. The tickets cost €1,10 and the ride takes only about five minutes. However, the trains are not very frequent. There are only two per hour. The bus has a regular service every 15 minutes and it takes about 15 minutes to get to the city. The bus runs to Piazza dei Miracoli and the central station. Tickets are best bought at the information desk, since the ticket machine at the bus terminal is often out of service. Tickets cost €0.95, but if you buy them from the driver on the bus, you pay double. The bus terminal is directly in front of the airport, on the right side when coming out of the terminal building. Once in the city, its main sights are easy to locate and are all within walking distance.

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Airfare Ticket

Source : http://cheap-airfare-flight-ticket.blogspot.com/

Tips on saving big on airfare:

1. Book online instead of offline; you'll save money from the paper processing fee.
2. Be ready and open to have different departure and return dates. Mark "anytime" in the search window.
3. Buy flight tickets during the off-season periods; flight tickets are usually cheaper.
4. Buy flight tickets in advance; you can save a lot.
5. Buy from an air courier service; these are companies that will buy your luggage space in exchange for lower-priced tickets.
6. If you fly a lot, join a frequent flyer program; such a program offers long-term discounts
7. Buy a round-trp ticket; it is cheaper than a one-way ticket.
8. Fly midweek: Flights that leave during midweek are generally cheaper because of the decreased demand; do not fly on Fridays or Sundays.
9. Fly early mornings or late evenings; these are less busy and often can be less expensive.
10. Use a wholesaler: a wholesaler buys airfare tickets at extremely low rates and pass on the ticket price difference onto the consumer.

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Travel Tips for People With Diabetes

Source : http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/travelkit.asp

Planning ahead
Diabetes shouldn't stop you from doing the things you want to do. If you want to travel, and you have diabetes, you must plan ahead carefully. There are many disaster stories such as lost luggage or encountering a hurricane. Although you can't avoid the odd surprise, preparing before you leave can help avoid undue stress.

Consider telling your travel agent that you have diabetes and explaining some of the particular requirements that travelling with diabetes entails. That way, a suitable itinerary can be planned to meet your needs. A missed connection or illness can ruin the best-laid holiday plans.

Visit your doctor or diabetes educator
It is a good idea to visit your doctor for a check-up several weeks before you leave for a holiday. Discuss your itinerary with your healthcare team and work out plans for your meals and medication, especially if you are travelling through different time zones. Be sure to get any required vaccinations at least four weeks before you travel, so you have time to deal with any possible side effects.

Ask for a list of your medications (including the generic names and their dosages) from your pharmacist - particularly oral medications for diabetes and insulin. If you take insulin, record the types of insulin and whether the insulin is rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate or long-acting. Be sure to carry a copy with you at all times.

Some countries require you to have written documents from your doctor stating that you are allowed to carry medicines or supplies. Syringes and needles in particular can present a problem when entering some countries.

Illness management tips
Ask your doctor or diabetes educator what to do if you get sick on your holiday. Generally, if you experience motion sickness while travelling, take carbohydrate in the form of fluids (e.g. juice or soft drinks). If you are not sure how to convert carbohydrate to fluids, ask your diabetes educator.

Here are some basic illness management tips:

• Test your blood glucose levels every two to four hours around the clock.
• If you have type 1 diabetes, test your urine for ketones every four hours around the clock. If your blood glucose is high and you have ketones in your urine, you will need to take more short-acting insulin.
• Never stop taking your insulin or oral medications when you are ill, even if you are unable to eat. If your blood glucose levels are low you may need to reduce the dose.
• Drink lots of fluids, as illness can cause dehydration.
• If you are able to eat follow your regular meal plan and drink one cup of sugar-free fluid per hour (e.g. water or diet pop).
• If you are unable to eat drink sugar-containing fluids (e.g. regular pop or tea with sugar). Try to take one carbohydrate choice (15 g of carbohydrate) per hour. See the Canadian Diabetes Association's Beyond the Basics: Meal Planning for Healthy Eating, Diabetes Prevention and Management food lists for more suggestions. In addition, drink sugar-free fluids. Try to drink one cup of fluid per hour.
• Rest.
• Seek medical attention if you vomit more than twice.
• If you use insulin to manage your diabetes, you should also ask your doctor or diabetes educator about Glucagon. Glucagon is given by injection, and is used to treat severe low blood glucose, a condition that can cause seizures or a loss of consciousness. If you are travelling to a remote spot that does not have ambulance service, it is important that your travel companion learn how to give Glucagon. See your doctor or diabetes educator if you are unfamiliar with its use.

Identification
Take identification with you that explains your condition in case you are unable to give instructions yourself. Consider getting a MedicAlert™ bracelet or necklace that indicates you have diabetes. 

Travel Insurance
Some insurance plans do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, which includes diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association partners with Ingle Insurance to offer travel insurance.

Packing
Divide your medications and diabetes supplies, and pack them in more than one place, in case you lose one of your bags. Most importantly, make sure that you have a portion of medications and supplies in your carry-on luggage. Take extra supplies and medication in case of loss, theft or accidental destruction. Also consider other supplies you may need, including treatment for hypoglycemia, food, drinking water, walking shoes, sunblock and medication for nausea and diarrhea.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Tips for different types of travel

• By Air. Most airlines are more than happy to help with passengers with special needs . Be sure to allow yourself extra time to check in before your flight, should your items be thoroughly searched by airport screening officers. Airlines usually offer special meals for people with diabetes, but most often the regular airline meals can fit into your meal plan with some planning. Always have appropriate snacks with you in case your flight or in-flight meal is delayed, or the meal provided does not have enough carbohydrate. Be aware of time zone changes, and schedule your meals and medication accordingly. If you choose to sleep while on travelling by air, use a travel alarm clock or ask the flight attendant to wake you at meal or medication time. If you take insulin, be sure to carry it with you at all times. Manufacturers indicate that, ideally, insulin should not be exposed to x-rays during travel and that it be inspected manually whenever possible. However, the security scanners used at check-in will not normally damage your insulin or blood glucose meter. If baggage remains in the path of the x-ray for longer than normal, or if the baggage is repeatedly x-rayed, the insulin may lose potency. Insulin is affected by extreme temperatures and should never be stored in the unpressurized baggage area of the aircraft. As always, it is important to inspect your insulin before injecting each dose. If you notice anything unusual about the appearance of your insulin, or notice that your insulin needs are changing, contact your doctor. Notify the screening officer in advance if you use an insulin pump. The walk-through metal detector and the hand-held metal detector may affect the functioning of an insulin pump, so you can ask the screening officer to perform a physical search in a private location. Try to do some form activity during your journey: walk around in the terminal before boarding, consider doing simple stretching exercises in your seat, or move your ankles in circles and raise your legs occasionally. If you are planning to travel by air, review the latest Transport  and  Air Transport Security information about packing your supplies and what is permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. It's important to have any prescription medicine with you and know how to use it, when to use it and any common side effects you might have. This will better prepare you to let air attendants know what to do.

• By Car. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, checking your blood glucose regularly is very important. Check it before you leave home and then again every four hours during your journey. Stop every few hours to stretch your legs and do some physical activity. This will help improve blood circulation. At the first sign of low blood glucose or hypoglycemia, pull over to the side of the road and take a form of fast-acting sugar, such as three glucose tablets or 175 mL of fruit juice. Follow this with a longer-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich. Do not start driving again until the symptoms have disappeared and glucose values are above 6 mmol/L. If you take insulin, avoid driving in the time between your injection and your next meal. Limit your driving to a maximum of 12 hours per day, or six hours between any two meals. Keep your medication, meal, and snack times as regular as possible. You may not always be able to get to a restaurant on time, so bring supplies with you to treat low blood glucose (e.g. three glucose tablets, four to six Lifesavers™ or 125 mL of fruit juice or regular pop) in case of traffic jams, car trouble, or wrong directions.
• By Sea. Cruise holidays are known for all-you-can-eat buffets. With a wide array of mouth-watering foods available, it's easy to overindulge. Talk to your diabetes educator before you leave about how to fit some of these foods into your meal plan. When possible, obtain a sample menu from the cruise line, so you'll have an idea of the types of foods served; then you can plan your meals accordingly. Keep active to compensate for any extra food you eat. Cruise ships offer some great activities; try an aerobics class, go for a swim, or stroll the deck at sunset. It's a good idea to make the cruise staff aware of your diabetes in case any problems arise. Have all of your medications well documented.
• On Foot. A vacation in the great outdoors can make for an excellent retreat from the pressures of everyday life, but there are a few things to consider before you go. Most importantly, there is safety in numbers - avoid going camping or hiking alone. Tell someone where you will be and when you expect to return, so you can be found in case of an emergency. Bring along a first aid kit and if you use insulin, a Glucagon* Emergency Kit. Teach your travel companion when and how to use Glucagon. For more information about the Glucagon Emergency Kit, talk to your diabetes educator.

The key to enjoying a camping trip is to avoid things that severely alter blood glucose levels, such as significantly more intense physical activity than usual. Also try to avoid getting cuts, bruises, sunburns, blisters, or insect bites.

Be sure that your food and water are not contaminated. Of course, make sure you eat and drink enough to meet your needs - bring extra food, water, medication and sugar. If you are extremely active you may need to decrease your diabetes medication, so be sure to discuss this with your diabetes educator or physician.

*Glucagon is administered when a person has severe hypoglycemia

Insulin Storage and Use
Insulin must be stored properly, as it will spoil if left in temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Insulin retains its potency at room temperature for thirty days.

If you are travelling in hot temperatures, store your insulin in an insulated bag or cooled thermos. In extremely hot conditions, you can freeze water in plastic bottles and keep these in your insulated bag along with your insulin and food supplies. When melted, the water can then serve as drinking water.

If you are skiing, camping or working in a cold climate, keep your insulin close to your body or an insulated bag to keep it from freezing.

If your trip is short, you may want to keep your needles and sharps and dispose of them on your return home. For longer trips, you can purchase small containers that store or disintegrate needles and syringes.

If you use insulin pens, take a spare one with you. Also, pack some syringes as they can be used in an emergency to withdraw insulin from an insulin cartridge. Remember not to insert air into the cartridge when doing so.

Keeping Blood Glucose Levels Under Control
While on vacation, test your blood glucose regularly. Regular testing is the only way you'll know whether your blood glucose levels are in their target range. It is also a good idea to bring the instruction manual for your meter as well as extra batteries and test strips with you.

Carry alcohol swabs or moist towelettes to wipe your fingers prior to testing when necessary. Keep a daily record of injections, medications and test results. If you have trouble with your blood glucose levels, follow the adjustment guidelines as discussed with your doctor or diabetes educator and/or contact your doctor or diabetes educator or contact a hospital in the area for advice. Be sure to have your documented list of medications handy to help the doctor provide appropriate care.

If you have opted for travel medical insurance, take your documents to the hospital with you. Insulins have different names and are supplied in different strengths in some countries. Make sure that the insulin and syringe concentrations are the same as those you use at home. Consider using your own supplies of medications and syringes in third world countries. Avoid using local syringes if not sterile.

Time Zone Changes for insulin users
Long journeys often cross several time zones, so a regular 24-hour day can be extended or shortened, depending on the direction of travel. Either way, you'll have to adjust your insulin schedule accordingly. Blood glucose control can be upset by a change in time, altered activity, or disturbance of body rhythm and sleep patterns.

While travelling, keeping your blood glucose close to target levels can be a challenge. Here are some guidelines:

• When travelling east, your travel day will be shorter. If you lose more than two hours, you may need to take fewer units of intermediate or long-acting insulin.
• When travelling west, your travel day will be longer. If you gain more than two hours, you may need to take extra units of short-acting insulin and more food.
• You can change the time of your injections and meals by up to two hours in a day without adjusting your insulin dose or your meal plan.
• Follow your usual meal plan as closely as possible.
• If you are crossing more than two time zones, you will need to prepare a meal and insulin schedule with your doctor or diabetes educator.
• Time Zone Changes for people taking oral diabetes medications
• If the time difference is less than three hours, you can move the time you take your oral agents by one to one-and-a-half hours. If the time difference is more than three hours, ask your doctor or diabetes educator for advice.

Eating Well, Away from Home
It is probably more difficult to follow your meal plan on the road than it is when you're at home, but it can be done with a little extra planning. Fortunately, a typical diabetes meal plan consists of foods that are generally available in most restaurants.

People with diabetes can fit virtually anything into their meal plan, in moderation. Managing your food intake away from home involves estimating appropriate amounts of these foods. It is a good idea to visit a registered dietitian to learn how to estimate serving sizes. It's also important to eat a balanced diet while you're away from home. Try to keep your calorie intake close to your typical level unless you are more active than usual. With the help of a dietitian, you can vary the types of food you eat. For example, you can try different sources of carbohydrate. Monitoring these changes can help you keep your meal plan on track and may help ward off potential problems.

Always have some snacks with you in case your blood glucose level drops or you're unable to eat your next scheduled meal on time. Cheese and crackers, fresh or dried fruit, granola bars and sandwiches are all healthy choices that are easy to bring along in a carry-on bag, picnic basket or cooler. Also bring some quick-acting sugar with you, such as glucose tablets or juice. Learn more about eating well away from home.

Alcohol
Like everyone else, people with diabetes can enjoy alcohol - again, the key is moderation. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind if your choose to drink:

• Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Blood glucose levels are at their lowest levels overnight and drinking without eating may cause you to experience delayed low blood glucose during the night.Do not drink if you do not have someone with you who can assist in case of an emergency.
• Limit yourself to two alcoholic drinks per day and remember that when flying, altitude can increase the effect of alcohol on your body.
• Alcohol and alcoholic mixers contain calories and must be counted as part of your daily allowance. Use low-calorie sodas or diet mixers with your drinks. Avoid fortified beverages such as brandy, port, ice wine and liqueurs, which all have a high sugar content. In a social situation, it is a good idea to alternate alcoholic drinks with diet soda or water. Sip drinks slowly to avoid a rapid rise in your blood glucose level.
• Keep in mind that if you plan carefully, discuss any potential risks with your doctor or diabetes educator, and monitor your blood glucose regularly, you can look forward to a fun, safe and rewarding vacation. Bon Voyage!

The Traveler's Checklist
Before you leave, remember to get:

• a medical check-up
• travel health insurance from Canadian Diabetes Association
• an identification card and MedicAlert ™ bracelet or necklace
• information on the local foods and drinking water
• a list of your medications
• a letter from your doctor
• any needed vaccinations
• information on local medical facilities or organizations

Ask your doctor or health care team about:

• illness management
• hypoglycemia management (glucagon for insulin users)
• adjustments for meals, insulin and medications in different time zones
• avoiding illness caused by contaminated food and water

Tips for adjusting your medication if required Packing list:

• extra supply of insulin or oral agent for diabetes
• extra supply of syringes, needles and an extra insulin pen if used
• blood glucose testing kit and record boo
• fast-acting insulin for high blood glucose and ketones 
• fast-acting sugar to treat low blood glucose
• extra food to cover delayed meals such as a box of cookies or crackers and fruit juice
• urine ketone-testing strips *
• anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea pills
• pain medication
• sunblock
• insect repellent
• large amounts of bottled water, if necessary
• comfortable walking shoes

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Borobudur

Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Borobudur

Built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Constructed out of an estimated 1,600,000 blocks of volcanic stone, dredged from the river and assembled solely by human labor, the nine-terraced temple is a representation of the transition towards nirvana and is famed for its 1,500 intricately carved reliefs, covering a total length of five kilometers end-to-end. The volcanic Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes on Java, can be seen steaming on the horizon directly north of the site

The Borobudur is a top priority for every traveler going to Indonesia. Located about 42km from Yogyakarta it is a UNESCO world heritage site and the world's largest Buddhist monument. Borobudur, a name deriving from an expression meaning 'Mountain of accumulation of merits of the ten states of Bodhisattva' is commonly thought of as a Buddhist structure, yet its initial construction was planned and executed by Hindu builders sometime around 775AD.

The temple consists of six square bases topped by three circular ones. About 1500 narrative panels telling the story of Buddha and over 500 Buddha statues complete the site. The site is open from 6 am to 5.15 pm. 3 km east of Borobudur you can find the Mendut Temple with a 3 meter high Buddha statue. It's nice to go walking there, but there are also irregular buses and bemo's.

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15 Packaging Tips

Source : http://www.thestreet.com/

Here are a lot of ways you can minimize how much stuff you take on trips -- and possibly even avoid the fees. Airport security won't let you carry on containers bigger than about 3 ounces of liquids or gels, so that's a start. Here are 15 more things you can do to lighten your load.

1. Don't overpack. Yes, this sounds simple. But the reality is that most people do overpack. When you're throwing stuff into your suitcase for that two-day business trip, ask yourself, "Do I really need this, or can I live without it till I get back?"
2. Leave the towels at home. If you're staying at a hotel, your room will be stocked with towels. And those things take up a lot of space.
3. Limit your shoes. Shoes don't just take up a lot of room; they're also heavy. Remember, you're going to have to hoist this suitcase into the overhead container, carry it up airport stairs and the like. Try to limit yourself to a few pairs, and wear your bulkiest pair on the plane.
4. Leave the laptop. Not only are laptops a pain to get through security, but other Internet-access options might be just as good. This goes for electronics in general. You may want to take a noise-canceling headset and an iPod, but consider whether you really need the GameBoy and all that other stuff you might be inclined to toss into the suitcase.
5. Pack versatile clothing. If you've got a black dress or a khaki/shirt combo that's suitable for both the business meeting and the evening party, pack it. If your wardrobe plan involves lots of changes, you'll use a lot more space. "Bring outfits that go with everything, and strip it down to the absolute essentials," says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com. "Pack separates, and look for wrinkle-free clothing." Places such as TravelSmith offer lots of wrinkle-free options.
6. Think twice about gifts. Will Uncle Ken really want that huge bust of Lenin you bought for him? Possibly, but sometimes gifts just end up as clutter, and you'd do better just to send a postcard. At any rate, consider space-saving options when you're purchasing presents for the folks back home.
7. Ditch the reading material. How many times have you taken books and magazines on a plane trip, only to fall asleep midflight and find yourself no farther along when you return? They take up space and are also heavy. You've already packed your iPod, so why not download a book on tape and listen to your fiction instead? Or, maybe pack an Amazon(AMZN - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) Kindle.
8. Get a pill container. If you've got prescription drugs, save some space by using a pill container rather than packing each individual bottle. A caveat: Some security people may want to check on the legitimacy of the prescriptions. "It's helpful if you bring the prescription and/or packaging," Banas of SmarterTravel.com says. So, instead of all the bottles, you could perhaps bring a pharmacy page that describes the medication and its purpose, in case the security people ask about it.
9. Use a smaller suitcase. People tend to pack the suitcase full, so just try using one that will have less room. You're more likely to be able to carry it on the plane (airlines have limits to carry-on size), and the smaller it is, the easier it will be to cram it into an overhead bin. If you must check luggage, use suitcases that don't weigh very much to reduce the risk of being charged for overweight luggage.
10. Wear your biggest and heaviest clothes. Even if it'll be a bit warm, wear your jacket on the flight so you don't have to pack it. Planes tend to get cold midflight anyway, so you might need your coat along the journey.
11. Stuff stuff into shoes. Shoes have empty space in them, which is perfect for socks, underwear and the like. Use other hollow spaces, too.
12. Limit toiletries and makeup. Hotels will have shampoo, soap and other basic items. Unless you need your own special stuff, consider leaving it behind. Use two-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos, and keep the makeup to a minimum.
13. Roll up your clothes. The simple act of rolling up clothes makes them more compact and helps prevent wrinkles.
14. Get compression bags. You can put your clothes into bags that help compress them down into a manageable space.
15. Send a package in advance. This can save you money and headaches, depending on your situation. It's a particularly good idea if you want to send presents already wrapped, or if you don't want the hassle of checking a bag or risk it getting lost by the airline.

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Hotel Safety Tips

Hotel Safety Tips For Travelers
(http://www.kevincoffee.com/hotel/hotel_safety.htm)

Before your trip

1. Copy all credit cards, airline tickets, passports and important documents, front and back.
2. Jewelry and luggage and all valuables should be photographed prior to trip.

What to look for in a safe hotel:

1. If possible, select a hotel with has installed modern electronic guest room locks. The majority of these locks automatically change the lock combination with every new guest so there is little chance of someone having a duplicate key to your room. If you lose or misplace your key, ask to have your room re-keyed immediately.
2. Is each room equipped with a dead bolt lock and a peephole?
3. Fire sprinklers in hotel rooms, hallways, and meeting rooms likewise for smoke detectors. If each room is not equipped with a smoke detector, are sprinklers systems installed in the hallways or is your only hope the local fire department.
4. Each room telephone should allow outside dialing.
5. Guest phones located in hallways and lobbies should not allow direct room dialing. Anyone using the phone should have to call the operator and request a room by guest name, not room number.
6. Secure locks on windows and adjoining doors.
7. Well-lit interior hallways, parking structures and grounds.
8. Hotels that have limited access to hotel structure, generally the more limited the access; the less likely a trespasser will enter.
9. The parking garage should not have elevators taking passengers to guest floors. It should only go to the lobby.
10. Does hotel provide personnel trained in guest security and available for escorts to rooms and auto when requested?
11. Is the hotel located in a high crime rate area, especially when traveling overseas? Check with the Embassy's Resident Security Officer in that country and they can alert you of areas to stay away from.

When arriving and checking into your hotel room

1. If you arrive in a bus or cab, stay with your luggage until it is brought into the hotel lobby.
2. Keep a close eye on your luggage, purse, etc when checking in.
3. If the lobby is busy, thieves will often take advantage of the distractions to take your things with them.
4. If you are staying in an older room which still has the older guest door locks with metal key, one of first signs of how a hotel treats the issue of security is to observe how hotel room keys are controlled. If it is checkout time and a pile of metal room keys are laying on the front desk, the hotel is not too concerned about your security. Anyone can take and key laying on the desk. This is not a big concern if the hotel is using electronic key cards but is if the metal keys have the room number embossed on it. You will find this more prevalent overseas.
5. Ask the front desk personnel not to announce your room number. Rather, tell them to write it down or point to it. If the desk clerk should do this, explain the problem and asked to be given another room. You never know who is listening. Your room number is a matter of security, and the fewer people that know your whereabouts, the better. There’s no need to announce it to the entire hotel lobby.
6. When registering, sign only your last name and first initial. Don’t use titles or degrees. Makes it harder to determine gender, marital status or profession. If you are a women traveling alone, you might consider booking your room as Mr. and Mrs.
7. Don't leave your credit card lying on the check-in counter while you complete your registration. Also make sure the credit card that is handed back to you by the hotel clerk is really yours.
8. Instruct the desk not to give out your name and room number and ask for them to call you if someone inquires about you.
9. Immediately upon check in, get two business cards or matchbooks with the hotel name and address on them. Place one by the phone in the room so you know where you are and keep the other on you when you leave so you know where to come back to. If you get lost, you have the address and phone number handy. There is nothing more frustrating than telling a cab driver to take you to the "Marriott" and they ask which one?? That could be one very expensive cab ride. Or if you are in a country where you don’t speak the language, you can simply show a taxi driver the matchbook, and you’re on your way back to the hotel.

Room Selection

1. Maximize safety and security. Select a room located between the 4 and 6th floor Avoid rooms above the sixth floor--the maximum height that fire-department ladders can reach. For some fire departments overseas, and within the United States, they do not have equipment to reach hotel floors above the 6th floor
2. Whenever possible do not except a hotel on the ground floor that has doors and windows that open to the outside. Hotels with interior hallways tend to be generally safer. For security in motels, avoid ground floor rooms off the parking lot. If you can't get a room on a higher level, take one facing the interior courtyard.
3. Guestrooms that are as close to the elevators as possible are safest, but tend to be noisier. You might also want to find out if the room is located next to a vending area, those also tend to be noisy.

Elevator safety

1. Women should be accompanied to hotel room and room should be checked
2. Observe all passengers in elevators
3. It is wise to board last and select floor buttons last
4. If possible position yourself near the elevator control panel and if attacked, push as many floor buttons as possible. Keep your back to the sidewall.
5. If someone suspicious boards an elevator, exit as soon as possible.

After checking into a room, examine the following:

1. Examine the guest room lock and be sure it is functioning properly.
2. The closets and bathrooms are checked to make sure no one is hiding.
3. All windows and outside doors are checked to insure they lock and operate properly
4. The lock on the adjoining door is checked to insure it is locked and works
5. The telephone is checked and you know how to make a outside call
6. Look for information in room about fire safety and read to become familiar with nearest fire exit / stairway. Locate nearest fire exit. Find one at each end of the hallway. How many doors away? Does the door open easily? Are the exit signs illuminated?
7. If the lights are out, be helpful and contact the front desk to let them know. Is the stairwell clear of debris? Make a note on the back of the business card that you place by your bed noting the number of doors away to the emergency exit, in each direction, and the location of the fire extinguisher and fire pull box.
8. When you enter your hotel room, make sure the door closes securely and that the deadbolt works. Keep the deadbolt and safety bar on at all time. It cannot be stressed enough that you should never prop your hotel room door open. Anyone could walk in.
9. Place your room key in the same place every time, preferably close to the bed.
10. If you have to leave the room in a hurry due to an emergency, you won't have time to be searching for your key. Also, you'll need the key to get back into the room.
11. When inside a hotel room, for whatever length of time always use the deadbolt. If the room does not a dead bolt or heavy-duty security clasp but has a chain, twist it to take up the slack before latching it.
12. The door to your room must never be opened by anyone unless the guest is absolutely known.
13. If you receive a phone call to your room and the person states they are with the hotel and need to come to your room and repair something, use caution. Always get the employees name and call the front desk to verify that it was a legitimate employee who called you and they do in fact need to come to your room. Some criminals are known to where hotel uniforms or pose a plainclothes security. The best bet is to be your own security guard. No matter how effective hotel security is, it can't think of everything.
14. If you want to test the hotel, call the switchboard from a house phone and ask for yourself. Tell the operator you are not sure of the room number. If the answer is, "She's in room 203," this is not a good sign. The correct answer is, "I'll connect you." Good security requires that the hotel switchboard not give out room numbers and the best hotels strictly adhere to this policy.
15. When inside your room, use a door swedge when sleeping or in the shower. This may seem a little overkill but overseas, hotel burglars have been know to frequent hotels that use standard metal room keys that are easy to obtain. Unfortunately many hotels do not change the locks to the doors when the keys are lost, the criminals know that many of the hotel rooms might contain valuables of the presumed wealthy western traveler from the United States. Some of the crooks are very bold. They have been know to listen to the room door to see if you are in the shower. If you are they enter your room with the spare key (because no secondary door lock) and removes your wallet, purse, or laptop. If someone else is in the room the crook is in a suit and says “sorry, the front desk gave me this key.” By employing a door swedge will keep out these sly crooks and will could an alarm if attempted. See our products page for one of these devices.Never leave your key in the lock inside your room (some hotels in third world countries still have these). they can be pushed out from the other side with a pin. The crooks simply slides a piece of newspaper under the door, the key drops on the paper and the crook slide the paper and the key back under the door.
16. Place that all-important flashlight next to your bed.
17. It's much too dangerous to be stumbling around in a dark hotel in the middle of the night if the electricity goes out. Also, if you have to evacuate in the event of a fire, the flashlight will help guide you down a smoke filled hallway.
18. Remember, if there is a fire or other such emergency, you are pretty much on your own to evacuate yourself, especially at night. What you learn in the few minutes it takes you to orient yourself to your room and the surrounding areas could mean the difference between life and death
19. If you loose your key, ask for a new room or have the lock or electronic key card changed.

When you leave your hotel room for the day or evening

1. When you leave your room, always leave the television on.
2. Ask maid to make your room up during breakfast. Place “Do not disturb" sign on door. If you want maid service, call to housekeeping and tell them to make up the room but leave the sign on the door. The sign is valuable when you aren't in the room because it gives the impression you are still inside.
3. At night, leave a light on and drapes should be partially opened as if someone was inside.
4. Always use the security vault in hotel. The in-room safe is adequate sometimes. The ones least recommended are those that take standard keys (usually overseas). Preferred are those that have an electronic combination lock. The front desk deposit boxes are usually safer but more inconvenient.
5. Don't display you guest room key in public or even inside the hotel or at the swimming pool. Crook have known to walk by casually, observe the number in the key if stamped on it and make false charges in the hotel restaurant, bar or store and using your room number.

What to take with you when leaving your hotel room

1. Take a minimum of cash, and only enough travelers checks for that outing.
2. Carry “bait money” for potential thieves.
3. Wear minimum jewelry, especially women. Women, wear only a simple wedding band in lieu of a diamond ring. Remember in some foreign cities and even some area within the United States, a diamond ring might be worth what a criminal might earn in a year. Remove the temptation!
4. Keep credit cards and t/checks in separate pockets.

Laptop safety while staying in a in hotel room

1. Laptop computers or other expensive items can be easily stolen from hotel rooms. The only way to protect them is to leave them at the front desk in a safety deposit box or to secure them in your room. If you want to take the easy way by leaving them in your room (most of us do) use a security cable to a fixed object in the hotel. I always attach my laptop to the pipe under the sink in the bathroom when my laptop is left in the hotel room for several hours. Think about it. Would you leave your wallet or purse sitting on the table in the middle of your room? Usually not, but you would leave a $3,500 laptop sitting there! Which is more valuable?

Hotel parking lots

1. If you valet park your car at the hotel, and valet driver puts a card on your dash, make sure it does not have your room number, always keep it private.
2. Always walk in numbers at night, especially in hotel parking lots
3. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Crooks know that rental cars contain items of value.
4. Park as close to an exit as possible.
5. When approaching a car, always have keys in hand.
6. Women should keep purses close to their bodies not loose around or dandling off a shoulder. Keep it in front of you with a hand on top of it. Do not feel awkward to ask for an escort to your car. It is recommended to use the valet service at night.

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The Savvy Traveller

The Savvy Traveller
(http://www.journeymart.com/tools/tips.htm)

High Fliers

• To beat jetlag, book an overnight flight or one that arrives in the evening when travelling east so you can either catch your sleep on the flight or as soon as you get in to your destination.
  
• To prevent the swelling of feet as is wont to happen on long flights, walk in the aisle at intervals and try not to take off your shoes.
  
• Refrain from OD-ing on the free booze when on a flight, as too much alcohol causes dehydration. Tank up instead on aqua-pura.
• When making flight reservation, remember to request for special meals if you have any food restrictions.
• After September 11, airlines follow very strict security procedures. So make sure you reach the airport for check in well before departure time. Its best to check with the airline regarding how much in advance you should be at the airport.
  
• If your baggage does not arrive on the same flight as you, fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), with a description of the baggage, a list of contents and address to which it should be forwarded. If your baggage does not arrive at all, place a claim with the airline within 21 days.
  
• Overbooking is a fact of life in the airline industry. If you are not in a particular hurry to get to your destination then volunteer to give your seat up and take the next flight. The airline will provide you a hotel room and other frills, so you can end up having an extended vacation at the airlines expense!
  
• Do not accept any package from a stranger.
• For a smooth ride on a plane, choose the seats located near the wings as if the plane hits an air pocket, this is where you will get the least amount of bumps.
• If you are planning to watch the in flight movie, choose the fourth or fifth row from the screen to avoid getting a neck cramp.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, take an anti sickness pill before the flight. The pill won't help much, if you have it after you have started feeling sick!
• Abide by the list of items prohibited on board and carry most items like skis/cues/walking canes/sticks/Swiss knives in checked in baggage - this smoothens the check-in process plus avoids the risk of confiscation and unnecessary delays.
  
• Last and this is equally important - report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.
  

Weather Vane

• Keep track of the weather at your destination and be prepared, especially if you are going to a hurricane prone area.

Heartbreak Hotel

• Make your hotel reservations in advance, especially if you are visiting a place in peak season. You don’t want to be caught without a roof over your head.
• Negotiating room tariffs over the phone? Call the hotel twice to confirm the rates. Note down the name of the person you have talked to and request a written/faxed confirmation. This way you can be sure that you will not be wrongly billed by the hotel.
  
• Don't depend solely on the hotel's alarm service. Carry your own little alarm clock to catch an early morning flight or that pre-dawn sightseeing trip.
  
• When you check into your hotel, ask the reception to give you a card with the hotel's name address and telephone number. This will come in handy if you get lost or forget the name of your hotel.
• Check whether your hotel has a hair-dryer, iron, coffee percolator, etc, to avoid carrying these gadgets and also making it easy to skip the 110/220 conversion problem when travelling to foreign countries.
• Most hotels frown on guests doing their own laundry in the bathrooms, but if you do need to wash some smalls, carry a length of nylon twine to improvise a clothesline.

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Top 10 Travel Tips

Top 10 Travel Tips

(http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/top_ten_tips.html)

• Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
• Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.
• Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so we can contact you in an emergency.
• Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.
• Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
• Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.
• Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.
• Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.
• Before departing your country check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.

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