The Travellers Warehouse

In today’s internet world the traveler has a virtual smorgasbord when it comes to booking travel. Travelers have a variety of ways to secure tickets more cheaply. The airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies and hotels all have lower on line fares, and then there are independent websites like Expedia that can offer some trips even cheaper. The travel shopper has a lot of choices.

However, there are times when it is better to use a travel agent even though it might be more costly. A lot of agents today work on line, but there is nothing like talking to a real live person when booking a complicated trip. They can answer all your questions, and they will look for the best deals. For example if I am going to visit family or friends in Denver I might book my reservation on line, but what if I want to book a three week vacation to Las Vegas or Paris. For example, Paris City Sightseeing Tours if you don’t know where to get them. You might need to talk to an agent to get the best deal. It is also probably better to book a cruise through an agent because they know the best cruise ship lines, and can get you the right accommodations, however you can save money by looking on line at cruisedirect.com.

A good agent will go the extra mile to find the best deal, and a lot of agents have contracts with consolidators who do not have their agendas posted publicly. A travel agent will have surcharges for such services, but it might save the traveler money in the long run.

Some airlines sell only through travel agents. Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines are two carriers who sell air passes through travel agents. Also, if the traveler has special needs it is good to work with an agent. Senior citizens who might be traveling to Thailand to get a cheaper medical procedure should consider working with a real live agent.

Working with an agent can also save a lot of time for travelers who are taking a luxury cruise, or being brave enough to go on a safari.

If someone is going on a world tour or an extended vacation an agent can arrange a complete itinerary. They will know whether a hotel has a shuttle service that goes to downtown Paris, or if you have to us the Paris Metro. I was fortunate enough to be meeting up with a friend in Japan who understood how to get around. Getting from the Tokyo airport to a hotel can be a major undertaking. That type of information may not be available on a website. I had a friend in Japan, but an agent would certainly have been the next best selection.

An agent can also help you get a visa if necessary. This is real important in today’s world. Americans are not particularly liked in some parts of the world. An agent can be a big help for the person traveling to “difficult” countries like Russia or China. They will work out a deal where a single payment can be made instead of paying for the trip as you go.

A travel agent will be needed if you are traveling to a remote or unfrequented destination. More than likely they will try to book a charter package. Charter packages can end up being cheaper because hotels and airport transfers are included in the price. If a flight has been canceled, and you find yourself stranded call your agent immediately and they will help book the next available flight for you.

Because of the competition in the travel industry travel agents will do their very best to give good service. That is a rare commodity these days.

Technorati Tags: use a travel agent, travel agents

In 2005 I went to Australia and back with intermediate stops in Hawaii. It was a wonderful trip with 6 days in Hawaii and several days in the Brisbane area of Australia. The fireworks really started when I got back and had to call my heart specialist to schedule an appointment I just casually mentioned that I had just come home from Australia. There was immediate alarm on the other end of the line. “Come in right away,” she said. I answered, “I am very busy here at work. Can’t I come in tomorrow?” “No, she commanded, “come in right now!” So, I cleaned up my desk and headed down to the clinic to be examined for blood clots. The condition my cardiologist was concerned about is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and all travelers need to be educated about it. The condition can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

I remember the days when airline passengers could get up and move about the cabin. Not anymore! 911 changed all that. Today only one passenger at a time can be outside the lavatory, and other than that they are relegated to their seats during the entire flight. Being able to move around a bit is certainly a more healthy way to do things. Since the airline passengers of today must remain in their seats for an entire trip it is a good idea to bend over and massage the legs once in a while. There are exercises one can do sitting down. Whenever I get up to go to the bathroom I take a few extra minutes and do stretch exercises. This may assist in better blood circulation.

What a lot of people do not know is that Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur on a short flight as well as a very long one. If someone has any kind of questionable heart condition they need to be careful. Experts say that individuals who are at greater risk are older people and those who are overweight. Other factors that figure in the DVT equation may be smoking, recent surgery, trauma to the legs, varicose veins, pregnancy, and a history of cancer. Genetic dispositions could also play a significant role. If a person has any of these conditions they should check with their doctors prior to taking a long trip. The doctor will probably subscribe medication to take along. They might also suggest taking along special compression stockings. If the condition is serious enough affected travelers should talk with their physicians even if the trip is short one. Another thing people need to know about DVD is that cabin air pressure changes can contribute to the condition.

What are some things a traveler can do to keep from having a DVT episode? The High Compression Socks have already been suggested. However, there are some other things that a traveler can do to help themselves. One is to simply drink a lot of water and limiting alcohol intake. I always carry one or two bottles on the plane with me. I also arrive at the airport early so I can walk around a lot before boarding the plane.

Deep Vein Thrombosis can also be found among those who travel by train or automobile. At least on a train a person can get up and move around. Travel by car allows an individual to make periodic exercise stops when appropriate. The traveler has a little more freedom.

The condition may not occur on the trip itself, but could show up a few days later. If a person is at risk they should check in with their doctor upon returning home. My doctor was right!

Following are some conditions that might contribute to DVT. Most of the time passengers are fine, but this is good information to have in stashed in your travel portfolio.

• Travel for more than 3 hours in the four weeks before and after surgery
• A personal or family history of DVT
• Active cancer or cancer treatment
• Recent surgery or leg surgery
• Existing clotting abnormality
• Obesity (BMI of above 30)
• Chronic or acute medical illnesses
• Hormones or the oral contraceptive pill
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Varicose veins
• Pregnancy or 2 months post-partum
• Existing Cardiac problems or a history of cardiac problems or stroke
• Dehydration
• Severe infection
• Aged over 60

Technorati Tags: blood clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis

I remember the time that a group of my friends and I were traveling in Europe when one of the troop fell and hurt themselves. We were in Holland, and while they had very good hospitals and medical facilities there this individual would have been in a very difficult situation if he had not had some type of travel insurance. He made sure that prior to leaving he was covered in the event of any mishap or illness that might happen.

Travel is supposed to fun and enjoyable, however in today’s world it pays make sure that there is something to back you up in case of an emergency. Some people call it “peace of mind” while others call it travel insurance.

All kinds of things can crop up—such as my friend’s unexpected medical emergency or less serious things like lost baggage or travel delays. In our complex world the traveler needs to think about serious political problems that may occur especially when traveling to the Middle East, South America, some parts of Africa and Asia. In some cases no amount of travel insurance is going to make a difference, but it is still good to be prepared.

Travel insurance is supposed to provide protection for the traveler from the time they leave home until they return. A lot of other types of insurance do not have clauses in the policies that cover travel. Some companies may include provisions for medical emergencies at an additional cost. Prior to embarking on a trip one should check with their insurance company to see if they have any travel coverage. Don’t just assume that you have coverage.

Good travel insurance policies will cover financial as well as medical expenses either domestically or internationally. If you use a travel agent to book a trip they usually have pretty good information about travel insurance and you can purchase the insurance directly from the agent, cruise line or tour company. Travel insurance needs to be purchased through an insurance company directly if an agent or other travel company is not used to secure the coverage.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some companies carry coverage where additional costs may be forthcoming while others do not.

Separate insurance can be purchased for:

• high risk sports (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
• travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)
• pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)

Most companies may exclude certain conditions or situations. A few of them are listed below. Check and see what is not covered in the policy. Take time to read the fine print.

• pre-existing medical conditions
• war or terrorism – but some plans may cover this risk
• pregnancy related expenses
• injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Travel insurance may provide other services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services may include concierge services and emergency travel assistance. The best place to start looking for travel insurance is by looking at an existing health policy which may cover expenses for domestic travel emergencies. The insurance carrier may cover an international trip for an additional cost. If they cannot do it the agent may know where and how it can be purchased. For business travel the company you work for might already have coverage for you, or know where good insurance can be bought, and they will probably help to defray the costs. Talk with friends who have done a lot of traveling. The may or may not have some good information. I traveled for years without travel insurance and had a few close calls. Today, I would probably look into some type of travel insurance prior to any extended trip.

Technorati Tags: Travel insurance, Good travel insurance policies

Checking in with an embassy is probably a very good idea especially if a travel itinerary has scheduled stops in Third World or Mid-eastern countries. By registering with an embassy there is someone who knows where you are in case of an emergency at the traveler’s home or if the traveler himself has a serious situation that must be addressed. This could be very important in areas that are known for natural disasters or political unrest. An individual may need to leave very quickly and an American embassy can assist in the evacuation. In order to help they have to be able to contact you. If a country does not have an embassy register with one that is near by. Personal information is treated on a confidential basis.It becomes very important to register with an embassy if you plan an extended stay. Tours can also register with an embassy, and it is a good idea to check and see if they have done it. If not, you can still register with them yourself. It is also suggested to leave a detailed copy of a travel itinerary at home with a family member or friend along with a copy of a passport and other citizenship documents. Travel registration can be done through the State Department and is free.

There are a lot of reasons to stay in touch with one of our embassies. Many people do not know that they can help you in a financial emergency. The Department of State has an Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) office that can help a friend or relative establish a trust account so they can forward funds to the marooned party. There is a small processing fee for doing it. The funds will be transferred to the proper embassy for disbursement, and then suitable arrangements are made with the individual so they can receive the funds.

There are other methods of getting funds if a problem occurs on an overseas trip. Western Union can send the money to OCS. It is probably the fastest way to do it. You can learn about identification policies and procedures necessary for the transaction by calling one of the numbers listed below or going to the websites provided.

You can also wire money through a bank or courier service but it will take longer. The time element is much shorter when working with Western Union and the OCS.

1-888-407-4747 Overseas Citizens Services

1-800-634-4322 or http://www.westernunion.com/

http://usembassy.state.gov/

http://travel.state.gov/

Technorati Tags: registering with an embassy, embassy, register with an embassy

This section of Travellers Warehouse will be dedicated to Passport Issues and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Since the events of September 11, 2001 travel outside of and into the United States has changed significantly. Today we have what is known as The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), and it is being strictly enforced. Its’ birth can be found in the Intelligence Reform and Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), which requires every traveler to present a passport or other document as a method of identification and citizenship origin when entering the United States. That includes U.S. citizens. An individual may be able to go to areas in the Caribbean and have a wonderful vacation, but could run into difficulty getting back into the United States without proper identification. Anyone re-entering the United States by air must have documents that meet the WHTI regulations. The same policy is true for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, The Bahamas and 17 different islands in the Caribbean. This policy started in January 2007 and will continue. There are also new procedures for children traveling into these areas. The whole family will be involved.

In the summer of 2008 a plan will start to be implemented to extend the rules to seaports and land ports of entry. It may take some time to fully expedite the program, but commencement of this activity is planned for that time frame.

Following is the list of accepted identification documents that are WHTI compliant as released by The Department of Homeland Security that will be accepted under proposed regulations.

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.

The Passport Card: This limited-use, wallet-size passport card is not yet available and is under development. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region (includes Bermuda).

Other Accepted Travel Documents: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST and the U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders are exempt from the passport requirement. The Department of Homeland Security website has more information on these travel documents. This information may be seen at http://www.dhs.gov/ or http://www.travel.state.gov/.

The goal of these new programs is to make it easier for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by requiring standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. It is also an effort to secure our borders and more readily identify those who have no good intentions when they attempt to enter the country. It is an effort by the agency make a more safe and secure environment for American citizens and their neighbors.

Technorati Tags: passport, accepted identification documents, U.S. passport

Traveling across various time zones can wreak havoc with your vacation if you don’t take a few minutes and study up on how to handle jet lag. Jet lag is a relatively new term because flight across time zones didn’t become a reality until the 20^th Century. Going from New York to London on a ship a passenger had some place they could stretch out and rest. Ocean travel has its’ own set of issues but the phenomenon known as “jet lag” is not one of them, although there may still be some change in the body clock.

Dry atmospheres in airline cabins can cause dehydration. Altitude and pressure changes at each landing and takeoff also upset body systems, and although airliner cabins are pressurized, these changes can cause jet lag. So, drink a lot of liquid to counter the effects.

Frankly, I have my own way of working with jet lag. It may not work for everyone but might be helpful for some. First of all, I learned to take a leaf out of the books of other travelers, and did my best to be rested before starting the trip. Jet lag really becomes a problem when I travel coast to coast or overseas. If a trip takes me to Europe or Asia I try to plan an intermediate stop and take a few days to rest up before tackling the rest of the trip. However, that is not always possible especially for business travelers or if someone is short on funds.

Over the years I have traveled a lot to Europe for business and religious reasons. I do try to sleep on the planes, dressing as comfortable as possible. Instead of any sleep medications I take along something like some sort of tea or homeopathic remedy that encourages sleep and relaxation. It is best not to take any over the counter sleep aids or medications to use just prior to the flight. A passenger needs to be aware enough to handle an emergency. A mild relaxing tea is going to allow that. Save the stronger items for use at your destination. When I arrive at my hotel the first thing I do is lie down and take a nap. It doesn’t have to be very long. Mine is about two hours. Then I proceed through the rest of the day. Try to make flight arrangements so that you arrive during the day instead of late at night. It’s safer and there is more time to begin adjusting to the time change. The next day I try to get right out and make an attempt to fit into the flow of the new time zone. Sometimes, it is a bit of a push, but by the time you arrive back at the hotel you are ready to sleep. This is where other types of sleeping aids can come in handy. It normally takes me about two days to really adapt to the new time frame.

Here are some other tips from experts who have studied jet lag.

1. Sleep on the plane, and do use earplugs to shut out noise and eyeshades to shut out light. Pack a good neck pillow that can be folded up.

2. Take along some good warm socks or knitted slippers. Feet and legs tend to swell on a flight. Keeping your feet warm will help.

3. Dress warmly. I usually wear a pullover shirt with long sleeves over my blouse.

4. Avoid alcohol to keep from being dehydrated.

5. I do not put sugar in my decaffeinated coffee on a flight because it can cause dehydration. Also, limit your intake of salt or just don’t use it.

6. Try to get some exercise if you can on a flight. It will actually help with the jet lag problem and help you adjust to a new climate. There are special exercises you can do while sitting. On a long flight it is a good policy to find some way to exercise because Deep Vein Thrombosis can set in. This is a condition which has been tagged “Economy Class Syndrome” by some travel writers. The condition normally doesn’t affect most people, but a lot of airlines do warn passengers about it in their literature.

Technorati Tags: sleep on the planes, jet lag, Sleep on the plane

The last plane trip I made with a toddler was a flight from Denver to Salt Lake City with my daughter and my 18 month old grand-daughter. We brought plenty of little toys and items to keep her busy for the 45 minute flight but she wasn’t interested. She tossed them on the floor and stayed glued to the window for the whole flight. It was her first airplane adventure and she was absolutely transfixed. We were lucky.Most of the time flying with children can be challenging. The most important thing to remember is to do everything you can to travel light, which means thinking in a portable mode. It is suggested that parents pack only one or two diapers along with a small package of wipes depending on how long the flight is. Look around for sample sized items like rash cream and baby powder. Another thing a parent can do is put everything in small plastic containers. Carry disposable bibs and sterilized bottle liners. It may be hard to do these days, but check and see if you can bring along a bottle of your own heated water. If the answer is “no” check and see if someone at an airport restaurant will fill up an empty baby bottle with hot water. Carry your own baby food, preferably in plastic containers along with plastic utensils. Passengers used to be able to take their own jars and tins on flights, but in today’s world that may be difficult. Check with the airline and see what baby changing arrangements they have. Some planes have restrooms that are a little larger and can accommodate a parent and child when diaper changes are needed. Get as much information as possible before you leave on the trip and then immediately approach the crew upon boarding and ask what assistance they can give you.

Carry a fold up stroller that can be stowed in an overhead bin. Also, be sure to take along some type of child restraint system (CRS). There is one that is approved by the FAA and there are several types of special harnesses on the market. Some airlines furnish a CRS, and will ask you to check in your unit as extra baggage. It is best to buy a seat for the child. Most passengers that I see hold their very small children on their laps. A CRS is a hard backed safety seat that can be used almost anywhere: Planes, trains and automobiles. Purchasing one is a good investment. A good alternative to a CRS is a flight harness because they can actually be folded up. For the real little guys a real good use of money might be to purchase a baby sleeping bag. They are softer and more comfortable. When traveling with very young children check with your doctor and ask which sedatives would be proper for them. Some sedatives work well while others can actually cause hyperactivity.

Talk to your agent or airline representative about seating arrangements. Sometimes it is good for parents to sit apart from one another so that they can relieve each other if tending the little ones gets to be too much. Some airlines allow children under a certain age to travel free if the child can sit on a parents lap. Each airline has a different policy. A good idea is to try to travel at off times during the day when there is liable to be a good number of empty seats. Very often a passenger who has children with them can work out a more suitable seating arrangement than child on the lap. Travel with more than one child is when additional seats may need to be purchased. Some airlines may provide special bassinets for babies. Most of these types of arrangements need to be made ahead of time. Spending a few dollars on a leash for toddler control is not a bad idea. They are very handy in airport waiting and baggage claim areas. A mother traveling with an older child, a baby and a toddler will find a leash a treasure.

Check with the Department of Transportation or your agent about any paperwork that might be needed when traveling with children. Children do need a passport when the family decides to take a trip to Italy.

Taking any trip with children can be a really great experience if proper preparations are made. If the right program isn’t in place it can be a nightmare.

Technorati Tags: flying with children, traveling with very young children, Travel with more than one child, traveling with an older child, trip with children

One 45” bag and one personal item such as a handbag or briefcase. This is the norm for most airline travelers today. My first roll on bag was a TravelPro. They could be previously spotted when flight attendants and crew members walked by drooling passengers who were saddled with luggage that was cumbersome and hard to manage. That all ended in 1989 when Johnny Q. Citizen could purchase a carry on a bag with wheels. Not every wheeled bag is carried on to the plane. Airlines have pretty strict baggage regulations and these days they are not as lenient as they used to be.

My first wheeled bag happened to be a TravelPro. Friends bought it for me as a college graduation present. A standard 45” bag measures 22 x 14 x 9, and that is the regulated size for most airlines. Some bags that are odd shaped still need to meet the requirements set up by the carrier. Sometimes they are rejected, and have to be checked.

Be careful when shopping for a carry-on bag, because some retailers will advertise that a certain piece of luggage meets requirements when it really doesn’t. Make sure it is legal by doing a little researching prior to shopping. That is particularly important if you are traveling overseas. International carriers will not allow a bag on a plane even if it is an inch too large. Some retailers will give you inside dimensions instead of the full bag measurements. Remember that overhead space may not fulfill the carry-on requirements and the bag may not fit under the seat. I play it safe and get a bag that is a little smaller just to be on the safe side. Spaces underneath the seats are getting tinier by the day. The smaller spaces are that way because the airline can make more money on in flight videos and other amenities and gear for those things are often installed underneath the seats.

One other personal carry-on item can be taken on the plane. These might include a handbag, an encased laptop, a small backpack or a briefcase. No personal item can exceed 36”. I used to be able to carry Christmas gifts for the grandkids, but now I send them by mail prior to my scheduled trip because of restrictions. If you see an agent allowing a larger than normal bag on the plane retain that information when you check in, and if another agent won’t allow your larger piece to be considered carry-on luggage mention the incident. When something like that happens it means that the airline is not complying with their rules. If they won’t play fair and let you take your bag with you there is a place to complain.

Aviation Consumer Protection Division
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

International airlines tend to have stricter policies than domestic carriers when it comes to weight limits. There is an additional charge for oversized or larger pieces of extra checked luggage. It is best to check with the airline to get the most updated information. Smaller commuter airlines may different regulations when baggage is involved, so it is best to take a few extra minutes and check out their website.

AirTran, Alaska, America West, American, ATA, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Northwest, Southwest, Spirit, United and US Airways all allow one carry-on bag and one personal item. Aloha Airlines sometimes doesn’t allow carry-on lugguage on inter-island flights. Normally, though, they follow the standard rule.

Technorati Tags: carry-on bag, carry-on requirements, personal carry-on item, carry-on luggage, International airlines, commuter airlines

There are a lot of single people living in the United States, and most of them travel alone. According to the most recent U.S. Census 26% percent of us live in a single household. That does not include singles living with parents or other relatives or significant others. It also does not include singles who are roommates. The actual percentage is a lot higher.

The travel industry seems to hold themselves aloof from these facts and works to appease couples, and families. This leaves the single person pretty much on their own. Here are some tips to make a lot easier.

The bane for the single traveler is what is known as the “single supplement” imposed by cruise lines on people traveling alone. Cruise lines typically charge solo travelers 125–200 percent of the per-person, double-occupancy price. Some of these tips on cruise travel as well as travel in general might help you to have a more pleasant trip.

1. Work with a travel agent when booking a cruise. They can find the best deals. Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman write for San Diego Westways, the publication for the American Automobile Association members in San Diego. They say some cruise lines will charge single passengers only 25% more that the double-occupancy rate. Agents are familiar with these companies. You may have to pay the agent a fee, but it would be well worth it.

2. Another way to get around these policies is to travel with friends or consider traveling with a tour group. They can sometimes work out arrangements with a cruise line.

3. I always say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” It is a good adage to take along with you when traveling solo. In Istanbul once they wouldn’t allow me to tour a mosque because the greeter there thought my slacks were too tight. I had to put on a loose skirt furnished by him over the pants before entering. Do some historical research about the place you will be visiting, and then follow the local customs there.

4. Take along a small language dictionary. It never hurts, and it could be a life saver in an emergency.
If you have the time, learning the basics of the language opens up entire new vistas of experiences.

5. If you are going to another country know where the nearest U.S. Embassy is.The following website run by the State Department is loaded with good information for travelers.It is a very good resource for anyone traveling alone (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips). Also you might take a look at their home page, http://travel.state.gov
and peruse the whole site for other travel information.

6.There are special considerations women traveling alone. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a self-defense course if you have to travel very often. A lot of women these days like to travel alone because there is such a sense of freedom and fun involved. Here are a few things to keep in mind. At the hotel ask for a room near the elevator, and don’t just leave your key on the lobby desk. Make sure the clerk puts it away. Arrive during the day. Most airports have shuttles and good transportation, but this becomes a real issue if a loner is driving or taking the train or bus. It is best to have someone you know meet you upon arrival. Use common sense when making new friends. Meet them in public places for a while. Keep in contact with someone at home. Telephone cards can be purchased almost anywhere, and there is internet access in most hotels.

• http://travel.yahoo.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Young-Female-Traveling-Alone

  http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/
  special_travel_needs/services_for_children/
  children_traveling_alone

  www.associatedcontent.com/article/128767/
  tips_for_seniors_traveling_alone.html

  www.continental.com/web/enUS/content/
  travel/specialneeds/minors

  www.ramblingtraveler.com/2007/05/
  traveling-alone.html

Sites for further research:

Technorati Tags: travel agent, American Automobile Association, tour group, language dictionary, traveling alone, travel alone, Telephone cards

So, you and your family are going to realize the dream of a lifetime, and taking a cruise down the California and Baja coast to Acapulco, Mexico. A cruise or any dream trip should be fun. Experts have come up with some common sense tips on travel safety whether or not your chosen mode of travel is by air, train, sea and even by automobile. In this particular article cruise safety will be featured.

First of all take care of your valuables by not keeping them in your purse. The best place for them is in a neck pouch or a waist wallet. These valuables should include your passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards and cash—anything that might prove useful to a thief or shop lifter. The closer you have these items to your body and how well hidden they are will save a lot of grief for the happy traveler. Purses and handbags are still useful for things like lipstick and toiletries. It is suggested that the globetrotter carry only a small amount of cash. ATM’s are available in most large cities and urban centers in the world. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere except in some place like the middle of the Belgian Congo. When I was in Brisbane, Australia all I had to do to get more cash was walk down to a local convenience store and use my Debit Card at an ATM. Modern nations have pretty much the same amenities as the United States, Canada and Europe. This is an area that needs to be checked out prior to any trip overseas. I carry a little cash in one of my skirt pockets along with coins that can be used to purchase tokens for subways or tips.

Another very important thing every traveler should do is leave any medical and contact information in the security area where other valuables are stored. That list should include a list medication allergies and it should be written in more that one language depending on where you are going.

In the event of choosing cruise travel the best resource to check before leaving home is the Vessel Sanitation Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They inspect ships and make sure that they meet strict standards for cleanliness, food preparation and storage. They also demand that a ship be in good repair, and they check the water quality. This is one website that has a ton of good information that will help the traveler remain healthy while enjoying the world. Each ship and cruise line does receive a grade for compliance which should be duly noted.

If you have an on going medical condition, check out the facilities available before leaving port. Injuries and previous medical problems are the most common reasons for visits to the office of ship doctor. There are a lot of situations that occur on cruise ships that do not happen elsewhere. Climate changes are a factor, and changes in diet can present challenges for some passengers. There may be a higher stress level, especially if someone has never been at sea before. It is best to consult with a physician prior to departure, and investigate some of situations a new cruise buff might encounter. Also, check with your agent or the cruise line and see what special medical equipment is on board. Do they have proper treatment for someone who needs dialysis?

Here are a few other tips that might assist the individual planning a cruise

1. Be aware of what is happening around you. Avoid dark hallways, and don’t accept gifts or drinks from complete strangers. Keep the awareness antenna up and fully operational. Remember, that common sense is the best teacher when in a new foreign environment. If something doesn’t look right notify the Purser’s Office.

2. Utilize the ship safe. It is provided so that passengers can store very valuable items in it. Remember, a cruise ship is a floating hotel. Would you leave your diamond necklace in a hotel room? Probably not. The same precautions apply on a cruise ship.

3. Be careful what you eat. This is a good rule of thumb whether you are on a cruise or not. While water on board may be alright the water on shore leave may not be. Carry a bottle with you on jaunts away from the comfort of the cruise liner. If you have the luxury of traveling with someone who is more familiar with the country you are visiting use their knowledge. I have found that the natives know the best home remedies for things they have to deal with all the time. If the situation intensifies see the doctor.

4. If there is gambling on board it is a good policy to periodically cash in your winnings, and don’t get too jubilant if the winnings are large. It draws attention to yourself and makes you a target for cruise predators looking for easy prey.

5. All of the experts suggest that it is best not to just blindly trust the crew. Most of these folks work hard like everyone else, but as in any occupation there are those who will take advantage of someone who is unfamiliar with their new surroundings. TV cruise dramas paint a rosy picture. Fantasy is not always reality.

6. Cruise lines normally have their own tours, but if you choose to look around a port city or island alone bone up on negotiating skills, or find a more experienced shopper to do it for you—preferably someone you know has traveled in the area before.

7. Do report anything that looks suspicious. The crew normally will take it seriously and look into it.

All of this may seem ominous, but most of it is pretty practical. Bon Voyage!

Technorati Tags: travel safety