Tourists are often targets for thieves because they carry cash and other valuables. To avoid falling victim to theft, here are several steps you can take.
Use a Money Belt. Money belts are small, zippered pouches that fasten around your waist and remain hidden under your pants. Put your cash, passport, and other important personal items in the money belt, instead of carrying a wallet or purse.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Don't leave your camera on the table at a restaurant or sitting next to you at an event. Wear it around your neck or keep it completely out of sight.
Use the Hotel Safe. If you plan on leaving valuables in your hotel room, use the hotel safe.
Don't Flash the Cash. Keep only a limited amount of cash on your person, and when you use it, only pull out what you need, not your entire wad.
Stay Alert. Always be aware of your surroundings, and what is happening around you.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Fun Social Networking Sites for Travelers
IgoUgo
IgoUgo won the Webby Award for Best Travel Site in the US in 2005, and it’s only gotten better. Not only can you compare rates on all sorts of trips and travels, you can read stories and tips, share your travel experience, ask questions in the forum, view photos from traveler’s top picks, and much more. As a bonus, contributors to IgoUgo are awarded GO points, which can be redeemed at online retailers and used for frequent flyer miles.
TravBuddy
With TravBuddy, not only can you share reviews, memories, and photos, you can find travel companions and meet new friends. Create a profile page, and personalize it with travel maps, games, and more. Trav Buddy is free, and has been featured in PC World, Real Simple, and Budget Travel.
IgoUgo won the Webby Award for Best Travel Site in the US in 2005, and it’s only gotten better. Not only can you compare rates on all sorts of trips and travels, you can read stories and tips, share your travel experience, ask questions in the forum, view photos from traveler’s top picks, and much more. As a bonus, contributors to IgoUgo are awarded GO points, which can be redeemed at online retailers and used for frequent flyer miles.
TravBuddy
With TravBuddy, not only can you share reviews, memories, and photos, you can find travel companions and meet new friends. Create a profile page, and personalize it with travel maps, games, and more. Trav Buddy is free, and has been featured in PC World, Real Simple, and Budget Travel.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Ten Tips for Traveling with Pets
1. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel.
2. Make sure your pet has the appropriate vaccinations, such as a current rabies shot. Many airlines will require a health certificate.
3. Find pet friendly airlines and lodging in advance, and ask what constitutes pet friendly—do they require a deposit, is there a designated pet area, etc.
4. Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with a phone number where someone can be reached.
5. Find a transport crate large enough to accommodate your pet and his or her belongings, such a food and water bowls, blankets, toys, or a litter box. If you're traveling by air, check with the airline for transport crate guidelines.
6. If your pet has never traveled before, take him or her on a few trips in the car to find out how he or she will react.
7. During the trip, make sure your pet has food and water. Be aware, however, that your pet may not eat or drink much during travel.
8. If your pet needs any medication, make sure to have enough on hand for a few extra days in case your traveling takes longer than expected. It is also a good idea to have a small pet oriented first aid kit on had.
9. If traveling with a cat, always keep the cat in the crate. A dark blanket draped over the crate will help keep the cat calm and quiet.
10. Prepare for the weather. If a hot streak is expected, make sure your pet is hydrated. If it's going to be cold, include a blanket in the pet's crate. In any event, avoid leaving your pet in the car alone for extended periods of time.
2. Make sure your pet has the appropriate vaccinations, such as a current rabies shot. Many airlines will require a health certificate.
3. Find pet friendly airlines and lodging in advance, and ask what constitutes pet friendly—do they require a deposit, is there a designated pet area, etc.
4. Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with a phone number where someone can be reached.
5. Find a transport crate large enough to accommodate your pet and his or her belongings, such a food and water bowls, blankets, toys, or a litter box. If you're traveling by air, check with the airline for transport crate guidelines.
6. If your pet has never traveled before, take him or her on a few trips in the car to find out how he or she will react.
7. During the trip, make sure your pet has food and water. Be aware, however, that your pet may not eat or drink much during travel.
8. If your pet needs any medication, make sure to have enough on hand for a few extra days in case your traveling takes longer than expected. It is also a good idea to have a small pet oriented first aid kit on had.
9. If traveling with a cat, always keep the cat in the crate. A dark blanket draped over the crate will help keep the cat calm and quiet.
10. Prepare for the weather. If a hot streak is expected, make sure your pet is hydrated. If it's going to be cold, include a blanket in the pet's crate. In any event, avoid leaving your pet in the car alone for extended periods of time.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Urban Hiking: Exploring Cities on Foot
The word "hike" usually conjures up images of dense woods, towering trees, and wildlife. A recent article in Eco Salon http://www.ecosalon.com/guide-urban-hiking-tips/ however, explores the idea of Urban Hiking—exploring cities on foot. What can an Urban Hike entail?
Walking residential neighborhoods.
Exploring communities within the community, such as China Town, or Little Italy.
Hiking districts, such as antique, art, or food districts.
Journey to city parks.
Make sure to take your camera and capture the city's unique architecture.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Survival Tools and Signals to Get You Rescued
Is your vehicle equipped with survival gear? How would you fare if you were trapped somewhere and needed to be rescued? How Stuff Works put together a list of survival tools and signals for such an event. Here are the top three:Fire. According to the article, the internationally recognized distress signal is three fires in a triangular formation, or three fires in a straight line about 80 feet apart.
Smoke. If it is daytime, smoke sends a better signal than fire. Three puffs of smoke in the air is the international signal for trouble. You can achieve the three puffs by covering the smoky fire with a wet item, such as a jacket or blanket, then pulling it off.
Mirror. A mirror or other shiny object can help you signal an airplane or helicopter flying overhead. Tilt the object back and forth to get their attention.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Lesser Known Sites That Can Save You $ on Airfare
These smaller, relatively unknown sites may be your solution to affordable airfare.
SkyScanner.Net includes a wider variety of budget options than the traditional aggregators. SkyScanner also allows you to search rates for an entire year, which is extremely beneficial if you like to book early, or have a flexible schedule.
BudgetFlightFinder.com helps you find budget airlines that fly a specific route.
Tripeedo.com searches across dozens of carriers and aggregators and opens their sites on a separate window. This allows travelers to view any advertised specials any flights they might not otherwise see.
SkyScanner.Net includes a wider variety of budget options than the traditional aggregators. SkyScanner also allows you to search rates for an entire year, which is extremely beneficial if you like to book early, or have a flexible schedule.
BudgetFlightFinder.com helps you find budget airlines that fly a specific route.
Tripeedo.com searches across dozens of carriers and aggregators and opens their sites on a separate window. This allows travelers to view any advertised specials any flights they might not otherwise see.
Friday, August 27, 2010
5 Cool Ways to Cut Travel Costs
Want to save on travel expenses without taking a lame vacation? With a little bit of legwork, find out how you can still have fun without breaking the bank.
Cheeps and Twitters
If you’ve been avoiding social media sites such as Twitter, you may want to think again. Many companies now use these networks to market to customers. Jet Blue, for example, “Cheeps” exclusive deals and last minute discounts on Tuesday mornings. Other companies using Twitter to advertise great deals include United Airlines, American Airlines, Travelocity, FareCompare.com, and many more.
Bucket Shop
Bucket Shops, such as Airbrokers International, offer deeply discounted international airfare. These companies buy blocks of tickets from the airlines, then resell them to individuals and travel agencies. Before buying from a Bucket Shop, verify that they are reputable.
Clear Cache
Who would have thought that clearing your internet browser records could save you money? Well, according to National Geographic Traveler, it can! Apparently, websites you surf and spend money at track your purchases and will actually charge you more based on your spending history. Clearing your cached sites in Internet Explorer is easy. Click on Tools, Internet Options, and select Delete Browsing History.
Go Rental
If you’re going to be vacationing for a week or more, consider renting a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel. In many places, you can rent a home at a weekly rate for less than you’d spend on hotels. Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to cook, which means you won’t be spending gobs of money on dining out.
Write It Off
Business travelers, don’t forget to take a tax write-off for allowable expenses. And keep those receipts in case you get audited.
Sources:
“57 Ways to Cut Vacation Costs”
via National Geographic Traveler
“10 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs This Year”
via New York Times
Cheeps and Twitters
If you’ve been avoiding social media sites such as Twitter, you may want to think again. Many companies now use these networks to market to customers. Jet Blue, for example, “Cheeps” exclusive deals and last minute discounts on Tuesday mornings. Other companies using Twitter to advertise great deals include United Airlines, American Airlines, Travelocity, FareCompare.com, and many more.
Bucket Shop
Bucket Shops, such as Airbrokers International, offer deeply discounted international airfare. These companies buy blocks of tickets from the airlines, then resell them to individuals and travel agencies. Before buying from a Bucket Shop, verify that they are reputable.
Clear Cache
Who would have thought that clearing your internet browser records could save you money? Well, according to National Geographic Traveler, it can! Apparently, websites you surf and spend money at track your purchases and will actually charge you more based on your spending history. Clearing your cached sites in Internet Explorer is easy. Click on Tools, Internet Options, and select Delete Browsing History.
Go Rental
If you’re going to be vacationing for a week or more, consider renting a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel. In many places, you can rent a home at a weekly rate for less than you’d spend on hotels. Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to cook, which means you won’t be spending gobs of money on dining out.
Write It Off
Business travelers, don’t forget to take a tax write-off for allowable expenses. And keep those receipts in case you get audited.
Sources:
“57 Ways to Cut Vacation Costs”
via National Geographic Traveler
“10 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs This Year”
via New York Times
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