Fodor : The Internet Travel Guide

Visit this site : www.fodors.com

Fodor’s is an excellent example of what an Internet travel guide can do for you. It contains not just information on destinations and sights but is a guide to hotels, restaurants, and much more. The Travel Wire (short travel articles) section alone would make this site worthwhile.

The travel guide (Destinations) part of the Fodor’s site is accessible either by clicking on the Destinations tab, or link, or by clicking on the map found on Fodor’s main page. You will be taken to a clear, straightforward directory of destinations arranged by continent, country, region or state, and city. In all, Fodor’s provides these “miniguides” for nearly 300 cities and regions (Figure 2.1), but the number of destinations is more than 300 if you count the Side Trips links provided for those destinations. For most countries, you will get a miniguide for several cities. For some smaller countries, such as Slovakia, the information focuses on the country itself. Expect to find miniguides for major cities, but not for the many smaller cities covered in the corresponding printed guide. Because Fodor’s does not publish printed travel guides for all countries, some are notably missing online, particularly some Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries.

For each city (or region), expect to find an Overview and sections for Sights & Activities, Restaurants, Hotels, Nightlife & the Arts, and Shopping. Click on any of the latter five categories to get a list of places or events with a brief description of basic details. Each of those sections also has an Overview subsection that is particularly useful for getting an overall feel for opportunities for hotels, sights, etc. A Smart Travel Tips section provides information on Arriving & Departing, Getting Around, and Contacts & Resources. You will also find links to suggested itineraries for various lengths of time. Additional Features links take you to information on When to Go, Fodor’s Choice, and side trips and special topics relevant to the particular city. For the unique flavor of a city, don’t pass up these special topics links—for example, for Sydney, Australia, you may find an article on “The Shocking Truth About Australian Wine,” and for Chicago, Illinois, one on “Chicago’s Gangster Past.” Also take advantage of links to Maps, Related Destinations, Weather, and Adventure Travel, provided by Fodor’s partner sites, such as Weather.com.

In the Hotels section for any destination, look first at the Lodging Overview link to get a feel for the overall lodging situation for the destination. On a Hotels page, you will find a list of hotels with a price range, a (Fodor’s) Guest Rating, and a Book It link. Click on the hotel name to get a more detailed description of the hotel, an address, and phone numbers. The details page may also provide individual ratings and tremendously useful comments from travelers themselves. In the Restaurants section, check out the Overview subsection first, which is designed just like the Hotels Overview section. From the Overview, use the Go to Restaurants Listings link to get to names and descriptions of restaurants.

Links on Fodor’s main page (and at the top of most Fodor’s pages) lead to sections for Hotels, Restaurants, Travel Wire, Talk, Booking, and Bookstore. Fodor’s does a good job of integrating this variety of content and provides multiple ways to get to a specific bit of information. If you start with the Destinations section for a particular city, you will find subsections for hotels, restaurants, etc. If you start with the Hotels link on the main page, you are then led to a choice of destinations, and so on. Whatever you choose as a starting point, in the end, you get to the same information.

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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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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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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. (For more information on how to contact the Canadian Diabetes Association or the MedicAlert™ Foundation, see below).

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 Canada and Canadian 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 book

• 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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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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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)

1. 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.

2. Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

3. 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.

4. Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.

8. 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.

9. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.

10. 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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