Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Staying Healthy When You Travel

Whenever you are going for an international trip, it is vital that you spend some time paying attention to your health and health needs. You may be visiting a country where hygiene is a little suspect, and that is why staying healthy when you travel is paramount. The last thing you need is to fall ill in a strange place where people may not speak the same language as you and where the standard of healthcare may not be up to your liking.

In fact, when making reservations for international locales, many Americans forget to find out about what vaccinations they may require before their trip. And, then they wonder why they fell ill either during their trip or soon after returning.

When it comes to an international vacation, it goes without saying that you would have to make your plans a few months in advance. Two months before your departure, speak to your doctor and find out what are vaccinations you might require. Some countries have made it mandatory for foreign visitors to get vaccinations or take preventive medication in their home countries. For instance, if you are planning a vacation to South Africa, you will have to take a vaccination for Yellow Fever, or if you are visiting Honduras, you should begin taking anti-malarial medication 3 to 6 weeks before your departure.

When traveling to foreign countries, make sure you take a small first aid kit with you. This kit should contain medication for diarrhea and vomiting, anti-histamines, aspirins and also an anti-bacterial cream. If you are on prescription medication, make sure that you carry the medication in a labeled bottle and also ask your doctor to give you a current prescription for emergency.

On your trip make sure that you drink just bottled water, avoid meats and raw fish, eat just food that is cooked properly and served piping hot, and stay away from roadside vendors. In addition, make sure you take insect repellant sprays and adequate sunscreen. This is especially true if you are holidaying in a tropical location.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the traveling industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
Activities In Maine, Events in Mississippi

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Safety Kitesurfing Guidelines

When you start to kite surf, you can be overwhelmed with number of detailed things you should keep a track of. so it a good idea that you create a check list of things that you should pay attention to before and after you kitesurf.

First of all, take a basic course to learn basic safety. A motto to keep in mind is to have "safety before excitement" This applies from the beginners to the novice stage.

  • Dissolve the chicken loop before each time you go out and kitesurf, then you know that it works.
  • Be responsible and considerate. You are responsible for all the events associated with your pursuit of the sport.
  • Attach the ropes to the kite at the last moment before you before start and get into the water.
  • Put on the safety line (Leash) before kite's hedge is removed off the ground and take it to the end, when the dragon is secured on the ground after landing. You should always have a fuse / weight (sand, the top, round stone, etc) on the kits, even when there is no wind or little wind because the wind can change quickly.
  • Think about how the winds can swirl around buildings, trees, or rocks to windward before starting kits.
  • Kite surfing is not without a dead-man's safety release system, which allows you to remove power from the kits as you want (should work even if you are unconscious).Always have an opportunity to be able to detach yourself from the kite, even under traction.
  • Do not kite surf near an airport.
  • Do not kite surf before, during, or immediately after a thunderstorm.
  • Kite cords can be cut when the kits are flying. Do not let yourself or even get a chance to get tangled up in the kite lines, which do not fly your kite over other people, do not wrap rope around your hand, etc.. Avoid kite surfing in densely populated areas; be sure to come out to the "free" water as soon as possible. Select unpopulated beach or coastal sections for takeoff and landing with a lot of space and out of the wind when possible.
  • Spectators should be located to windward of kite surfer.
  • Make sure there is a "friendly" beach strip / ground on your lee when to start.
  • Avoid kite surfing in the wind from the land if you can run towards the open sea.However, if you must, make sure that there are opportunities with the rescue boat and have someone who keeps an eye on you from the country all the time. Also, be sure you can handle the difficult situations that may arise, such as a broken leg or kits to breakage.
  • Please use the life jacket and helmet.
  • Never use leg harness attached to the board in which this can be very dangerous because it can cause the board hit the back of the head.
  • Do not ask non-kite surfers for help when you land or take off kits. Be clear about your intentions and talk to people before you help and making clear signs. Make sure it will help you or the people around know how to handle equipment safely and how to behave kits.
  • Don't Kite Surf in strong winds if you are a beginner.
  • As a beginner, you usually spend more time in water, so use because a thicker wetsuit than you would otherwise have chosen.
  • If possible, choose a harness with handles on the back. This makes it easier to assist each other in difficult situations where the kits have much traction.
  • Never operate further offshore than you can swim homes (in an emergency without any equipment).
  • Bring a safety razor in case you need to cut the ropes
  • Check your equipment regularly for damage detection: the boom and pull tabs are in good condition and that there are no knots or abrasion damage to the ropes.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Discover Saint Lucia Hotels For All Types of Traveller

Saint Lucia, an island is the Caribbean, is an increasingly popular tourist destination. There is something for everyone on the island from rain forests to volcanoes to the beautiful Carribean beach. Saint Lucia hotels are also available for many different types of traveling styles.

~ All-Inclusive Resorts for all Ages

All-inclusive resorts are extremely popular. These resorts include food, drink, and many activities. Many all inclusive resorts are family friendly and offered children's activities and baby sitting to allow parents the chance to relax with a drink on the beach.

~ Romantic Getaways

Other resorts may cater to couples and adults and provide a private, romantic experience. A resort of this kind is perfect for honeymooners and anniversary treats.

~ Luxury properties and Four Star Hotels

Saint Lucia hotels include some unique luxury properties with private beach access or villas with rain forest views. These hotels include first rate service and amenities with fine dining.

~ Affordable Options
The island offers a range of affordable housing options, including small guest houses and hotels. You even have the option of eco-friendly camping for a more adventurous traveler. Be sure to ask about the distance and costs of transportation to the beach, restaurants, and other activities.

Even the most prestigious resorts on this beautiful island offer deals to vacation club members. Members of these clubs are able to access some of the best hotels at the best possible prices. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in a top hotel or resort, a vacation club membership will pay for itself in just a few trips.

With such a wide variety of Saint Lucia hotels, every traveler should be able to find the perfect hotel. With a little advance planning, a Caribbean vacation can be both luxurious and affordable.

CLICK HERE to find out how you can get the best deal on all Saint Lucia Hotels regardless of your reasons for visiting the island. Discover the luxury of Saint Lucia regardless of your budget.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Safety Tips For Travelers

Many people love traveling. It is very enjoyable and a lot of things to experience. But a traveler should be careful of the problems that sometimes he/she may encounter. So to protect them from risk and scams, a traveler should be sensitive to people around them and should follow some guidelines during the travel.

For example, travelers should not just easily hand their wallets to anyone. In other countries, there are lots of con men who pretend to be police officers and ask the wallet to check for drug money. Avoid traps like these, even if it seems like the people you're dealing with may be friendly. It's simply not worth taking the risk as you'll be sorry if anything negative occurs. Don't say you weren't warned!

And a traveler should be aware that there are people appearing to be legitimate wearing official badge. Please make a double check when they ask for an ID or cash. This is a classic trick that many people use to swindle unsuspecting tourists and you don't want to fall victim to it.

One common tricksters are the photographers. They will just take you pictures without asking permission and then ask money after to sell the pictures they took. Or some may disguise to develop it in a nearby studio and ask you money for that but no plan of coming back. Just ran your money away.

But the most common one are the pickpockets. Usually they post in crowded areas like tourist spots and wet markets. Their style is like they are making a drama because they work in team. One will try to distract your attention by asking you question or bumped your things and the other surreptitiously pickpocket your wallet or your money.

So beware of people around you and use something where you can permanently put your money or wallet. Travelers, especially women should always hold their wallet close to their body to avoid it from being snatched.

Another problem that a traveler may encounter is when a riding cabs or taxis. Some taxi/cab drivers, if they find their passenger new in the place, they will overcharge the fare. So in order to avoid this incident, be sure to ask the fare in particular places before you start traveling. Although you don't have to be afraid to ask questions about the price and check all the time on the meters.

These area just practical tips you can consider when traveling. Have a nice and safe travel.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Chicago Field Museum Discount Coupons - Tickets to an Adventure on History

Saving from your expenses but want to visit the Chicago Field Museum?

Nature, rocks and fossils, animals, plants and ecosystems not only in The Americas but also on Africa and Asia and the Pacific is one big package the Chicago Field Museum has to offer. This might seem all too expensive considering all that it features but it's not when you know the right way to visit the museum without spending as much.

Chicago Field Museum walks you through different exhibits that include different artifacts, artworks, and replicas from different areas of the world like America, Africa and Asia. While every historical museum will promise you of a T-rex display on the widest lobby, what sets Chicago Field Museum apart is that it is home to the largest, most complete and most preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex named Sue. Get to know about the littlest things about life like the DNA through real laboratory experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment. This experience is hands on and interactive, genetic research dedicated in the preservation of the world's biodiversity. Just when you thought you've seen everything in the museum, it still has some surprises to change your perception about museums.

Experience the world in three dimension as Ernst and Young 3-D Theater unveils each topic the museum exhibited in a different perspective, this is Chicago's only completely digital 3D theater. See the world in 3D like no other.

To get a hold of this experience you would need museum discount coupons. Discount coupons will give you access to each exhibit and watch the world in 3D. Visit a museum in a different perspective with Chicago Field Museum Discount Coupons.

For more information on how you can get Chicago Museum coupons, here's a page that can give you really cool tips.

Erika Ayala contributes most of her articles to different websites that are all about saving. If you're interested to read more of her articles, you might like to read about getting Cloud gift cards for free online.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Things to Be Aware of at Family Vacation Destinations

When you are trying to plan an awesome vacation for your family to one of the top vacation destination spots, the last thing that you want to have to worry about is the safety of your spouse and/or your children. This is why it is sometimes advisable to hire a travel professional to help you with the planning of your trip or vacation.

A travel agent or travel professional is someone who specializes in helping people book vacations to specific destinations or locations that they have either been to themselves or which they know detailed information about. For example, a travel agent would and should be able to you what hotels are the best to stay at in a particular area, what restaurants and parts of town to avoid, as well as other noteworthy items that might pertain to customs or traditions or religious affiliations that someone who is not familiar with that area would want to be informed about.

When looking to book a vacation for your family, always make sure that you let at least one person back home (i.e. someone who is not going on vacation with you but who you know and trust) where you are going. Information that you might leave with this person would include: the name of the hotel where you and your family will be staying, the address and phone number of the hotel and an itinerary of your trip to include other information such as flight departures, flight numbers, etc. Depending on how long you are planning on being away, you may want to leave more or less information with this person.

If you are traveling with small children, it is never too early to teach your kids about travel safety. The rule of never talking to strangers and always holding Mommy or Daddy's hand would be applicable here. If you have older children and younger children, you can let the older child assume some of the responsibility for watching younger siblings. Examples of this might be if you are on a cruise ship, for example. If you and your wife decide to go to an adult-themed cocktail hour in one part of the ship, then you could let your older child (above the age of 17) watch over younger ones in a designated area until you get back. However, you should still exercise caution and use your better judgment in all situations like these that involve your child.

Overall, planning and executing a vacation, no matter if you book it on an all-inclusive Carnival Cruise Line or on a whim, should be fun. If you need help, are unsure or just want someone else to make the plans happen, hire a travel specialist; that's what they're there for!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Stop Worrying and Just Enjoy Travel

Have you went on a trip recently, or enjoy to travel? You'll no doubt then spot from a mile away the conventional tourist "experience." It goes something like this:
  • Wake up prematurely and race through the accommodation's brekkie.
  • Go, Go, Go Go and see as many stops as possible until it is dark.
  • Drop in a heap in your hotel room with a sore back, blisters, and totally exhausted.
  • Do it again tomorrow.
The following are some traveling ideas to make your next journey adventure more enjoyable, less rushed, and more what you had in mind when you booked it in the first place. Do one, do all of them, but at least one to make your trip a little more special for you - you've earned it.

Start with Organization

I see a lot of the trek strain people bring upon themselves is mostly due to a lack of organization. Where is your passport - it should always go in a good spot. How about making a list of the stuff you need to take - and check things off the list before you go? The fact is that in most situations, you can leave whatever you are missing behind. Only your personal health and safety and your documents are the things that cannot straightforwardly be replaced. Make sure those two things are accounted for and stop freaking out about the rest.

On a similar note, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Regardless if it's the Capital Building or just a scenic view sure to know when to go/how to get there and mark it in your diary. With the abundance of journey planning sites, travel books, and other resources, you have no excuse for not arriving in a alien location informed of pretty much everything except that new shop that opened just last month.

Appreciate Your Traveling Personality

Any idea what sort of traveler you are like? Do you like museums and exhibits, or would you rather be outside in the drizzle looking at the flowers and walking the streets? How about your voyage partner - are you cozy companions or polar opposites? Same goes for eating out - do you like adventurous options, or would you prefer something a little 'normal' (from your world view) and safer. Also consider your abilities: museums that do not have signs in your local speech probably will not be as much fun, nor will that palace that you don't have the physical stamina to climb the stairs to. You should really be realistic on what you can't do and what you can. You are you who you are, so just do what you can do and forget the rest.

Relax and Appreciate Where You Are

Maybe you can sleep in for a change.

Maybe you can enjoy that second cup of coffee.

Just sit in the gardens with your feet in the fountain, enjoying the fresh air, and skip that twelfth museum.

The best tour experiences sometimes come through serendipity. So slow down, relax, and let those experiences find you. pick one or two absolute must-see places, check the opening hours, and go. Otherwise, just see how the rest unfolds. In other words: get your nose out of the guide and appreciate where you are.

Aidan Jones writes for Sharing Travel Experiences, a travel lifestyle magazine featuring articles about experiential travel.