Category Archives: Travel & Holidays

Culture Tips for Dubai Travel

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There is a lot of confusing and misleading information when it comes to what is and what is not culturally acceptable in Dubai. Dubai is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with over 100 nationalities living together in harmony. Millions of tourists flock to Dubai every year and the city is truly a cultural crossroads. The local population is quite small (estimated around 15%), but Emiratis in general are warm, welcoming, and very tolerant of foreign visitors and residents. In return, it is greatly appreciated if those who travel to Dubai take a little time to learn about the local customs and culture.

The UAE is a Muslim country. The culture is based on a deeply rooted belief in Islam and centers on the family. Mosques are dotted throughout the landscape of Dubai and five times a day the melodious prayer call or “adhan” will be heard. The official weekend is Friday, although government offices and certain multinational companies are also closed on Saturday. Mosques on Fridays around noon will be overflowing as worshippers gather to listen to a sermon. On Fridays most stores open around 2PM although certain large retail outlets such as Carrefour and most large grocery stores are open as normal. Arabic is the official language; however English is widely spoken by almost everyone and all the street signs are in both English and Arabic. A few basic Arabic to words to learn might include “Marhaba” which means “Hello”, “Naam” meaning “yes”, “La” meaning “no” and “Shukran” meaning “Thank you.”

There is no specific dress code in Dubai, and you will see both ends of the spectrum from women who cover themselves from head to toe to those who choose to barely cover themselves at all. At the beach women are welcome to wear bikinis and men can don swimming shorts. Away from the beach it is more culturally acceptable for men to avoid wearing shorts or going shirtless and for women to avoid mini-skirts, midriff baring tops, and shorts. T-shirts or blouses and mid-length skirts or Capri pants for women are considered quite appropriate. Muslim women from the Gulf States typically dress in a long black robe known as the “abaya”. The “abaya” itself is not an Islamic requirement, but rather a cultural custom. Islam requires ladies to cover their heads and to wear long loose clothes covering their arms and legs. Gulf men wear a loose, typically white robe called a “dishdasha” along with a white or red checkered headdress known as the “gutra”. The gutra is held in place with a black cord called an “agal”.

Arabs are one of the most hospitable people in the world, but visitors still should take note of a few cultural musts when interacting with locals. It is best to ask permission of local women before taking their photograph and most likely you will be told no. Visitors should also be aware that some Muslim women and men will avoid shaking hands with members of the opposite sex as per Islamic tradition. This should not be taken as an offense and it is simply best to wait and see if the other person extends their hand in greeting first. Local men will typically greet other local men by touching noses or kissing cheeks. Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are highly frowned upon, although you will see men (typically Asian expats) holding hands with other men when walking. This is a cultural norm and merely an expression of friendship. If you are invited to enjoy a coffee, tea or traditional meal with a local family there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Before entering a home shoes should be removed. When sitting, take care to avoid pointing the soles of your feet in anyone’s direction as this is considered rude in Arab Muslim culture. Food and drink (and there will be a lot of it!) should be taken with one’s right hand, as the left hand is reserved for “unclean” practices such as washing after using the bathroom. Your host will most likely keep offering you more and more food and drink. It is acceptable to take a second helping but not necessarily a third or fourth! You will have to be persistent and it might take a bit of polite “back and forth” between you and your host before your host acknowledges that you are actually finished!

Much confusion surrounds the Holy Month of Ramadan and how it pertains to visitors. Ramadan is a month of fasting and the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar which is shorter than the Gregorian (Western) calendar. Thus, based on sightings of the moon, Islamic months move forward each year by about 11 days. This means Ramadan may be in fall, summer, spring or winter as the lunar calendar continues to rotate forward by 11 days each year. Muslims will rise before dawn to have a light pre-fast meal called “Suhoor”. They will then spend the day refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking as well as trying to refrain from negative behaviors while engaging more in prayer and reflection. At sunset the fast is broken – this is called “Iftar”. Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims and is a way for them to draw closer to their religion and to appreciate all that they have. Charity to the poor is also very important at this time.

During the Holy Month, non-Muslims in Dubai are also expected (by law) to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public. A bit of discretion and respect for the host culture is really all that is called for. If a visitor accidentally makes a mistake and eats, drinks, or smokes in public, the worst that is likely to happen is that someone will gently remind you of the time of year and ask you to stop. Although most restaurants will be closed during the day (or offering take-away only), many malls now have food outlets that are screened off from the public and open during the day in Ramadan for non-Muslims. It is also perfectly acceptable for non-Muslims to eat and drink in the privacy of their homes or hotel rooms during the day. Most hotel restaurants will remain open (with screened-off areas) for hotel guests and grocery stores also remain open all day long. It is greatly appreciated during Ramadan if women are a bit more conservative in their dress – simply avoiding short skirts or sleeveless tops. All live musical and dance performances are suspended during Ramadan but pubs will open after sunset. Time seems to move a little slower during Ramadan and by law Muslim employees have shortened work days. In general visitors do need to be more culturally sensitive during the Holy Month, but after the breaking of the fast each day the city comes alive and it is an ideal time to visit if you are looking to experience cultural flavor.

While Dubai is most famous for its shopping, visitors should take advantage of their trip to the United Arab Emirates to also learn about the local culture. The Dubai Museum, built in an old traditional fort, is a must-see for all ages and includes exhibits of weapons, national costumes, and displays of the desert as well as the pearl diving industry on which Dubai was originally founded. The Heritage and Diving Village features displays of Dubai’s maritime past and includes quaint shops and restaurants. Finally, The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding offers cultural awareness programs, recruiting young UAE nationals to speak to visitors and residents about Dubai culture and history, as well as offering other activities throughout the year including mosque tours and Arabic classes.



By: Ahmed Juma

About the Author:

Ahmed Juma is a local UAE businessman and the owner of Emirates-Ads, a free UAE and Dubai classifieds site with extensive listings for jobs in Dubai, UAE property, vehicles, and items for sale.



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Trucking and Travel Resources

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When you’re hitting America’s highways, life can get a little lonely. There are some resources you’ll want to take with you- no matter what your reason for travel- if you’re going to be traveling far and long.

The Rand McNally Deluxe Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas

The regular atlas or a AAA trip-tick is fine for the novice or the occasional traveler. But if you’re in it for the long haul, you’ll want the luxury of this laminated, spiral-bound monster. You can use it for years without ripping the pages, you can write on it without bleeding through and you can spill coffee on it without affecting it’s readability.

Inside its pages, you will find a wealth of information. The numbers for trucking associations for the US and Canada, for DOT and state police, for national hotel chains, and for state weather and construction information. The regulations for over the road carriers- legal weight limits, restricted routes (though not all-inclusive), low bridges (though not necessarily all-inclusive), inspection procedures, documentation requirements and logbook regulations. If you take the time to read all the information in the front of the Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas, you’ll come away with more knowledge than when you started.

Most locations of weigh stations are relatively accurate, though there are weigh stations in use that are not marked on the atlas. Most trucking regulations are up to date and accurate, though enforcement information is not available. CoopsAreOpen has the most current and complete weigh station scales and DOT rules.

You can buy the Deluxe Motor Carriers’ Atlas at most truck stops or online at the Rand McNally website. The cost will depend on what time of year you buy it. The later in the year, the cheaper the price (because the new editions come out toward the beginning of a new year). Prices range anywhere from $30-$65. It also comes in a large print edition.

The Truck Stop Guide

Any truck stop guide will do- so long as it has locations, phone numbers, and a list of services. A “pocket truck stop guide” is alright if you already know the places and faces. But for the rest of us, a more detailed guide is a good idea. You’ll be glad you spent the money if you need to know where the best places to stop are on the road in front of you.

Truck stops used to mean good food and friendly people. It’s not always true these days, but you have a better chance of finding these at a truck stop (or nearby) than you do if you just throw caution to the wind and hope for the best. Truck stop guides will tell you which truck stops have 24 hour service, repair shops and restaurants. You can usually gauge the size of the truck stop by the size of the lot listed in the guide.

If you need to do laundry, receive a fax, receive a delivery (FedEx, UPS or DHL type), get a shower, or just plain get off the road for a few hours- a truck stop is a safe bet. A truck stop guide will tell you what services the truck stops have and provide the phone number if you want to call ahead to get the fax number or address. (Find out how to get a fax number that sends and receives faxes using your current email address. Try eFax free – instant activation.)

Just don’t be surprised to find that when you arrive, the Heavenly Haven you hoped for is a Roach Ranch instead- truck stop guides do not include quality ratings. And many truck stops will not allow you to use the shower facilities unless you are a trucker.

You can buy a variety of truck stop guides at most truck stops. Prices range from $13-$30.

Electric Cooler

Most rigs and other vehicles are not equipped with refrigerators so a cooler makes sense. The electric coolers (made by Igloo or Kool-a-tron) plug right into your lighter plug- no need to constantly drain water and refill with ice. They are great for beverages and, in the short term, for dairy items. They do not cool to refrigerator temperatures, so foods requiring refrigeration will go bad faster.

Meals at truck stop restaurants and other roadside eateries can get very expensive over time. Being able to keep some staples like milk, lunchmeat and mayonnaise can help keep costs down and make small meals more enjoyable.

The electric coolers double as food warmers, as well. So if you are traveling with prepared foods, you can keep them warm to your destination. Most truckers who don’t have a refrigerator travel with one large electric cooler and use it to keep groceries and beverages chilled.

You can buy an electric cooler at most truck stops or at many super-type stores. Prices range from about $70 to $120 for large electric coolers.

Global Positioning System – Satellite Navigation

Traveling with a map is great, but traveling with GPS can make navigating your course a lot easier. GPS indicates your exact position as it relates to the map and routing software will determine your course and give you turn by turn directions. Magellan, Pioneer, Alpine, Streets and Trips- they all have good maping software. There are plenty of other systems, as well. These are all designed with cars in mind, however, not eighteen-wheelers. So, you’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re driving anything bigger than an SUV.

There is a GPS maping system designed for commercial vehicles called CoPilot Truck. It is designed to follow truck routes and to avoid low bridges and routes that would be unsafe for a trucker to use. However, it is always the driver’s responsibility to know where you are or aren’t allowed and to use your own judgment on the routing you choose.

Never trust your GPS completely. GPS is a wonderful aid, but if you rely on it without using common sense and your own ability to navigate and follow directions you may find yourself in a bind from time to time. Road closures, map inaccuracies and wrong addresses are all concerns when it comes to using computer routing. Be sure you have a handle on where you are and where you are going at all times- just to be on the safe side.

You can buy a GPS system at most truck stops, electronics stores and super-type stores. It’s best to shop around. Most GPS navigation units require a laptop computer to run them- though there are in-dash and hand-held GPS systems. Prices for independent units range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Cell phone

When cell phones first came out they were an expensive investment. Local plans were often 20 cents per minute and roaming or long distance calls could put you in the poor house quickly. These days, you can find a reasonably priced service plan that is tailored to meet your needs.

Cingular, Verizon, Sprint PCS, and Nextel all have good plans and coverage areas. You also have the option of pre-paid cellular- which can help if you operate on a budget (you never buy more than you can afford).

Cell phones are good to have in case of an emergency or break down. But they are also good for keeping in touch with loved ones. You will find it is worth the expense to talk on a cell phone rather than trying to have a private conversation on a payphone in a truck stop- even if it’s in a private phone booth.

You can buy a cell phone at most truck stops, grocery stores, super-type stores, electronic stores and individual cellular company stores. Cell phones range from free with a service contract to several hundred dollars. Plan prices vary largely depending on what your needs are.

Citizen’s Band Radio (c.b.)

The c.b. radio is the cornerstone of trucking. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a trucker who doesn’t have one, though there are truckers out there who choose to travel without the squak box, as it is sometimes called.

Many people get deep into the c.b. (and ham radio) lifestyle. You’ll see cars running around with huge radio antennas and dragging rods that keep the car grounded for good reception- not a good idea in a lightning storm. You’ll see truckers with big antennas with coils on them pointed forward at an angle. A lot of truckers pay big money to get big power in their radios.

Until you’re sure of what you want, you’ll want to start small. You can spend a lot of money and if you don’t know what you’re buying, you may find you spent your money needlessly. Starting out, a Cobra 25 or Cobra 29 will do just fine. You can take it to a radio shop at a truck stop that has a good reputation to get it “peaked and tuned” and “matched to your antenna” and you’ll get good use out of it.

The CB radio is very helpful in bad weather and traffic situations. You can talk to other drivers and find out what the roads are like ahead of you and hear warnings of dangerous situations you may encounter. You will also find that there are a lot of people who use the c.b. as their personal entertainment- talking non-stop and harassing other drivers. At times, it is hard to get the information you’re looking for because there is so much chatter on the air waves. Still, it is a good idea to have a c.b. radio so you can communicate verbally with the drivers around you when you need to.

If you are new to trucking or to c.b. radios, you will find that truckers have their own language. They’ll be able to pick you out as a newbie or a novice, so don’t bother trying to be a smooth talker at first. There are a few drivers who will pick on you until you can “blend in,” but most drivers are helpful and won’t mind talking to a fellow traveler.

You can buy a c.b. at most truck stops and electronics stores. Prices range from $20-$30 all the way up to hundreds of dollars.

Satellite Radio

The birth of satellite radio was a huge milestone for the trucking industry. Most truckers who subscribe to one of the two services (XM Radio or Sirius Radio) can’t imagine trucking without satellite radio- though they did it for years. For most truckers, satellite radio isn’t an option… it has become a necessity.

Hours and hours of driving can lead to boredom. It is frustrating to loose an am or fm radio station you’ve been listening to. Both XM and Sirius have hundreds of talk, comedy, sports and music stations that won’t fade out no matter how far you drive.

The satellites orbit the earth south of the U.S. so the further north you drive, the more likely you are to experience a blocked signal. If you are running through a valley between mountains or through a tunnel, your signal may cut out until you hit clear sky again.

If you are using the small “mouse” antenna that comes with most satellite systems, you will want to be sure it is properly mounted on the top of your vehicle. If you mount the antenna to one side you may find that if you travel east or west and the antenna is on the north side of the truck, your vehicle will block the antenna from getting a signal. If you are parked on the north side of a large warehouse, your antenna may be blocked from getting a signal.

The larger your vehicle, the more likely it is that you may want to switch to a trucker antenna for satellite radio. These are larger and mount more like a c.b. antenna. They will have a stronger signal in situations where the mouse antenna might loose the signal.

Some trucking companies provide satellite radio systems and/or service for their drivers, but for those who have to pay for their own, it‘s worth the expense.

You can buy a satellite radio system at most truck stops, electronic stores, and car stereo stores. Prices range from less than $100 for a plug-and-play type of unit to several hundred for an in-dash radio. You’ll also need to purchase the service from the provider for about $15/month in order to experience satellite radio.



By: Suzanne At Coops

About the Author:

www.coopsareopen.com is a website dedicated to improving the lives of truckers. www.coopsareopen.com provides weigh station information that matters to truckers.



Travel & Holidays

Three Cheap Travel Tips

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Cheap travel means you get to go more often, go on longer trips or just save some of your money for other things. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean low-quality travel. If you find a way to get a cheaper plane ticket, for example, you might be flying on the same plane as with the more expensive tickets.

Of course sometimes you can save money by traveling differently, and that’s okay too. Why pay an extra $40 for a hotel if you like the idea of staying in a hostel with visitors from around the world? Why rent a car in countries where good bus and train systems make for cheaper and more interesting trips?

Essentially you can travel cheap in two ways. First, you can find cheaper ways to get the same thing. The other, perhaps more powerful way, is to alter your expectations and plans to create a more interesting trip that is also inexpensive. The tips that follow will help you do both.

1. See if you can book two flights cheaper than one.

My wife and I are thinking about going to Ecuador this year (2007). Checking for our approximate dates, I found that it would cost $950 each round trip from Colorado Springs, or $1,900 total. Then I checked from Colorado Springs to Miami. It would be $215 round trip. From Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador costs $350 round trip. That makes it just $565 to Ecuador, or $1,130 total – a savings of $770.

Of course, if you are going to do this, you have to find flights that have enough time in-between them. You probably won’t get e refund if you miss the second flight because of a delay on the first. In our case, we have friends near Miami, so we’ll just arrange the flights to be a day or two apart, and go visiting. Even after the cost of renting a car for a couple days we’ll still be hundreds of dollars ahead.

2. Live in a new place for a while.

One way to make a vacation less rushed, cheaper, and in many ways more interesting, is to stop going from hotel to hotel. Why not stay in a place, and even rent a condo or apartment? We did this a few years back in Tucson, Arizona. It was nice to escape winter for a couple months, and it was fun to explore and get to know a new city. Often you can save hundreds of dollars this way, versus paying by the night for hotel rooms.

3. Be an opportunistic traveler.

This is the most valuable of these cheap travel tips. There are so many things to do out there and so many places to see, so why get stuck on just the ones you have already thought of? With a little luck, you might find a more interesting place to go for half the price. With little shopping, you might find a bed and breakfast in whatever country you visit, and pay less for a more interesting experience.

First look for all the possible alternatives that are less expensive. This isn’t about doing something you don’t want to do. But among those cheaper choices there might be a perfect trip for you. Why not find out? To start with, do any of your friends live in interesting places? Visiting friends is a great way to save on travel costs and have a load of fun (with the right friends).

Here’s a good example of being an opportunist. We were in the mountain resort town of Banos, Ecuador, and asked about the cost of taxi ride to some waterfall. It was $15. It was apparently a popular attraction with tourists. We kept that in mind as we wandered around. Then we saw a chiva (an open-sided bus with seating on the roof) go by playing music. We asked about that.

The chiva took us on a tour of the city (I rode on the roof), then up into the mountains for a view of the city from above. Then we watched the volcano Tungurahua erupt and spit out a bit of lava. They served us hot rum drinks (included in the price), and there were fire-juggling entertainers. Passengers had to push the chiva to get it started for the trip back to town. The cost of all this? $3 each. Cheap travel does not mean uninteresting travel.



By: Steve Gillman

About the Author:

Copyright Steve Gillman. Get the free
Travel Secrets Ebook, as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com



Create a video blog

Travel Jobs & How to Make Money While You Travel

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Ever had the desire to quit your lame 9 to 5 job, tell your boss to shove it, pack up and start traveling the world?

All of us have had that desire at one point! The thing that stopped you was probably the same thing that stops most people: money.

“How will I pay for my flights, food, lodging, transportation, yada, yada, yada,” you asked yourself.

Don’t let these concerns bother you too much, because there is an underground, growing group of travelers who are utilizing some simple but hidden techniques to make significant incomes while traveling.

Here’s an overview of how we make money traveling and by landing travel jobs:

Underground Travel Income Method #1 – Traditional Travel Job - Hold a job that either a) pays for us to travel or b) is located in the place we wish to travel to. This is the lowest paying and most complicated method of all, but is the most commonplace.

Common jobs that pay for travels are for professional speakers, salespeople, package couriers, flight attendants, travel nurses/doctors, conservationists, cruise ship workers, etc.

Travel jobs located in the places we wish to go to can be any of the above, but also are specific to the location we travel to. There are some FUN jobs overseas that are looking for foreign workers!



Underground Travel Income Method #2 – Travel Writing – Travel writing jobs for magazines are more common than you may imagine. However, there are LOADS of other ways to write as you travel and make money, including blogging, picking up projects from sites like Elance and Guru, and writing travel guides, both online and offline.



Underground Travel Income Method #3 – Selling Affiliate Products – Using a simple website, you can drive online traffic to a product that will be of interest to your online followers. Don’t be intimidated by this! It can be as easy as using your very own Facebook or Myspace profile. Affiliate products typically pay 50% to 75%, so you can make a very healthy income for selling just a few objects.

Underground Travel Income Method #4 – Filming Your Adventures – If you’ve got the camera out and you’re taking pictures, why not switch it to ‘film’ mode and make money from it? You simply make a video of your destinations using iMovie or Windows Movie Maker, then use your videos to create a customer base!

Underground Travel Income Method #5 – Podcasting – If filming scares you off or intimidates you, you can make an iTunes podcast. It is easier than ever to get listed in iTunes and there’s a HUGE audience of podcast listeners. Simply talk about the places you visit two or three times a week and watch how your following grows… and how your bank account grows!

Underground Travel Income Method # 6 – Ebay – The common misconception about Ebay is that you have to sell a physical product to make money. Here’s the trick: You can set up a fulfillment house to ship your product (or hire your little sister or the neighborhood kid). All you have to do is create your Ebay post from an internet caf

Travel Restrictions

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Do you understand the basics of air travel and luggage restrictions? There have been various changes throughout the years due to increase security at airports. You’ll need to understand the luggage restrictions.

Do note that there may be differences in restrictions when traveling outside of the United States. Be sure to check with the airlines about any additional restrictions if you are traveling to other countries. Here’s a quick guide to what you can and cannot bring with you on the plane.

Liquids, Gels, Aerosol Containers

The basic restriction is that you must have only 3 ounces of each liquid in small containers. You can’t have 3 ounces of liquid in bigger containers. That means you have to leave your rolled up toothpaste and big bottles at home.

On top of that, you have to put all of your liquid small bottles in a quart size only plastic baggie. That quart sized plastic bag must have a zipped top. You can’t use gallon-sized bags, and you can’t use bags that are unzipped, like a sandwich bag.

Once you get to the airport, you have to pull out this bag and put it on the conveyor belt if you are taking it with your carry-on luggage.

Save The Trouble Tip – Don’t bring anything liquid or gel with you if you can help it. Buy new small travel size items when you get to your destination, and throw them away before you take off for home.

Exceptions To The Rule – Baby formula or milk for baby, or juices for toddlers. Prescription or over the counter products, including eye saline. Juice or liquids for people with a medical condition. Basically, if you have any medical condition or disability and you are taking liquids with you, you can bring those items with you on the plane, you just need to declare it to the security personnel at the airport.

Food and Drinks

Like the rules above, if it’s a liquid, or somewhat liquid, it has to be less than 3 ounces. You can have them checked or in your carry on items. In most cases any food that you have, as long as it is packaged properly, can be taken with you.

However, items you buy at the airport can be taken with you on the plane. If you’re at the airport and buy something for the trip, you can save some checkpoint hassle by purchasing food and drinks beyond the security point.

Save The Trouble Tip – Use clear packaging when you take food items from home with you, that way security won’t have to open things up to see what is inside.

Cigarette Lighters And Matches

Your common every day lighter is permitted in your carry-on luggage only. You might have to throw away some if you have more than one on your person.

You can also take with you matches, but they must not be the strike anywhere kind. They must be in a small pack.

Electronic Items

In general, all electronic items such as PDAs, cell phones, laptops, computer equipment, pagers and the like are permitted both checked and in your carry-on luggage. Most likely you’ll have to be prepared to pull it out and place it in special bins when going through the X-ray machine.

For cameras, if you have undeveloped film, the X-ray machine will destroy this, so you should simply declare what you have to the security people and ask them to do a hand search of these items.

Sharp Objects

There are many restrictions regarding sharp objects. The general rule is if the item is longer than 6 inches and sharp, check it with your luggage, don’t take it with you in your carry on luggage.

Anything less than 6 inches, not a knife, and usually meant for personal use like knitting needles or a nail file. You cannot bring a knife with you on the plane, even a small pocketknife. Put these with your checked baggage.

Tools in general can be checked, though items less than 6 inches are allowed on carry-on luggage. Larger tools, especially sharp objects, must be checked.

Save The Trouble Tip – Do you really need any sharp metal item while in flight? Keep it all with your checked luggage.

Sporting Goods, Martial Arts Items and Firearms

To keep it simple, most sporting goods aren’t allowed as carry on, and must be checked. Same thing with the martial arts items, you will have to put these with your checked baggage. Again, the same rule applies for firearms. Guns and knives can be brought with you, but must be checked baggage. You can also bring ammunition, but again, it must be a checked item. It is recommended that you declare what you have to the individual doing the inspection.

This also applies to anything that looks like a gun, including a BB gun, or pellet gun or any other sort. You must check these items as baggage. The pellets and BBs must be checked as well. To be safe, check toy guns as well.

Things You Can Not Have With You

This is a list of items you cannot have with you, either checked or as a carry on item. You cannot bring these items on the plane with you under any circumstances. You could face severe penalties if you bring these with you.

Flares

Gun powder

Blasting Caps

Dynamite

Fireworks

Hand Grenades

Plastic Explosives

Aerosols *except for toiletry items

Fuel

Gasoline

Gas Torches

Lighter Fluid

Torch Lighters

Strike Anywhere Matches

Flammable Paints

Turpentine and Paint Thinner

Chlorine for Pools and Spas

Fire extinguishers

Liquid Bleach

Spillable Batteries *except for wheelchairs

Spray Paint

Tear Gas

Note: You cannot bring with you realistic replicas of these items either.

Save The Trouble Tip – If you must have these items, plan to buy one at the location you are traveling to, or ship it to yourself. (Make sure you check regulations for shipping these items.)

These restrictions are in place to help keep you safe while flying. Planning ahead is the best way to prepare and make sure what you need makes it through to your destination. The general travel tip: Less is better. Buy items when you get to the location. In most cases if you do need to bring it, try to put it in your checked baggage.



By: Dave J. Davies

About the Author:

Tag My Bags is a supplier of personalized luggage tags online. When you want to find your back quickly and easily  visit TagMyBags.com. The only supplier of licensed Disney luggage tags.



Travel & Holidays

The Basics of Travel Insurance

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Life is full of unexpected events- this is the basic principle which drives the insurance industry. One doesn’t really know what will happen next year, next month even tomorrow. Life is especially more riskier for people who frequently travel, and a travel insurance can really be a good thing to have. It will at least leave something for oneself, ones family and loved ones in the case of unfortunate events during traveling.

One might be skeptical in getting travel insurance simply because he thinks that it is a waste of money which can be used for something more urgent or important. However, we can never really say what will happen and it is good to be insured. In the events such as accidents, trip cancellations and lost luggage, insurance policies can really be handy. Getting vacation insurance is the first step that should be taken when planning a trip.

Types of Travel Insurance Policies

Travel insurance is availed by people who are concerned about the events that may unfold during a trip. Its not a sign of paranoia, its a mere sign that one faces the reality that he doesn’t control his life and the events that may happen.

Package

Travel insurance packages are usually designed to cover single trips. This type of insurance policy is very ideal for tours, cruises, air trips, renting vacation homes, whether they are for business or personal traveling in foreign or domestic areas.

These travel packages are usually pre bundled by the insurance companies and they provide travel coverage such as cancellation of trips, interruption of flights, delays of travel, lost of baggage and personal effects, delay of baggage, emergency evacuation, assistance for travelers and medical expenses. One can also avail optional policies which will cover accidental deaths.

These packages are usually rated against three factors ones age during application, the cost of one’s trip and the duration of the trip.

Medical

Travel insurance plans can also be designed to cover ones medical expenses if needed during the trip. There are also group health insurance plans which can be availed by a group. However, most of the insurance plans available today will only cover medical expenses in trips which are done inside the ‘coverage areas.’ It’s best to be able to ask the insurance provider regarding these things before availing a medical travel insurance policy.

Accidental death during flight

Many insurance providers give accidental flight death insurance as a part of their insurance policies. Sometimes, they give it as an option.

Listed below are some tips on how one can go about availing quality and suitable travel policies for his trips.

1. Before getting a new travel insurance policy, one should double check his existing insurance policies. There might be some coverage with regards to traveling in the existing policies that one possess and it would be a waste of money to pay for something that has already been covered.

2. Know what is the best type of insurance is best for the trip. Getting a travel insurance is really dependent on the situation of the destination and the other factors that come into play such as one’s age and health conditions.

3. Know the policy. One should know whether things like international coverage, emergency evacuation, accidental death, remains repatriation and family travel insurance are covered by the policy..

These are some tips on how to avail travel insurance. The point is life is unpredictable and it’s better to have insurance especially for travel purposes. Insurance is a real must when traveling.



By: Michael Contaro

About the Author:
Travel Insurance Information web site is maintained by Michael Contaro. Its purpose is to answer all your travel related questions. You can view the site at http://travelinsurance.travelplanshq.com or click here Travel Insurance



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The Secrets of International Travel Discount Airfares

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These days money, or lack there of, seems to play a large role in deciding whether to make those overseas travel plans. Fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way because even those with moderate incomes can choose to fly to far off lands if they know the secrets of international travel discount airfares. By being flexible, shopping around, and knowing some tried and true bargain travel methods you too can save money on your next trip abroad.

The biggest key to getting the best international airfare bargains is shopping around. There are literally hundreds of different fares available for just about any destination and taking the time to research and compare prices can pay off big time. The ability to use travel sites on the internet makes this task easier then ever because many of these sites will do the price comparisons for you. Using internet travel sites does need to be taken with a grain of salt though, because while they do a great job of searching the flights for you this does not mean that they include every possibility.

One technique that seems to be overlooked is checking with the individual airlines themselves. They often offer cheap tickets that can only be bought through their own ticketing and reservation agents and websites. So be sure to make some phone calls just to see what is available.

You also need to check with travel agents and agencies. These are the pros at the travel business and many times they have access to low cost international airfares that aren’t available on the internet. A good travel agent can save you money and make planning your trip a hassle free experience; something that even the best online sites can’t offer.

Also check with travel agents or agencies that specialize in specific destinations or serve an ethnic population. These types of agencies work with foreign airlines to provide discount tickets to their home countries, often at a savings that can’t be beat.

Another good place to look are “Bucket Shops” which are airfare consolidators who buy tickets in bulk directly from the airlines at discounted prices. They pass these savings onto their customers who are willing to use this system which works like this; you let them know a date range you would like to travel and some destinations you are interested in. If they make a bulk purchase that fits into your travel plans you can get heavily discounted tickets, but you do need to be flexible.

The most important part of finding international travel discount airfares is researching as many different possibilities as you can. Flexibility is also important because it gives you a range in which to find those cheap tickets. Remember, shop around and keep an open mind because you never know what airfare bargains you may find.



By: Andrew Bicknell

About the Author:

To learn more insider secrets for finding cheap flights and discount air fares please visit the My Airfare Secrets Review Page. Written by a 16 year veteran of the airline pricing game it will show you how to save money on your travel budget every time you fly.Click Here for more information.



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Travel Sickness

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As a child I used to spend hours in a car or on public transport. My sister had moved from England to North Wales and we always went to see her by car, 3 or 4 times a year. This was a problem for me because I suffered terribly with travel sickness. The journey was usually about 4 hours in the car on windy hilly roads with a crazy social worker driving. I was almost always sick and always at least would feel nauseous. Sometimes my mind was occupied enough that it wouldn’t happen until a few hours in. Sometimes it was after just a few minutes, but it always happened. As I got older, it became more of an embarrassing problem, and I would try not to say anything about feeling unwell, as I knew that the others in the car would be worrying and asking me how I was feeling, which tended to do me no favours as it just got me thinking about it all over again. I remember one time, feeling so ill, and nobody else knew, my mouth was dry and I kept swallowing as it felt as if I was going to vomit at any moment. Suddenly we drove over a bridge which was sign posted with the name of the river. The river name was also the name of the place we were travelling to and I instantly felt a wave of relief that we were nearly there. Instantly the sickness left me. It was at that point I knew that a lot of what was happening to me, was all in my head!

Motion sickness, or travel sickness as it is better known, occurs when the brain is confused about the motion that the body is experiencing. The eyes are seeing stillness in the environment but an organ in the inner ear, the labyrinth, which an important part of our vestibular (balance) system is experiencing motion. This mismatch in the brain’s equilibrium causes it to experience moving and not moving at the same. The brain then concludes that this must be happening because it has been poisoned, and to overcome the poisoning it attempts to empty the contents of the stomach.

In all cases of nausea, hypnosis can be beneficial to help the brain disassociate from any anchors that may have been created. For example, the smell of the car may trigger the nausea before it has even started moving. Or if someone is feeling nauseous because of a particular situation or environment, such as when making a presentation to their boss, then these negative anchors can be collapsed. Positive anchors can be created to associate with the situations that cause the nausea. For example the zesty fresh smell of lemons can help to settle the stomach, as can fresh air and sips of cool water.

Diverting attention at an early stage can also help nausea and sickness to subside. When in a moving vehicle, it can be helpful to watch the scenery moving past (quite often if a person tries to read when in a moving car- fixing their gaze on the stillness whilst experiencing motion- this will accelerate the nausea.) Using hypnosis to visualise the journey before hand, can help the brain to practice experiencing the journey whilst feeling well. It can also be helpful to feel in control of the movements taking place- quite often travel sickness sufferers are fine when they are driving. For those who experience nausea due to anxiety or sickness, it can be helpful for them to feel that they also have control over the situation, but in a more emotional sense. It is important to have a feeling of control and confidence to overcome nausea which is related to anxiety or nervousness.



By: Gemma Bailey

About the Author:
Gemma Bailey is a Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner in Markyate, St Albans, Hertfordshire (near to Hemel Hempstead, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Luton.) Please visit http://www.gemmabailey.co.uk for more information.



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Last Minute Travel Bargains

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Most airlines will have unsold seats on scheduled flights throughout the United States. To remain competitive in the airline industry and cover operational costs, those open seats must be sold before the flight takes off. People wait inside airports at departure gates for flights going where they want to go because they know an airline agent will announce the last minute travel bargains at the last minute.

Many travelers have learned that a little patience can have a dramatic impact on travel costs no matter what time of the year the travel commences. The money saving options might come through airlines that have seats open in the first class section of the airplane. Travelers that have never experienced the luxurious features of first class might jump at the chance to fly in this section because the travel bargains are too good to pass up and some consider the bargain pricing to be a once in a lifetime event.

Travel bargains can always be found to meet the needs of people traveling in groups. Many travel package prices are based on numbers and when more people travel to overseas destinations the price is significantly reduced. These low prices allow people to take advantage of travel to destinations they only dreamed about before. Without those travel bargains, it is quite possible that travel by students during their senior year at high school would never be possible.

Travel bargains are always possible during the Christmas holiday season. People generally prefer to travel by air or car and the bargain prices on rental cars can be achieved if the rentals are scheduled well in advance. Travel agents keep track of the places that people want to go and organize travel packages that are priced so low that no traveler would pass up such a bargain.

For a few dollars a day a family could ride in a luxurious sedan or a multi-person van. The travel bargain might exist for only two or three vehicles but the pricing on those will be drastically lower. Many travelers will enroll in email notifications to know about newly released travel bargains before anyone else. The notifications might include the specific make and model of a vehicle but travelers who can fit those styles into their travel plans will enjoy traveling for cheap everywhere.

Some travelers know to consult with travel agencies to save travel funds on lodging. At many resort locations, travel agents will purchase hotel rooms in blocks and then make those rooms available to people who are members of their travel group. These travel bargains will allow people to sleep in hotels that would be sold out otherwise, and take advantage of luxury accommodations that cost other hotel occupants more than several nights would for a member of the travel group.

Little extras can be included on a variety of travel packages that might make the whole trip seem worthwhile. Hotels in resort locations might include a night out on the town with the purchase of a week’s rental at the resort. Tickets to amusement parks are often provided free of charge, and these travel bargains will often be offered with room upgrades to rooms that are located inside the park premises.



By: James Brown

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Checklist For Buying the Perfect Used Travel Trailer

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Buying a used travel trailer can be a scary prospect indeed. But, armed with a little information and the attitude that the right trailer is out there for you, you can get through the buying process and come out on the other end with a fantastic used travel trailer!

First, you must know how much trailer you need to suit your situation and how much you can handle in terms of price and towing capability. I can’t help you much with price–you’ll have to decide beforehand what you range is, but you can research what trailers are available for what prices on the internet. As far as towing capability is concerned, you need to be concerned with two numbers–GTW (gross trailer weight),which is the maximum weight your vehicle is designed to pull, and TW (tongue weight); that’s the downward force (measured in pounds) your hitch ball can support. Both of these figures can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and should be topmost in your mind when considering which trailer you can tow.

Now to the fun part; once you have decided some of your basic needs, you can start shopping! You may have used RV dealerships in your area. That’s great news since you will have a wider selection and a salesperson to offer suggestions and recommendations. Of course if you don’t, you can find plenty of used trailers for sale through your local classifieds and online. Don’t be shy–see a lot of trailers; it’s the only way to find the one that’s just right for you!

Once you do find a trailer to consider, there are a lot of things to keep in mind; I suggest making a checklist to remind yourself what you are looking for and to take notes about the features and condition of each model you see.

Starting with the exterior, look for dents and dings, rusted spots, rusty or loose screws. Check if the exterior compartments are clean and dry. Inspect the roof; are the rubber seals cracking or discolored from water/sun damage? Are the vent covers secure? Is there a roof rack? Check any awnings and pullouts to see if they operate smoothly and look to be in good repair. Is the awning discolored or mildewed? Is it large enough?

Moving inside, check the doors; do they close securely? Check the hinges and handles and locks. Is there a pull out step? Does it work well and store securely? Are the windows in good condition? Do they operate smoothly and lock securely? Are all the screens in place? Are they in good repair?

Consider the interior walls and flooring. Are there signs of water damage, including discoloration and soft spots? Do you like the colors? Are the walls or flooring marked with stains?

What is the condition of the furniture? Are all the appliances in working order? Turn everything on and check it’s performance. The refrigerator and freezer will take a few hours to fully cool, but if this trailer is on your “short list,” be sure to check them. Turn on all faucets to check for leaks; check the water heater and all holding tanks for leaks by filling them with water. Check if the bathroom is big enough. Lay down on the bed; do you feel comfortable in the sleeping space? Are the closets big enough? Can you see your family vacationing happily in this space?

If so, then you know all your hard work has paid off, and you have found the perfect travel trailer for your family! If not, you know your checklist has weeded out another poor choice, and you are that much closer to finding your trailer. So, get out there and get to work; your next family vacation could be in your very own perfectly used travel trailer.



By: Emily Sandberg

About the Author:

Emily Sandberg is a camping enthusiast who spent many a happy weekend camping in her family’s used travel trailer. When she’s not towing anything, she covers her hitch with a hitch cover from Trailer Hitch Universe.



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